TO METEMMEH 103 CHAPTEK YII TO METEMMEH Z AKI at once set to work to collect the articles needed for the journey, and Gregory obtained from the transport another horse and two native saddles. He was well satisfied with his own animal ; and even had he found in the transport yard a better horse he would still have preferred his own, as they were accustomed to each other. He bought pistols for himself and Zaki, and a matchlock for the latter. Everything was ready by the time Gregory went to the mess to lunch, on the day fixed for his departure. Hothing whatever had been said as to his leaving, as it was possible that some of the native servants who waited upon them might have picked up sufiicient English to gather that something important was about to take place. When, however, the meal was over and he said carelessly, “ I shall not be at mess this evening,” he saw by the expression of the officers’ faces that they all were aware of the reason for his absence. One after another they either shook hands with him or gave him a quiet pat on the shoulder, with the words Take care of yourself, lad,” or A safe journey and a speedy return,” or some other kind wish.

Going to his hut he was shaved by Zaki at the back of the neck up to his ears, so that the white closely fitting cap would completely cover the hair. Outside the tent a sauce-pan was boiling with herbs and berries, which the lad had procured from an old woman who was considered to have a great knowledge of simples. At four in the afternoon Gregory was stained from head to foot, two coats of the dye being applied. This used but a small quantity of the liquor, and the rest was poured into a gourd for future use. The dresses were ready with the exception of the Mahdi patches, which were to be sewn on at their first halting-place. Before it was