This is an interesting account of a critical historical period when a serious revolt occurred in Sudan triggered by a religious event. The Mahdist War (1881-99) was a British colonial war of the late 19th century, which was fought between the Mahdist Sudanese of the religious leader, Muhammad Ahmad bin Abd Allah, who had proclaimed himself the "Mahdi" of Islam, and the forces of the Khedivate of Egypt, initially, and later the forces of Britain. Gregory Hartley was the son of the Honorable James Hartley, brother of the Marquis of Langdale, after his travels in Egypt he returned to marry a governess, his father disapproved and cut him off, his wife became ill and he left for Egypt for a warmer climate taking work where he could, to protect his family he changed his name to Hilliard, they now had a son; there was unrest in Egypt and Gregory sent his wife and child away. The English fleet demanded the surrender of the town; after peace came, Gregory moved to Cairo with his family where he got a job supplying the army. Colonel Hicks was to go to Khartoum and Gregory went as an interpreter, three weeks passed and nothing was heard it was said Hicks army had been destroyed, Gregory's wife took up teaching and waited for him, Khartoum had fallen, and Gordon killed. Years later Gregory's son was also called Gregory, he was taught the tribal languages and fencing, he was now 15 years, his mother was ill and died. Mr. Murphy at the bank arranged for Gregory to go to Dongola as an interpreter, Captain Ewert traveled with him, after many hours by train and steamer they reached Wada Halfa where they were building a railway, they were to guard it, at the end of the line it was held by Dervishes, finally Gregory arrived at Merawi and was sent to General Hunter, he picked out a servant, Zaki, Gregory was sent on a mission to Metemmeh to spy on the Mahmud's army. After quite an adventure they returned with information to the General. Gregory was to leave with General Hunter, at Abu Hamed there was a battle to take the town, Gregory left for Berber with Ahmed Bey and then on the gun boats with Captain Keppel, shelling the Dervish forts. Gregory becomes involved in many battles with the Khalifa and his Dervish forces, he is captured and escapes, the railway was pushed further into the Khalifa's country, Gregory could find no news on his father he still hoped he was alive. What does the future hold for him, will he ever find his father and find out who he really was?