ll himself Bimbashi? There is no occasion to put it in orders. My
authorization is sufficient. As long as he was on your staff it did not
matter; but as, presently, he may be attached to an Egyptian regiment,
it is as well that he should bear the usual rank, and it may save
misunderstanding in communicating with the natives. He will be much
more respected, as Bimbashi, than he would be as lieutenant, a title
that they would not understand.'

"A good many lieutenants in the British Army are Bimbashis, here, so
that there is nothing unusual in your holding that honorary rank."

"I would just as soon be lieutenant, sir, so far as I am concerned
myself; but of course, I feel honoured at receiving the title. No doubt
it would be much more pleasant, if I were attached to an Egyptian
regiment. I do not know whether it is the proper thing to thank the
Sirdar. If it is, I shall be greatly obliged if you will convey my
thanks to him."

"I will tell him that you are greatly gratified, Hilliard. I have no
doubt you owe it, not only to your ride to Metemmeh, but to my report
that I did not think Ahmed Bey would have ventured to ride on into
Berber, had you not been with him; and that you advised him as to the
defensive position he took up here, and prepared for a stout defence,
until the boats could come up to his assistance. He said as much to
me."

At the hour named, Gregory went on board the Zafir; Zaki accompanying
him, with his small portmanteau and blanket.

"I see you are punctual, Mr. Hilliard," the commander said, cheerily;
"a great virtue everywhere, but especially on board ship, where
everything goes by clockwork. Eight bells will sound in two minutes,
and as they do so, my black fellow will come up and announce the meal.
It is your breakfast, as much as mine; for I have shipped you on the
books this morning, and of course you will be rationed. Happily, we are
not confined to that fare. I knew what it was going to be, and laid in
a good stock of stores. Fortunately, we have the advantage over the
military, that we are not limited as to baggage."

The breakfast was an excellent one. After it was over, Commander Keppel
asked Gregory how it was that he had--while still so young--obtained a
commission, and expressed much interest when he had heard his story.

"Then you do not intend to remain in the Egyptian Army?" he said. "If
you have not any fixed career before you, I should have thought that
you could not do bette