disinherited 15

The ministry resigned in a body on the day the fleet ar- rived, on the ground that the Khedive acquiesced in foreign interference. A great meeting was held of the chief person- ages of state, and the officers and the representatives of the army at once told the Khedive that they refused to obey his orders and only recognized the authority of the Porte.

At Alexandria all trade ceased at once when it became known that the troops were busy strengthening the forts, mounting cannon, and preparing for a resistance. That

this was done by the orders of Arabi, who was now

practically dictator, there could be no question. The native population became more and more excited, being firmly of

belief that no vessels could resist the fire of the heavy guns, and that any attempt on the part of the men-of-war to reduce

the place would end in their being sunk as soon as fighting

began. The office and stores were still kept open, but Greg-

ory’s duties were almost nominal, and he and Mr. Parrot, who was also married, were told by the manager that they

could spend the greater portion of their time at their homes. Part of Gregory’s duties consisted in going off to vessels that came into the port with goods for the firm, and seeing to

their being brought on shore, and he had no difficulty in making arrangements with the captain of one of these ships

for his wife and child to go on board at once should there

be any trouble in the town.

^^If you hear any sounds of tumult, Annie, you must

disguise yourself at once and go down to the wharf. I have

arranged with our boatman, Allen, whom you know well, as we have often gone out with him for a sail in the evening,

that if he hears of an outbreak he shall bring the boat to the

steps at the end of this street and take you off to the Simoon. Of course I shall come if I can, but our house is one of those

which have been marked off as being most suitable for de-

fence. The men from half a dozen other establishments are

to gather there, and, as belonging to the house, I must aid

in the defence. Of course, if I get sufficient warning I shall