you, I suppose?"

"No, sir. Captain Ewart, who most kindly advised me as to my outfit,
said that, if I could find an intelligent native here, it would be
better than taking a man from Cairo."

"Quite right; and the fellows one picks up at Cairo are generally lazy,
and almost always dishonest. The men you get here may not know much,
but are ready enough to learn; and, if well treated, will go through
fire and water for their master.

"Go down to the stores, and tell the officer in charge there that I
shall be glad if he will pick out two or three fellows, from whom you
may choose a servant."

When Gregory had given his message, the officer said:

"You had better pick out one for yourself, Mr. Hilliard. Strength and
willingness to work are the points I keep my eye upon; and, except for
the foremen of the gangs, their intelligence does not interest me. You
had better take a turn among the parties at work, and pick out a man
for yourself."

Gregory was not long in making his choice. He selected a young fellow
who, although evidently exerting himself to the utmost, was clearly
incapable of doing his share in carrying the heavy bales and boxes,
that were easily handled by older men. He had a pleasant face, and
looked more intelligent than most of the others.

"To what tribe do you belong?" Gregory asked him.

"The Jaalin. I come from near Metemmeh."

"I want a servant. You do not seem to be strong enough for this work,
but if you will be faithful, and do what I tell you, I will try you."

The young fellow's face lit up.

"I will be faithful, bey. It would be kind of you to take me. I am not
at my full strength yet and, although I try my hardest, I cannot do as
much as strong men, and then I am abused. I will be very faithful, and
if you do not find me willing to do all that you tell me, you can send
me back to work here."

"Well, come along with me, then."

He took him to the officer.

"I have chosen this man, sir. Can I take him away at once?"

"Certainly. He has been paid up to last night."

"Thank you very much! I will settle with him for today."

And, followed by the young tribesman, he went to the headquarters camp,
near which an empty hut was assigned to him.

Chapter 6: Gregory Volunteers.

The hut of which Gregory took possession was constructed of dry mud.
The roof was of poles, on which were thickly laid boughs and palm
leaves; and on these a layer of clay, a foot thick. An opening in