Saying this, he pulled out a sprig of a rose of Jericho and lit his pipe with it, while Idris began, according to the Arabian habit, to smack his lips with satisfaction.
"You arranged it well, son of Chadigi," he said, "but it is necessary for us to take advantage of the time and to drive during those three days and nights as far as possible southward. I shall breathe freely only when we shall cross the desert between the Nile and Kharga (a great oasis west of the Nile). God grant that the camels hold out."
"They will hold out," declared one of the Bedouins.
"People also say," interposed Chamis, "that the army of the Mahdi—may
God prolong his life—has already reached Assuan."
Here Stas, who did not lose a word of this conversation and remembered also what Idris had said to Gebhr, rose and said:
"The army of the Mahdi is below Khartûm."
"La! La! (no! no!)" Chamis contradicted.
"Don't pay any attention to his words," Stas replied, "for he not only has a dark skin but also a dark brain. Although you bought fresh camels every three days and rushed as you have done this day, you would not reach Khartûm for a month. And perhaps you do not know that an English, not an Egyptian, army bars the road to you."
These words created a certain impression and Stas, observing this, continued:
"Before you find yourselves between the Nile and the great oasis all the roads on the desert will be picketed by a line of army sentinels. Words over the copper wire speed quicker than camels. How will you be able to slip through?"