Some wear turbans, but the majority simply skullcaps.

I could get the dress made up in three or four hours.

But the risk is altogether too great, and I do not think that I should be justified in allowing you to undertake it." "I really do not think that there will be any great danger, sir.

If there were no great object to be gained, it would be different; but in view of the great importance, as you said this evening, of learning Mahmud's intentions, the risk of one life being lost, even were it great, is nothing.

As you say, the Sirdar's plans might be greatly affected by the course Mahmud adopts; and in such a case, the life of a subaltern like myself is a matter scarcely to be considered.
"From childhood I have been preparing to go among the Dervishes, and this is what I propose doing, as soon as Khartoum is recaptured.
Therefore sir if, by anticipating my work by a few months, or possibly a year, I can render a service to the army, I would gladly undertake it, if you will give me permission to do so." The General was, for a minute or two, silent.
"Well, Hilliard," he said at last, "on thinking it over as you put it, I do not know that I should be justified in refusing your offer.