“You will be off regular duty; another man will take your place. I want you, in a quiet, unostentatious manner, to keep an eye on Abdullah the fruit-seller. Don’t let him suspect that you are watching him, for really there may be no cause; but he is the only native here who has free access to the island, and during the major’s absence I wish to be especially strict.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You understand me? I trust entirely to your good sense and discrimination. You will do what you have to do in a quiet way, and report everything—even to the least suspicious proceeding—to me.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You shall be furnished with a permit, to pass you anywhere, and at all times.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I’d go in undress uniform, and apparently without arms, but have a bayonet and a revolver under your jacket.”
“Do you think there is danger, sir?” exclaimed the private hastily, forgetting himself for the moment.
“Private Gray, you have your orders.”
Gray drew himself up stiffly and saluted.