submitted by me to my Premier at Adelaide on my return, passed on by him
to the other Premiers concerned, and finally given effect to, and Lieut.
Colonel King-Harman, R.A., was appointed. Little did I think that, within
ten years, I myself was to receive the appointment.

I had also intended to pay a visit to the Expeditionary Force at that
time operating up the Nile. But the relief or fall of Khartoum was
imminent, and the time at my disposal was not sufficient. Khartoum fell
and General Gordon was murdered. Who was to blame? I wonder. Have you
ever been to see and studied the statue raised to his memory in Trafalgar
Square, a replica of which stands in Spring Gardens, Melbourne? If not,
do so some day, and look well into his face. Its expression is one of sad
thought. So might he have looked as he stood in Khartoum facing death.

I must pass over the glorious days I spent at home; they were the last I
spent with my father and mother.

Taking my passage by the _Massilia_, a sister ship to the _Valetta_, I
set out once more for the fair lands of the South, happy and contented,
mentally and physically refreshed, and determined to rise still higher in
my profession. On my arrival at Adelaide I received a right royal
welcome. I found General Downes going strong. There had been no more talk
of Royal Commissions. Major Lovett had settled down to his work and was a
general favourite; he himself liked Adelaide immensely. More funds had
been made available; my own Permanent Artillery had behaved well during
my absence and were doing well. For the next two years nothing occurred
out of the usual, either in South Australia or the other colonies, from a
military point of view. The end of 1891 was approaching; the general
decided to retire. Major Lovett had completed his term as
adjutant-general and was returning home. I was asked to step into the
breach once more and take up his duties as well as my own. I, of course,
agreed, and I was promoted to lieutenant-colonel early in 1892.

The Premier of South Australia was then Charles Cameron Kingston, or, to
give him his full title, which he dearly loved, Sergeant Charles Cameron
Kingston, B Company, 1st Regiment, Adelaide Rifles. Kingston possessed a
charming personality. He was a most able lawyer, could see through most
things and most people, could analyse a difficult subject, select what
was good, discard what was bad, quicker than most men. As a politician he
was highly successf