did
chance, and will really be my reinstatement. Once holding a commission
in the Egyptian army, I should resume my own name, and have the future
to look forward to. Entering the service as the army is being
reorganized, I should have a great pull, and should be sure to get on,
and be able to write to my father and brother, without its appearing
that I wanted help of any kind."

There were tears in Mrs. Hilliard's eyes, but she said bravely:

"I quite agree with you, Gregory. Of course, I shall be sorry that you
should leave me, even for a time; but it seems to me, too, that it is a
grand opportunity. You know what a pain it was to me, all the time that
we were at Alexandria, that you should be working in such a subordinate
position. Now there is an opening by which you will be in a position,
ere long, more worthy of your birth and education. I have no doubt I
shall get on very well, here. I believe that Hicks Pasha has brought
his wife out with him here; and some of his officers will, no doubt, be
married men also; and as the wife of one of his officers I shall, of
course, get to know them. I should be selfish, indeed, to say a word to
keep you back, and shall be delighted to think of you associating with
other English gentlemen, as one of themselves."

And so it was settled. The next day, Gregory called on Hicks Pasha. The
latter had made some more enquiries respecting him, and was well
pleased with his appearance.

"I have already a gentleman named as staff interpreter, Mr. Hilliard,
but I can appoint you, at once, interpreter to the quartermaster's
department, attached to my personal staff for the present. I can tell
you that the Egyptian army will be largely increased, and I shall be
able, after a time, to procure you a better appointment. When we have
once defeated the Mahdi, and restored order, there will be many
appointments open for the reorganization of the Soudan. There are a
good many preparations to be made, before I leave, which I expect to do
in the course of three or four weeks; and I shall be glad of your
assistance, as soon as you can join us."

"I shall be glad to do so, at once. Mr. Ross has kindly told me that I
am at liberty to resign my post, under him, as soon as I like."

"Very well, then. You may consider yourself appointed, today. My
intention is to go first to Suakim, and thence up to Berber, and so by
water to Khartoum."

The next three weeks passed rapidly. Gregory was, on the follo