nvitation of the officers, sat down with them
to breakfast. While eating it, Stanley told them something of his
adventures. After the meal was over, the major said:

"You had better go with Mr. Brooke to the general, Captain Cooke. I
cannot well leave the regiment.

"We can let you have an outfit, Mr. Brooke; though we are, most of
us, reduced pretty well to our last garments. What with the jungle
and what with the damp, we have nearly all arrived at the last
state of dilapidation; but I am sure the general would like to see
you in your present disguise."

"It makes no difference to me, sir," Stanley said, with a laugh. "I
am so accustomed to this black petticoat, now, that I should almost
feel strange in anything else. I am afraid this dye will be a long
time before it wears itself out. It is nearly three weeks since I
was dyed last, and it has faded very little, yet."

"You need not take your arms, anyhow," Captain Cooke said. "You
will attract less attention going without them, for it will only be
supposed that you are one of the natives who have been brought in
by the boats."

Meinik was sitting on the ground, contentedly, outside the cottage,
the jemadar standing beside him.

"Have you had any food, Meinik?" Stanley asked.

The man nodded.

"Good food," he said.

"That is all right. Now, come along with us. You can leave your
weapons here--they won't be wanted."

Meinik rose and followed Stanley and Captain Cooke. There were
houses scattered all along the roadside. These were now all
occupied by officers and troops, and there were so many of them
that it had not been necessary to place any of the men under
canvas--an important consideration, during the almost continuous
rain of the last three months.

"Why, Cooke, I did not know that you talked Burmese," an officer
standing at one of the doors remarked, as the officer came along,
chatting with Stanley.

"You don't know all my accomplishments, Phillipson," the captain
laughed, for the idea that there existed such a thing as a Burmese
peasant who could talk English had not occurred to the other. "I am
taking him to the chief, to show off my powers;" and passed on,
leaving the officer looking after him, with a puzzled expression on
his face.

On their arrival at Sir Archibald Campbell's headquarters, Captain
Cooke sent in his name and, as the general was not at the moment
engaged, he was at once shown in; followed by Stanley, Meinik
remaining witho