When I have once entered it, and they ask whence I came, I must tell them some likely story that I have made up: as, for example, that I have come from El Obeid, and that I am an officer of the governor there; that, finding he could not get away himself, he yielded to my request that I might come, and help to drive the infidels into the sea." Zaki nodded.
"That would be a good tale, my lord, for men who have escaped from El Obeid, and have come here, have said that the Khalifa's troops there have not been called to join him at Omdurman; for it is necessary to keep a strong force there, as many of the tribes of the province would rise in rebellion, if they had the chance.

Therefore you would not be likely to meet anyone from El Obeid in Mahmud's camp." "How is it, Zaki, that when so many in the Soudan have suffered at the hands of the Dervishes, they not only remain quiet, but supply the largest part of the Khalifa's army ?" "Because, my lord, none of them can trust the others.

It is madness for one tribe to rise, as the Jaalin did at Metemmeh.

The Dervishes wiped them out from the face of the earth.

Many follow him because they see that Allah has always given victory to the Mahdists; therefore the Mahdi must be his prophet.