tors, who cannot, alas! Be flogged for it, often do."

Harry apologised, and they now approached the English officers'
quarters, the Egyptian flag marking that of the General commanding the
expedition.

"Wait here a little," said Howard; "I will see if the chief is
disengaged and able to see you," and he entered the tent.

Harry sat down on a rude lounging chair he found just outside under the
shade of a palm-tree, and tried to reflect, not with any great success.
He was thoroughly bewildered with the events of the morning, following
the variations of hope and despondency produced by the near approach to
the object of his journey, and then finding it elude him, which had
occurred twice in the last few weeks. Without knowing it, he was
becoming a practical fatalist, inclined to do what seemed best at the
moment, and let things slide, forming no plans for a future which was so
very uncertain. Not a bad state of mind this for a hot country, where
worry of mind is especially trying. Perhaps that is why Asiatics
encourage it so much.

It was not long before Howard came to the tent door and beckoned Harry
in. On entering, he saw the General seated at a table covered with
writing materials, finishing a despatch for which an orderly was
waiting. He was dressed in a sort of loose tunic, with pantaloons and
riding-boots, and the sword which trailed by the side of his chair was
straight. A pith helmet stood on the table before him, and altogether
he looked like an Englishman, and not at all like a Pasha, as from the
name Harry somewhat absurdly expected.

Presently Hicks Pasha looked up, and Harry at once recognised one who is
born for command. There was no mistaking the bright eye, which seemed
to look _into_ the man it rested upon; the firm and manly features, the
_will_ expressed in the strong nervous hand. But it is in vain to
attempt to explain this, which at the same time everybody can
understand. The school-boy with his master, the soldier with his
officer--every subordinate knows instinctively if it is of any use
"trying it on." Not that he looked like one who would be harsh or
tyrannical. On the contrary, his face was lit up by a courteous smile
as Howard introduced his newly-found friend.

"Glad to see you," said the General, offering his hand. "The country is
in a disturbed state for travellers, and I fear that you will hardly get
out of it without some risk. The river is still open to Berber, and yo