When a halt was called Sherif el Habib fell on his face, and taking the Mahdi’s garment in his hands, pressed it to his lips.
“I know thou art the Mahdi!” he said, with reverent solemnity.
The Mahdi bade him rise.
Turning to Mohammed, the Mahdi said:
“Thou, too, believest; I see it in thy mind. Verily the kingdoms of the world shall know it as well as thou.”
Looking at Ibrahim, this mysterious man exclaimed:
“Young man, thou art delighted because thy uncle hath found me, because the time of your pleasure is near at hand.”
Ibrahim started as if a bomb had suddenly exploded beneath his feet.
The Mahdi had read his thoughts exactly.
“It is a wonder to thee,” he said, “but thy thoughts I can read.”