The Bimbashi is a good master, and I would die for him." Mahmud smiled at this frank answer.
"Nevertheless, whatever may have been your motive, you were enabled to save the life of my wife, and henceforth you are my friend." Then he turned to the horsemen, who were still grouped on the bank above.
"You have heard what has been said?
The white man is under the protection of my harem; the Jaalin is henceforth my friend." Mahmud was a fine specimen of the tribesmen of the Soudan--tall, well built, and with pure Arab features.

He was the Khalifa's favourite son; and was generous, with kindly impulses, but impatient of control.

Of late, he had given way to outbursts of passion, feeling acutely the position in which he was placed.

He had advanced from Omdurman confident that he should be able to drive the infidels before him, and carry his arms far into Egypt.

His aspirations had been thwarted by the Khalifa.