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


asked Norbert impGtiently.
Il knew his uncle very we'll; he was
a carpenter at Chabakah. opposite Sen
naar. and I recoIect seeing the child
there. who was at that time appren-
ticed TO his uncle answered the old
negro. But l have only seen him cnce
since he became famous. ! do not think
he is any better than others His uncle
could never make anything of him. and
1 am convinced he does not know how
to read now any better than when he
was at school. But there never was his
equal in reciting verses from the Koran
and performing feats Of strength anc
magic This was the secret OF his great
influence He spent years in a cave dug
by his own hands on the island OF Al
ba. where he passed the days and nights
in fasting and prayer. Little By little
he earned a great reputation for sane
tity. and people came from all parts
to consult him. bringing him rich gifts
and offerings. One fine day he styled
himself a prophet sent by Allah TO con
rinue and complete the work OF NOLAN
med"
Then" said Norbert. you look upon
him as a charlatan?"
II scarcely know what to call him.
He may possibly believe in his own
sanctity and divine mission. There is.
moreover. much truth in what he says
to incite the tribes against the for
eigners. Everyone has had more than
enough Of the Turkish soldiers. So il
Is not astonishing that the Mahdi should
be listened TO when he promises TO
drive them out Of the country"
Consequently he has chance OF
success ?"
The greatest chance. I should be
, surprised if he were not master Of the
soudan within a month He has only
to hasten to Khartoum. and the thing
is done"
But Khartoum can defend itself,"
exclaimed Norbert. pointing TO the ram
parts. whose slopes were to be seen
in the foreground. 'She has arms and
plenty OF provisions. and a large body
Of troops. besides the European poou-
alton. and all these refugees, who do
not seem TO be very much attached to
the Mahdi. judging from their haste to
fly from him"
.Khartoum might be defended an
swered the old guide. shaking mis-
head; but the viii to do it must be
there. and likewise some resoIute man
must take the lead. Khartoum has
neither the one nor the other"
Some minutes later Norbert rode
through the eastern gate. and was
struck with the indolent, downtrodden.
dirty aspect Of the Egyptian sentineIs.
The state of the town itself did not
seem any more promising. and it was
difcuIt to believe that the miserable
suburbs and sordid streets could be
part OF so rich and populous a city.
Norbert repaired to the French con-
5ulate without delay, leaving Ma
brouki and his camel drivers OF the
parade ground. NJ Kersian was in his
private Office with his daughter
What a delightful surprised he ex-
claimed. on seeing his young friend
You are just in the nick of time. for
We were dying of ennui,' said Gertrude.
Norbert thought her more charming
than ever. but a little pale and worn
withaI
In that case" he said. pressing
warmly the two hands held out 10
him, 4 trust l shall have no trouble
in persuading you. have come on pur-
pose to carry you both of with Dr.
Briet TO TehbaH or Berber. and thence
to Cairo via the Nile
4 could scarcely go 70 Cairo at this
crisis without special leave" replied
Kersain. But perhaps we might 40
to TehbaH My daughter and 1 are
tired Of Khartoum, and what is going
on here now is, assure you. enough 10
make the strongest man III"
The conversation then :vr-.ed upon the
works OF Tehbal. and their progress
since October. When the dinner hour
approached Gertrude left them. Alone
with Norbert. VI. Kersain poured out his
whole fatherly heart. keeping back none
OF his terrible fears as to the near fu-
ture
My dear friend he said. Il am in a
most terrible position. I could not
speak plainly before Gertrude. but am
firmly convinced that We are on the
brink Of a great catastrophe. Not a sin
gle European viii be permitted TO leave
Khartoun alive. l could not as you
know. leave my post at such time
But 1 would give anything in the world
to know Gertrude safe. for IL is uubear-
able TO think Of her being exposed to the
horrors of an Arab invasion Besides