96 WITH KITCHENEE IN’ THE SOUDAN Mahmud adopts, and in such a case the life of a subaltern like myself is a matter scarcely to be considered. From childhood I have been preparing to go among the Dervishes, and this is what I propose doing as soon as Khartoum is recaptured. Therefore, sir, if by anticipating my work by a few months, or possibly a year, I can render a service to the army, I would gladly undertake it if you will give me permission to do so.”

The General was for a minute or two silent. “ Well, Hilliard,” he said at last, on thinking it over as you put it, I do not know that I should be justified in refusing your offer; it is a very gallant one, and may possibly meet with success.”

“ Thank you, sir ! I shall be really glad to enter upon the work I have looked forward to. Although it may have no direct bearing upon the discovery of my father’s fate, it will be a start in that direction. Do you think that I had better go mounted or on foot?”

“ I should say certainly on horseback, but there is no occasion for any hasty determination; every step should be carefully considered, and we should, as far as possible, foresee and provide for every emergency that may arise. Think it over well yourself. Some time to-morrow I will discuss it again with you.”

Gregory went straight back to his hut.

Come in, Zaki, I want to speak to you. Light the lamp and shut the door. Kow sit down there. Do you know the country between this and Metemmeh ? ” “Yes, master; I travelled there with my father six years ago.”

“ Is it difficult to find the way ? ” “ It is not difficult. There are many signs of the passage of caravans. There are skeletons of the camels of the English expedition ; there are very many of them. It would not be difficult, even for one who has never passed them, to find the way.”