The mere mob of the town would hesitate to attack Europeans, when they know that three or four thousand sailors could land in half an hour.

But on the other hand, Arabi and his generals might see that Alexandria was, after all, the most important position, and that it was here foreign interference must be arrested.
"I should not be surprised if, on the arrival of the ships, Tewfik, Arabi, and all the leaders of the movement come here at once.

Tewfik will come to get the support of the fleet.

Arabi will come to oppose a landing of troops.

The war in the beginning of the century was decided at Alexandria, and it may be so, again.