THE MAHDI. 29

CHAPTER VI.

THE MAHDI.

In many Mussulman countries there existed a belief that on the com¬ pletion of twelve centuries from the Hegira, the Mahdi, or new deliverer,

would appear. The twelve centuries were reckoned to come to an end on 12th November, 1882. But one who would not await for that eventful day had already arisen, and declared himself the Mahdi. This was a man about thirty years of age, who is described as being tall and slim, and having a light brown complexion. His name was Mahomet Achmet, and he was the son of a carpenter. He was apprenticed to his uncle, who one day gave him a beating, which so enraged him that he ran away and went to a free school kept by one of the dervishes at Hoghali, a village near Khartoum. This

school is attached to the shrine of the patron saint of Khartoum, and is greatly venerated by the natives. From this school he went to another at Berber, where also there is a shrine ; and he there seemed to be a religious boy.