102 WITH KITCHENEE IN’ THE SOUDAN “ Yes ; I could not want a better horse, General. He is not handsome, but I have ridden him a great deal, and he is certainly fast ; and being desert bred I have no doubt has plenty of endurance. I shall of course get one for my boy.” “ There are plenty in the transport yard. They have been bought up from fugitives who have come in here. I will write you an order to select any one you choose, and if you see one you think better than your own, you can take it also, and hand yours over to the transport to keep until you return. You should take a Martini-Henri with you. I will give you an order for one on one of the native regiments. They are, as you know, armed with them, and have, of course, a few cases of spare rifles. A good many have fallen into the hands of the Dervishes at one time or another, so that your carrying such a weapon will not excite any remark. It would not do to take a revolver, but no*doubt you will be able to buy pistols that have been brought down hy the fugitives. You will certainly be able to get them at some of those Greek shops; they buy up all that kind of thing. Of course you will carry one of the Dervish long knives. Is there anything else that you can think of ? ” ‘Nothing, sir.” “ When will you be ready, do you suppose ? ” By the day after to-morrow, sir. I shall start after dark, so that no one will notice my going. With your permission I will come round before I set ofl, so that you can see whether the disguise is good enough to pass.”