GEEGOEY VOLUNTEEES 97 ‘And there are wells?” “ There are wells at Howeyat and Abu Haifa, at Gakdul and Abu Klea, also at Gubat.”

“ That is to say, water will be found nearly every day ? ” “ Quite every day, to one on horseback. The longest dis-* tance is from Gakdul to Abu Klea, but that would not be too long for mounted men, and could even be done by a native on foot in a long day’s march.”

“Do you know whether Mahmud’s army is in Metemmeh or outside the town?”

“ From what I have heard, most of the Dervish force is on the hills behind the town. They say Metemmeh is full of dead, and that even the Dervishes do not care to live there.”

“ The Baggara are mostly mounted, are they not ? ” “ Most of them are so, though there are some on foot. The leaders of the tribesmen who fight for the Khalifa are all on horseback, but most of the army are on foot.”

“You do not speak the Baggara language, I suppose?” Zaki shook his head. “I know a little Arabic, but not much.”

“I suppose most of the Arab tribes in the Soudan speak a dialect very much like the Baggara ? ” “Yes; it is everywhere Arabic, and there is but little difference ; they can all understand each other and talk together. May your servant ask why you put these questions ? ” “ Yes, Zaki, but you must not mention what I tell you to a soul.”

“ Zaki will be as silent as the grave.” “ Well, I am going up dressed as a Mahdist. I can speak the Baggara tongue well. I am going to try and find out what they are going to do ; whether they will march to Berber, or come here, or remain at Metemmeh.”

Zaki stared at his master in speechless amazement. Gregory could not help smiling at the expression of his face.

“ There does not seem much difficulty in it,” he said. “ I