ay, mustn't they? Also, as it happens, Mrs. Knight
need not be anxious, as we are not going to send you into any
particular danger; I dare say you won't see a shot fired.

"Look here, Major, you have been a Staff officer, haven't you, and it
is reported of you that you always got on extremely well with natives,
and especially in some semi-political billets which you have held when
you had to negotiate with their chiefs. Well, to cut it short, a man of
the kind is wanted in East Africa, coming out direct from home with
military authority. He will have to keep in touch with the big chiefs
in our own territory and arrange for them to supply men for working or
fighting, etc., and if possible, open negotiations with those in German
territory and win them over to us. Further, as you know, there are an
enormous number of Indians settled in East Africa, with whom you would
be particularly qualified to deal. We should look to you to make the
most of these in any way required. You see, the appointment is a
special one, and if the work be well done, as I have no doubt it will
be, I am almost sure," he added significantly, "that the results to the
officer concerned will be special also.

"Now, I don't ask you if you decline the appointment, because we are
certain in time of war you will not do so, and I think that's all,
except that you will be accredited ostensibly to the staff of the
General in command in East Africa, and also receive private
instructions, of which the General and the local Governments will have
copies. Now, do you understand everything, especially that your powers
will be very wide and that you will have to act largely on your own
discretion?"

"I think so, Sir," said Godfrey, concealing the complete confusion of
his mind as well as he was able. "At any rate, I shall pick things up
as I go along."

"Yes, that's the right spirit--pick things up as you go on, as we are
all doing in this war. I have to pick 'em up, I can tell you. And now I
won't keep you any longer, for, you see, you'll have to hustle. I
believe a special boat for East Africa with stores, etc., sails
to-morrow morning, so you'll have to take the last train to
Southampton. An officer will meet you at Waterloo with your
instructions, and if he misses you, will go on down to the boat. Also,
you will have details of your pay and allowances, which will be
liberal, though I am told you are not likely to want money in future.
So good-bye and good lu