A few, however, of the bankers and merchants determined to remain.

These gathered in the bank, and in Mr.Ferguson's house, to which the most valuable goods in other establishments were removed.

They had an ample supply of firearms, and believed that they could hold out for a considerable time.

They were convinced that the Egyptian troops would not, for an hour, resist the fire that would be opened upon them, but would speedily evacuate the town; and that, therefore, there would only be the mob to be encountered, and this but for a short time, as the sailors would land as soon as the Egyptian troops fled.
The Egyptians, on the other hand, believed absolutely in their ability to destroy the fleet.
Both parties were wrong.

The Europeans greatly undervalued the fighting powers of the Egyptians, animated as they were by confidence in the strength of the defences, by their number, and by their fanaticism; while the Egyptians similarly undervalued the tremendous power of our ships.
That evening, and the next morning, the port presented an animated appearance.