THE DERVISH INVASION OF EGYPT. 421 Abdullah el Taashi, is described as the Mahdi.' I doubt the appellation being correct. He was the Khalifa, or Commander of the Faithful ; but there seems very little evidence that he regarded himself, or was regarded by his people, as being a Mahdi in any other sense than that in which this title may be applied to any devout follower of the Prophet.

He doubtless inspired terror by his force of will and cruelty of character, but the evidence of facts seems to show that he never commanded the fanatical enthusiasm possessed by his predecessor. There is cause to imagine that the Khalifa's gross licentiousness, his lust of blood, his barbarous and vindictive treatment of all who stood in his way or excited his suspicion, and his greed of wealth, outraged even the low standard of Soudanese morality. This much is certain, that, from the time of the Mahdi's death, the insurrection seems somehow to have lost its original impetus. The last great success achieved by the Dervishes was the capture of Kassala by Osman Digma, which occurred within a few days of Abdullah el Taashi, as a kinsman of the deceased Mahdi, becoming the Khalifa.

It seems probable that the wish to consolidate his newly acquired power led the Khalifa to accelerate the advance on Egypt before his preparations were fully completed. The advance begun early in August, and apparently eiicountered no serious opposition till it had passed Dongola. The difficulties of marching a large body of troops, under the most favourable \