the worst station in India would be a paradise, in
comparison with the Soudan; though possibly, in time, Khartoum will be
rebuilt and, being situated between two rivers, might become a possible
place--which is more than any other station in the Soudan can be--for
ladies."

"I am not old enough to take those matters into consideration," Gregory
laughed. "I am not twenty, yet. Still, I do think that anyone
permanently stationed, in the Soudan, would have to make up his mind to
remain a bachelor."

The next morning, the greater portion of the prisoners were allowed to
return to their homes. All the grain and other stores, found in the
camp, were divided among the women, who were advised to return to their
native villages; but those who had lost their husbands were told that
they might accompany the force to the river, and would be taken down to
Omdurman, and given assistance for a time, until they could find some
means of obtaining a subsistence.

On returning to Khartoum, Colonel Wingate, at Gregory's request, told
Lord Kitchener of the discovery that had been made; and said that he
wished to return to England, at once. The next day, the Sirdar sent for
Gregory.

"Colonel Wingate has been speaking to me about you," he said, "and I
congratulate you on your good fortune. In one respect, I am sorry; for
you have done so surprisingly well, that I had intended to appoint you
to a responsible position in the Soudan Civil Service, which is now
being formed. Colonel Wingate says that you naturally wish to resign
your present post, but I should advise you not to do so. The operation
of the law in England is very uncertain. I trust that, in your case,
you will meet with but small difficulty in proving your birth; but
there may be some hitch in the matter, some missing link.

"I will, therefore, grant you six months' leave of absence. At the end
of that time, you will see how you stand. If things have gone on well
with you, you can then send in your resignation. If, on the other hand,
you find yourself unable to prove your claim, it will still be open to
you to return here, and continue the career in which you have begun so
well."

"I am greatly obliged to you, sir, for your kindness; and should I fail
in proving my claim, I shall gladly avail myself of your offer, at the
end of the six months."

"Now, Zaki," he said, on returning to the hut, of which he had again
taken possession, "we must have one more talk. I have told y