tion, for dates with rice formed the only
wholesome nourishment for Nell and became more and more difficult to
obtain in Omdurman.

So he brought them with pride to his little sister, to whom he gave
everything which he could secure; he sustained himself for a week
almost exclusively upon durra taken from the camels. Nell was greatly
delighted at the sight of her favorite fruit but wanted him to share it
with her. So, tiptoeing, she placed her hands on his shoulders, and
turning up her head, began to gaze into his eyes and plead:

"Stas! Eat a half, eat--"

To this he replied:

"I have already eaten. I have eaten. I have eaten my fill."

And he smiled, but immediately began to bite his lips in order not to
weep, as he really was hungry. He promised himself that the following
day he would go again and earn some more; but it happened otherwise. In
the morning a muzalem from Abdullahi came with the announcement that
the camel-post was to leave at night for Fashoda, and with the caliph's
command that Idris, Gebhr, Chamis, and the two Bedouins should prepare
to go with the children. This command amazed and aroused the
indignation of Gebhr; so he declared that he would not go as his
brother was sick and there was no one to attend to him, and even if he
were well, both had decided to remain in Omdurman.

But the muzalem replied:

"The Mahdi has only one will, and Abdullahi, his caliph and my master,
never alters commands. Your brother can be attended by a slave, while
you will depart for Fashoda."

"Then I shall go and inform him that I will not depart."

"To the caliph are admitted only those whom he himself desires to see.
And if you without permission, and through violence, should force
yourself into his presence, I will lead you to the gallows."

"Allah akbar! Then tell me plainly that I am a slave!"

"Be silent and obey orders!" answered the muzalem.

The Sudanese had seen in Omdurman gallows breaking under the weight of
hanging men. By order of the ferocious Abdullahi these gallows were
daily decorated with new bodies. Gebhr became terror-stricken. That
which the muzalem told him, that the Mahdi commanded but once, was
reiterated by all the dervishes. There was therefore no help; it was
necessary to ride.

"I shall see Idris no more!" thought Gebhr.

In his tigerish heart was concealed a sort of attachment for his older
brother, so that at the thought that he would have to leave him in
sickness he was s