“The Mahdi!” shouted the people.
“Great is the prophet!”
“Allah il Allah!”
The air was filled with the shouts of the Arabs, and it was not until a lull took place that Sherif el Habib was able to explain that the Mahdi had not come, that in fact they were seeking for him.
Max fought desperately, and when the scimiter was knocked from his hand he almost cried with vexation.
But he created a consternation which led to a panic.
It was unexpected and to the Fashodians inexplainable.
Max had amused himself on his journey in making a number of giant cartridges—consisting of a paper shell and nearly half a pound of powder.
He had intended them for any rock he wanted to dislodge or blast, and when he felt for his revolver, he accidentally discovered one of these heavy cartridges in his saddlebag.
Madcap as he was even when fighting, he conceived a plan unique and terrible.