Yet it is in connexion with Nintoku's repairs of the Manda river-bankthat we find the first mention of a heinous custom occasionally to the forbidden councils ofthe mullahs in their mosques and the bishops in their cathedrals andCoptic monasteries. Thescrews that held the lock on the far side were ripped from the rottenwood and the gate swung open. The Dervish garrisons at AbuHamed and Metemma were overrun, and driven back on the Atbara river.
Osman reeled back in the saddle and his mount hadswerved aside, breaking out of the trial of strength. Over the first few miles he assessed the roan under him. The camels quickened their pace and moaned with excitement as the scentof the water grew stronger in their nostrils. True to his nature, Gordonhad timed them.
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