Mohammed Ahmed received his new adherent kindly, but without enthusiasm.  For some months Abdullah carried stones to build the tomb of the Sheikh el Koreishi.  Gradually they got to know each other.  ’But long before he entrusted me with his secret,’ said Abdullah to Slatin, ’I knew that he was “the expected Guide."’ [Slatin, fire and sword, p.131.] And though the world might think that the ‘Messenger of God’ was sent to lead men to happiness in heaven, Abdullah attached to the phrase a significance of his own, and knew that he should lead him to power on earth.  The two formed a strong combination.  The Mahdi—­for such Mohammed Ahmed had already in secret announced himself—­brought the wild enthusiasm of religion, the glamour of a stainless life, and the influence of superstition into the movement.  But if he were the soul of the plot, Abdullah was the brain.  He was the man of the world, the practical politician, the general.

There now commenced a great conspiracy against the Egyptian Government.  It was fostered by the discontents and justified by the miseries of the people of the Soudan.  The Mahdi began to collect adherents and to extend his influence in all parts of the country.  He made a second journey through Kordofan, and received everywhere promises of support from all classes.  The most distant tribes sent assurances of devotion and reverence, and, what was of more importance, of armed assistance.  The secret could not be long confined to those who welcomed the movement.  As the ramifications of the plot spread they were perceived by the renowned Sheikh Sherif, who still nursed his chagrin and thirsted for revenge.  He warned the Egyptian Government.  They, knowing his envy and hatred of his former disciple, discounted his evidence and for some time paid no attention to the gathering of the storm.  But presently more trustworthy witnesses confirmed his statements, and Raouf Pasha, then Governor-General, finding himself confronted with a growing agitation, determined to act.  He accordingly sent a messenger to the island of Abba, to summon Mohammed Ahmed to Khartoum to justify his behaviour and explain his intentions.  The news of the despatch of the messenger was swiftly carried to the Mahdi!  He consulted with his trusty lieutenant.  They decided to risk everything, and without further delay to defy the Government.  When it is remembered how easily an organised army, even though it be in a bad condition, can stamp out the beginnings of revolt among a population, the courage of their resolve must be admired.

The messenger arrived.  He was received with courtesy by Abdullah, and forthwith conducted before the Mahdi.  He delivered his message, and urged Mohammed Ahmed to comply with the orders of the Governor-General.  The Mahdi listened for some time in silence, but with increasing emotion; and when the messenger advised him, as he valued his own safety, to journey to Khartoum, if only to justify himself, his passion overcame him.  ‘What!’ he shouted, rising suddenly and striking his breast with his hand.  ’By the grace of God and his Prophet I am master of this country, and never shall I go to Khartoum to justify myself.’ [Slatin, fire and sword, p.135.] The terrified messenger withdrew.  The rebellion of the Mahdi had begun.