The rapidity with which the Mamelukes rode, and their skill as marksmen, were seconded by the character of the soil and the atmosphere; the least motion or breath of wind being sufficient to raise a cloud of sand, through which nothing could be discerned accurately, while the constant glare of the sun dazzled almost to blindness.

It was at Chebreis that the Mamelukes first attacked in a considerable body; and at the same moment the French flotilla was assaulted.

In either case the superiority of European discipline was made manifest; but in either case also the assailants were able to retreat without much loss.

Meantime the hardships of the march continued; the irregular attacks of the enemy were becoming more and more numerous; so that the troops, continually halting and forming into squares to receive the charge of the cavalry by day, and forced to keep up great watches at night, experienced the extremes of fatigue as well as of privation.

In the midst of this misery the common men beheld with no friendly eyes the troop of _savans_ mounted on asses (the common conveyance of the country), with all their instruments, books and baggage.