rds, what happened."

"I overtook Colonel Parsons at Mugatta, on the third morning after
leaving. We were attacked by nearly four thousand Dervishes, five miles
from Gedareh. After a sharp fight they were defeated, and we occupied
the town without resistance. Four days later, Fadil came up with his
army and attacked the town; but was driven off, with a loss of five
hundred men. He is now eight miles from the town. The place is
unhealthy and, although it can be defended, Colonel Parsons has asked
for reinforcements, to enable him to attack Fadil."

"That is good news, indeed. We have all been extremely anxious, for
there was no doubt that Colonel Parsons' force was wholly inadequate
for the purpose. How long is it since you left?"

"About forty-six hours, sir."

"Indeed! That seems almost impossible, Mr. Hilliard."

"We started at eleven o'clock in the morning, sir, and rode on donkeys
to Mugatta, where I had left my camels; arrived there at eight, and
started an hour later on the camels. We rode till nine o'clock the next
day, halted till five, and have just arrived here. The camels were
excellent beasts, and travelled a good six miles an hour. I did not
press them, as I knew that, if we arrived opposite the town at night,
we should have difficulty in getting across the river."

"It was a great ride, a great achievement! You must be hungry, as well
as tired. I will tell my man to get you some breakfast, at once. You
can eat it, while I read this despatch. Then I may have a few questions
to ask you. After that, you had better turn in till evening."

Gregory enjoyed his breakfast, with the luxuries of tinned fruit, after
his rough fare for the past fortnight. When he went to the General's
room again, the latter said:

"Colonel Parsons' despatches are very full, and I think I quite
understand the situation. No praise is too high for the conduct of his
officers and troops. All seemed to have behaved equally well, and he
mentions the gallant part you took in the defence of the baggage, with
Captain Ruthven and the doctor, and only some thirty-four soldiers of
the camel corps.

"Now, I will not detain you longer. I hope you will dine with me this
evening. I should like to hear more of the affair."

Returning to his hut, Gregory found that Zaki had already got his bed,
and other things, from the store; and he was just about to boil the
kettle.

"I have breakfasted, Zaki. Here is a dollar. Go to one of those big
s