“Yes, sir, to all four questions,” answered Rupert.
“Very good. These Shillooks have been giving a lot of trouble, raiding and killing people about Abu-Simbel and so forth. According to our reports, which you can see afterwards, they have been stirred up by a rascal called Ibrahim, the Sheik of the Sweet Wells. Do you know him?”
“Yes, sir,” replied Rupert, with a little smile, “he threatened to murder me the other day.”
“I can quite believe it. Now see here. We are advised that several of these Shillook chiefs, including the one who has the most influence, are getting tired of the Khalifa and his little ways, and are, in short, open to treat, if only they can be got at by someone whom they know and have their palms well-greased. Now, for various reasons, the Egyptian Government does not wish to send an embassy to them, or any officer who is at present on the spot. You see the Khalifa would hear of it at once and might come down on them. What is wanted is an envoy travelling apparently on his own business, or if it is feasible, disguised as an Arab, who will slip through to them quietly and arrange a treaty. I need not say that, whoever did this satisfactorily, would earn the gratitude of the Egyptian Government, and would not be overlooked at the proper time. Now, Colonel Ullershaw, it has occurred to us that you are the very man for this affair, especially as you would take our complete confidence with you.”
“I am much honoured,” said Rupert, flushing at the compliment. “I should like the mission above all things, especially as I understand these men, one or two of whom are rather friends of mine. Indeed, the most influential of them accompanied me on a shooting expedition, and if anyone can move him, I think I can.”
“There would be risks,” put in Lord Southwick meaningly, for under the circumstances his kind heart misgave him.
“I don’t mind risks, or, at least, I am accustomed to them, my lord,” said Rupert quietly.
“There is another point,” went on Lord Southwick. “Supposing that you were to fail—and failure must be contemplated—it might be needful, as no forward policy has been announced at present, for those in authority not to take any official notice of the affair, which would possibly be used as a handle for attack upon them. You would, therefore, receive no written instructions, and the necessary money would be handed to you in gold.”
“I quite understand,” answered Rupert, “and so long as I am not thought the worse of in such an event, or made to suffer for it, it is all the same to me. Only,” he added, suddenly remembering his forthcoming marriage, “when should I have to start?”
“By the evening mail to-morrow,” said the Secretary of State, “for the conditions may change and will not bear delay.”