“One of the wandering bands of the desert, Excellency, who rob and murder all they come across.”
“Pleasant neighbours!” said the doctor quietly.
“But are they likely to be connected with the Khalifa—the Mahdi, or any of that party?” said the professor.
“I think so, Excellency,” replied the Sheikh. “These people travel far and wide. Perhaps this is one of the Khalifa’s chiefs.”
“Well, then—listen, all of you,” said the professor. “If these sentries are to keep us in bounds we are prisoners, Ibrahim?”
“Yes, Excellency.”
“And we shall have to go where they go, for they will never stay here.”
“It is right, Excellencies.”
“And you think it possible that this may be one of the new Mahdi’s wandering bands?”
“Yes, Excellency; sent forth to see if the English and Egyptian forces are advancing, as well as to gather plunder.”