On reaching Rangoon, Stanley learned that two of the invalids had
died, either on the way down or before they could be put on board a
ship; and that one of the majors, who had been sent to India for
change, four months before, had also succumbed; so that he had
already obtained his company--a promotion which would have been, at
any other time, extraordinary; but which, in a campaign where half
those engaged were carried off, was nothing remarkable. Being still
on the headquarter staff, he embarked with Sir Archibald Campbell.

"You still hold firm to your determination to leave the service,
Captain Brooke?" the general said, in the course of the passage to
Calcutta.

"Yes, sir. I am sure that it is best for me."

"I think it is, Brooke. Of course, you have been exceptionally
fortunate in getting such rapid promotion. Still, a good business
is a great deal better than soldiering. I wrote very strongly in
your favour, when I sent off my despatches the day we came down to
the coast; and you are certain of your brevet. Still, it is just as
well that the news of your resignation should not get home before
the Gazette comes out, with your name in it. I think the best thing
that I can do is to give you leave, for a time, as soon as we get
to Calcutta. I am sure that you deserve a rest, for your work has
been terribly heavy."

"Thank you, sir; that was just the favour that I was going to ask
you. I shall find out, as soon as I get there, where my uncle is;
and join him. My own mind is quite made up, but he has certainly a
right to be consulted, before I take any final step."

"Quite right. I feel no doubt that his opinion will agree with
yours; and I think that you are showing a good deal more wisdom
than most fellows would do, to give up the service when you have
distinguished yourself, and have a much better chance than falls to
the lot of one man in a hundred. Still, there can be no real doubt
that a man in a good business, out here, can retire early and go
home with a fortune; while in the army you are liable at any time,
after you get to the rank of colonel, to be laid on the shelf for
years.

"Besides, you will be your own master, which is more than anyone in
the army can say. You can go home when you like, either for a stay
or for a permanency; and you are not liable to have to run the risk
of another campaign such as this has been."

"If one was sure of campaigns, I don't think that I could possibly
bring mys