“The Mahdi read your thoughts,” answered Ibrahim.
“That is just why I said he would rake in the dollars in the States.”
A number of the followers of Fashoda’s governor came to the camp and began asking questions of the Mahdi.
Some asked on matters of faith and doctrine, and the Mahdi answered with convincing eloquence.
Others asked for signs and miracles.
The Mahdi’s face darkened.
“Oh, ye of little faith!” he commenced, “is it necessary that I should work signs and wonders before you believe me?”
“Moses did,” suggested one. “So did Mahomet.”
“And a greater than Mahomet is here, for he is the promised Mahdi,” said Sherif el Habib. “I have journeyed over sea and land, have been across the great desert, to meet this Imaum, and I can die happy.”
“The governor says all will die that follow him,” exclaimed one of the unbelievers.