the true faith conquers."

Idris, hearing these words, involuntarily thought that nevertheless in
Fayum, in the service of the Englishmen, he had never suffered from
hunger, and gains could be more easily secured; so he was cast into a
deep gloom.

After which he began to ask further:

"Are you going to transport us to-morrow to Omdurman?"

"Yes. Khartum by command of the prophet is to be abandoned and very few
reside there. They are razing the large buildings and conveying the
bricks with the other booty to Omdurman. The prophet does not wish to
live in a place polluted by unbelievers."

"I shall beat my forehead before him to-morrow, and he will command
that I be supplied with provisions and fodder."

"Ha! If in truth you belong to the Dongolese, then perhaps you might be
admitted to his presence. But know this, that his house is guarded day
and night by a hundred men equipped with courbashes, and these do not
spare blows to those who crave to see the Mahdi without permission.
Otherwise the swarm would not give the holy man a moment of
rest--Allah! I saw even Dongolese with bloody welts on their backs--"

Idris with each moment was possessed by greater disillusionment.

"So the faithful do not see the prophet?" he asked.

"The faithful see him daily at the place of prayer where, kneeling on
the sheep's hide, he raises his hands to God, or when he instructs the
swarm and strengthens them in the true faith. But it is difficult to
reach and speak with him, and whoever attains that happiness is envied
by all, for upon him flows the divine grace which wipes away his former
sins."

A deep night fell and with it came a piercing chill. In the ranks
resounded the snorting of horses; the sudden change from the daily heat
to cold was so strong that the hides of the steeds began to reek, and
the detachment rode as if in a mist. Stas, behind Idris, leaned towards
Nell and asked:

"Do you feel cold?"

"No," answered the little girl, "but no one will protect us now--"

And tears stifled her further words.

This time he did not find any comfort for her, for he himself was
convinced that there was no salvation for them. Now they rode over a
region of wretchedness, famine, bestial cruelties, and blood. They were
like two poor little leaves in a storm which bore death and
annihilation not only to the heads of individuals, but to whole towns
and entire tribes. What hand could snatch from it and save two small,
defensel