Chapter 13: The Final Advance.

A few days after the return of headquarters to Berber, Mahmud was sent down country, and Fatma was permitted to accompany him. She expressed to Gregory, in touching terms, her gratitude for what he had done for her.

"We have been of mutual assistance," said Gregory. "I have the same reason to be grateful to you, as you have to thank me. I saved your life, and you saved mine. You were very kind to me, when I was a captive--I have done as much as I could for you, since you have been with us. So we are quits. I hope you will be happy with Mahmud. We do not treat our prisoners badly, and except that he will be away from the Soudan, he will probably be more comfortable than he has ever been in his life."

Gregory was now employed in the transport department, and journeyed backwards and forwards, with large convoys of camels, to the head of the railway. The line was completed to Berber, but the officers charged with its construction were indefatigable; and, as fast as the materials came up, it was pushed on towards the Atbara. Complete as had been the victory on that river, the Sirdar saw that the force which had been sufficient to defeat the twenty thousand men, under Mahmud, was not sufficiently strong for the more onerous task of coping with three times that number, fighting under the eye of the Khalifa, and certain to consist of his best and bravest troops. He therefore telegraphed home for another British brigade, and additional artillery, with at least one regiment of cavalry--an arm in which the Egyptian Army was weak.

Now, provide a numbered list of answers to these questions:

1. Who was Fatma grateful for?
2. Were her feelings reciprocated?
3. Where had they returned to?
4. Who was Fatma to travel with?
5. Why were the two with Gregory?
6. How does Gregory expect Mahmud to like where he is going?
7. Where was the rail line being constructed toward?
8. Did Gregory do a lot of travelling?
9. with?
10. why?
11. Who are the opposing military interests?
12. Did the Egyptian army have outstanding calvary?
13. Is Mahmud's army strong enough to withstand the Egyptians?
1. Gregory
2. yes
3. Berber
4. Mahmud
5. he was employed in the transport department
6. he will probably be more comfortable
7. Berber
8. yes
9. large convoys of camels
10. he was employed in the transport department
11. the Sirdar
12. no
13. no