"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?"
"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."
