This friend was Captain Mather.
"I was wondering whether I should meet you when I read the evening paper.

I knew that it was about the time one might expect to find you in London.

You have seen, I suppose ?" "What ?" asked Durrance.
"Then you haven't," replied Mather.

He picked up the newspaper which Durrance had dropped and turned over the sheets, searching for the piece of news which he required.

"You remember that last reconnaissance we made from Suakin ?" "Very well." "We halted by the Sinkat fort at midday.