A TERRIBLE DISASTER 53 been if living in England on an allowance begrudged to me.”

A week later Gregory was awakened by the cries of the negro servant, and, running to Mrs. Hilliard’s bedroom, found that his mother had passed away during the night. Burial speedily follows death in Egypt, and on the following day Gregory returned heart-broken to his lonely house after seeing her laid in her grave. For a week he did nothing but wander about the house listlessly. Then with a great effort he roused himself. He had his work before him—had his mother’s wishes to carry out. His first step was to go to the bank and ask to see the manager.

“You may have heard of my mother’s death, Mr. Murray ? ” he said.

“ Yes, my lad, and sorry indeed I was to hear of it. She was greatly liked and respected by all who knew her.”

“ She told me,” Gregory went on, trying to steady his voice, “ a week before her death that she had money here deposited in my name.”

“ That is so.” “ Is there anything to be done about it, sir ? ” “ Hot unless you wish to draw it out. She told me some time ago why she placed it in your name, and I told her that there would be no difficulty.” “ I do not want to draw any of it out, sir, as there were fifty pounds in the house. She was aware that she had not long to live, and no doubt kept it by her on purpose.”

“ Then all you have to do is to write your signature on this piece of paper. I will hand you a cheque-book, and you will only have to fill up a cheque and sign it, and draw out any amount you please.”

“ I have never seen a cheque-book, sir; will you kindly tell me what I should have to do ? ” Mr. Murray took out a cheque-book and explained its use. Then he asked what Gregory thought of doing.

“I wish to go up with the Nile expedition, sir; it was my