seem an
important matter one way or the other; so if it really would be a
satisfaction to you to pay, I will certainly not deprive you of
it."

Although they only travelled ten miles the first day, Harry
acknowledged that he was as tired as a dog when he dismounted; and
was so stiff, the next morning, that he had to be helped on to his
horse. However, this gradually wore off and, on the evening of the
fourth day, they arrived at Prome. Leaving Harry at his regimental
camp, Stanley rode to the headquarters, and there dismounted.
Meinik had led the second horse, after Harry dismounted; and now
took them both across to the lines, with the air of a man who has
only been away a few hours. Stanley at once went up to the general.

"Welcome back, lad!" Sir Archibald said. "You have been longer away
than we expected, when you started. I am glad, indeed, that you
succeeded in rescuing your cousin; and we are all burning to hear
about it. I wrote that note to you in a hurry, for I was on the
point of going on a round of inspection of the camp, when your
sowar arrived. I intended to question him concerning you, on my
return; for I had no idea that, after making such a long journey,
he would start back at once, but I found that he had ridden
straight off, directly the note was handed to him. You must dine
with me, today, and tell me all the story. I see, from the colour
of your skin, that you have been in disguise again."

"Yes, sir. There were materials for dyeing the skin in the village,
but nothing that availed to take it off. It is gradually going and,
as I shall be now able to get some strong alkali, from the doctor,
I hope I shall be presentable by tomorrow."

"They are honourable marks," the general said, with a smile. "I
don't think any of us would mind being so coloured, for a bit, if
we had done such good work as you have; but I won't detain you now,
for dinner will be ready in half an hour."

Stanley hurried to his room, took a bath, donned his mess uniform,
and was ready by the time the bugle sounded. Three or four of the
staff were, as usual, members of the party. After the meal was
over, he was requested to narrate his adventures, at full length.
The story was necessarily a long one and, when he concluded, all
joined the general in hearty commendation for the manner in which
he had carried out the adventure.

"Your last story was a stirring one, Mr. Brooke," the general said;
"but this is even more so. When I