Gregory did not move, till it began to get dusk.
"I shall be away some time," he said, "so don't be at all uneasy about me.

I shall take my black blanket, so that I can cover myself with it and lie down, as if asleep, close to any of the emirs' tents where I hear talk going on; and so may be able to gather some idea as to their views.

I have already learned that the tribesmen have not heard of any immediate move, and are discontented at being kept inactive so long.
The leaders, however, may have their plans, but will not make them known to the men, until it is time for action." The camp was thoroughly alive when he entered it.

Men were sitting about in groups; the women, as before, keeping near their little shelters, laughing and chatting together, and sometimes quarrelling.
From the manner of the men, who either sat or walked about, it was not difficult for Gregory to distinguish between the villagers, who had been dragged away from their homes and forced to enter the service of the Khalifa, and the Baggara and kindred tribes, who had so long held the Soudan in subjection.

The former were quiet in their demeanour, and sometimes sullen in their looks.