They were weary and wanted it over.
They believed the victory would be an easy one. They had no water, and the wells were guarded by the Mahdists.
Hence it was that they precipitated the struggle.
The Mahdi was practically unarmed.
He carried a spear, but from it streamed pennons on which were written passages from the Koran.
There was something grand about this religious fanatic.
Strong and brave as a lion, yet he was as simple and guileless as a child.
He hated war, and yet believed it to be a sacred mission.
He knew it was only by the sword that he could win, and yet he would not use the weapon himself.
When the fight was hottest he was calm.