Page:H. D. Traill - From Cairo to the Soudan Frontier.djvu/193

 of Dervishes, and not, as certain wiseacres of Cairo would have had us believe, of some mere wandering tribe of, so to speak, private banditti.

"From which direction did they come?" is one of the first questions asked of our witness, and "From over there" is the answer, as the young fellow points to the rocky ridge in the background. "Were they dressed alike?" he is next asked, the object being to ascertain whether the men were in the Mahdi's uniform or in the go-as-you-please costume of a mixed band of freebooters. The reply was "Yes," and that they wore red turbans. A bugle, adds our informant, was sounded on their approach. They divided themselves into three parties, which re-united again at the sound of the bugle, when their work of plunder and massacre—a business of some three hours—was over.

"How were they armed?" we ask. With spears, we are told; and some of them with