chlock men, not on horseback, as
the animals are greatly fatigued from their long journey, and will
require rest for some time; and, being so far from home, I fear that we
might lose them if we went into the fight with them; and in that case
might have to journey on foot, for a long time, before we could get
others.

"I don't at all suppose that it will be necessary for you to say all
this. People will be too much occupied with their own affairs to care
much about others; still, it is well not to hesitate, if questioned."

Talk and laughter in the great camp ceased now, and it was not until
the sun lost its power that it again began. Gregory did not move, till
it began to get dusk.

"I shall be away some time," he said, "so don't be at all uneasy about
me. I shall take my black blanket, so that I can cover myself with it
and lie down, as if asleep, close to any of the emirs' tents where I
hear talk going on; and so may be able to gather some idea as to their
views. I have already learned that the tribesmen have not heard of any
immediate move, and are discontented at being kept inactive so long.
The leaders, however, may have their plans, but will not make them
known to the men, until it is time for action."

The camp was thoroughly alive when he entered it. Men were sitting
about in groups; the women, as before, keeping near their little
shelters, laughing and chatting together, and sometimes quarrelling.
From the manner of the men, who either sat or walked about, it was not
difficult for Gregory to distinguish between the villagers, who had
been dragged away from their homes and forced to enter the service of
the Khalifa, and the Baggara and kindred tribes, who had so long held
the Soudan in subjection. The former were quiet in their demeanour, and
sometimes sullen in their looks. He had no doubt that, when the
fighting came, these would face death at the hands of the infidels as
bravely as their oppressors, for the belief in Mahdism was now
universal. His followers had proved themselves invincible; they had no
doubt that they would destroy the armies of Egypt, but they resented
being dragged away from their quiet homes, their families, and their
fields.

Among these the Baggara strode haughtily. Splendid men, for the most
part, tall, lithe, and muscular; men with the supreme belief in
themselves, and in their cause, carrying themselves as the Norman
barons might have done among a crowd of Saxons; the conquerors