viii CONTENTS CHAPTER IV ARRIVAL IN DONGOLA PAGES Display of dervish horsemanship — Flogging among the Ansar — Hasseena is searched — Insults of the rabble — I am brought before Nejoumi — I declare myself a merchant — Evidence of a Christian girl-convert against me — Execution of fourteen Arabs of the party — I am re-examined and sent to the Khaleefa . 41-52 CHAPTER V THE REAL HISTORY OF THE CAPTURE Extracts from newspaper and official accounts — The antecedents of the guide Gabou— Dissensions in the Kabbabish tribe — Gabou schemes for his own section — Hassan's part in the matter — Gabou reveals the plot to Nejoumi and enlists Hogal on his side — The Emirs prepare to intercept me — Capture of the caravan — Hogal's deceit and its excuse .... 53-63 CHAPTER VI DONGOLA TO OMDURMAN Preparations for the journey — Nejoumi's friendly disposition to the Government— His loss of faith in the Mahdist movement — Why the guide Amin was executed— Horrible death of an old Arab woman — In the market-place of Omdurman — First meeting with Slatin — I am chained and tortured — I defy the Khaleefa — A mock execution — The Khaleefa is merciful — Slatin intervenes — Letter to Mankarious Effendi — Imprisoned by Slatin's advice 64-79 CHAPTER VII THROWN INTO PRISON Methods of shackling — My first night in prison — Hasseena sent to the head-gaoler's hareem — Mahmoud Wad Said— Ajjab Abou Jinn — The three sons of Awad el Kerim — Sheikh Hamad El Nil — Ahmed Abdel Maajid and his bride — Lessons in Mahdieh —I visit Khartoum in chains — Again before the Khaleefa— My chains removed 80-92