“And mine?” asked Max.
For a moment the Mahdi was silent and then replied:
“Yes. Thy people are commercial. They would ally themselves with me if they could gain by it. Curiosity would prompt them, but thy land I shall never see.”
“I am not English!” said Max, who thought that the Mahdi had referred to the British nation.
“Thou speakest truly. Hadst thou been of that accursed infidel nation, the sword of the faithful would have pierced thee through.”
“Tell me what thou knowest of me?” asked Max.
“Thou hast been in the grave, and mid the bones of those who went before, left thine own father, and through a girl didst thou escape.”
“It is true. Thy mind reading is wonderful. If ever being a Mahdi fails, come over to New York and you will just make millions, see if you don’t.”
Mohammed, Sherif el Habib and Ibrahim laughed heartily at the characteristic speech delivered by Max. It so clearly corroborated the mind reading of the Mahdi.
“What are you laughing at?” Max inquired, half vexed at Ibrahim, especially.