Mansour

Description

A one-eyed, sun-blackened veteran of at least seventy, encountered in Alexandria’s victualing market by the old harbour. He falls into parade-ground drill step beside Adrien — “Portez… ARMES!” — and loudly demands back pay for a donkey he claims Napoleon owed him, the animal’s worth growing with every stride of his marching lap. Comic but memorable; “Napoleon owes me a donkey” was quoted around the table.

Background

A former water-carrier attached to the Armée d’Orient during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign, by his own account. Whether the donkey grievance has any basis in fact is unclear — and beside the point. He parades up and down in genuine barracks-drill step, addressing anyone within earshot, and latches onto Adrien specifically, perhaps recognising in him something of an officer’s bearing (Adrien is himself a former French cavalry officer).

He is discharged only by a combination of coin and soldierly dignity — a salute or a “bon service” offered alongside payment sends him off satisfied. Coin alone, without the military courtesy, only earns a second, louder lap of the market. Adrien gave him a large coin to be rid of him.

Motivations

• A grievance, real or embellished, about unpaid Napoleonic-era wages — specifically a donkey.
• Recognition and soldierly respect as much as (or more than) money; responds to being treated like a fellow old soldier.

Connections

• Adrien de Montferrand — accosts him specifically in the victualing market, drilling in barracks French and demanding donkey back-pay; paid off with a large coin.

Appearances

Relationships

• Accosts Adrien de Montferrand — Falls into parade step beside Adrien in the victualing market, drilling in barracks French and demanding back pay for a donkey