r. I looked up the old books, and found that two
hundred pounds was paid into her account, before he left. I may say
that she steadily increased that amount, ever since; but a few years
ago she had the sum then standing transferred to the boy's name,
telling me frankly, at the time, that she did so to save trouble, in
case anything happened to her. I fancy, from what she said, that for
the last year or two she had been going downhill. I had a chat with
her, the last time she came in. She told me that she had been
consumptive, and that it was for the sake of her health they came out
here."

"That accounts for it, Murray. By the date, they were probably only
married a year or so before they came out; and a man who loved a young
wife, and saw no other way of saving her, would throw up any berth at
home, in order to give her the benefit of a warm climate. Still, it is
a little curious that, if he had only been out here a year or so before
Hicks started, he should have learned Arabic sufficiently well to get a
post as interpreter. I have been in the country about three years, and
can get on fairly well with the natives, in matters concerning my own
work; but I certainly could not act as general interpreter.

"Well, I am glad to have heard this, for you know the sort of men
interpreters generally are. From the lad's appearance and manner, there
is no shadow of doubt that his mother was a lady. I thought it more
than probable that she had married beneath her, and that her husband
was of the ordinary interpreter class. Now, from what you have said, I
see that it is probable he came of a much better family. Well, you may
be sure that I shall do what I can for the lad."

Gregory joined him, as he left the bank.

"I think, Hilliard, we had best go to the tailor, first. His shop is
not far from here. As you want to get your things in three days, it is
as well to have that matter settled, at once."

The two suits, each consisting of khaki tunic, breeches, and putties,
were ordered.

"You had better have breeches," he said. "It is likely you will have to
ride, and knickerbockers look baggy."

This done, they went to Shepherd's Hotel.

"Sit down in the verandah," Captain Ewart said, "until I get rid of my
regimentals. Even a khaki tunic is not an admirable garment, when one
wants to be cool and comfortable."

In a few minutes he came down again, in a light tweed suit; and,
seating himself in another lounging chair, two cool