84 WITH KITCHENER IN THE SOUDAN To what tribe do you belong ? ” Gregory asked him. “ The Jaalin. I come from near Metemmeb.”

‘‘ I want a servant. You do not seem to be strong enough for this work, but if you will be faithful, and do what I tell you, I will try you.”

The young fellow’s face lit up. “ I will be faithful, bey.

It would be kind of you to take me. I am not at my full strength yet, and although I try my hardest I cannot do as much as strong men, and then I am abused. I will be very faithful, and if you do not find me willing to do all that you tell me, you can send me back to work here.”

Well, come along with me then.” He took him to the officer.

have chosen this man, sir. Can I take him away at once ? ” “Certainly; he has been paid up to last night.” “ Thank you very much ! I will settle with him for to-day.” And, followed by the young tribesman, he went to the headquarters camp, near which an empty hut was assigned to him.

CHAPTEK VI GREGORY VOLUNTEERS The hut of which Gregory took possession was constructed of dry mud. The roof was of poles, on which were thickly laid boughs and palm leaves, and on these a layer of clay a foot thick. An opening in the wall eighteen inches square served as a window. Hear the door the floor was littered with rubbish of all kinds.

“ What is your name ? ” “ Zaki.” “ Well, Zaki, the first thing is to clear out all this rubbish and sweep the floor as clean as you can. I am going down to the river to get my baggage up. Can you borrow a shovel