I hadn't half such a chance as you'll have in these splendid hotter times.' Luke demurred, for he was a home-keeping, peace-loving youth.

But, putting respectful trust in his father's judgment, he at length gave way, and enlisted in the -- -d Foot.

In the course of a few weeks he was sent out to India to his regiment, which had distinguished itself in the East under General Wellesley.
But Luke was unlucky.

News came home indirectly that he lay sick out there; and then on one recent day when his father was out walking, the old man had received tidings that a letter awaited him at Casterbridge.
The sergeant sent a special messenger the whole nine miles, and the letter was paid for and brought home; but though, as he had guessed, it came from Luke, its contents were of an unexpected tenor.
The letter had been written during a time of deep depression.

Luke said that his life was a burden and a slavery, and bitterly reproached his father for advising him to embark on a career for which he felt unsuited.
He found himself suffering fatigues and illnesses without gaining glory, and engaged in a cause which he did not understand or appreciate.