rd of this conversation and remembered
also what Idris had said to Gebhr, rose and said:

"The army of the Mahdi is below Khartum."

"La! La! (no! no!)" Chamis contradicted.

"Don't pay any attention to his words," Stas replied, "for he not only
has a dark skin but also a dark brain. Although you bought fresh camels
every three days and rushed as you have done this day, you would not
reach Khartum for a month. And perhaps you do not know that an English,
not an Egyptian, army bars the road to you."

These words created a certain impression and Stas, observing this,
continued:

"Before you find yourselves between the Nile and the great oasis all
the roads on the desert will be picketed by a line of army sentinels.
Words over the copper wire speed quicker than camels. How will you be
able to slip through?"

"The desert is wide," answered one of the Bedouins.

"But you must keep close to the Nile."

"We can cross over, and when they seek us on this side we shall be on
the other."

"Words speeding over the copper wire will reach cities and villages on
both banks of the river."

"The Mahdi will send us an angel, who will place a finger on the eyes
of the Englishmen and the Turks (Egyptians) and will screen us with his
wings."

"Idris," said Stas, "I do not address Chamis whose head is like an
empty gourd, nor Gebhr who is a vile jackal, but you. I already know
that you want to carry us to the Mahdi and deliver us to Smain. But if
you are doing this for money, then know that the father of this little
'bint' (girl) is richer than all the Sudanese put together."

"And what of it?" interrupted Idris.

"What of it? Return voluntarily and the great Mehendi will not spare
money for you, nor will my father either."

"But they will give us up to the Government, which will order us to be
hung."

"No, Idris. You undoubtedly will hang, but only in case they capture
you in the flight; and that surely will happen. But if you return, no
punishment will be meted out to you, and besides you will be wealthy to
the end of your life. You know that the white people of Europe always
keep their word. Now I give you the word for both Mehendes that it will
be as I say."

And Stas in reality was confident that his father and Mr. Rawlinson
would prefer to fulfil the promise made by him than expose both of
them, and especially Nell, to the terrible journey and yet more
terrible life among the savage and maddened hordes of the Mahd