k with
your manner, and thought that you would do well, and you have much more
than fulfilled my expectations. I shall keep my eye upon you, and shall
see that you have every opportunity of continuing as you have begun."

That evening, General Hunter suggested to Colonel Wingate that Gregory
should be handed over to him.

"There will be nothing for him to do with me, at present," he said;
"and I am sure that you will find him very useful. Putting aside the
expedition he undertook to Metemmeh, he is a most zealous young
officer. Although his wound was scarcely healed, he took charge of the
baggage animals on the way up from Merawi to Abu Hamed, and came
forward here with Ahmed Bey and his followers, and in both cases he was
most useful. But at the present, I cannot find any employment for him."

"I will have a talk with him," Colonel Wingate said. "I think I can
make good use of him. Captain Keppel asked me, this morning, if I could
furnish him with a good interpreter. He is going up the river in a day
or two, and as neither he nor the other naval officers know much
Arabic, Mr. Hilliard would be of considerable service to them, in
questioning any prisoners who may be captured as to hidden guns, or
other matters. I should think, from what you tell me, Mr. Hilliard will
be very suitable for the post."

"The very man for it. He is a very pleasant lad--for he is not more
than that--quiet and gentlemanly, and yet full of life and go, and will
be certain to get on well with a naval man."

On returning to his quarters, General Hunter sent for Gregory.

"You will please go to Colonel Wingate, Mr. Hilliard. I have been
speaking to him about you; and, as it may be months before things are
ready for the final advance, and I am sure you would prefer to be
actively employed, I proposed to him that he should utilize your
services; and it happens, fortunately, that he is able to do so. The
gunboats will be running up and down the river, stirring up the
Dervishes at Metemmeh and other places; and as neither Keppel, nor the
commanders of the other two boats can speak Arabic with anything like
fluency, it is important that he should have an interpreter.

"I think you will find the berth a pleasant one. Of course, I don't
know what arrangements will be made, or whether you would permanently
live on board one of the boats. If so, I think you would be envied by
all of us, as you would get away from the dust, and all the discomforts
o