"The desert is wide," answered one of the Bedouins.
"But you must keep close to the Nile."
"We can cross over, and when they seek us on this side we shall be on the other."
"Words speeding over the copper wire will reach cities and villages on both banks of the river."
"The Mahdi will send us an angel, who will place a finger on the eyes of the Englishmen and the Turks (Egyptians) and will screen us with his wings."
"Idris," said Stas, "I do not address Chamis whose head is like an empty gourd, nor Gebhr who is a vile jackal, but you. I already know that you want to carry us to the Mahdi and deliver us to Smain. But if you are doing this for money, then know that the father of this little 'bint' (girl) is richer than all the Sudânese put together."
"And what of it?" interrupted Idris.
"What of it? Return voluntarily and the great Mehendi will not spare money for you, nor will my father either."
"But they will give us up to the Government, which will order us to be hung."
"No, Idris. You undoubtedly will hang, but only in case they capture you in the flight; and that surely will happen. But if you return, no punishment will be meted out to you, and besides you will be wealthy to the end of your life. You know that the white people of Europe always keep their word. Now I give you the word for both Mehendes that it will be as I say."