150 WITH KITCHENER IN THE SOUDAN me. Thank goodness, we left naval etiquette behind us when we came up the Nile, and it is not imperative that I should dine in solitary state. Besides, you have been on Hunter’s staff, have you not ? ” Yes.” “ I know his staff all mess together. I shall be very glad to have you with me. It is lonely work always messing alone. My boat is the Zaiir, you know. You had better come on board before eight o’clock to-morrow morning, that is my breakfast hour.”

Gregory needed but littl'e time to make his arrangements. The transport department took over Zaki’s horse and camel and gave him a receipt for them, so that when he returned, those or others could be handed over to him. One of the staff who wanted a second horse was glad to take charge of his mount. The tent, and the big case, and his other belongings were handed over to the stores. Zaki was delighted when he heard that he was going up in a gun-boat that would probably shell Metemmeh and knock some of the Dervish fortifications to pieces.

“ What shall I have to do, master? ” he asked.

Not much, Zaki. You will brush my clothes and make my bed, and do anything that I want done, but beyond that I cannot tell you. I am really taking you, not because I think you will be of much use, but because I like to have you with me. Besides, I sha’n’t have much to do, and the English officer who commands will have plenty to look after, so that I shall be glad to talk occasionally with you. However, as I know the gun-boats carry Maxim guns, and each have two sergeants of the marine artillery, I will hand you over to them, and ask them to put you in the Maxim crew. Then you will have the satisfaction of helping to fire at your old enemies.”

Zaki’s eyes glistened at the prospect. They killed my mother,” he said, and carried off my sisters, and burned our house. It will be good to fire at them ; much better this, bey, than to load stores at Merawi.”