Zaki shook his head.
"I know a little Arabic, but not much."
"I suppose most of the Arab tribes in the Soudan speak a dialect very much like the Baggara?"
"Yes; it is everywhere Arabic, and there is but little difference. They can all understand each other, and talk together. May your servant ask why you put these questions?"
"Yes, Zaki, but you must not mention what I tell you to a soul."
"Zaki will be as silent as the grave."
"Well, I am going up dressed as a Mahdist. I can speak the Baggara tongue well. I am going to try and find out what they are going to do: whether they will march to Berber, or come here, or remain at Metemmeh."
Zaki stared at his master, in speechless amazement. Gregory could not help smiling at the expression of his face.