, to see how they
have shaken down into them."

This regiment had brought out tents for, as every building was
already occupied, it was necessary that they should be put under
canvas. The general found that everything was arranged in order,
and the encampment certainly presented a pleasing contrast to the
irregular, and often crowded quarters of the troops who had passed
the wet season there. The colonel and three of his officers dined
with the general, that evening; the party being made up of the
military staff, including the two aides-de-camp.

Two days later Stanley, with some of the other members of the
staff, dined at the 47th mess. Stanley was introduced to several of
the officers; and these were specially desirous of making his
acquaintance, as they had learned that he had been a prisoner at
Ava, and could therefore tell them much more than they had hitherto
learned of the country into which they were about to advance.

Among them was a young lieutenant, also of the name of Brooke.
Stanley had, three weeks before, attained the same rank. At the
time that he was appointed to the 83rd, there were already several
death vacancies in the regiment, and disease and fighting had
carried off six more officers. The whole of the ensigns had
consequently obtained their step. At dinner he found himself placed
next to his namesake.

"It is curious, our having the same name," the other remarked, as
he sat down. "It is not a very common one."

"No, I have not met anyone of the same name, before," Stanley said.
"Indeed, until the affair at Ramoo I was nearly three years trading
with an uncle of mine, up the rivers; and was not much in the way
of falling in with white men. But, before that, I had been with my
father in a good many stations in India; but I do not, as far as I
can remember, recollect meeting anyone of the same name."

"Then your father was in the service, too?"

"Yes. He was a captain in the 15th Native Infantry."

"Indeed," the other said in surprise, "then we are connections. But
I had no idea that Captain Brooke was ever married."

"He was married just after he came out to India," Stanley said; "so
it is likely enough that you would never have heard of it. He died
three years ago, and my mother and sisters are now in England. What
is the connection between us? I have never heard my father speak
much of his family."

"Your father was a cousin of mine--second cousin, I think. I fancy
there was some ro