The Saint Paul globe., 1904-05-08
BY A. CONAN DOYLE
eoDyrI oh. by a. Conan Doyle.

'7-S7-0-& II u ~ ~ ~ ~ ,e4t- 9,e4t-o-st
ter and forwarded il to Assouan F,va
Gays later there came curt order from
.ne chler that he should report himself
enere. He feared the worst from tha
stern soldier, who spared others as little
as he spared himself
- And MS worst forbodngs were reaIizad
Iravel-stained and weary, he ranortad
himself one night at the generals quar-
tefs. Behind a table piled with papers
ana strewn with maps the famous soldier
ana MS chief of intelligence were deep
III plans and figures. Their greeting was
a cold one.
understand Capt Joyce" said the
general that you have allowed a very
fingers 800
I am sorry, SIR
No doubt. But that will not mend
matters Did you ascertain anything
about him before you lost him?"
How was that?"
could get nothing out Of him, slr?''
Did you try?'
Yes. sir; did what could
What did you DOR
Wen, sir, threatened to use physical
force
What did he say?'
He said nothing
What was he like?''
"A tall man. sir. Rather a. desperate
character / should think
Any way by which we could identity
him?"
"A long, black beard. sir. GRAY ewes
And nervous way Of twitching his face"
We'll, Capt. Joyce" said the general.
in his stern inf1exible voice, "I cannot
congratulate you upon your first exploit
In the Egyptian army. You are aware
that every English officer In this force IS
a picked man. l have the whole British
army from which to draw. 1t is neces-
sary, therefore, that I should insist upon
the very highest efficiency. 1t would be
unfair upon the others to pass over any
obvious want of zeal or intelligence. You
are seconded from the Royal Mallows,
understand"
Yes SIR
IT have no doubt that your colonel will
be glad to see you fulfilling your regt-
mental duties again.
Hilary Joyce's heart was too heavy for
words. He sat silent
Il will let you know my final decision to-
morrow morning.
Joyce saluted and turned upon his heel
You can sleep upon that, you beauty,
and good nights rest may it give you
Joyce turned in bewilderment. Where
had those words been used before? Who
was 1t who had used them?
The general was standing erect. Both
he and the chief OF the intelligence were
laughing. Joyce stared at the tall figure,
the erect bearing, the inscrutable gray
eyes.
Good Lord!'' he gasped.
"WeIl, we'll Capt. Joyce we are uuits?'
said the general, holding out his hand.
You gave me a bad ten minutes with
that internal red-hot horseshoe of yours.
I've done as much for you. l don't think
we can spare you for the Royal Mallows
just yet a WHILE
But, sir; butt,
THE fewer questions the better, per-
haps. But, of course, 1t must seem rather
amazing l had a little private business
with the Kabbabish. 1t must be done In
person. I did it, and came to your post
In my return. 1 kept on winking at you,
as a sign that wanted q word with you
alone" - Il
''Yes, yes. 1 begin to understand" ar.
81 couldn't give 1t away before all those
blacks, or where should I have been the
next time used my false beard and Arab
dress? You put me in very awkward
position. But at last I had word IAione
with your Egyptian officer, who managed
my escape all right"
HE! Mahomet An2''
II ordered him to say nothing. I had q
score to settle with you. But we dine at
g. Capt. Joyce. We live plainly here, but
I think I can do you a little better than
you did me at Kurkur.''