Max wanted to start at once, but Ibrahim pleaded with him to stay until after his wedding with Girzilla.
This Max consented to do, and three weeks later a most impressive wedding took place in the vestibule of a mosque at Kordofan.
The couple were united and blessed by the Mahdi.
The Imaum made some pertinent remarks, which were worthy of the great prophet himself.
To Ibrahim, after praising his courage, he said:
“You have taken to yourself a wife. The Koran permits you to take three others; but take my advice—cleave to the one. It is better, and a new dispensation will so order. Treat Girzilla, not as others of our race have been treated, but let her be your equal; for it is now written that if you be faithful to her on earth the gates of Paradise will open for you both, and she shall be your bride through all eternity.”
After spending the customary seven days in prayer and religious observances, Ibrahim obtained permission to take his dusky bride on a trip up the Nile in company with Max.
The cataracts were passed, and Cairo reached.
Girzilla pleaded so earnestly to continue the journey that her loving husband accompanied her to Suez, where they bade farewell to Madcap Max as the Peninsular and Oriental steamer steamed out of the port.
Max had not noticed that it was the very vessel he had made the journey on three years before.