r Smith or Lieutenant Clinton is my son."

The effort was made and he closed his eyes. Rupert took his hand and
knelt beside him. Once again the sergeant opened his eyes and spoke.
"Good lads both," he said; "better as things are."

A few minutes later he ceased to breathe. The surgeon had retired after
hearing the sergeant's declaration. When he saw Rupert rise to his feet
he came up to him. "I have just written down the words," he said, "and
have signed my name as a witness to the fact that it was a declaration
sworn on the Bible by one who knew that he was dying."

"Thank you," Rupert said; "it is a strange story, I will tell you it
some day."

After leaving the hospital Rupert went to Easton, in whose judgment he
had a great deal of confidence, and after stating what had occurred
asked him if in his opinion he could take any steps to learn more about
Edgar.

"I think, Clinton, that were I in your place I should go to the
commanding officer and tell him you have learnt that the trumpeter who
was with the wounded sergeant of the Heavies found in the grove, and who
left him to fetch aid from our camp, was your brother. You can say that
on account of a misunderstanding he left home and enlisted under a false
name, and beg that a search be instituted for his body, and also that
the politicals who are in communication with the natives should make
inquiries whether any white captive had been brought into Metemmeh. If
you like I will say as much to our colonel, and I am sure that he will
give orders that whenever detachments go out strict search will be made
of all ground over which they pass. I am afraid that if we do learn from
the natives that he is at Metemmeh our chance of getting him back
before we take the place is small, for even if the people into whose
hands he fell were willing to part with him for a ransom, the fanatical
dervishes would not allow it; however, there would be no harm in trying.
I know that to-day half a dozen natives came in with some cattle and
grain, and no doubt some others will be in to-morrow."

Rupert took the advice, and at once went over to the quarters of the
officer in command and made the statement that Easton had suggested. The
colonel expressed great regret, and promised that every step should be
taken to ascertain the fate of his brother and to endeavour to recover
him if alive. Another party was sent out in the morning, and a further
and most minute search made of the ground b