A TEEEIBLE DISASTEE 39 my real name is, so that I can he gazetted in it. It is likely enough that ex/en after we defeat the Mahdi this war may go on for some time before it is stamped out, and in another year I may he a full-hlown colonel, if only an Egyptian one; and as the pay of the English officers is good, I shall he able to have a very comfortable home for you.

I need not repeat my instructions, darling, as to what you must do in the event, improbable as it is, of disaster. When absolutely assured of my death, but not until then, you will go back to England with the hoy and see my father. He is not a man to change his mind, unless I were to humble myself before him ; but I think he would do the right thing for you. If he will not, there is the letter for Geoffrey. He has no settled income at present, hut when he comes into the title he will, Ifeel quite certain, make you an allowance. I know that you would for yourself shrink from doing this, but for the boys sake you will not hesitate to carry out my instructions. I should say you had better write to my father, for the interview might be an unpleasant one ; but if you have to appeal to Geoffrey you had better call upon him and show him this letter. Ifeel sure that he will do what he can.

GREGORY. A month later a messenger came up from Saukim with a despatch dated October 3rd. The force was then within a few days’ march of El Obeid. The news was not altogether cheering: hordes of the enemy hovered about their rear; communication was already difficult, and they had to depend upon the stores they carried, and cut themselves off altogether from the base. He brought some private letters from the officers, and among them one for Mrs. Hilliard. It was short and written in pencil: In a few days, dear, the decisive battle will take place, and although it will be a tough fight none of us have any fear of the result. In the very improbable event of a defeat, I shall, if I have time, slip on the Arab dress I have with me, and may hope to escape. However, I have little fear that it will come to that. God bless and protect you and the boy !

GREGORY.