pise me."

"I can quite understand that," I said eagerly; for I was anxious to keep
him conversing about everything but the one subject which I feared.

"Well," he said gravely, "have you no questions to ask--about your
fellow-countrymen?"

"No," I said.

"That is right. I am glad you are growing so wise and sensible. It is
useless to regret the past. They had their reign. They are conquered,
and all is at an end."

I crushed the paper in my pocket with almost feverish joy.

"And now," he continued, "I hope that a brighter and better day is
rising for my land."

I looked at him, and saw that his face was lighted up, and that he was
in thorough earnest.

"But we'll talk about that another time, Gil," he said.

I stared at this familiar usage of my name, and he smiled.

"Yes, Gil," he said; "my friend Gil, who will be my counsellor, and help
me to rule over my people with strength and justice."

"But--"

"No, no," he said; "don't speak yet. You are going to decide hastily,
and a great judge is slow, and thinks much before he speaks. We were
talking about your dress. I did think of taking you back with me to my
city."

"No, no," I cried excitedly, and completely thrown off my guard; "not
yet."

I felt that I had made a mistake, for I saw his eyes flash, and a
curious watchful look in his face.

"Very well," he said; "there is no need for haste. You find that you
are steadily growing strong up here?"

"Yes; fast," I replied. "It is cooler than it would be in a town."

"Quite right. Then I will not hurry you away to-day. Perhaps
to-morrow. Let us talk about your dress. I want you to help me think
out a suitable uniform for my gun regiment. Not like yours. It is too
hot and wearisome for the men. The helmet is too heavy, and shines too
much. What do you think of a little steel cap, something like mine,
with a white puggaree round it, and a little plume in front?"

"It would be excellent," I said.

He looked pleased.

"Then a white tunic, with gold binding across the chest. Light, not
heavy, like yours."

"That would be quite right," I said.

"And then they shall wear boots like your men. They are heavy, but a
man rides so much better in boots."

"Yes; you are quite correct," I said eagerly. "It gives him firmness in
the saddle, and he never notices their weight. The tunic, too, should
be fairly loose and light, so that the men have perfect freedom for
their arms. Our lads