much, I admit, considering the fall of the rupee and Rangoon prices;
but we have been compelled to modify expenses, our profits are run so
fine, thanks to an active German mercantile element. Well, what do you
think, Shafto?"

Shafto thought Mr. Martin a species of genie, who was offering him a
magic carpet that would transport him into the great, hurrying, active
world; into the land of sunshine he had longed to see; he would have
jumped at the proposal if the salary had been half, and he replied:

"I shall be glad to accept."

"Then that's all right! I was afraid you might have some ties in this
country. Of course, in time you are bound to get a rise, and I believe
there are boarding-houses in Rangoon where they make you fairly
comfortable."

"When do you wish me to start?"

"As soon as you can get under way," was the unexpected reply. "One of
the Bibby Line sails on Saturday week, and that brings me to another
matter. You have to pay for your own passage and outfit. The passage
money is six hundred rupees; the outfit, good English boots, cool
clothes, a solar topee, and a revolver--and a medicine-chest might come
in handy. No doubt some of your relations will help, or give you a
loan. You see, you are getting a big rise and a capital opening in a
new line."

"That is true, sir," replied Douglas, whose face had considerably
lengthened, "but I'm afraid I cannot manage the ready money--near a