210 WITH KITCHENER IN THE SOUDAN The general laugh that followed showed that Hartley was by no means a popular character in the regiment.

“ The fellow is a consummate ass,” the man on Gregory’s left whispered. He only got into the service as a Queen’s cadet ; he could no more have got in by marks than he could have flown. Ho one believes that he had anything the matter with him at Cairo ; but he preferred stopping behind and coming up by himself without any duties, to taking any share in the work. He is always talking about his earldom, that is why the Major mentioned it, so as to draw him out.”

But I suppose he is really heir to it ? ” Yes, if no one else claims it. For aught that is known, there may be half a dozen children of the man that is missing, knocking about somewhere in Canada or Australia; if so, they are safe to turn up sooner or later. You see, as the man had an elder brother he would not have counted at all upon coming to the title. He may be in some out-of-the-way place where even a colonial newspaper would never reach him, but sooner or later he or some of his sons will be coming home and will hear of the last earl’s death, and then this fellow’s nose will be put out of joint. I am sure everyone in the regiment would be glad, for he is an insufferable ass. I suppose, when he comes into the title he will either cut the army altogether or exchange into the Guards.”

The party presently broke up, having flnished the last bottle of wine they had brought up. Gregory remained seated by the Major, discussing the cFances of the campaign and the points where resistance might be expected. The other officers stood talking a short distance off. Presently Gregory caught the words “ How is it that this young fellow calls himself Bimbashi, which, I believe, means major?” ' . He does not call himself that, although that is his rank. All the white officers in the Egyptiaif Army have that rank, though they may only be lieutenants in ours.”

call it a monstrous thing,” the drawling voice then