CHAPTER 7: On The Staff.
Captain Cooke had done his best, previous to the beginning of the auction, to disarm opposition; by going about among the officers who dropped in, with the intention of bidding, telling them something of Stanley's capture, adventures, and escape; and saying that the general had, himself, advised him to obtain an outfit by buying a considerable portion of the young officer's kit.
"I have no doubt that he will put him on his staff," he said.

"From his knowledge of the country, and the fact that he speaks the language well, he would be very useful and, as he has gone through all this from serving as a volunteer, without pay, I hope you fellows won't run up the prices, except for things that you really want." His story had the desired effect; and when Captain Cooke met Stanley, he was able to tell him that he had bought for him the greater portion of the kit, including everything that was absolutely necessary.
"Are there any plain clothes ?" Stanley asked, after thanking him warmly for the trouble he had taken.
"No.

Of course, he left everything of that sort at Calcutta.

No one in his senses would think of bringing mufti out with him, especially to such a country as this." "Then I shall have to go in uniform to the general's," Stanley said, in a tone of consternation.

"It seems to me that it would be an awfully impudent thing, to go in staff uniform to dine with the general, when I have no right whatever to wear it." "Well, as the general advised you himself to buy the things, he cannot blame you for wearing them; and I have not the least doubt that he is going to offer you a staff appointment of some sort." "I should like it very much, as long as the war lasted, Captain Cooke; but I don't think that I should care about staying in the army, permanently.