Gordon was ready to go, and, to go at once. "I would give my life for these poor people of the Soudan," he said.
Late that afternoon he started.
Lord Wolseley has told the story of his going:—
"There he stood, in a tall silk hat and frock coat. I offered to send him anything he wanted.
"'Don't want anything,' he said.
"'But you've got no clothes.'
"'I'll go as I am!' he said, and he meant it.
"He never had any money; he always gave it away. I know once he had £7000. It all went in the establishment of a ragged school for boys.
"I asked him if he had any cash.
"'No,' was his calm reply. 'When I left Brussels I had to borrow £25 from the King to pay my hotel bill with.'