He spread it out and fumbled for his glasses, but could not find them, and he gazed helplessly at the page before him.

Soolsby took the paper from him and read slowly: "...

Claridge Pasha has done good work in Egypt, but he is a generation too soon, it may be two or three too soon.

We can but regard this fresh enterprise as a temptation to Fate to take from our race one of the most promising spirits and vital personalities which this generation has produced.

It is a forlorn hope.