What would have become of Bonaparte's fortunes if Saint-Jean-d'Acre had not stood in the way?
He was dreaming of this great mystery of the unknown when his eye was attracted by a black speck between the mountains of the Carmel chain which was gradually growing larger. As it drew nearer he recognized a soldier of that dromedary corps which he had created "to pursue the fugitives more swiftly after the battle."
Bonaparte drew his glass from his pocket, and, after taking a good look, he said: "Good! Now we shall have some news from Egypt."
And he stood up. The messenger also recognized him; he promptly turned his dromedary, which was edging toward the camp, somewhat out of the direct line toward the hill. Bonaparte descended the hill. The soldier, who seemed to be an excellent rider, put his dromedary to a gallop. He wore the uniform of a quartermaster-general.
"Where do you come from?" called Bonaparte as soon as the man could hear him.
"From Upper Egypt," was the answer.
"What news?"——"Bad, general."
Bonaparte stamped his foot. "Come here," he said.
The man reached Bonaparte in a few moments. The dromedary knelt down and the man slid to the ground.
"Here, citizen-general," he said, and he handed him a despatch. Bonaparte passed it to Bourrienne, saying: "Read it." Bourrienne read: