I thought that it would have been an assistance among the Mugs on the coast; and I had, too, some idea that the war might lead to the opening of a trade up the Irrawaddy; but it has turned out infinitely more useful than that.

If you could not have spoken Burmese, Bandoola would never have thought of asking for you to be spared as an interpreter and, if he had not done so, you would have had your head chopped off, at Ava.
"Of course that leopard business was the turning point of your fortunes but, though it has turned out so well, I must say that I hardly think that you were justified in risking your life in such a desperate act for a native; who might, for aught you know, be already dead.

Of course, it was a most gallant action; but the betting was ten to one against your succeeding.

However, as it turned out, it was a fortunate business, altogether.

I don't say that you might not have made your way down to Rangoon, unaided; but the odds would have been very heavily against it.