He was told that if he applied for the position of Professor of Mathematics at the Royal Military College at Sandhurst in Surrey he was certain of being appointed. However, he felt that his literary career was taking off and that it would be damaged by his holding such a post; he chose not to apply.
Siya ay sasabihan na kapag siya-apply para sa posisyon ng mga Propesor ng Matematika sa Royal Military College at Sandhurst sa Surrey siya ay tiyak na hinirang ng. Gayunman, siya na ang nadama ng kanyang karera sa kamulatan ay labas at dinadala na ito ay nasira sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga may hawak na tulad ng isang post; siya hindi pinili na mag-aplay.