not really dumb, I
can in half a minute burn my tongue so with caustic that if I open my
mouth anyone would think I have got some disease of the tongue which
prevents my speaking. As to the disguise, I got Captain Hunter, who
sketches capitally, to make sketches of the heads of some of these
Arabs. I sent these down to a man at Cairo, and I have got up from him
a wig that will, I think, deceive anyone."

"It is a tremendous risk, Clinton," General Buller said when he
concluded; "a tremendous risk, and I don't know that Lord Wolseley would
consider himself justified in allowing you to attempt it. The idea does
you honour, but upon my word I do not know what to say to it. It seems a
mad scheme, and yet I cannot say that it might not succeed. You seem to
have worked it all out in your own mind. To carry it through will
require not only pluck but unfailing watchfulness and presence of mind.
A simple word or a gesture might betray you."

"I have thought of all that, sir; but I don't see any reason why it
shouldn't be done. I am quite sure, general, that if you had a brother a
slave among the Arabs you would not hesitate a moment about attempting
it."

General Buller did not reply, but rising put on his helmet.

"I will go to the chief and ask him," he said; "but I don't think he
will feel authorized in letting you go."

"I don't ask him to authorize it officially, sir. I only ask for six
months' leave of absence, or even for a month's leave of absence. At the
end of that time of course my name would be removed from the Army List,
but I think, if I ever return, I should be reinstated, or if not, I
might get a fresh commission granted me."

"Oh, that would be all right! the general would see to that. Wait here
until I come back."

In a quarter of a hour General Buller returned.

"Come with me to the chief's tent," he said. "I think that if you can
convince him that you have thought the matter out thoroughly, and are
prepared at all points, he will give you three months' leave, and will
get it renewed as long as there is a chance of your turning up alive."

Rupert was most kindly received by Lord Wolseley, who asked him many
questions as to his plans. After he had again explained them Rupert
said: "Major Kitchener has kindly promised that if you give me leave he
will buy for me two of the fast camels. He said there was a party came
in yesterday with two exceptionally good ones, and that no doubt they
would sell if a