6 WITH KITCHENER IN THE SOUDAN
language would greatly add to his utility. It certainly was
not business to take a man without a reference, but the ad-
vantages more than counterbalanced the disadvantages. It
was not likely that he would stay with him long, but at any
rate the fact that he was taking his wife with him would
ensure his staying until he saw something a great deal better
elsewhere. When Gregory returned therefore he said
:
I have been thinking this matter over. What is your name ? ”
“ Gregory Hilliard, sir.” “ Well, I have been thinking it over, and I have decided
to engage you. I quite believe the story that you have told
me, and your appearance fully carries it out. You may con-
sider the matter settled. I am willing to pay for a second-
class passage for your wife as well as yourself, and will give
such instructions to my agents there as will render your
position as easy for you as possible. In the natural course
of things your duties would have included the sweeping out
of the offices and work of that description, but I will instruct him to engage a native to do this under your supervision. You will be in charge of the warehouse under the chief
storekeeper, and, as you say, you will, in case of pressure of work in the office, take a desk there. In consideration of your knowledge of the language, which will render you at once more useful than a green hand would be, I shall add ten
shillings a week to the wages named in the advertisement,
| which will enable you to obtain comfortable lodgings.” “ I am heartily obliged to you, sir,” Gregory said, and
will do my best to show that your confidence in me has not been misplaced. When do you wish me to sail? I shall only
require a few hours to make my preparations.”
“ Then in that case I will take a passage for you and your wife in the P. & O. that sails next Thursday from South- ampton. I may say that it is our custom to allow fifteen pounds for outfit. If you will call again in half an hour I
will hand you the ticket and a cheque for that amount, and