My plan is that, when we get near Metemmeh, he shall remain with the horses somewhere near the river; and I shall enter the camp on foot.

I am less likely to be noticed that way.

If questioned, my story will be that my father was at El Obeid, and that the Governor there is, by the Khalifa's orders, holding his force in hand to put down any outbreaks there may be in the province; and that, wishing to fight against the infidel, I have come on my own account.

If I am asked why I had not come on horseback, I shall say that I had ridden to within the last two or three miles, and that the horse had then died.
"But I do not expect to be questioned at all, as one man on foot is as nothing, in an army of twenty or thirty thousand, gathered from all over the Soudan." "You quite understand, Mr.Hilliard, that you are taking your life in your hands?
And that there is no possibility, whatever, of our doing anything for you, if you get into trouble ?" "Quite, sir.

If I am detected, I shall probably be killed at once.