Food was extremely short; the scanty supplies that the force had brought with them had been long since exhausted, and they were now subsisting upon palm nuts.

Of these, two were served out daily to each man, a quantity barely sufficient to keep life together.

In spite of the vigilant watch kept by the more fanatical of Mahmud's followers, desertions had become frequent, notwithstanding the certain death that awaited those who were overtaken.
The evening after the cavalry made their first reconnaissance, the slave who brought Gregory's food told him that Fatma wished to speak to him.

It was but three paces to the entrance of the tent, and his guards made no objection.

The entrance was closed as the slave entered, but half a minute later it was opened an inch or two, and, without showing herself, Fatma said: "Listen to me." "I am listening," Gregory replied.
"I am in great fear for you.