Had it not been for this, Gregory might have attempted to escape.

It would not have been very difficult for him to creep out at the back of his little tent, unperceived by his guards; but the dangers to be encountered in making his way to the British fort would have been immense.
It would have been necessary for him to keep by the river, for from this source alone could water be obtained.

The country had been stripped of its crops, of all kinds, by the Dervishes; the villages had been razed to the ground; and the last head of maize, and other grain, gleaned by the starving people who had taken refuge in the bush and jungle.
Therefore, although by keeping near the river he could quench his thirst at will, he would assuredly have to face starvation.

Moreover, he would have no chance of searching for any ears of corn which might have escaped the eyes of the searchers, for he must travel only by night and lie up by day, to avoid capture by one or other of the bands that had gone on; in which case he would at once be killed, being beyond the influence of Mahmud, and the protection of the harem.
On the other hand, he had nothing to complain of, except the monotony and uncertainty of his position.

Fatma kept him well supplied with food; and, from the gossip of the slaves who brought this to him, he learnt how matters were progressing.