mmanded by Sir Frederick Seymour.
Two days before the approach of the fleet was known at Cairo, the
French and English consuls proposed that the Khedive should issue a
decree, declaring a general amnesty, and that the president of the
council, the minister of war, and the three military pashas should quit
the country for a year. This request was complied with.

The ministry resigned, in a body, on the day the fleet arrived; on the
ground that the Khedive acquiesced in foreign interference. A great
meeting was held of the chief personages 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 Gregory'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 defence.
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 sha