Another cup was filled for Max, and when the servant had withdrawn, Shula continued: “The Mahdi, according to tradition, should be the grandson of Emin----” “And I never thought of it--I, who have been seeking the last of the Mamelukes--I----” “What! do you know the story of the Mamelukes?” “I have given my life to finding Emin’s descendants, and I never told the Mahdi.” “Do you know the Mahdi?” “I will reveal all, most noble Shula. The Mahdi sent me here. He is coming in all the glory of victory, and I am to prepare a way for him.” Shula sprang to his feet and hugged and kissed the American until poor Max began to think his breath would all be squeezed out. Had he wanted rest? If so he made a mistake in telling Shula his mission. CHAPTER XXVII. SOWING THE SEED. For no sooner had he done so than Shula sent out for three of his most particular friends and bade them hasten to his house. Rashid, who looked more like a Jew than an Egyptian, was the first, and he stared at Max with eyes which seemed to glitter with hate. He was quickly followed by Barbasson, whose skin had been changed from olive to almost black through exposure to the sun. Barbasson was the owner of a number of Dahabeahs, and he imagined Max to be some wealthy foreigner who was desirous of engaging a Dahabeah for business or pleasure. He had scarcely made his salaam before Nasr el Adin, a Persian, entered and embraced Shula most warmly. The door was closed, curtains of heavy chenille were drawn round the room and everything done to prevent the slightest sound being heard on the outside. “We ought to remove our shoes,” said Shula, “for this illustrious one is a messenger from the Mahdi.” The three visitors rose to their feet, salaamed very low, and murmured some words of prayer. “The Mahdi is coming,” said Max, “but are you ready?” “What are we to do?” “Raise his standard over Kordofan.” “But the soldiers?” Rashid interjected. “Are you afraid of them? I saw the Mahdi ride into the midst of an army; he had no weapon, the guns were firing, the swords and spears clashed around him and over his head, but he merely smiled and bade them cease their strife. And you in his name ought to be strong. Will you not raise his flag?” “We will.” “What does it matter if a few are killed, they will die in a great cause. You have been robbed by Khartoum, pillaged by Egypt and taxed by Turkey. England now wants a share, and what will you have left?” “Nothing.” “The Mahdi can save you. He will be ruler of Egypt, of Turkey and the whole of the Mohammedan world. The crescent and star will float above all other flags, for the Mahdi will be prince of princes and shah of shahs.” “_Allah il Allah_ be praised.” “_Inshallah!_” “We will do it,” exclaimed Nasr el Adin, so emphatically that no opposition was offered. A plan was adopted by which on the third day all the followers of the four wealthy citizens should revolt and raise the standard of the Mahdi.