No More Learning

Now listen. This new railway runs out so far as Tanai-el-Hassan--that is
seven miles. Then there is a camp. They say that beyond Tanai-el-Hassan
the English troops go forward, and everything that they require will be
brought to them by this line. "

"Ah! Base camp. I see. That's a better business than fighting Fuzzies in
the open. "

"For this reason even the mules go up in the iron-train. "

"Iron what? "

"It is all covered with iron, because it is still being shot at. "

"An armoured train. Better and better! Go on, faithful George. "

"And I go up with my mules tonight.
Only those who particularly require
to go to the camp go out with the train. They begin to shoot not far
from the city. "

"The dears--they always used to! " Dick snuffed the smell of parched
dust, heated iron, and flaking paint with delight. Certainly the old
life was welcoming him back most generously.

"When I have got my mules together I go up tonight, but you must first
send a telegram of Port Said, declaring that I have done you no harm. "

"Madame has you well in hand. Would you stick a knife into me if you had
the chance? "

"I have no chance," said the Greek. "She is there with that woman. "

"I see. It's a bad thing to be divided between love of woman and the
chance of loot. I sympathise with you, George. "

They went to the telegraph-office unquestioned, for all the world was
desperately busy and had scarcely time to turn its head, and Suakin was
the last place under sky that would be chosen for holiday-ground. On
their return the voice of an English subaltern asked Dick what he was
doing. The blue goggles were over his eyes and he walked with his hand
on George's elbow as he replied--"Egyptian Government--mules.