This was doubtless the end, and he nerved himself for what was to come; and, with head erect and a steady face, he accompanied the men to the front of Mahmud's tent. The chief was standing, with frowning face; and several Emirs were gathered in front of him, while a number of tribesmen stood a short distance away.
"Now," Mahmud said, "let one of you speak."
One of the Emirs stepped forward.
"I, Osman Digna, demand that this infidel be put to death. His countrymen have slain many of my men, and yours."
Feeling now that Mahmud, after doing his best, had ceased to struggle for him, and that his death was certain, Gregory took a step forward towards the speaker, and said scornfully:
"So you are Osman Digna! I am one of the first of my countrymen to see your face, though many have seen your back, at a distance."
Instead of provoking a pistol shot, as he had intended, his remark was followed by a roar of laughter from the emirs; for Osman's cowardice was a byword among them, and his nickname was "One who always runs."
Osman, indeed, had put his hand on the stock of one of the pistols in his belt, but Mahmud said imperiously:
"The man's life is mine, not yours, Osman Digna. If you shoot him, I shoot you!"
The fearlessness of the lad had pleased the other emirs; for, recklessly brave themselves, the Baggara appreciated and esteemed courage and honour. One of the others said: