Half an hour later, riding between the Persian Sherif el Habib and the Arab Mohammed, the Mahdi rode into the main street of [Kordofan.]
“The Mahdi!”
“The Mahdi has come!”
The cheers rose on the air.
Songs were sung—the soldiers fraternized with the people.
Everywhere the enthusiasm was intense.
Even the garrison joined in the cheering, and the officer handed his sword to the Mahdi.
“I cannot fight without men,” he said, “so take my sword and use it for truth and our faith.”
The Mahdi took the weapon, and immediately handed it back, saying:
“General, you are a brave man. Take the sword, for you will use it as only a brave man can.”