Roland went off into a corner pouting like a spoiled child.
Then Bonaparte said to his dragoman: "Ask whether there is any Turk or Arab, in short any Mussulman, who will undertake to deliver this despatch."
The dragoman repeated the question aloud.
A Mameluke from the dromedary corps came forward.
"I will," said he.
The dragoman looked at Bonaparte.
"Tell him what he risks," said the general-in-chief.
"The Sultan of Fire wishes you to know that you risk your life in taking this message."
"What is written is written," replied the Mussulman, and he held out his hand.