“But the soldiers?” Rashid interjected.
“Are you afraid of them? I saw the Mahdi ride into the midst of an army; he had no weapon, the guns were firing, the swords and spears clashed around him and over his head, but he merely smiled and bade them cease their strife. And you in his name ought to be strong. Will you not raise his flag?”
“We will.”
“What does it matter if a few are killed, they will die in a great cause. You have been robbed by Khartoum, pillaged by Egypt and taxed by Turkey. England now wants a share, and what will you have left?”
“Nothing.”
“The Mahdi can save you. He will be ruler of Egypt, of Turkey and the whole of the Mohammedan world. The crescent and star will float above all other flags, for the Mahdi will be prince of princes and shah of shahs.”
“Allah il Allah be praised.”
“Inshallah!”
“We will do it,” exclaimed Nasr el Adin, so emphatically that no opposition was offered. A plan was adopted by which on the third day all the followers of the four wealthy citizens should revolt and raise the standard of the Mahdi.
In the meantime Max was advised to remain quiet. It was not thought wise for him to interfere, as some thought it might be said he was a foreigner, and of alien faith, and therefore at work against the interests of the religion, while wearing the garb of the prophet.