370 WITH KITCHENER IN THE SOUDAN lined greatcoat, for it was now the first week in December, and although delightful at Cairo, it would be to the native bitterly cold in England. Then he went to the bank, and Mr. Murray, on hearing the story, made an affidavit at the British resident’s affirming that he had for fifteen years known Mrs. Gregory Hilliard, and was aware that she was the widow of Mr. Gregory Hilliard, who joined Hicks Pasha; and that Mr. Gregory Hilliard, now claiming to be Mr. Gregory Hilliard Hartley, was her son. Mr. Gregory Hilliard senior had kept an account at the bank for eighteen months, and had, on leaving, given instructions for Mrs.

Hilliard’s cheques to be honoured. Mrs. Hilliard had received a pension from the Egyptian government up to the date of her death as his widow, he having fallen in the service of the Khedive. Gregory looked up his old nurse, whom he found comfortable and happy. She also made an affidavit to the effect that she had entered the service of Mrs. Hilliard more lan eighteen years before as nurse to Gregory Hilliard, then a child of a year old. She had been in her service until her death, and she could testify that Gregory Hilliard Hartley was the child she had nursed.

After a stay of four days at Cairo, Gregory started for England. Even he, who had heard of London from his mother, was astonished at its noise, extent, and bustle, while Zaki was almost stupefied. He took two rooms at Cannon Street Hotel for himself and servant, and next morning went to the offices of Messrs. Tufton & Sons, the solicitors. He sent in his name as Mr. Gregory Hilliard Hartley. Even in the outer office he heard an exclamation of surprise as the piece of paper on which he had written his name was read. He was at once shown in. Mr. Tufton looked at him with a little surprise.

“ I am the son of the gentleman for whom, I understand, you have advertised for a long time.”

“ If you can prove that you are so, sir,” Mr. Tufton said wearily, “ you are the Marquis of Langdale—that is to say.