The work was hard, but it did not bring him prosperity.

He was one of those men who go silently on week after week, year after year, till their very existence comes almost to be overlooked by those about them.

He never seemed to suffer as other men suffered from the scorching heat of that tropical corner of the Indian Empire.

He was always there, whatever happened to the rest of the world; but he never pushed himself forward.
He seemed to lack ambition.

There were even some who said he lacked brains as well.
But Palliser was not of these.