170 WITH KITCHEHEH IN THE SOUDAN It is well. I would that I could let him go also, but my oath prevents me from giving him his freedom. I trust, however, that when the Khalifa hears of his noble action, and how he has made me his debtor, he will say that Allah himself would not blame me for that. Gratitude is even more binding than an oath; still, until I hear from him I can do nothing. We have not seen matters in the same light for some time. When I wanted to strike he was unwilling that I should do so. Kow, when it seems to me that the time for that has passed, and that I had best retire on Omdurman, he says go forward and fight. It is not for me to question his commands or his wisdom. But I may not give him cause for anger. My advice to you is, when you get to Berber do not stay there. We shall assuredly be there before long, and as none would know that you were under my protection, you would be slain. Go straight to Abu Hamed, and when you hear that we have defeated the infidels and have entered Berber, leave by this road they have made, upon which, as they tell me, carriages run without horses, and stay not until you reach Cairo. There you can live quietly until you hear that the Khalifa’s army is approaching. After that fly. I cannot say whither, but seek a shelter until the black flag waves over the whole of the land. When there is no more fighting, then come to me and I will give you a post of honour.”

I will do so, Emir. When the time comes I will remind you of your promise.”

‘I have neither silver nor gold with which I can reward you now, but we shall gather these things in Egypt, and I will make you wealthy.”

Zaki thought that it would he unwise to wander from Mahmud’s encampment, and he accordingly sat down by his tent. Presently one of the slaves came out with a large dish of food that Mahmud had sent him. As evening approached he went round to Gregory’s little tent with the intention of trying to persuade him to attempt to escape with him, but