Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 192: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A FAIR SLAVE TO THE MAHDI. 185 the directton of Tambuk, where they had hopes of discovering the first Eng- lish outposts by daybreak of the following morning. Taking great risks in order to accomplish the gigantic task of reaching the British lines with speed and certainty, they were favored with a mist in the gray of early morning, which obscured them from the enemy encamped about the straw hut villages of the Hadendowa tribes. But, unfortunately, when the vapors arose, it disclosed to them the exceeding peril of their own position. They would gladly have retreated to the mountains had they the opportunity ; but now there was nothing to do but to trust to diplomacy. . One thing was certain ; they were nearing the English lines. This convic- tion in their hearts buoyed them up. Dorothy had covered her head and face, after the manner of oriental women ; and the ruse saved them from instant arrest. One or two camel boys were picked up on the way to cudgel the three beasts into a constant trot; and fiom them was learned the news. | There had been three months of fighting about Suakim. Osman Digna was near Handeb, twelve miles from the port of safety, and a mighty battle was in progress. Digna was winning day by day over the accursed infidels. He had a hundred thousand armed men, while the English had a few foreign- ers, and some Abyssinians, who knew nothing at all of fighting. The tidings were far from cheering to the two fugitives, but allowance had to be made for eastern license. “We have not heard the other side of the story,”’ mused Bardoff. Still, after what he had seen at Khartoum, it was not to be wondered that he inclined a too willing ear to the enthusiastic tales of the Arab camel lads. He kept the fears in his heart from his companion, for she was in that state of mind when a little adverse news might mean total mental collapse. Suddenly in the narrow defile a picket sprang out and demanded the pass- word. At first the prince was for riding him down; but, seeing the threaten- ing gesture on the part of the soldier, he answered something in a low guttural. The soldier ran forward and seized the camel rope, shoving a rifle muzzle full into the rider’s face. “The password!” he commanded; “the password!” “Come hither and I will whisper it to you,” said the prince; then, as the picket came closer, he slipped a shining sovereign into the man’s hand. The fellow trembled and looked alarmed, fearing the act had been seen. ‘Son of the faithful,” said the prince, “I have forgotten the password. Tell it to me.” The picket hesitated, then whispered back, “ El Mahdi el Muntazar!” (“ The Mahdi is the Messiah.” “Thank you,” said the prince, and passed on. Another three or four miles, and then three more pickets burst from a clump of mimosa. | “The password, stranger!” cried one. “El Mahdi el Muntazar!” answered the prince promptly, striking the camel with the flat of his sword as he spoke. He had not jogged on a rod before the three guards were upon him. AOOLK ceo