The fires of joy were lighted.
Houses were thrown open, and everywhere the Mahdi was welcomed.
Mahmoud Achmet, when he saw that the Mahdi was triumphant, came to offer the hospitality of his house to the conqueror.
Max recognized him, and after the man had said all he intended, came forward.
“You threw a young man into the Nile. You enveloped him in a sack, and drowned him.”
“It is he! I know it! The Mahdi is the Mahdi. He has raised this man from the dead. All my wealth is his,” exclaimed Mahmoud.
Max saw the mistake the man had made. He, however, did not contradict him, but allowed him to think that the power of the Mahdi had indeed raised him from the dead.
He spoke privately to the Mahdi.
“Let him give me Lalla,” said Max.
“You spoke of your wealth,” said the Mahdi; “give this man the girl called Lalla.”