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Bardissi is convinced that he does, and also convinced that he and Mohammed are in perfect accord with each other. Ismail, the Mameluke chief, is of a different opinion, and often warns the magnanimous Osman Bey Bardissi. "Be on your guard against Mohammed Ali; he has evil designs. Be on your guard!" Bardissi shakes his head. "Do not attempt to rob me of my friend, my second self.
"But after you have read it, capitan Pacha," says Osman Bardissi, in a frank, kindly voice, "after you have read it and have disposed of this annoying business matter, you will come back to our boat, will you not? we will wait for you." "Yes, wait for me!
To-morrow at the break of day we mount, and fly with the wings of the wind to meet the enemy. Allah and his holy hosts are with us." "Allah and his holy hosts are with us!" is the joyous cry repeated by the kachefs. Soon all is still in the camp of Damanhour. Men and horses are at rest. Bey Bardissi alone has not yet retired. He calls the Bedouin sheik, Arnhyn, to his side.
The two proud bays see him take the paper from the hands of the stranger boulouk bashi, break the seals, and read it. With his eagle glance, Osman Bey Bardissi observes that the capitan pacha's countenance becomes gradually clouded as he reads. "He will not have time to return to us," says Tamboudji Bey, who stands at his side. "It seems that grave intelligence has reached him.
With my head bowed down, and my beard shorn, will I follow you into the desert, blessing each day and hour in which I am permitted to look upon my queen. Now, O Sitta Nefysseh, you know what Osman Bey Bardissi feels, and that he can boast of a greater love than L'Elfi; he even offers to sacrifice renown for you! Decide whom you will bless, Nefysseh!
"You are to be delivered up to the Englishman," replied Mohammed Ali, quietly. "I do not trust the word of the capitan pacha," said Bardissi, shaking his head. "Give me your word, Mohammed Ali, that we shall be safely conveyed to the shore I will believe you. Tell me, truly, shall we not be cast into the sea, or assassinated before we reach the land?" "No, Osman Bey Bardissi, no!
The enemy has grown stronger. You know that new troops have arrived here from Turkey, and a man is at their head, of whom I will announce to you that he is dangerous. Therefore grasp hands, and let me see that you are friends!" "Then let it be so," said Bardissi, after a pause. "See, Sitta Nefysseh, how great your power over me. Here, L'Elfi, my hand! Let us unitedly face the enemy!"
The Mamelukes now throw open the gates, and with uplifted swords, ready for the conflict, sally forth from the court-yard. The soldiers who have surrounded the palace see with wonder the gates open, Bardissi and his followers as they rush forth, the heavily-laden dromedaries, and the carriages filled with women.
No one hears what passes between the Mameluke bey, Osman Bardissi, and the Bedouin sheik, Arnhyn. They speak in whispers; no one sees Arnhyn display his white teeth in his delight, nor sees the glad smile that suddenly lights up his countenance. "A splendid scheme, master. By Allah! I would do it though you had not promised so rich a reward. I give you my word it shall be done as you direct.
Yes, Osman Bey is a great hero, and they all regard him with astonishment, the Mamelukes with joyous smiles, the Turks with serious countenances. While Osman Bey Bardissi lives, peace with the Turks is not to be thought of; while life lasts, he will aspire to greater eminence and power. "How can peace be made with this powerful, haughty chieftain?"
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