"Hullo, that you, Shafto? I have something to say to you. How would
you like a little promotion?"

"Very much indeed, sir," he replied after a moment's hesitation due to
amazement.

"You've been over four years with us as correspondence clerk?"

"Yes, sir."

"I believe you know Mr. Tremenheere?"

"Yes."

"So do I. He has called here to see me about you. What would you
think of going abroad for a change--say, to Burma?"

"Burma--yes, sir, all right," assented Shafto, with a glowing face.
Something within him had always craved for the East.

"It's like this," continued the other, leaning back and placing his
fingers together, tent fashion. "Our house in Rangoon wants a smart,
healthy, young fellow, quick at figures, and able to manage bills of
lading. You would soon pick up that; it will be chiefly an out-of-door
job on the wharves."

"I'd like that."

"The pay offered is four hundred rupees a month, and house rent; not