He himself proposed Lisle's health, and the latter was obliged to return thanks.
When he sat down, the general said: "It is clear, Mr.Bullen, that you have more presence of mind, when engaged with the enemy, than you have when surrounded with friends.
It can hardly be said that eloquence is your forte." "No, sir," Lisle said, wiping the perspiration from his face, "I would rather go through eleven battles, than have to make another speech." The application for sick leave was granted at once and, a fortnight later, Lisle took his place in the train for Calcutta.

All the officers and their wives assembled to see him off.
"I hope," said the colonel, "you will come back in the course of a year, thoroughly restored to health.

It is all in your favour that you have not been a drinking man; and the surgeon told me that he is convinced that the brain has suffered no serious injury, and that you will be on your feet again, and fit for any work, after the twelve months' leave.

But, moderate as you always are, I should advise you to eschew altogether alcoholic liquids.

Men who have never had a touch of sunstroke can drink them with impunity but, to a man who has had sunstroke, they are worse than poison." "All right, Colonel! Nothing stronger than lemonade shall pass my lips." And so, with the good wishes of his friends, Lisle started for Calcutta.