56 WITH KITCHENER IN THE SOHDAN “If it concerned the Egyptian government or a civil appointment I would certainly exert my influence in your favour, but this expedition is in the hands of the military. However, if you will take a seat in the ante-room, and do not mind waiting there for an hour or two, I will see what can be done.”

“ Thank you very much indeed, sir.” Mr. Murray, as they went out together, said: “I think that you have made a good impression. He told me before that it was a matter for Sir Herbert Kitchener, and that he was expecting him in a quarter of an hour. Come and tell me the result when you leave.”

Ten minutes later a tall man, whom Gregory recognized at once as Sir Herbert Kitchener, whose flgure was well known in Cairo, passed through the room, all who were sitting there rising to their feet as he did so. He acknowledged the salute mechanically, as if scarcely conscious of it. An hour later a bell was rung, and an attendant went into the room. He returned directly. “ Mr. Hilliard,” he said. Gregory rose and passed through the door held open. Kitchener was sitting at the table with Lord Cromer. His keen glance seemed to Gregory to take him in from head to foot, and then to look at something far beyond him.

“ This is Mr. Hilliard,” Lord Cromer said, “ the young gentleman I have spoken of.”

“ You want to go up ? ” the general said shortly, in Arabic. “Yes, sir.” “ You do not mind in what capacity you go? ” “Ko, sir; I am ready to do anything.” “To work on the railway or in the transport? ” “ Yes, sir. Though I would rather not be on the railway, for the railway cannot get on as fast as the troops; but I would enlist in one of the English regiments if they would take me.”

“And you speak the language of the Kubian blacks?” The question was put in that language.