The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22
CHAPTER XIV.
Bad News.

Seven weeks had passed since the pres
ence Of Gertrude with her father and the
doctor had lent unwonted animation TO
life on the Peak Of TehbaH. Work had
now resumed its regular and usual
course. but Norbert was disturbed in
mind by a singular fact which he could
not help associating with the dwarf
/ Rhadamoh. who. for some reason or
other. had recently seen NJ to pay visit
to the peak. The greater number of his
| Cherofa workmen had abandoned him
one by one. Just before the dwarf came
there were not less than 500. now there
were scarcely three dozen: the others
had all departed under one pretext or an
other.
The work did not suffer from these de-
fections, simply because crowds OF na-
tives came from Darfour to replace the
deserters: but it would have become diff
/ icult to go on with the enterprise had
it depended on the aid OF the Cherofa
tribe alone.
On the other hand. the reports OF vir-
gil and Mabrouki gave evidence OF great
disaffection among the laborers and glass
makers. For the first time in several
months they were overheard conversing
about the approaching advent OF new
golden age and the expected triumph Of
the faithful over the unbelievers. TO be
followed by a general massacre of Eu-
ropeans.
Virgil old soldier as he was. treated
all this Dragging with extreme contempt.
mentioning # only as a matter Of duty;
but Mabrouki was evidently much dis
turbed. He had accompanied the first
European explorers OF the Upper Nile
anC for nearly year past now he haG
been Norbert Mauny's right hand. Nor
bert showed his appreciation of his good
services by often deferring to the old
negro in the most fattering manner.
According TO Mabrouki. the Cherofas
had a motive in deserving from the
workshop at TehbalI: they must have
been ordered to do so by the Mogaddem.
and the affair was probably connected
with the coming revolution.
MabrouIi added that no confidence was
TO be placed in the thirty or forty re-
naming Cherofas. especially in certain
Aben-Zegri, who had apparently great
Influence among them. To dismiss them
at once would not be wise. as fl might
entail a complete rupture with thei
chief But they must be well watched.
which would be his business.
Noticing one evening an unusual con-
course OF people proceeding toward the
tent OF the Cherofas. which was both
large and lofty Mabrouh took up hls
post unnoticed outside the outer wall oi
the tent. and. perceiving a little hole IN
the canvas. he enlarged f. with his spear
so that he could see all that went on in
side
The deepest silence reigned. The light
Of a smoky lamp shOne upon hny Arabs
PROSTATE with their faces on the ground
and their arms stretched out before them
motionless, while their white draperiea
covered them as with a shroud
At first Mabrouh thought ne was wit
Messing the evening prayer; but in an in
slant he beheId one Of the Arabs rise
and advance TO the middle OF the crowd.
II was Aben-Zegri. In loud voice he
addressed a brief invocation TO the holy
prophet Mohammed. and then he breach
ed the subject OF the meeting.
Men OF the tribe Of Cherofa. d" he said.
beloved children Of Allah. the day Of
orr deliverance is at hand. The Lord
loves you. At YOUR birth the winds
were tempted. the sea lost its fury and
became soft as oil and the moon was
near the fun Allah. to try you. has
subjected you to the hated yoke OF the
urbcIievers. But soon you shall rise in
triumph like unto lions On the mountain
tops. and you shall crush them all in
your iron grip."