[267] Prince of the Faith—literally, axis or pole.
[268] The argument here rests upon the duty of avoiding force in dealing with brother Moslems, and of using persuasion only.
[269] The argument here is that true believers are sometimes killed, though in the right, as the Israelites were by Nebuchadnezzar.
[270] “Yellow-haired Greeks”—the ancient phrase here applied as “Children of the Yellow (race),” the yellow-haired Russians being meant.
[271] The intention of the writer seems to be to convey reproach of the Government authorities in Cairo, who were responsible for the fate of the army and his own desperate condition. But he seems unwilling to utter a word inconsistent with Moslem resignation or the loyalty of a soldier, though the detachment to which he belonged had been exposed to destruction.
[272] The latest accounts from the Soudan state that Ibn en Najoomi has quarrelled with Mahomed el Khair on account of his peculations.
[273] Query—Does this refer to a veil such as dervishes wear, which was sent to a renegade by the Mahdi?
[274] Reference is here made to the earthquake mentioned in a former letter, as being prepared by Gordon.
[275] Evidently a wrong enclosure had been put in by General Gordon.
[276] Slatin’s new name.