In the afternoon, the adventurers started with the boats going up to Merawi and, the next morning, arrived at the camp. The Dervish patches had been removed from their clothes, as soon as they arrived at Ambukol. Gregory could have borrowed a white suit there; but as the stain on his skin, although somewhat lighter than when first put on, was too dark, he declined the offer.
"No one may notice me as I land, now," he said, "but everyone would stare at a man with a brown face and white uniform."
Leaving Zaki to get the horses on shore, Gregory went straight to the General's quarters. He told the sentry that he wished to see the General, on business.
"You cannot go in," the man said. "The General is engaged."
"If you send in word to him that his messenger has returned, I am sure he will see me."
"You can sit down here, then," the sentry said. "When the officer with him comes out, I will give your message to his orderly."
Gregory, however, was in no humour to be stopped; and in an authoritative voice called, "Orderly!"
A soldier came down directly from the guard room.
"Tell the General, at once, that Mr. Hilliard has returned."
With a look of wonder, the orderly went into the tent. Half a minute later, he returned.