I see there was a total eclipse of the moon on 4th October, and there is a partial eclipse of the sun on the 18-19th October.
I reason thus respecting the arrests: if the people really want to go over to the Mahdi, it will make no difference beyond hastening the event; if they do not want to go to the Mahdi it will make no difference. If there is a minority to go to the Mahdi the arrests have upset their plans, at any rate for a time. To my idea, these people were only hedging, in order to be prepared for all contingencies.
Mahomed Pasha Hassan, who is a barometer of fear, approves of the step—so I hear in an indirect way:—of course every body approves of it, if asked by me, for fear of their own arrest.
I had to make three more arrests—when once one begins this detestable practice, one never can stop. As far as I can judge the mass of people approve of the arrests. I am now going on the principle “in for a penny, in for a pound.” Wilfrid Blunt will make a nice row about this. It is very odd we have had no one in from the Arabs for two days. Glad to say I found out one arrest not just, and have let the man out.
Jeremiah was arrested over and over again, and let out by King Zedekiah. I wonder how any man can possibly wish to enjoy despotic power: he can never be happy or comfortable if he has any pretensions to a conscience.
2 p.m.—Six flags appeared at Faki Mustapha’s camp. Report in town says the Mahdi is at his Isle of Abba, 160 miles up White Nile, attending to the circumcision of his son (poor little fellow). I hope it is true, for it will give us ten days’ respite. He may also have another dream there, which will tell him not to come to Kartoum, or he may persuade his followers to have one to same effect. What a comfort!!!
The Mahdi will make it an excuse that he came for this circumcision from Kordofan to Abba Island (where he received his first revelation that he was the Mahdi), if he sees things go against him.[130]
3 p.m.—The six flags at Faki Mustapha’s camp have increased to ten (gathering of waters). We have just completed our concentration of forces, and the steamers have just come in from their last trip from Halfeyeh. We may now be said to be in fighting trim, close hauled. Small steamer Husseinyeh will be completed to-morrow, I hope.
6.30 p.m.—Horsemen riding to and fro in Faki Mustapha’s camp. A letter has come in with two men from Slatin. Have received the letter, and send back the men who brought it, at once. “You must remember,” says England, “that when you entered my service, I bought you, as far as your body was concerned, giving you at first 5s. 3d. per diem, when no one else would have given you 1s., giving you also a beautiful plumage and the entrée partout. You have advanced now to higher pay, but on same terms (your whole life and body). You can never say you have done more than your duty. If you do not do it you break your word, and if you do it you merely fulfil your contract, and have no claim on me.”