Feeling now that Mahmud, after doing his best, had ceased to struggle
for him, and that his death was certain, Gregory took a step forward
towards the speaker, and said scornfully:

"So you are Osman Digna! I am one of the first of my countrymen to see
your face, though many have seen your back, at a distance."

Instead of provoking a pistol shot, as he had intended, his remark was
followed by a roar of laughter from the emirs; for Osman's cowardice
was a byword among them, and his nickname was "One who always runs."

Osman, indeed, had put his hand on the stock of one of the pistols in
his belt, but Mahmud said imperiously:

"The man's life is mine, not yours, Osman Digna. If you shoot him, I
shoot you!"

The fearlessness of the lad had pleased the other emirs; for,
recklessly brave themselves, the Baggara appreciated and esteemed
courage and honour. One of the others said:

"This is a brave young fellow and, infidels as his people are, we admit
that they are brave. Were it for ourselves only, we would say let him
live, until we see what comes of it. But our people complain. They say
his folk, with whom we had no quarrel, come here and aid the Egyptians
against us. They slew many yesterday. It is not right that this man
should be living among us, when his countrymen are fighting against
us."

There was a murmur of assent among the others, then Mahmud spoke.

"I have promised that he should not be killed, unless by order of the
Khalifa. But this I will do: he shall be placed in the front rank. If
Allah wills it, he will be killed by the bullets of his countrymen. If,
when the fight is over, he is unharmed, you shall all agree that the
matter be left for the Khalifa to decide. But, mind, I wash my hands of
his death. On the eve of a battle, it is not for me to set my wishes
above those of my emirs and my tribesmen; and I yield to your demands,
because it is necessary that all be of one mind. If he is killed, which
surely he will be, unless Allah protects him, his blood be upon your
heads!"

He waved his hand, and the men came forward and again took Gregory to
his tent.

The latter was well contented with the decision that he should be
killed. He had no doubt that, at least, his death would be swift and
sudden; he would not be speared, or cut to pieces with knives. He would
see his countrymen advancing. He would know that he would be speedily
avenged.

Two days passed, when the news came that the Egyptian