I have no doubt that, with your knowledge of Arabic, and of the language used by the black race in the Soudan, you will be able to obtain some sort of post in the army, perhaps as an interpreter to one of the officers commanding a brigade--the same position, in fact, as your father had, except that the army is now virtually British, whereas that he went with was Egyptian.
"I have two reasons for desiring this.

I do not wish you to go home, until you are in a position to dispense with all aid from your family.
I have done without it, and I trust that you will be able to do the same.

I should like you to be able to go home at one-and-twenty, and to say to your grandfather, 'I have not come home to ask for money or assistance of any kind.

I am earning my living honourably.

I only ask recognition, by my family, as my father's son.' "It is probable that this expedition will last fully two years.