lthy and healed the sick.

The place of prayer was vacated gradually. Idris himself did not know
what to do and was about to return with the children and his whole
party to the huts and to Chamis for the night, when unexpectedly there
stood before them that same Greek who in the morning had given Stas and
Nell each a dollar and a handful of wild figs.

"I spoke with the Mahdi about you," he said in Arabian, "and the
prophet desires to see you."

"Thanks to Allah and to you, sir," exclaimed Idris. "Shall we find
Smain at the prophet's side."

"Smain is in Fashoda," answered the Greek.

After which he addressed Stas in the English language.

"It may be that the prophet will take you under his protection as I
endeavored to persuade him to do. I told him that the fame of his mercy
would then spread among all the white nations. Here terrible things are
taking place and without his protection you will perish from starvation
and want of comforts, from sickness or at the hands of madmen. But you
must reconcile him and that depends upon you."

"What am I to do?" Stas asked.

"In the first place, when you appear before him throw yourself upon
your knees, and if he should tender his hand, kiss it with reverence
and beseech him to take you two under his wings."

Here the Greek broke off and asked:

"Do any of these men understand English?"

"No. Idris and Gebhr understand only a few simple words and the others
not even that."

"That is well. So listen further, for it is necessary to anticipate
everything. Now the Mahdi will in all probability ask you whether you
are ready to accept his faith. Answer at once that you are and that at
the sight of him, from the first glance of the eye an unknown light of
grace flowed upon you. Remember, 'an unknown light of grace.' That will
flatter him and he will enroll you among his muzalems, that is, among
his personal servants. You will then enjoy plenty and all the comforts
which will shield you from sickness. If you should act otherwise you
would endanger yourself, that poor little creature, and even me, who
wishes your good. Do you understand?"

Stas set his teeth and did not reply, but his face was icy and his eyes
flashed up sullenly. Seeing which the Greek continued thus:

"I know, my boy, that this is a disagreeable matter, but it cannot be
helped. All of those who were saved after the massacre in Khartum
accepted the Mahdi's doctrines. Only a few Catholic missionaries and