She was very glad to hear that
Major Castleton was out of the world and done with.
"And Colonel Trench too?" she said.
"No," Willoughby answered. "You are disappointed? But he is even worse
off than that. He was captured when engaged on a reconnaissance. He is
now a prisoner in Omdurman."
"Ah!" said Ethne.
"I don't think you can have any idea," said Willoughby, severely, "of
what captivity in Omdurman implies. If you had, however much you
disliked the captive, you would feel some pity."
"Not I," said Ethne, stubbornly.
"I will tell you something of what it does imply."
"No. I don't wish to hear of Colonel Trench. Besides, you must go. I
want you to tell me one thing first," said she, as she rose from her
seat. "What became of Mr. Feversham after he had given you that
feather?"
"I told him that he had done everything which could be reasonably
expected; and he accepted my advice. For he went on board the first
steamer which touched at Suakin on its way to Suez and so left the
Soudan."
"I must find out where he is. He must come, back. Did he need money?"
"No. He still drew his allowance from his father. He told me that he had
more than enough.
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