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diff --git a/old/files/relative.htm b/old/files/relative.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dd7540a --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/relative.htm @@ -0,0 +1,23730 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Charles O'malley, by Charles Lever. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> + <h1> + CHARLES O'MALLEY + </h1> + <h2> + The Irish Dragoon + </h2> + <h2> + BY CHARLES LEVER. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Charles O'Malley, The Irish Dragoon, Volume +1 (of 2), by Charles Lever + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net + + +Title: Charles O'Malley, The Irish Dragoon, Volume 1 (of 2) + +Author: Charles Lever + +Release Date: August 13, 2004 [EBook #8577] +Last Updated: November 6, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHARLES O'MALLEY, I. *** + + + + +Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team. Illustrated +HTML by David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <h1> + CHARLES O'MALLEY + </h1> + <h2> + The Irish Dragoon + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + BY CHARLES LEVER. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY PHIZ. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + IN TWO VOLUMES. + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + Volume I. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0001.jpg" alt="The Sunk Fence " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> A WORD OF EXPLANATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> CHARLES O'MALLEY. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XXLIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER L. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER LI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER LVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER LVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER LVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER LXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER LX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER LXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER LXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0063"> CHAPTER LXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0064"> CHAPTER LXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER LXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0066"> CHAPTER LXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0067"> CHAPTER LXVII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>ILLUSTRATIONS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> The Sunk Fence </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Mr. Blake's Dressing Room. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> The Election. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> The Rescue. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> Mr. Crow Well Plucked. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> Frank Webber at his Studies. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> Miss Judy Macan. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> Charles Pops the Question. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> The Adjutant's After Dinner Ride. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> The Rival Flunkies. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> Major Monsoon and Donna Maria. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0012"> The Salutation. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0013"> The Skirmish. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0014"> A Touch at Leap-frog With Napoleon. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0015"> Major Monsoon Trying to Charge. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0016"> Mr. Free's Song. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0017"> The Coat of Mail. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + TO THE + + MOST NOBLE THE MARQUESS OF DOURO, M.P., D.C.L., ETC., ETC. + + + MY DEAR LORD,— + + The imperfect attempt to picture forth some scenes of the most + brilliant period of my country's history might naturally suggest their + dedication to the son of him who gave that era its glory. I feel, + however, in the weakness of the effort, the presumption of such a + thought, and would simply ask of you to accept these volumes as a + souvenir of many delightful hours passed long since in your society, + and a testimony of the deep pride with which I regard the honor of your + friendship. + + Believe me, my dear Lord, with every respect and esteem, + + Yours, most sincerely, + + THE AUTHOR. + + BRUSSELS, November, 1841. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A WORD OF EXPLANATION. + </h2> + <p> + KIND PUBLIC,— + </p> + <p> + Having so lately taken my leave of the stage, in a farewell benefit, it is + but fitting that I should explain the circumstances which once more bring + me before you,—that I may not appear intrusive, where I have met + with but too much indulgence. + </p> + <p> + A blushing <i>debutant</i>—<i>entre nous</i>, the most impudent + Irishman that ever swaggered down Sackville Street—has requested me + to present him to your acquaintance. He has every ambition to be a + favorite with you; but says—God forgive him—he is too bashful + for the foot-lights. + </p> + <p> + He has remarked—-as, doubtless, many others have done—upon + what very slight grounds, and with what slender pretension, <i>my</i> + Confessions have met with favor at the hands of the press and the public; + and the idea has occurred to him to indite his <i>own</i>. Had his + determination ended here, I should have nothing to object to; but + unfortunately, he expects me to become his editor, and in some sort + responsible for the faults of his production. I have wasted much eloquence + and more breath in assuring him that I was no tried favorite of the + public, who dared take liberties with them; that the small rag of + reputation I enjoyed, was a very scanty covering for my own nakedness; + that the plank which swam with one, would most inevitably sink with two; + and lastly, that the indulgence so often bestowed upon a first effort is + as frequently converted into censure on the older offender. My arguments + have, however, totally failed, and he remains obdurate and unmoved. Under + these circumstances I have yielded; and as, happily for me, the short and + pithy direction to the river Thames, in the Critic, "to keep between its + banks," has been imitated by my friend, I find all that is required of me + is to write my name upon the title and go in peace. Such, he informs me, + is modern editorship. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, I would beg, that if the debt he now incurs at your hands + remain unpaid, you would kindly bear in mind that your remedy lies against + the drawer of the bill and not against its mere humble indorser, + </p> + <p> + HARRY LORREQUER + </p> + <p> + BRUSSELS, March, 1840. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + The success of Harry Lorrequer was the reason for writing Charles + O'Malley. That I myself was in no wise prepared for the favor the public + bestowed on, my first attempt is easily enough understood. The ease with + which I strung my stories together,—and in reality the Confessions + of Harry Lorrequer are little other than a note-book of absurd and + laughable incidents,—led me to believe that I could draw on this + vein of composition without any limit whatever. I felt, or thought I felt, + an inexhaustible store of fun and buoyancy within me, and I began to have + a misty, half-confused impression that Englishmen generally labored under + a sad-colored temperament, took depressing views of life, and were + proportionately grateful to any one who would rally them even passingly + out of their despondency, and give them a laugh without much trouble for + going in search of it. + </p> + <p> + When I set to work to write Charles O'Malley I was, as I have ever been, + very low with fortune, and the success of a new venture was pretty much as + eventful to me as the turn of the right color at <i>rouge-et-noir</i>. At + the same time I had then an amount of spring in my temperament, and a + power of enjoying life which I can honestly say I never found surpassed. + The world had for me all the interest of an admirable comedy, in which the + part allotted myself, if not a high or a foreground one, was eminently + suited to my taste, and brought me, besides, sufficiently often on the + stage to enable me to follow all the fortunes of the piece. Brussels, + where I was then living, was adorned at the period by a most agreeable + English society. Some leaders of the fashionable world of London had come + there to refit and recruit, both in body and estate. There were several + pleasant and a great number of pretty people among them; and so far as I + could judge, the fashionable dramas of Belgrave Square and its vicinity + were being performed in the Rue Royale and the Boulevard de Waterloo with + very considerable success. There were dinners, balls, déjeûners, and + picnics in the Bois de Cambre, excursions to Waterloo, and select little + parties to Bois-fort,—a charming little resort in the forest whose + intense cockneyism became perfectly inoffensive as being in a foreign + land, and remote from the invasion of home-bred vulgarity. I mention all + these things to show the adjuncts by which I was aided, and the rattle of + gayety by which I was, as it were, "accompanied," when I next tried my + voice. + </p> + <p> + The soldier element tinctured strongly our society, and I will say most + agreeably. Among those whom I remember best were several old Peninsulars. + Lord Combermere was of this number, and another of our set was an officer + who accompanied, if indeed he did not command, the first boat party who + crossed the Douro. It is needless to say how I cultivated a society so + full of all the storied details I was eager to obtain, and how generously + disposed were they to give me all the information I needed. On topography + especially were they valuable to me, and with such good result that I have + been more than once complimented on the accuracy of my descriptions of + places which I have never seen and whose features I have derived entirely + from the narratives of my friends. + </p> + <p> + When, therefore, my publishers asked me could I write a story in the + Lorrequer vein, in which active service and military adventure could + figure more prominently than mere civilian life, and where the + achievements of a British army might form the staple of the narrative,—when + this question was propounded me, I was ready to reply: Not one, but fifty. + Do not mistake me, and suppose that any overweening confidence in my + literary powers would have emboldened me to make this reply; my whole + strength lay in the fact that I could not recognize anything like literary + effort in the matter. If the world would only condescend to read that + which I wrote precisely as I was in the habit of talking, nothing could be + easier than for me to occupy them. Not alone was it very easy to me, but + it was intensely interesting and amusing to myself, to be so engaged. + </p> + <p> + The success of Harry Lorrequer had been freely wafted across the German + ocean, but even in its mildest accents it was very intoxicating incense to + me; and I set to work on my second book with a thrill of hope as regards + the world's favor which—and it is no small thing to say it—I + can yet recall. + </p> + <p> + I can recall, too, and I am afraid more vividly still, some of the + difficulties of my task when I endeavored to form anything like an + accurate or precise idea of some campaigning incident or some passage of + arms from the narratives of two distinct and separate "eye-witnesses." + What mistrust I conceived for all eye-witnesses from my own brief + experience of their testimonies! What an impulse did it lend me to study + the nature and the temperament of narrator, as indicative of the peculiar + coloring he might lend his narrative; and how it taught me to know the + force of the French epigram that has declared how it was entirely the + alternating popularity of Marshal Soult that decided whether he won or + lost the battle of Toulouse. + </p> + <p> + While, however, I was sifting these evidences, and separating, as well as + I might, the wheat from the chaff, I was in a measure training myself for + what, without my then knowing it, was to become my career in life. This + was not therefore altogether without a certain degree of labor, but so + light and pleasant withal, so full of picturesque peeps at character and + humorous views of human nature, that it would be the very rankest + ingratitude of me if I did not own that I gained all my earlier + experiences of the world in very pleasant company,—highly enjoyable + at the time, and with matter for charming souvenirs long after. + </p> + <p> + That certain traits of my acquaintances found themselves embodied in some + of the characters of this story I do not to deny. The principal of natural + selection adapts itself to novels as to Nature, and it would have demanded + an effort above my strength to have disabused myself at the desk of all + the impressions of the dinner-table, and to have forgotten features which + interested or amused me. + </p> + <p> + One of the personages of my tale I drew, however, with very little aid + from fancy. I would go so far as to say that I took him from the life, if + my memory did not confront me with the lamentable inferiority of my + picture to the great original it was meant to portray. + </p> + <p> + With the exception of the quality of courage, I never met a man who + contained within himself so many of the traits of Falstaff as the + individual who furnished me with Major Monsoon. But the major—I must + call him so, though that rank was far beneath his own—was a man of + unquestionable bravery. His powers as a story-teller were to my thinking + unrivalled; the peculiar reflections on life which he would passingly + introduce, the wise apothegms, were after a morality essentially of his + own invention. Then he would indulge in the unsparing exhibition of + himself in situations such as other men would never have confessed to, all + blended up with a racy enjoyment of life, dashed occasionally with sorrow + that our tenure of it was short of patriarchal. All these, accompanied by + a face redolent of intense humor, and a voice whose modulations were + managed with the skill of a consummate artist,—all these, I say, + were above me to convey; nor indeed as I re-read any of the adventures in + which he figures, am I other than ashamed at the weakness of my drawing + and the poverty of my coloring. + </p> + <p> + That I had a better claim to personify him than is always the lot of a + novelist; that I possessed, so to say, a vested interest in his life and + adventures,—I will relate a little incident in proof; and my + accuracy, if necessary, can be attested by another actor in the scene, who + yet survives. + </p> + <p> + I was living a bachelor life at Brussels, my family being at Ostende for + the bathing, during the summer of 1840. The city was comparatively empty,—all + the so-called society being absent at the various spas or baths of + Germany. One member of the British legation, who remained at his post to + represent the mission, and myself, making common cause of our desolation + and ennui, spent much of our time together, and dined <i>tête-à-tête</i> + every day. + </p> + <p> + It chanced that one evening, as we were hastening through the park on our + way to dinner, we espied the major—for as major I must speak of him—lounging + along with that half-careless, half-observant air we had both of us + remarked as indicating a desire to be somebody's, anybody's guest, rather + than surrender himself to the homeliness of domestic fare. + </p> + <p> + "There's that confounded old Monsoon," cried my diplomatic friend. "It's + all up if he sees us, and I can't endure him." + </p> + <p> + Now, I must remark that my friend, though very far from insensible to the + humoristic side of the major's character, was not always in the vein to + enjoy it; and when so indisposed he could invest the object of his dislike + with something little short of antipathy. "Promise me," said he, as + Monsoon came towards us,—"promise me, you'll not ask him to dinner." + Before I could make any reply, the major was shaking a hand of either of + us, and rapturously expatiating over his good luck at meeting us. "Mrs. + M.," said he, "has got a dreary party of old ladies to dine with her, and + I have come out here to find some pleasant fellow to join me, and take our + mutton-chop together." + </p> + <p> + "We're behind our time, Major," said my friend, "sorry to leave you so + abruptly, but must push on. Eh, Lorrequer," added he, to evoke + corroboration on my part. + </p> + <p> + "Harry says nothing of the kind," replied Monsoon, "he says, or he's going + to say, 'Major, I have a nice bit of dinner waiting for me at home, enough + for two, will feed three, or if there be a short-coming, nothing easier + than to eke out the deficiency by another bottle of Moulton; come along + with us then, Monsoon, and we shall be all the merrier for your company.'" + </p> + <p> + Repeating his last words, "Come along, Monsoon," etc., I passed my arm + within his, and away we went. For a moment my friend tried to get free and + leave me, but I held him fast and carried him along in spite of himself. + He was, however, so chagrined and provoked that till the moment we reached + my door he never uttered a word, nor paid the slightest attention to + Monsoon, who talked away in a vein that occasionally made gravity all but + impossible. + </p> + <p> + Our dinner proceeded drearily enough, the diplomatist's stiffness never + relaxed for a moment, and my own awkwardness damped all my attempts at + conversation. Not so, however, Monsoon, he ate heartily, approved of + everything, and pronounced my wine to be exquisite. He gave us a perfect + discourse on sherry and Spanish wines in general, told us the secret of + the Amontillado flavor, and explained that process of browning by boiling + down wine which some are so fond of in England. At last, seeing perhaps + that the protection had little charm for us, with his accustomed tact, he + diverged into anecdote. "I was once fortunate enough," said he, "to fall + upon some of that choice sherry from the St. Lucas Luentas which is always + reserved for royalty. It was a pale wine, delicious in the drinking, and + leaving no more flavor in the mouth than a faint dryness that seemed to + say, another glass. Shall I tell you how I came by it?" And scarcely + pausing for reply, he told the story of having robbed his own convoy, and + stolen the wine he was in charge of for safe conveyance. + </p> + <p> + I wish I could give any, even the weakest idea of how he narrated that + incident,—the struggle that he portrayed between duty and + temptation, and the apologetic tone of his voice in which he explained + that the frame of mind that succeeds to any yielding to seductive + influences, is often, in the main, more profitable to a man than is the + vain-glorious sense of having resisted a temptation. "Meekness is the + mother of all the virtues," said he, "and there is no being meek without + frailty." The story, told as he told it, was too much for the + diplomatist's gravity, he resisted all signs of attention as long as he + was able, and at last fairly roared out with laughter. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I myself recovered from the effects of his drollery, I said, + "Major, I have a proposition to make you. Let me tell the story in print, + and I'll give you five naps." + </p> + <p> + "Are you serious, Harry?" asked he. "Is this on honor?" + </p> + <p> + "On honor, assuredly," I replied. + </p> + <p> + "Let me have the money down, on the nail, and I'll give you leave to have + me and my whole life, every adventure that ever befell me, ay, and if you + like, every moral reflection that my experiences have suggested." + </p> + <p> + "Done!" cried I, "I agree." + </p> + <p> + "Not so fast," cried the diplomatist, "we must make a protocol of this; + the high contracting parties must know what they give and what they + receive, I'll draw out the treaty." + </p> + <p> + He did so at full length on a sheet of that solemn blue-tinted paper, so + dedicated to despatch purposes; he duly set fourth the concession and the + consideration. We each signed the document; he witnessed and sealed it; + and Monsoon pocketed my five napoleons, filling a bumper to any success + the bargain might bring me, and of which I have never had reason to + express deep disappointment. + </p> + <p> + This document, along with my university degree, my commission in a militia + regiment, and a vast amount of letters very interesting to me, was seized + by the Austrian authorities on the way from Como to Florence, in the + August of 1847, being deemed part of a treasonable correspondence,—probably + purposely allegorical in form,—and never restored to me. I fairly + own that I'd give all the rest willingly to repossess myself of the + Monsoon treaty, not a little for the sake of that quaint old autograph, + faintly shaken by the quiet laugh with which he wrote it. + </p> + <p> + That I did not entirely fail in giving my major some faint resemblance to + the great original from whom I copied him, I may mention that he was + speedily recognized in print by the Marquis of Londonderry, the well-known + Sir Charles Stuart of the Peninsular campaign. "I know that fellow well," + said he, "he once sent me a challenge, and I had to make him a very humble + apology. The occasion was this: I had been out with a single aide-de-camp + to make a reconnaissance in front of Victor's division; and to avoid + attracting any notice, we covered over our uniform with two common gray + overcoats which reached to the feet, and effectually concealed our rank as + officers. Scarcely, however, had we topped a hill which commanded the view + of the French, than a shower of shells flew over and around us. Amazed to + think how we could have been so quickly noticed, I looked around me, and + discovered, quite close in my rear, your friend Monsoon with what he + called his staff,—a popinjay set of rascals dressed out in green and + gold, and with more plumes and feathers than the general staff ever + boasted. Carried away by momentary passion at the failure of my + reconnaissance, I burst out with some insolent allusion to the harlequin + assembly which had drawn the French fire upon us. Monsoon saluted me + respectfully, and retired without a word; but I had scarcely reached my + quarters when a 'friend' of his waited on me with a message, a very + categorical message it was, too, 'it must be a meeting or an ample + apology.' I made the apology, a most full one, for the major was right, + and I had not a fraction of reason to sustain me in my conduct, and we + have been the best of friends ever since." + </p> + <p> + I myself had heard the incident before this from Monsoon, but told among + other adventures whose exact veracity I was rather disposed to question, + and did not therefore accord it all the faith that was its due; and I + admit that the accidental corroboration of this one event very often + served to puzzle me afterwards, when I listened to stories in which the + major seemed a second Munchausen, but might, like in this of the duel, + have been among the truest and most matter-of-fact of historians. May the + reader be not less embarrassed than myself, is my sincere, if not very + courteous, prayer. + </p> + <p> + I have no doubt myself, that often in recounting some strange incident,—a + personal experience it always was,—he was himself more amused by the + credulity of the hearers, and the amount of interest he could excite in + them, than were they by the story. He possessed the true narrative gusto, + and there was a marvellous instinct in the way in which he would vary a + tale to suit the tastes of an audience; while his moralizings were almost + certain to take the tone of a humoristic quiz on the company. + </p> + <p> + Though fully aware that I was availing myself of the contract that + delivered him into my hands, and dining with me two or three days a week, + he never lapsed into any allusion to his appearance in print; and the + story had been already some weeks published before he asked me to lend him + "that last thing—he forgot the name of it—I was writing." + </p> + <p> + Of Frank Webber I have said, in a former notice, that he was one of my + earliest friends, my chum in college, and in the very chambers where I + have located Charles O'Malley, in Old Trinity. He was a man of the highest + order of abilities, and with a memory that never forgot, but ruined and + run to seed by the idleness that came of a discursive, uncertain + temperament. Capable of anything, he spent his youth in follies and + eccentricities; every one of which, however, gave indications of a mind + inexhaustible in resources, and abounding in devices and contrivances that + none other but himself would have thought of. Poor fellow, he died young; + and perhaps it is better it should have been so. Had he lived to a later + day, he would most probably have been found a foremost leader of + Fenianism; and from what I knew of him, I can say he would have been a + more dangerous enemy to English rule than any of those dealers in the + petty larceny of rebellion we have lately seen among us. + </p> + <p> + I have said that of Mickey Free I had not one but one thousand types. + Indeed, I am not quite sure that in my last visit to Dublin, I did not + chance on a living specimen of the "Free" family, much readier in + repartée, quicker with an apropos, and droller in illustration than my own + Mickey. This fellow was "boots" at a great hotel in Sackville Street; and + I owe him more amusement and some heartier laughs than it has been always + my fortune to enjoy in a party of wits. His criticisms on my sketches of + Irish character were about the shrewdest and the best I ever listened to; + and that I am not bribed to this by any flattery, I may remark that they + were more often severe than complimentary, and that he hit every blunder + of image, every mistake in figure, of my peasant characters, with an + acuteness and correctness which made me very grateful to know that his + daily occupations were limited to blacking boots, and not polishing off + authors. + </p> + <p> + I believe I have now done with my confessions, except I should like to own + that this story was the means of according me a more heartfelt glow of + satisfaction, a more gratifying sense of pride, than anything I ever have + or ever shall write, and in this wise. My brother, at that time the rector + of an Irish parish, once forwarded to me a letter from a lady unknown to + him, but who had heard he was the brother of "Harry Lorrequer," and who + addressed him not knowing where a letter might be directed to myself. The + letter was the grateful expression of a mother, who said, "I am the widow + of a field officer, and with an only son, for whom I obtained a + presentation to Woolwich; but seeing in my boy's nature certain traits of + nervousness and timidity which induced me to hesitate on embarking him in + the career of a soldier, I became very unhappy and uncertain which course + to decide on. + </p> + <p> + "While in this state of uncertainty, I chanced to make him a birthday + present of 'Charles O'Malley,' the reading of which seemed to act like a + charm on his whole character, inspiring him with a passion for movement + and adventure, and spiriting him to an eager desire for a military life. + Seeing that this was no passing enthusiasm, but a decided and determined + bent, I accepted the cadetship for him; and his career has been not alone + distinguished as a student, but one which has marked him out for an almost + hare-brained courage, and for a dash and heroism that give high promise + for his future. + </p> + <p> + "Thank your brother for me," wrote she, "a mother's thanks for the welfare + of an only son; and say how I wish that my best wishes for him and his + could recompense him for what I owe him." + </p> + <p> + I humbly hope that it may not be imputed to me as unpardonable vanity,—the + recording of this incident. It gave me an intense pleasure when I heard + it; and now, as I look back on it, it invests this story for myself with + an interest which nothing else that I have written can afford me. + </p> + <p> + I have now but to repeat what I have declared in former editions, my + sincere gratitude for the favor the public still continues to bestow on + me,—a favor which probably associates the memory of this book with + whatever I have since done successfully, and compels me to remember that + to the popularity of "Charles O'Malley" I am indebted for a great share of + that kindliness in criticism, and that geniality in judgment, which—for + more than a quarter of a century—my countrymen have graciously + bestowed on their faithful friend and servant, + </p> + <p> + CHARLES LEVER. TRIESTE, 1872. <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + CHARLES O'MALLEY. + </h1> + <h3> + THE IRISH DRAGOON. + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + DALY'S CLUB-HOUSE. + </p> + <p> + The rain was dashing in torrents against the window-panes, and the wind + sweeping in heavy and fitful gusts along the dreary and deserted streets, + as a party of three persons sat over their wine, in that stately old pile + which once formed the resort of the Irish Members, in College Green, + Dublin, and went by the name of Daly's Club-House. The clatter of falling + tiles and chimney-pots, the jarring of the window-frames, and howling of + the storm without seemed little to affect the spirits of those within as + they drew closer to a blazing fire before which stood a small table + covered with the remains of a dessert, and an abundant supply of bottles, + whose characteristic length of neck indicated the rarest wines of France + and Germany; while the portly magnum of claret—the wine <i>par + excellence</i> of every Irish gentleman of the day—passed rapidly + from hand to hand, the conversation did not languish, and many a deep and + hearty laugh followed the stories which every now and then were told, as + some reminiscence of early days was recalled, or some trait of a former + companion remembered. + </p> + <p> + One of the party, however, was apparently engrossed by other thoughts than + those of the mirth and merriment around; for in the midst of all he would + turn suddenly from the others, and devote himself to a number of scattered + sheets of paper, upon which he had written some lines, but whose crossed + and blotted sentences attested how little success had waited upon his + literary labors. This individual was a short, plethoric-looking, + white-haired man of about fifty, with a deep, round voice, and a + chuckling, smothering laugh, which, whenever he indulged not only shook + his own ample person, but generally created a petty earthquake on every + side of him. For the present, I shall not stop to particularize him more + closely; but when I add that the person in question was a well-known + member of the Irish House of Commons, whose acute understanding and + practical good sense were veiled under an affected and well-dissembled + habit of blundering that did far more for his party than the most violent + and pointed attacks of his more accurate associates, some of my readers + may anticipate me in pronouncing him to be Sir Harry Boyle. Upon his left + sat a figure the most unlike him possible. He was a tall, thin, bony man, + with a bolt-upright air and a most saturnine expression; his eyes were + covered by a deep green shade, which fell far over his face, but failed to + conceal a blue scar that crossing his cheek ended in the angle of his + mouth, and imparted to that feature, when he spoke, an apparently abortive + attempt to extend towards his eyebrow; his upper lip was covered with a + grizzly and ill-trimmed mustache, which added much to the ferocity of his + look, while a thin and pointed beard on his chin gave an apparent length + to the whole face that completed its rueful character. His dress was a + single-breasted, tightly buttoned frock, in one button-hole of which a + yellow ribbon was fastened, the decoration of a foreign service, which + conferred upon its wearer the title of count; and though Billy Considine, + as he was familiarly called by his friends, was a thorough Irishman in all + his feelings and affections, yet he had no objection to the designation he + had gained in the Austrian army. The Count was certainly no beauty, but + somehow, very few men of his day had a fancy for telling him so. A + deadlier hand and a steadier eye never covered his man in the Phoenix; and + though he never had a seat in the House, he was always regarded as one of + the government party, who more than once had damped the ardor of an + opposition member by the very significant threat of "setting Billy at + him." The third figure of the group was a large, powerfully built, and + handsome man, older than either of the others, but not betraying in his + voice or carriage any touch of time. He was attired in the green coat and + buff vest which formed the livery of the club; and in his tall, ample + forehead, clear, well-set eye, and still handsome mouth, bore evidence + that no great flattery was necessary at the time which called Godfrey + O'Malley the handsomest man in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + "Upon my conscience," said Sir Harry, throwing down his pen with an air of + ill-temper, "I can make nothing of it! I have got into such an infernal + habit of making bulls, that I can't write sense when I want it!" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come," said O'Malley, "try again, my dear fellow. If you can't + succeed, I'm sure Billy and I have no chance." + </p> + <p> + "What have you written? Let us see," said Considine, drawing the paper + towards him, and holding it to the light. "Why, what the devil is all + this? You have made him 'drop down dead after dinner of a lingering + illness brought on by the debate of yesterday.'" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, impossible!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, read it yourself; there it is. And, as if to make the thing less + credible, you talk of his 'Bill for the Better Recovery of Small Debts.' + I'm sure, O'Malley, your last moments were not employed in that manner." + </p> + <p> + "Come, now," said Sir Harry, "I'll set all to rights with a postscript. + 'Any one who questions the above statement is politely requested to call + on Mr. Considine, 16 Kildare Street, who will feel happy to afford him + every satisfaction upon Mr. O'Malley's decease, or upon miscellaneous + matters." + </p> + <p> + "Worse and worse," said O'Malley. "Killing another man will never persuade + the world that I'm dead." + </p> + <p> + "But we'll wake you, and have a glorious funeral." + </p> + <p> + "And if any man doubt the statement, I'll call him out," said the Count. + </p> + <p> + "Or, better still," said Sir Harry, "O'Malley has his action at law for + defamation." + </p> + <p> + "I see I'll never get down to Galway at this rate," said O'Malley; "and as + the new election takes place on Tuesday week, time presses. There are more + writs flying after me this instant than for all the government boroughs." + </p> + <p> + "And there will be fewer returns, I fear," said Sir Harry. + </p> + <p> + "Who is the chief creditor?" asked the Count. + </p> + <p> + "Old Stapleton, the attorney in Fleet Street, has most of the mortgages." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing to be done with him in this way?" said Considine, balancing the + corkscrew like a hair trigger. + </p> + <p> + "No chance of it." + </p> + <p> + "May be," said Sir Harry, "he might come to terms if I were to call and + say, 'You are anxious to close accounts, as your death has just taken + place.' You know what I mean." + </p> + <p> + "I fear so should he, were you to say so. No, no, Boyle, just try a plain, + straightforward paragraph about my death; we'll have it in Falkner's paper + to-morrow. On Friday the funeral can take place, and, with the blessing o' + God, I'll come to life on Saturday at Athlone, in time to canvass the + market." + </p> + <p> + "I think it wouldn't be bad if your ghost were to appear to old Timins the + tanner, in Naas, on your way down. You know he arrested you once before." + </p> + <p> + "I prefer a night's sleep," said O'Malley. "But come, finish the squib for + the paper." + </p> + <p> + "Stay a little," said Sir Harry, musing; "it just strikes me that if ever + the matter gets out I may be in some confounded scrape. Who knows if it is + not a breach of privilege to report the death of a member? And to tell you + truth, I dread the Sergeant and the Speaker's warrant with a very lively + fear." + </p> + <p> + "Why, when did you make his acquaintance?" said the Count. + </p> + <p> + "Is it possible you never heard of Boyle's committal?" said O'Malley. "You + surely must have been abroad at the time. But it's not too late to tell it + yet." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it's about two years since old Townsend brought in his Enlistment + Bill, and the whole country was scoured for all our voters, who were + scattered here and there, never anticipating another call of the House, + and supposing that the session was just over. Among others, up came our + friend Harry, here, and the night he arrived they made him a 'Monk of the + Screw,' and very soon made him forget his senatorial dignities. On the + evening after his reaching town, the bill was brought in, and at two in + the morning the division took place,—a vote was of too much + consequence not to look after it closely,—and a Castle messenger was + in waiting in Exchequer Street, who, when the debate was closing, put + Harry, with three others, into a coach, and brought them down to the + House. Unfortunately, however, they mistook their friends, voted against + the bill, and amidst the loudest cheering of the opposition, the + government party were defeated. The rage of the ministers knew no bounds, + and looks of defiance and even threats were exchanged between the + ministers and the deserters. Amidst all this poor Harry fell fast asleep + and dreamed that he was once more in Exchequer Street, presiding among the + monks, and mixing another tumbler. At length he awoke and looked about + him. The clerk was just at the instant reading out, in his usual routine + manner, a clause of the new bill, and the remainder of the House was in + dead silence. Harry looked again around on every side, wondering where was + the hot water, and what had become of the whiskey bottle, and above all, + why the company were so extremely dull and ungenial. At length, with a + half-shake, he roused up a little, and giving a look of unequivocal + contempt on every side, called out, 'Upon my soul, you're pleasant + companions; but I'll give you a chant to enliven you!' So saying, he + cleared his throat with a couple of short coughs, and struck up, with the + voice of a Stentor, the following verse of a popular ballad:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'And they nibbled away, both night and day, + Like mice in a round of Glo'ster; + Great rogues they were all, both great and small, + From Flood to Leslie Foster. + Great rogues all. +</pre> + <p> + Chorus, boys!' If he was not joined by the voices of his friends in the + song, it was probably because such a roar of laughing never was heard + since the walls were roofed over. The whole House rose in a mass, and my + friend Harry was hurried over the benches by the sergeant-at-arms, and + left for three weeks in Newgate to practise his melody." + </p> + <p> + "All true," said Sir Harry; "and worse luck to them for not liking music. + But come, now, will this do? 'It is our melancholy duty to announce the + death of Godfrey O'Malley, Esq., late member for the county of Galway, + which took place on Friday evening, at Daly's Club-House. This esteemed + gentleman's family—one of the oldest in Ireland, and among whom it + was hereditary not to have any children—'" + </p> + <p> + Here a burst of laughter from Considine and O'Malley interrupted the + reader, who with the greatest difficulty could be persuaded that he was + again bulling it. + </p> + <p> + "The devil fly away with it," said he; "I'll never succeed." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind," said O'Malley, "the first part will do admirably; and let us + now turn our attention to other matters." + </p> + <p> + A fresh magnum was called for, and over its inspiring contents all the + details of the funeral were planned; and as the clock struck four the + party separated for the <i>night</i>, well satisfied with the result of + their labors. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + THE ESCAPE. + </p> + <p> + When the dissolution of Parliament was announced the following morning in + Dublin, its interest in certain circles was manifestly increased by the + fact that Godfrey O'Malley was at last open to arrest; for as in olden + times certain gifted individuals possessed some happy immunity against + death by fire or sword, so the worthy O'Malley seemed to enjoy a no less + valuable privilege, and for many a year had passed among the myrmidons of + the law as writ-proof. Now, however, the charm seemed to have yielded; and + pretty much with the same feeling as a storming party may be supposed to + experience on the day that a breach is reported as practicable, did the + honest attorneys retained in the various suits against him rally round + each other that morning in the Four Courts. + </p> + <p> + Bonds, mortgages, post-obits, promissory notes—in fact, every + imaginable species of invention for raising the O'Malley exchequer for the + preceding thirty years—were handed about on all sides, suggesting to + the mind of an uninterested observer the notion that had the aforesaid + O'Malley been an independent and absolute monarch, instead of merely being + the member for Galway, the kingdom over whose destinies he had been called + to preside would have suffered not a little from a depreciated currency + and an extravagant issue of paper. Be that as it might, one thing was + clear,—the whole estates of the family could not possibly pay one + fourth of the debt; and the only question was one which occasionally + arises at a scanty dinner on a mail-coach road,—who was to be the + lucky individual to carve the joint, where so many were sure to go off + hungry? + </p> + <p> + It was now a trial of address between these various and highly gifted + gentlemen who should first pounce upon the victim; and when the skill of + their caste is taken into consideration, who will doubt that every + feasible expedient for securing him was resorted to? While writs were + struck against him in Dublin, emissaries were despatched to the various + surrounding counties to procure others in the event of his escape. <i>Ne + exeats</i> were sworn, and water-bailiffs engaged to follow him on the + high seas; and as the great Nassau balloon did not exist in those days, no + imaginable mode of escape appeared possible, and bets were offered at long + odds that within twenty-four hours the late member would be enjoying his + <i>otium cum dignitate</i> in his Majesty's jail of Newgate. + </p> + <p> + Expectation was at the highest, confidence hourly increasing, success all + but certain, when in the midst of all this high-bounding hope the dreadful + rumor spread that O'Malley was no more. One had seen it just five minutes + before in the evening edition of Falkner's paper; another heard it in the + courts; a third overheard the Chief-Justice stating it to the Master of + the Rolls; and lastly, a breathless witness arrived from College Green + with the news that Daly's Club-House was shut up, and the shutters closed. + To describe the consternation the intelligence caused on every side is + impossible; nothing in history equals it,—except, perhaps, the + entrance of the French army into Moscow, deserted and forsaken by its + former inhabitants. While terror and dismay, therefore, spread amidst that + wide and respectable body who formed O'Malley's creditors, the + preparations for his funeral were going on with every rapidity. Relays of + horses were ordered at every stage of the journey, and it was announced + that, in testimony of his worth, a large party of his friends were to + accompany his remains to Portumna Abbey,—a test much more indicative + of resistance in the event of any attempt to arrest the body, than of + anything like reverence for their departed friend. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of matters in Dublin when a letter reached me one + morning at O'Malley Castle, whose contents will at once explain the + writer's intention, and also serve to introduce my unworthy self to my + reader. It ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DALY'S, about eight in the evening. + Dear Charley,—Your uncle Godfrey, whose debts (God pardon + him!) are more numerous than the hairs of his wig, was obliged to + die here last night. We did the thing for him completely; and all + doubts as to the reality of the event are silenced by the + circumstantial detail of the newspaper, "that he was confined six + weeks to his bed from a cold he caught, ten days ago, while on guard." + Repeat this; for it is better we had all the same story till he + comes to life again, which, may be, will not take place before + Tuesday or Wednesday. At the same time, canvass the county for him, + and say he'll be with his friends next week, and up in Woodford and + the Scariff barony. Say he died a true Catholic; it will serve him on + the hustings. Meet us in Athlone on Saturday, and bring your uncle's + mare with you. He says he'd rather ride home. And tell Father Mac + Shane, to have a bit of dinner ready about four o'clock, for the corpse + can get nothing after he leaves Mountmellick. No more now, from + Yours ever, + HARRY BOYLE + + To CHARLES O'MALLEY, Esq., + O'Malley Castle, Galway. +</pre> + <p> + When this not over-clear document reached me I was the sole inhabitant of + O'Malley Castle,—a very ruinous pile of incongruous masonry, that + stood in a wild and dreary part of the county of Galway, bordering on the + Shannon. On every side stretched the property of my uncle, or at least + what had once been so; and indeed, so numerous were its present claimants + that he would have been a subtle lawyer who could have pronounced upon the + rightful owner. The demesne around the castle contained some well-grown + and handsome timber, and as the soil was undulating and fertile, presented + many features of beauty; beyond it, all was sterile, bleak, and barren. + Long tracts of brown heath-clad mountain or not less unprofitable valleys + of tall and waving fern were all that the eye could discern, except where + the broad Shannon, expanding into a tranquil and glassy lake, lay still + and motionless beneath the dark mountains, a few islands, with some ruined + churches and a round tower, alone breaking the dreary waste of water. + </p> + <p> + Here it was that I passed my infancy and my youth; and here I now stood, + at the age of seventeen, quite unconscious that the world contained aught + fairer and brighter than that gloomy valley with its rugged frame of + mountains. + </p> + <p> + When a mere child, I was left an orphan to the care of my worthy uncle. My + father, whose extravagance had well sustained the family reputation, had + squandered a large and handsome property in contesting elections for his + native county, and in keeping up that system of unlimited hospitality for + which Ireland in general, and Galway more especially, was renowned. The + result was, as might be expected, ruin and beggary. He died, leaving every + one of his estates encumbered with heavy debts, and the only legacy he + left to his brother was a boy four years of age, entreating him with his + last breath, "Be anything you like to him, Godfrey, but a father, or at + least such a one as I have proved." + </p> + <p> + Godfrey O'Malley some short time previous had lost his wife, and when this + new trust was committed to him he resolved never to remarry, but to rear + me up as his own child and the inheritor of his estates. How weighty and + onerous an obligation this latter might prove, the reader can form some + idea. The intention was, however, a kind one; and to do my uncle justice, + he loved me with all the affection of a warm and open heart. + </p> + <p> + From my earliest years his whole anxiety was to fit me for the part of a + country gentleman, as he regarded that character,—namely, I rode + boldly with fox-hounds; I was about the best shot within twenty miles of + us; I could swim the Shannon at Holy Island; I drove four-in-hand better + than the coachman himself; and from finding a hare to hooking a salmon, my + equal could not be found from Killaloe to Banagher. These were the staple + of my endowments. Besides which, the parish priest had taught me a little + Latin, a little French, a little geometry, and a great deal of the life + and opinions of Saint Jago, who presided over a holy well in the + neighborhood, and was held in very considerable repute. + </p> + <p> + When I add to this portraiture of my accomplishments that I was nearly six + feet high, with more than a common share of activity and strength for my + years, and no inconsiderable portion of good looks, I have finished my + sketch, and stand before my reader. + </p> + <p> + It is now time I should return to Sir Harry's letter, which so completely + bewildered me that, but for the assistance of Father Roach, I should have + been totally unable to make out the writer's intentions. By his advice, I + immediately set out for Athlone, where, when I arrived, I found my uncle + addressing the mob from the top of the hearse, and recounting his + miraculous escapes as a new claim upon their gratitude. + </p> + <p> + "There was nothing else for it, boys; the Dublin people insisted on my + being their member, and besieged the club-house. I refused; they + threatened. I grew obstinate; they furious. 'I'll die first,' said I. + 'Galway or nothing!'" + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah!" from the mob. "O'Malley forever!" + </p> + <p> + "And ye see, I kept my word, boys,—I did die; I died that evening at + a quarter past eight. There, read it for yourselves; there's the paper. + Was waked and carried out, and here I am after all, ready to die in + earnest for you, but never to desert you." + </p> + <p> + The cheers here were deafening, and my uncle was carried through the + market down to the mayor's house, who, being a friend of the opposite + party, was complimented with three groans; then up the Mall to the chapel, + beside which father Mac Shane resided. He was then suffered to touch the + earth once more; when, having shaken hands with all of his constituency + within reach, he entered the house, to partake of the kindest welcome and + best reception the good priest could afford him. + </p> + <p> + My uncle's progress homeward was a triumph. The real secret of his escape + had somehow come out, and his popularity rose to a white heat. "An' it's + little O'Malley cares for the law,—bad luck to it; it's himself can + laugh at judge and jury. Arrest him? Nabocklish! Catch a weasel asleep!" + etc. Such were the encomiums that greeted him as he passed on towards + home; while shouts of joy and blazing bonfires attested that his success + was regarded as a national triumph. + </p> + <p> + The west has certainly its strong features of identity. Had my uncle + possessed the claims of the immortal Howard; had he united in his person + all the attributes which confer a lasting and an ennobling fame upon + humanity,—he might have passed on unnoticed and unobserved; but for + the man that had duped a judge and escaped the sheriff, nothing was + sufficiently flattering to mark their approbation. The success of the + exploit was twofold; the news spread far and near, and the very story + canvassed the county better than Billy Davern himself, the Athlone + attorney. + </p> + <p> + This was the prospect now before us; and however little my readers may + sympathize with my taste, I must honestly avow that I looked forward to it + with a most delighted feeling. O'Malley Castle was to be the centre of + operations, and filled with my uncle's supporters; while I, a mere + stripling, and usually treated as a boy, was to be intrusted with an + important mission, and sent off to canvass a distant relation, with whom + my uncle was not upon terms, and who might possibly be approachable by a + younger branch of the family, with whom he had never any collision. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + MR. BLAKE. + </p> + <p> + Nothing but the exigency of the case could ever have persuaded my uncle to + stoop to the humiliation of canvassing the individual to whom I was now + about to proceed as envoy-extraordinary, with full powers to make any or + every <i>amende</i>, provided only his interest and that of his followers + should be thereby secured to the O'Malley cause. The evening before I set + out was devoted to giving me all the necessary instructions how I was to + proceed, and what difficulties I was to avoid. + </p> + <p> + "Say your uncle's in high feather with the government party," said Sir + Harry, "and that he only votes against them as a <i>ruse de guerre</i>, as + the French call it." + </p> + <p> + "Insist upon it that I am sure of the election without him; but that for + family reasons he should not stand aloof from me; that people are talking + of it in the country." + </p> + <p> + "And drop a hint," said Considine, "that O'Malley is greatly improved in + his shooting." + </p> + <p> + "And don't get drunk too early in the evening, for Phil Blake has + beautiful claret," said another. + </p> + <p> + "And be sure you don't make love to the red-headed girls," added a third; + "he has four of them, each more sinfully ugly than the other." + </p> + <p> + "You'll be playing whist, too," said Boyle; "and never mind losing a few + pounds. Mrs. B., long life to her, has a playful way of turning the king." + </p> + <p> + "Charley will do it all well," said my uncle; "leave him alone. And now + let us have in the supper." + </p> + <p> + It was only on the following morning, as the tandem came round to the + door, that I began to feel the importance of my mission, and certain + misgivings came over me as to my ability to fulfil it. Mr. Blake and his + family, though estranged from my uncle for several years past, had been + always most kind and good-natured to me; and although I could not, with + propriety, have cultivated any close intimacy with them, I had every + reason to suppose that they entertained towards me nothing but sentiments + of good-will. The head of the family was a Galway squire of the oldest and + most genuine stock, a great sportsman, a negligent farmer, and most + careless father; he looked upon a fox as an infinitely more precious part + of the creation than a French governess, and thought that riding well with + hounds was a far better gift than all the learning of a Parson. His + daughters were after his own heart,—the best-tempered, + least-educated, most high-spirited, gay, dashing, ugly girls in the + county, ready to ride over a four-foot paling without a saddle, and to + dance the "Wind that shakes the barley" for four consecutive hours, + against all the officers that their hard fate, and the Horse Guards, ever + condemned to Galway. + </p> + <p> + The mamma was only remarkable for her liking for whist, and her invariable + good fortune thereat,—a circumstance the world were agreed in + ascribing less to the blind goddess than her own natural endowments. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, the heir of the house was a stripling of about my own age, whose + accomplishments were limited to selling spavined and broken-winded horses + to the infantry officers, playing a safe game at billiards, and acting as + jackal-general to his sisters at balls, providing them with a sufficiency + of partners, and making a strong fight for a place at the supper-table for + his mother. These fraternal and filial traits, more honored at home than + abroad, had made Mr. Matthew Blake a rather well-known individual in the + neighborhood where he lived. + </p> + <p> + Though Mr. Blake's property was ample, and strange to say for his county, + unencumbered, the whole air and appearance of his house and grounds + betrayed anything rather than a sufficiency of means. The gate lodge was a + miserable mud-hovel with a thatched and falling roof; the gate itself, a + wooden contrivance, one half of which was boarded and the other railed; + the avenue was covered with weeds, and deep with ruts; and the clumps of + young plantation, which had been planted and fenced with care, were now + open to the cattle, and either totally uprooted or denuded of their bark + and dying. The lawn, a handsome one of some forty acres, had been devoted + to an exercise-ground for training horses, and was cut up by their feet + beyond all semblance of its original destination; and the house itself, a + large and venerable structure of above a century old, displayed every + variety of contrivance, as well as the usual one of glass, to exclude the + weather. The hall-door hung by a single hinge, and required three persons + each morning and evening to open and shut it; the remainder of the day it + lay pensively open; the steps which led to it were broken and falling; and + the whole aspect of things without was ruinous in the extreme. Within, + matters were somewhat better, for though the furniture was old, and none + of it clean, yet an appearance of comfort was evident; and the large + grate, blazing with its pile of red-hot turf, the deep-cushioned chairs, + the old black mahogany dinner-table, and the soft carpet, albeit deep with + dust, were not to be despised on a winter's evening, after a hard day's + run with the "Blazers." Here it was, however, that Mr. Philip Blake had + dispensed his hospitalities for above fifty years, and his father before + him; and here, with a retinue of servants as <i>gauches</i> and + ill-ordered as all about them, was he accustomed to invite all that the + county possessed of rank and wealth, among which the officers quartered in + his neighborhood were never neglected, the Miss Blakes having as decided a + taste for the army as any young ladies of the west of Ireland; and while + the Galway squire, with his cords and tops, was detailing the latest news + from Ballinasloe in one corner, the dandy from St. James's Street might be + seen displaying more arts of seductive flattery in another than his most + accurate <i>insouciane</i> would permit him to practise in the elegant + salons of London or Paris, and the same man who would have "cut his + brother," for a solecism of dress or equipage, in Bond Street, was now to + be seen quietly domesticated, eating family dinners, rolling silk for the + young ladies, going down the middle in a country dance, and even + descending to the indignity of long whist at "tenpenny" points, with only + the miserable consolation that the company were not honest. + </p> + <p> + It was upon a clear frosty morning, when a bright blue sky and a sharp but + bracing air seem to exercise upon the feelings a sense no less pleasurable + than the balmiest breeze and warmest sun of summer, that I whipped my + leader short round, and entered the precincts of "Gurt-na-Morra." As I + proceeded along the avenue, I was struck by the slight traces of repairs + here and there evident,—a gate or two that formerly had been + parallel to the horizon had been raised to the perpendicular; some + ineffectual efforts at paint were also perceptible upon the palings; and, + in short, everything seemed to have undergone a kind of attempt at + improvement. + </p> + <p> + When I reached the door, instead of being surrounded, as of old, by a + tribe of menials frieze-coated, bare-headed, and bare-legged, my presence + was announced by a tremendous ringing of bells from the hands of an old + functionary in a very formidable livery, who peeped at me through the + hall-window, and whom, with the greatest difficulty, I recognized as my + quondam acquaintance, the butler. His wig alone would have graced a king's + counsel; and the high collar of his coat, and the stiff pillory of his + cravat denoted an eternal adieu to so humble a vocation as drawing a cork. + Before I had time for any conjecture as to the altered circumstances + about, the activity of my friend at the bell had surrounded me with "four + others worse than himself," at least they were exactly similarly attired; + and probably from the novelty of their costume, and the restraints of so + unusual a thing as dress, were as perfectly unable to assist themselves or + others as the Court of Aldermen would be were they to rig out in plate + armor of the fourteenth century. How much longer I might have gone on + conjecturing the reasons for the masquerade around, I cannot say; but my + servant, an Irish disciple of my uncle's, whispered in my ear, "It's a + red-breeches day, Master Charles,—they'll have the hoith of company + in the house." From the phrase, it needed little explanation to inform me + that it was one of those occasions on which Mr. Blake attired all the + hangers-on of his house in livery, and that great preparations were in + progress for a more than usually splendid reception. + </p> + <p> + In the next moment I was ushered into the breakfast-room, where a party of + above a dozen persons were most gayly enjoying all the good cheer for + which the house had a well-deserved repute. After the usual shaking of + hands and hearty greetings were over, I was introduced in all form to Sir + George Dashwood, a tall and singularly handsome man of about fifty, with + an undress military frock and ribbon. His reception of me was somewhat + strange; for as they mentioned my relationship to Godfrey O'Malley, he + smiled slightly, and whispered something to Mr. Blake, who replied, "Oh, + no, no; not the least. A mere boy; and besides—" What he added I + lost, for at that moment Nora Blake was presenting me to Miss Dashwood. + </p> + <p> + If the sweetest blue eyes that ever beamed beneath a forehead of snowy + whiteness, over which dark brown and waving hair fell less in curls than + masses of locky richness, could only have known what wild work they were + making of my poor heart, Miss Dashwood, I trust, would have looked at her + teacup or her muffin rather than at me, as she actually did on that fatal + morning. If I were to judge from her costume, she had only just arrived, + and the morning air had left upon her cheek a bloom that contributed + greatly to the effect of her lovely countenance. Although very young, her + form had all the roundness of womanhood; while her gay and sprightly + manner indicated all the <i>sans gêne</i> which only very young girls + possess, and which, when tempered with perfect good taste, and accompanied + by beauty and no small share of talent, forms an irresistible power of + attraction. + </p> + <p> + Beside her sat a tall, handsome man of about five-and-thirty or perhaps + forty years of age, with a most soldierly air, who as I was presented to + him scarcely turned his head, and gave me a half-nod of very unequivocal + coldness. There are moments in life in which the heart is, as it were, + laid bare to any chance or casual impression with a wondrous sensibility + of pleasure or its opposite. This to me was one of those; and as I turned + from the lovely girl, who had received me with a marked courtesy, to the + cold air and repelling <i>hauteur</i> of the dark-browed captain, the + blood rushed throbbing to my forehead; and as I walked to my place at the + table, I eagerly sought his eye, to return him a look of defiance and + disdain, proud and contemptuous as his own. Captain Hammersley, however, + never took further notice of me, but continued to recount, for the + amusement of those about him, several excellent stories of his military + career, which, I confess, were heard with every test of delight by all + save me. One thing galled me particularly,—and how easy is it, when + you have begun by disliking a person, to supply food for your antipathy,—all + his allusions to his military life were coupled with half-hinted and + ill-concealed sneers at civilians of every kind, as though every man not a + soldier were absolutely unfit for common intercourse with the world, still + more for any favorable reception in ladies' society. + </p> + <p> + The young ladies of the family were a well-chosen auditory, for their + admiration of the army extended from the Life Guards to the Veteran + Battalion, the Sappers and Miners included; and as Miss Dashwood was the + daughter of a soldier, she of course coincided in many of, if not all, his + opinions. I turned towards my neighbor, a Clare gentleman, and tried to + engage him in conversation, but he was breathlessly attending to the + captain. On my left sat Matthew Blake, whose eyes were firmly riveted upon + the same person, and who heard his marvels with an interest scarcely + inferior to that of his sisters. Annoyed and in ill-temper, I ate my + breakfast in silence, and resolved that the first moment I could obtain a + hearing from Mr. Blake I would open my negotiation, and take my leave at + once of Gurt-na-Morra. + </p> + <p> + We all assembled in a large room, called by courtesy the library, when + breakfast was over; and then it was that Mr. Blake, taking me aside, + whispered, "Charley, it's right I should inform you that Sir George + Dashwood there is the Commander of the Forces, and is come down here at + this moment to—" What for, or how it should concern me, I was not to + learn; for at that critical instant my informant's attention was called + off by Captain Hammersley asking if the hounds were to hunt that day. + </p> + <p> + "My friend Charley here is the best authority upon that matter," said Mr. + Blake, turning towards me. + </p> + <p> + "They are to try the Priest's meadows," said I, with an air of some + importance; "but if your guests desire a day's sport, I'll send word over + to Brackely to bring the dogs over here, and we are sure to find a fox in + your cover." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, then, by all means," said the captain, turning towards Mr. Blake, and + addressing himself to him,—"by all means; and Miss Dashwood, I'm + sure, would like to see the hounds throw off." + </p> + <p> + Whatever chagrin the first part of his speech caused me, the latter set my + heart a-throbbing; and I hastened from the room to despatch a messenger to + the huntsman to come over to Gurt-na-Morra, and also another to O'Malley + Castle to bring my best horse and my riding equipments as quickly as + possible. + </p> + <p> + "Matthew, who is this captain?" said I, as young Blake met me in the hall. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, he is the aide-de-camp of General Dashwood. A nice fellow, isn't he?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what you may think," said I, "but I take him for the most + impertinent, impudent, supercilious—" + </p> + <p> + The rest of my civil speech was cut short by the appearance of the very + individual in question, who, with his hands in his pockets and a cigar in + his mouth, sauntered forth down the steps, taking no more notice of + Matthew Blake and myself than the two fox-terriers that followed at his + heels. + </p> + <p> + However anxious I might be to open negotiations on the subject of my + mission, for the present the thing was impossible; for I found that Sir + George Dashwood was closeted closely with Mr. Blake, and resolved to wait + till evening, when chance might afford me the opportunity I desired. + </p> + <p> + As the ladies had retired to dress for the hunt, and as I felt no peculiar + desire to ally myself with the unsocial captain, I accompanied Matthew to + the stable to look after the cattle, and make preparations for the coming + sport. + </p> + <p> + "There's Captain Hammersley's mare," said Matthew, as he pointed out a + highly bred but powerful English hunter. "She came last night; for as he + expected some sport, he sent his horses from Dublin on purpose. The others + will be here to-day." + </p> + <p> + "What is his regiment?" said I, with an appearance of carelessness, but in + reality feeling curious to know if the captain was a cavalry or infantry + officer. + </p> + <p> + "The —th Light Dragoons," + </p> + <p> + "You never saw him ride?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Never; but his groom there says he leads the way in his own country." + </p> + <p> + "And where may that be?" + </p> + <p> + "In Leicestershire, no less," said Matthew. + </p> + <p> + "Does he know Galway?" + </p> + <p> + "Never was in it before. It's only this minute he asked Moses Daly if the + ox-fences were high here." + </p> + <p> + "Ox-fences! Then he does not know what a wall is?" + </p> + <p> + "Devil a bit; but we'll teach him." + </p> + <p> + "That we will," said I, with as bitter a resolution to impart the + instruction as ever schoolmaster did to whip Latin grammar into one of the + great unbreeched. + </p> + <p> + "But I had better send the horses down to the Mill," said Matthew; "we'll + draw that cover first." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he turned towards the stable, while I sauntered alone towards + the road by which I expected the huntsman. I had not walked half a mile + before I heard the yelping of the dogs, and a little farther on I saw old + Brackely coming along at a brisk trot, cutting the hounds on each side, + and calling after the stragglers. + </p> + <p> + "Did you see my horse on the road, Brackely?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "I did, Misther Charles; and troth, I'm sorry to see him. Sure yerself + knows better than to take out the Badger, the best steeple-chaser in + Ireland, in such a country as this,—nothing but awkward + stone-fences, and not a foot of sure ground in the whole of it." + </p> + <p> + "I know it well, Brackely; but I have my reasons for it." + </p> + <p> + "Well, may be you have; what cover will your honor try first?" + </p> + <p> + "They talk of the Mill," said I; "but I'd much rather try Morran-a-Gowl." + </p> + <p> + "Morran-a-Gowl! Do you want to break your neck entirely?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Brackely, not mine." + </p> + <p> + "Whose, then, alannah?" + </p> + <p> + "An English captain's, the devil fly away with him! He's come down here + to-day, and from all I can see is a most impudent fellow; so, Brackely—" + </p> + <p> + "I understand. Well, leave it to me; and though I don't like the only + deer-park wall on the hill, we'll try it this morning with the blessing. + I'll take him down by Woodford, over the Devil's Mouth,—it's + eighteen foot wide this minute with the late rains,—into the four + callows; then over the stone-walls, down to Dangan; then take a short cast + up the hill, blow him a bit, and give him the park wall at the top. You + must come in then fresh, and give him the whole run home over Sleibhmich. + The Badger knows it all, and takes the road always in a fly,—a + mighty distressing thing for the horse that follows, more particularly if + he does not understand a stony country. Well, if he lives through this, + give him the sunk fence and the stone wall at Mr. Blake's clover-field, + for the hounds will run into the fox about there; and though we never ride + that leap since Mr. Malone broke his neck at it, last October, yet upon an + occasion like this, and for the honor of Galway—" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure, Brackely; and here's a guinea for you, and now trot on + towards the house. They must not see us together, or they might suspect + something. But, Brackely," said I, calling out after him, "if he rides at + all fair, what's to be done?" + </p> + <p> + "Troth, then, myself doesn't know. There is nothing so bad west of + Athlone. Have ye a great spite again him?" + </p> + <p> + "I have," said I, fiercely. + </p> + <p> + "Could ye coax a fight out of him?" + </p> + <p> + "That's true," said I; "and now ride on as fast as you can." + </p> + <p> + Brackely's last words imparted a lightness to my heart and my step, and I + strode along a very different man from what I had left the house half an + hour previously. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + THE HUNT. + </p> + <p> + Although we had not the advantages of a southerly wind and cloudy sky, the + day towards noon became strongly over-cast, and promised to afford us good + scenting weather; and as we assembled at the meet, mutual congratulations + were exchanged upon the improved appearance of the day. Young Blake had + provided Miss Dashwood with a quiet and well-trained horse, and his + sisters were all mounted as usual upon their own animals, giving to our + turnout quite a gay and lively aspect. I myself came to cover upon a + hackney, having sent Badger with a groom, and longed ardently for the + moment when, casting the skin of my great-coat and overalls, I should + appear before the world in my well-appointed "cords and tops." Captain + Hammersley had not as yet made his appearance, and many conjectures were + afloat as to whether "he might have missed the road, or changed his mind," + or "forgot all about it," as Miss Dashwood hinted. + </p> + <p> + "Who, pray, pitched upon this cover?" said Caroline Blake, as she looked + with a practised eye over the country on either side. + </p> + <p> + "There is no chance of a fox late in the day at the Mill," said the + huntsman, inventing a lie for the occasion. + </p> + <p> + "Then of course you never intend us to see much of the sport; for after + you break cover, you are entirely lost to us." + </p> + <p> + "I thought you always followed the hounds," said Miss Dashwood, timidly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, to be sure we do, in any common country, but here it is out of the + question; the fences are too large for any one, and if I am not mistaken, + these gentlemen will not ride far over this. There, look yonder, where the + river is rushing down the hill: that stream, widening as it advances, + crosses the cover nearly midway,—well, they must clear that; and + then you may see these walls of large loose stones nearly five feet in + height. That is the usual course the fox takes, unless he heads towards + the hills and goes towards Dangan, and then there's an end of it; for the + deer-park wall is usually a pull up to every one except, perhaps, to our + friend Charley yonder, who has tried his fortune against drowning more + than once there." + </p> + <p> + "Look, here he comes," said Matthew Blake, "and looking splendidly too,—a + little too much in flesh perhaps, if anything." + </p> + <p> + "Captain Hammersley!" said the four Miss Blakes, in a breath. "Where is + he?" + </p> + <p> + "No; it's the Badger I'm speaking of," said Matthew, laughing, and + pointing with his finger towards a corner of the field where my servant + was leisurely throwing down a wall about two feet high to let him pass. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how handsome! What a charger for a dragoon!" said Miss Dashwood. + </p> + <p> + Any other mode of praising my steed would have been much more acceptable. + The word "dragoon" was a thorn in my tenderest part that rankled and + lacerated at every stir. In a moment I was in the saddle, and scarcely + seated when at once all the <i>mauvais honte</i> of boyhood left me, and I + felt every inch a man. I often look back to that moment of my life, and + comparing it with similar ones, cannot help acknowledging how purely is + the self-possession which so often wins success the result of some slight + and trivial association. My confidence in my horsemanship suggested moral + courage of a very different kind; and I felt that Charles O'Malley + curvetting upon a thorough-bred, and the same man ambling upon a shelty, + were two and very dissimilar individuals. + </p> + <p> + "No chance of the captain," said Matthew, who had returned from a <i>reconnaissance</i> + upon the road; "and after all it's a pity, for the day is getting quite + favorable." + </p> + <p> + While the young ladies formed pickets to look out for the gallant <i>militaire</i>, + I seized the opportunity of prosecuting my acquaintance with Miss + Dashwood, and even in the few and passing observations that fell from her, + learned how very different an order of being she was from all I had + hitherto seen of country belles. A mixture of courtesy with <i>naïveté;</i> + a wish to please, with a certain feminine gentleness, that always flatters + a man, and still more a boy that fain would be one,—gained + momentarily more and more upon me, and put me also on my mettle to prove + to my fair companion that I was not altogether a mere uncultivated and + unthinking creature, like the remainder of those about me. + </p> + <p> + "Here he is at last," said Helen Blake, as she cantered across a field + waving her handkerchief as a signal to the captain, who was now seen + approaching at a brisk trot. + </p> + <p> + As he came along, a small fence intervened; he pressed his horse a little, + and as he kissed hands to the fair Helen, cleared it in a bound, and was + in an instant in the midst of us. + </p> + <p> + "He sits his horse like a man, Misther Charles," said the old huntsman; + "troth, we must give him the worst bit of it." + </p> + <p> + Captain Hammersley was, despite all the critical acumen with which I + canvassed him, the very beau-ideal of a gentleman rider; indeed, although + a very heavy man, his powerful English thorough-bred, showing not less + bone than blood, took away all semblance of overweight; his saddle was + well fitting and well placed, as also was his large and broad-reined + snaffle; his own costume of black coat, leathers, and tops was in perfect + keeping, and even to his heavy-handled hunting-whip I could find nothing + to cavil at. As he rode up he paid his respects to the ladies in his usual + free and easy manner, expressed some surprise, but no regret, at hearing + that he was late, and never deigning any notice of Matthew or myself, took + his place beside Miss Dashwood, with whom he conversed in a low undertone. + </p> + <p> + "There they go!" said Matthew, as five or six dogs, with their heads up, + ran yelping along a furrow, then stopped, howled again, and once more set + off together. In an instant all was commotion in the little valley below + us. The huntsman, with his hand to his mouth, was calling off the + stragglers, and the whipper-in followed up the leading dogs with the rest + of the pack. "They've found! They're away!" said Matthew; and as he spoke + a yell burst from the valley, and in an instant the whole pack were off at + full speed. Rather more intent that moment upon showing off my + horsemanship than anything else, I dashed spurs into Badger's sides, and + turned him towards a rasping ditch before me; over we went, hurling down + behind us a rotten bank of clay and small stones, showing how little + safety there had been in topping instead of clearing it at a bound. Before + I was well-seated again the captain was beside me. "Now for it, then," + said I; and away we went. What might be the nature of his feelings I + cannot pretend to state, but my own were a strange <i>mélange</i> of wild, + boyish enthusiasm, revenge, and recklessness. For my own neck I cared + little,—nothing; and as I led the way by half a length, I muttered + to myself, "Let him follow me fairly this day, and I ask no more." + </p> + <p> + The dogs had got somewhat the start of us; and as they were in full cry, + and going fast, we were a little behind. A thought therefore struck me + that, by appearing to take a short cut upon the hounds, I should come down + upon the river where its breadth was greatest, and thus, at one coup, + might try my friend's mettle and his horse's performance at the same time. + On we went, our speed increasing, till the roar of the river we were now + approaching was plainly audible. I looked half around, and now perceived + the captain was standing in his stirrups, as if to obtain a view of what + was before him; otherwise his countenance was calm and unmoved, and not a + muscle betrayed that he was not cantering on a parade. I fixed myself + firmly in my seat, shook my horse a little together, and with a shout + whose import every Galway hunter well knows rushed him at the river. I saw + the water dashing among the large stones; I heard it splash; I felt a + bound like the <i>ricochet</i> of a shot; and we were over, but so + narrowly that the bank had yielded beneath his hind legs, and it needed a + bold effort of the noble animal to regain his footing. Scarcely was he + once more firm, when Hammersley flew by me, taking the lead, and sitting + quietly in his saddle, as if racing. I know of little in my after-life + like the agony of that moment; for although I was far, very far, from + wishing real ill to him, yet I would gladly have broken my leg or my arm + if he could not have been able to follow me. And now, there he was, + actually a length and a half in advance! and worse than all, Miss Dashwood + must have witnessed the whole, and doubtless his leap over the river was + better and bolder than mine. One consolation yet remained, and while I + whispered it to myself I felt comforted again. "His is an English mare. + They understand these leaps; but what can he make of a Galway wall?" The + question was soon to be solved. Before us, about three fields, were the + hounds still in full cry; a large stone-wall lay between, and to it we + both directed our course together. "Ha!" thought I, "he is floored at + last," as I perceived that the captain held his course rather more in + hand, and suffered me to lead. "Now, then, for it!" So saying, I rode at + the largest part I could find, well knowing that Badger's powers were here + in their element. One spring, one plunge, and away we were, galloping + along at the other side. Not so the captain; his horse had refused the + fence, and he was now taking a circuit of the field for another trial of + it. + </p> + <p> + "Pounded, by Jove!" said I, as I turned round in my saddle to observe him. + Once more she came at it, and once more balked, rearing up, at the same + time, almost so as to fall backward. + </p> + <p> + My triumph was complete; and I again was about to follow the hounds, when, + throwing a look back, I saw Hammersley clearing the wall in a most + splendid manner, and taking a stretch of at least thirteen feet beyond it. + Once more he was on my flanks, and the contest renewed. Whatever might be + the sentiments of the riders (mine I confess to), between the horses it + now became a tremendous struggle. The English mare, though evidently + superior in stride and strength, was slightly overweighted, and had not, + besides, that cat-like activity an Irish horse possesses; so that the + advantages and disadvantages on either side were about equalized. For + about half an hour now the pace was awful. We rode side by side, taking + our leaps at exactly the same instant, and not four feet apart. The hounds + were still considerably in advance, and were heading towards the Shannon, + when suddenly the fox doubled, took the hillside, and made for Dangan. + "Now, then, comes the trial of strength," I said, half aloud, as I threw + my eye up a steep and rugged mountain, covered with wild furze and tall + heath, around the crest of which ran, in a zigzag direction, a broken and + dilapidated wall, once the enclosure of a deer park. This wall, which + varied from four to six feet in height, was of solid masonry, and would, + in the most favorable ground, have been a bold leap. Here, at the summit + of a mountain, with not a yard of footing, it was absolutely desperation. + </p> + <p> + By the time that we reached the foot of the hill, the fox, followed + closely by the hounds, had passed through a breach in the wall; while + Matthew Blake, with the huntsmen and whipper-in, was riding along in + search of a gap to lead the horses through. Before I put spurs to Badger + to face the hill, I turned one look towards Hammersley. There was a slight + curl, half-smile, half-sneer, upon his lip that actually maddened me, and + had a precipice yawned beneath my feet, I should have dashed at it after + that. The ascent was so steep that I was obliged to take the hill in a + slanting direction; and even thus, the loose footing rendered it dangerous + in the extreme. + </p> + <p> + At length I reached the crest, where the wall, more than five feet in + height, stood frowning above and seeming to defy me. I turned my horse + full round, so that his very chest almost touched the stones, and with a + bold cut of the whip and a loud halloo, the gallant animal rose, as if + rearing, pawed for an instant to regain his balance, and then, with a + frightful struggle, fell backwards, and rolled from top to bottom of the + hill, carrying me along with him; the last object that crossed my sight, + as I lay bruised and motionless, being the captain as he took the wall in + a flying leap, and disappeared at the other side. After a few scrambling + efforts to rise, Badger regained his legs and stood beside me; but such + was the shock and concussion of my fall that all the objects around seemed + wavering and floating before me, while showers of bright sparks fell in + myriads before my eyes. I tried to rise, but fell back helpless. Cold + perspiration broke over my forehead, and I fainted. From that moment I can + remember nothing, till I felt myself galloping along at full speed upon a + level table-land, with the hounds about three fields in advance, + Hammersley riding foremost, and taking all his leaps coolly as ever. As I + swayed to either side upon my saddle, from weakness, I was lost to all + thought or recollection, save a flickering memory of some plan of + vengeance, which still urged me forward. The chase had now lasted above an + hour, and both hounds and horses began to feel the pace at which they were + going. As for me, I rode mechanically; I neither knew nor cared for the + dangers before me. My eye rested on but one object; my whole being was + concentrated upon one vague and undefined sense of revenge. At this + instant the huntsman came alongside of me. + </p> + <p> + "Are you hurted, Misther Charles? Did you fall? Your cheek is all blood, + and your coat is torn in two; and, Mother o' God! his boot is ground to + powder; he does not hear me! Oh, pull up! pull up, for the love of the + Virgin! There's the clover-field and the sunk fence before you, and you'll + be killed on the spot!" + </p> + <p> + "Where?" cried I, with the cry of a madman. "Where's the clover-field; + where's the sunk fence? Ha! I see it; I see it now." + </p> + <p> + So saying, I dashed the rowels into my horse's flanks, and in an instant + was beyond the reach of the poor fellow's remonstances. Another moment I + was beside the captain. He turned round as I came up; the same smile was + upon his mouth; I could have struck him. About three hundred yards before + us lay the sunk fence; its breadth was about twenty feet, and a wall of + close brickwork formed its face. Over this the hounds were now clambering; + some succeeded in crossing, but by far the greater number fell back, + howling, into the ditch. + </p> + <p> + I turned towards Hammersley. He was standing high in his stirrups, and as + he looked towards the yawning fence, down which the dogs were tumbling in + masses, I thought (perhaps it was but a thought) that his cheek was paler. + I looked again; he was pulling at his horse. Ha! it was true then; he + would not face it. I turned round in my saddle, looked him full in the + face, and as I pointed with my whip to the leap, called out in a voice + hoarse with passion, "Come on!" I saw no more. All objects were lost to me + from that moment. When next my senses cleared, I was standing amidst the + dogs, where they had just killed. Badger stood blown and trembling beside + me, his head drooping and his flanks gored with spur-marks. I looked + about, but all consciousness of the past had fled; the concussion of my + fall had shaken my intellect, and I was like one but half-awake. One + glimpse, short and fleeting, of what was taking place shot through my + brain, as old Brackely whispered to me, "By my soul, ye did for the + captain there." I turned a vague look upon him, and my eyes fell upon the + figure of a man that lay stretched and bleeding upon a door before me. His + pale face was crossed with a purple stream of blood that trickled from a + wound beside his eyebrow; his arms lay motionless and heavily at either + side. I knew him not. A loud report of a pistol aroused me from my stupor; + I looked back. I saw a crowd that broke suddenly asunder and fled right + and left. I heard a heavy crash upon the ground; I pointed with my finger, + for I could not utter a word. + </p> + <p> + "It is the English mare, yer honor; she was a beauty this morning, but + she's broke her shoulder-bone and both her legs, and it was best to put + her out of pain." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + THE DRAWING-ROOM. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth day following the adventure detailed in the last chapter, I + made my appearance in the drawing-room, my cheek well blanched by copious + bleeding, and my step tottering and uncertain. On entering the room, I + looked about in vain for some one who might give me an insight into the + occurrences of the four preceding days; but no one was to be met with. The + ladies, I learned, were out riding; Matthew was buying a new setter, Mr. + Blake was canvassing, and Captain Hammersley was in bed. Where was Miss + Dashwood?—in her room; and Sir George?—he was with Mr. Blake. + </p> + <p> + "What! Canvassing, too?" + </p> + <p> + "Troth, that same was possible," was the intelligent reply of the old + butler, at which I could not help smiling. I sat down, therefore, in the + easiest chair I could find, and unfolding the county paper, resolved upon + learning how matters were going on in the political world. But somehow, + whether the editor was not brilliant or the fire was hot or that my own + dreams were pleasanter to indulge in than his fancies, I fell sound + asleep. + </p> + <p> + How differently is the mind attuned to the active, busy world of thought + and action when awakened from sleep by any sudden and rude summons to + arise and be stirring, and when called into existence by the sweet and + silvery notes of softest music stealing over the senses, and while they + impart awakening thoughts of bliss and beauty, scarcely dissipating the + dreamy influence of slumber! Such was my first thought, as, with closed + lids, the thrilling chords of a harp broke upon my sleep and aroused me to + a feeling of unutterable pleasure. I turned gently round in my chair and + beheld Miss Dashwood. She was seated in a recess of an old-fashioned + window; the pale yellow glow of a wintry sun at evening fell upon her + beautiful hair, and tinged it with such a light as I have often since then + seen in Rembrandt's pictures; her head leaned upon the harp, and as she + struck its chords at random, I saw that her mind was far away from all + around her. As I looked, she suddenly started from her leaning attitude, + and parting back her curls from her brow, she preluded a few chords, and + then sighed forth, rather than sang, that most beautiful of Moore's + melodies,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "She is far from the land where her young hero sleeps." +</pre> + <p> + Never before had such pathos, such deep utterance of feeling, met my + astonished sense; I listened breathlessly as the tears fell one by one + down my cheek; my bosom heaved and fell; and when she ceased, I hid my + head between my hands and sobbed aloud. In an instant, she was beside me, + and placing her hand upon my shoulder, said,— + </p> + <p> + "Poor dear boy, I never suspected you of being there, or I should not have + sung that mournful air." + </p> + <p> + I started and looked up; and from what I know not, but she suddenly + crimsoned to her very forehead, while she added in a less assured tone,— + </p> + <p> + "I hope, Mr. O'Malley, that you are much better; and I trust there is no + imprudence in your being here." + </p> + <p> + "For the latter, I shall not answer," said I, with a sickly smile; "but + already I feel your music has done me service." + </p> + <p> + "Then let me sing more for you." + </p> + <p> + "If I am to have a choice, I should say, Sit down, and let me hear you + talk to me. My illness and the doctor together have made wild work of my + poor brain; but if you will talk to me—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, what shall it be about? Shall I tell you a fairy tale?" + </p> + <p> + "I need it not; I feel I am in one this instant." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, what say you to a legend; for I am rich in my stores of + them?" + </p> + <p> + "The O'Malleys have their chronicles, wild and barbarous enough without + the aid of Thor and Woden." + </p> + <p> + "Then, shall we chat of every-day matters? Should you like to hear how the + election and the canvass go on?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; of all things." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, most favorably. Two baronies, with most unspeakable names, + have declared for us, and confidence is rapidly increasing among our + party. This I learned, by chance, yesterday; for papa never permits us to + know anything of these matters,—not even the names of the + candidates." + </p> + <p> + "Well, that was the very point I was coming to; for the government were + about to send down some one just as I left home, and I am most anxious to + learn who it is." + </p> + <p> + "Then am I utterly valueless; for I really can't say what party the + government espouses, and only know of our own." + </p> + <p> + "Quite enough for me that you wish it success," said I, gallantly. + "Perhaps you can tell me if my uncle has heard of my accident?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes; but somehow he has not been here himself, but sent a friend,—a + Mr. Considine, I think; a very strange person he seemed. He demanded to + see papa, and it seems, asked him if your misfortune had been a thing of + his contrivance, and whether he was ready to explain his conduct about it; + and, in fact, I believe he is mad." + </p> + <p> + "Heaven confound him!" I muttered between my teeth. + </p> + <p> + "And then he wished to have an interview with Captain Hammersley. However, + he is too ill; but as the doctor hoped he might be down-stairs in a week, + Mr. Considine kindly hinted that he should wait." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, then, do tell me how is the captain." + </p> + <p> + "Very much bruised, very much disfigured, they say," said she, half + smiling; "but not so much hurt in body as in mind." + </p> + <p> + "As how, may I ask?" said I, with an appearance of innocence. + </p> + <p> + "I don't exactly understand it; but it would appear that there was + something like rivalry among you gentlemen <i>chasseurs</i> on that + luckless morning, and that while you paid the penalty of a broken head, he + was destined to lose his horse and break his arm." + </p> + <p> + "I certainly am sorry,—most sincerely sorry for any share I might + have had in the catastrophe; and my greatest regret, I confess, arises + from the fact that I should cause <i>you</i> unhappiness." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Me</i>? Pray explain." + </p> + <p> + "Why, as Captain Hammersley—" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley, you are too young now to mate me suspect you have an + intention to offend; but I caution you, never repeat this." + </p> + <p> + I saw that I had transgressed, but how, I most honestly confess, I could + not guess; for though I certainly was the senior of my fair companion in + years, I was most lamentably her junior in tact and discretion. + </p> + <p> + The gray dusk of evening had long fallen as we continued to chat together + beside the blazing wood embers,—she evidently amusing herself with + the original notions of an untutored, unlettered boy, and I drinking deep + those draughts of love that nerved my heart through many a breach and + battlefield. + </p> + <p> + Our colloquy was at length interrupted by the entrance of Sir George, who + shook me most cordially by the hand, and made the kindest inquiries about + my health. + </p> + <p> + "They tell me you are to be a lawyer. Mr. O'Malley," said he; "and if so, + I must advise you to take better care of your headpiece." + </p> + <p> + "A lawyer, Papa; oh dear me! I should never have thought of his being + anything so stupid." + </p> + <p> + "Why, silly girl, what would you have a man be?" + </p> + <p> + "A dragoon, to be sure, Papa," said the fond girl, as she pressed her arm + around his manly figure, and looked up in his face with an expression of + mingled pride and affection. + </p> + <p> + That word sealed my destiny. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + THE DINNER. + </p> + <p> + When I retired to my room to dress for dinner, I found my servant waiting + with a note from my uncle, to which, he informed me, the messenger + expected an answer. + </p> + <p> + I broke the seal and read:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DEAR CHARLEY,—Do not lose a moment in securing old Blake,—if + you have not already done so,—as information has just reached + me that the government party has promised a cornetcy to young + Matthew if he can bring over his father. And these are the people + I have been voting with—a few private cases excepted—for thirty + odd years! + + I am very sorry for your accident. Considine informs me that it + will need explanation at a later period. He has been in Athlone + since Tuesday, in hopes to catch the new candidate on his way down, + and get him into a little private quarrel before the day; if he + succeeds, it will save the county much expense, and conduce greatly to + the peace and happiness of all parties. But "these things," as Father + Roach says, "are in the hands of Providence." You must also persuade + old Blake to write a few lines to Simon Mallock, about the + Coolnamuck mortgage. We can give him no satisfaction at present, + at least such as he looks for; and don't be philandering any longer + where you are, when your health permits a change of quarters. + + Your affectionate uncle, + GODFREY O'MALLEY. + + P.S. I have just heard from Considine. He was out this morning + and shot a fellow in the knee; but finds that after all he was + not the candidate, but a tourist that was writing a book about + Connemara. + + P.S. No. 2. Bear the mortgage in mind, for old Mallock is a + spiteful fellow, and has a grudge against me, since I horsewhipped + his son in Banagher. Oh, the world, the world! G. O'M. +</pre> + <p> + Until I read this very clear epistle to the end, I had no very precise + conception how completely I had forgotten all my uncle's interests, and + neglected all his injunctions. Already five days had elapsed, and I had + not as much as mooted the question to Mr. Blake, and probably all this + time my uncle was calculating on the thing as concluded; but, with one + hole in my head and some half-dozen in my heart, my memory was none of the + best. + </p> + <p> + Snatching up the letter, therefore, I resolved to lose no more time, and + proceeded at once to Mr. Blake's room, expecting that I should, as the + event proved, find him engaged in the very laborious duty of making his + toilet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0055.jpg" alt="Mr. Blake's Dressing Room. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Come in, Charley," said he, as I tapped gently at the door. "It's only + Charley, my darling. Mrs. B. won't mind you." + </p> + <p> + "Not the least in life," responded Mrs. B., disposing at the same time a + pair of her husband's corduroys tippet fashion across her ample shoulders, + which before were displayed in the plenitude and breadth of coloring we + find in a Rubens. "Sit down, Charley, and tell us what's the matter." + </p> + <p> + As until this moment I was in perfect ignorance of the Adam-and-Eve-like + simplicity in which the private economy of Mr. Blake's household was + conducted, I would have gladly retired from what I found to be a mutual + territory of dressing-room had not Mr. Blake's injunctions been issued + somewhat like an order to remain. + </p> + <p> + "It's only a letter, sir," said I, stuttering, "from my uncle about the + election. He says that as his majority is now certain, he should feel + better pleased in going to the poll with all the family, you know, sir, + along with him. He wishes me just to sound your intentions,—to make + out how you feel disposed towards him; and—and, faith, as I am but a + poor diplomatist, I thought the best way was to come straight to the point + and tell you so." + </p> + <p> + "I perceive," said Mr. Blake, giving his chin at the moment an awful gash + with the razor,—"I perceive; go on." + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir, I have little more to say. My uncle knows what influence you + have in Scariff, and expects you'll do what you can there." + </p> + <p> + "Anything more?" said Blake, with a very dry and quizzical expression I + didn't half like,—"anything more?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes; you are to write a line to old Mallock." + </p> + <p> + "I understand; about Coolnamuck, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Exactly; I believe that's all." + </p> + <p> + "Well, now, Charley, you may go down-stairs, and we'll talk it over after + dinner." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Charley dear, go down, for I'm going to draw on my stockings," said + the fair Mrs. Blake, with a look of very modest consciousness. + </p> + <p> + When I had left the room I couldn't help muttering a "Thank God!" for the + success of a mission I more than once feared for, and hastened to despatch + a note to my uncle, assuring him of the Blake interest, and adding that + for propriety's sake I should defer my departure for a day or two longer. + </p> + <p> + This done, with a heart lightened of its load and in high spirits at my + cleverness, I descended to the drawing-room. Here a very large party were + already assembled, and at every opening of the door a new relay of Blakes, + Burkes, and Bodkins was introduced. In the absence of the host, Sir George + Dashwood was "making the agreeable" to the guests, and shook hands with + every new arrival with all the warmth and cordiality of old friendship. + While thus he inquired for various absent individuals, and asked most + affectionately for sundry aunts and uncles not forthcoming, a slight + incident occurred which by its ludicrous turn served to shorten the long + half-hour before dinner. An individual of the party, a Mr. Blake, had, + from certain peculiarities of face, obtained in his boyhood the sobriquet + of "Shave-the-wind." This hatchet-like conformation had grown with his + growth, and perpetuated upon him a nickname by which alone was he ever + spoken of among his friends and acquaintances; the only difference being + that as he came to man's estate, brevity, that soul of wit, had curtailed + the epithet to mere "Shave." Now, Sir George had been hearing frequent + reference made to him always by this name, heard him ever so addressed, + and perceived him to reply to it; so that when he was himself asked by + some one what sport he had found that day among the woodcocks, he answered + at once, with a bow of very grateful acknowledgment, "Excellent, indeed; + but entirely owing to where I was placed in the copse. Had it not been for + Mr. Shave there—" + </p> + <p> + I need not say that the remainder of his speech, being heard on all sides, + became one universal shout of laughter, in which, to do him justice, the + excellent Shave himself heartily joined. Scarcely were the sounds of mirth + lulled into an apparent calm, when the door opened and the host and + hostess appeared. Mrs. Blake advanced in all the plenitude of her charms, + arrayed in crimson satin, sorely injured in its freshness by a patch of + grease upon the front about the same size and shape as the continent of + Europe in Arrowsmith's Atlas. A swan's-down tippet covered her shoulders; + massive bracelets ornamented her wrists; while from her ears descended two + Irish diamond ear-rings, rivalling in magnitude and value the glass + pendants of a lustre. Her reception of her guests made ample amends, in + warmth and cordiality, for any deficiency of elegance; and as she disposed + her ample proportions upon the sofa, and looked around upon the company, + she appeared the very impersonation of hospitality. + </p> + <p> + After several openings and shuttings of the drawing-room door, accompanied + by the appearance of old Simon the butler, who counted the party at least + five times before he was certain that the score was correct, dinner was at + length announced. Now came a moment of difficulty, and one which, as + testing Mr. Blake's tact, he would gladly have seen devolve upon some + other shoulders; for he well knew that the marshalling a room full of + mandarins, blue, green, and yellow, was "cakes and gingerbread" to + ushering a Galway party in to dinner. + </p> + <p> + First, then, was Mr. Miles Bodkin, whose grandfather would have been a + lord if Cromwell had not hanged him one fine morning. Then Mrs. Mosey + Blake's first husband was promised the title of Kilmacud if it was ever + restored; whereas Mrs. French of Knocktunmor's mother was then at law for + a title. And lastly, Mrs. Joe Burke was fourth cousin to Lord Clanricarde, + as is or will be every Burke from this to the day of judgment. Now, + luckily for her prospects, the lord was alive; and Mr. Blake, remembering + a very sage adage about "dead lions," etc., solved the difficulty at once + by gracefully tucking the lady under his arm and leading the way. The + others soon followed, the priest of Portumna and my unworthy self bringing + up the rear. + </p> + <p> + When, many a year afterwards, the hard ground of a mountain bivouac, with + its pitiful portion of pickled cork-tree yclept mess-beef, and that + pyroligneous aquafortis they call corn-brandy have been my hard fare, I + often looked back to that day's dinner with a most heart-yearning + sensation,—a turbot as big as the Waterloo shield, a sirloin that + seemed cut from the sides of a rhinoceros, a sauce-boat that contained an + oyster-bed. There was a turkey, which singly would have formed the main + army of a French dinner, doing mere outpost duty, flanked by a picket of + ham and a detached squadron of chickens carefully ambushed in a forest of + greens; potatoes, not disguised <i>à la maître d'hôtel</i> and tortured to + resemble bad macaroni, but piled like shot in an ordnance-yard, were + posted at different quarters; while massive decanters of port and sherry + stood proudly up like standard bearers amidst the goodly array. This was + none of your austere "great dinners," where a cold and chilling <i>plateau</i> + of artificial nonsense cuts off one-half of the table from intercourse + with the other; when whispered sentences constitute the conversation, and + all the friendly recognition of wine-drinking, which renews acquaintance + and cements an intimacy, is replaced by the ceremonious filling of your + glass by a lackey; where smiles go current in lieu of kind speeches, and + epigram and smartness form the substitute for the broad jest and merry + story. Far from it. Here the company ate, drank, talked, laughed,—did + all but sing, and certainly enjoyed themselves heartily. As for me, I was + little more than a listener; and such was the crash of plates, the jingle + of glasses, and the clatter of voices, that fragments only of what was + passing around reached me, giving to the conversation of the party a + character occasionally somewhat incongruous. Thus such sentences as the + following ran foul of each other every instant:— + </p> + <p> + "No better land in Galway"—"where could you find such facilities"—"for + shooting Mr. Jones on his way home"—"the truth, the whole truth, and + nothing but the truth"—"kiss"—"Miss Blake, she's the girl with + a foot and ankle"—"Daly has never had wool on his sheep"—"how + could he"—"what does he pay for the mountain"—"four and + tenpence a yard"—"not a penny less"—"all the cabbage-stalks + and potato-skins"—"with some bog stuff through it"—"that's the + thing to"—"make soup, with a red herring in it instead of salt"—"and + when he proposed for my niece, ma'am, says he"—"mix a strong + tumbler, and I'll make a shake-down for you on the floor"—"and may + the Lord have mercy on your soul"—"and now, down the middle and up + again"—"Captain Magan, my dear, he is the man"—"to shave a pig + properly"—"it's not money I'm looking for, says he, the girl of my + heart"—"if she had not a wind-gall and two spavins"—"I'd have + given her the rights of the church, of coorse," said Father Roach, + bringing up the rear of this ill-assorted jargon. + </p> + <p> + Such were the scattered links of conversation I was condemned to listen + to, till a general rise on the part of the ladies left us alone to discuss + our wine and enter in good earnest upon the more serious duties of the + evening. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was the door closed when one of the company, seizing the + bell-rope, said, "With your leave, Blake, we'll have the 'dew' now." + </p> + <p> + "Good claret,—no better," said another; "but it sits mighty cold on + the stomach." + </p> + <p> + "There's nothing like the groceries, after all,—eh, Sir George?" + said an old Galway squire to the English general, who acceded to the fact, + which he understood in a very different sense. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, punch, you are my darlin'," hummed another, as a large, square, + half-gallon decanter of whiskey was placed on the table, the various + decanters of wine being now ignominiously sent down to the end of the + board without any evidence of regret on any face save Sir George + Dashwood's, who mixed his tumbler with a very rebellious conscience. + </p> + <p> + Whatever were the noise and clamor of the company before, they were + nothing to what now ensued. As one party were discussing the approaching + contest, another was planning a steeple-chase, while two individuals, + unhappily removed from each other the entire length of the table, were + what is called "challenging each other's effects" in a very remarkable + manner,—the process so styled being an exchange of property, when + each party, setting an imaginary value upon some article, barters it for + another, the amount of boot paid and received being determined by a third + person, who is the umpire. Thus a gold breast-pin was swopped, as the + phrase is, against a horse; then a pair of boots, then a Kerry bull, etc.,—every + imaginable species of property coming into the market. Sometimes, as + matters of very dubious value turned up, great laughter was the result. In + this very national pastime, a Mr. Miles Bodkin, a noted fire-eater of the + west, was a great proficient; and it is said he once so completely + succeeded in despoiling an uninitiated hand, that after winning in + succession his horse, gig, harness, etc., he proceeded <i>seriatim</i> to + his watch, ring, clothes, and portmanteau, and actually concluded by + winning all he possessed, and kindly lent him a card-cloth to cover him on + his way to the hotel. His success on the present occasion was + considerable, and his spirits proportionate. The decanter had thrice been + replenished, and the flushed faces and thickened utterance of the guests + evinced that from the cold properties of the claret there was but little + to dread. As for Mr. Bodkin, his manner was incapable of any higher + flight, when under the influence of whiskey, than what it evinced on + common occasions; and as he sat at the end of the table fronting Mr. + Blake, he assumed all the dignity of the ruler of the feast, with an + energy no one seemed disposed to question. In answer to some observations + of Sir George, he was led into something like an oration upon the peculiar + excellences of his native country, which ended in a declaration that there + was nothing like Galway. + </p> + <p> + "Why don't you give us a song, Miles? And may be the general would learn + more from it than all your speech-making." + </p> + <p> + "To be sure," cried the several voices together,—"to be sure; let us + hear the 'Man for Galway'!" + </p> + <p> + Sir George having joined most warmly in the request, Mr. Bodkin filled up + his glass to the brim, bespoke a chorus to his chant, and clearing his + voice with a deep hem, began the following ditty, to the air which Moore + has since rendered immortal by the beautiful song, "Wreath the Bowl," etc. + And, although the words are well known in the west, for the information of + less-favored regions, I here transcribe— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE MAN FOR GALWAY. + + To drink a toast, + A proctor roast, + Or bailiff as the case is; + To kiss your wife, + Or take your life + At ten or fifteen paces; + To keep game-cocks, to hunt the fox, + To drink in punch the Solway, + With debts galore, but fun far more,— + Oh, that's "the man for Galway." + CHORUS: With debts, etc. + + The King of Oude + Is mighty proud, + And so were onst the <i>Caysars</i>; + But ould Giles Eyre + Would make them stare, + Av he had them with the Blazers. + To the devil I fling—ould Runjeet Sing, + He's only a prince in a small way, + And knows nothing at all of a six-foot wall; + Oh, he'd never "do for Galway." + CHORUS: With debts, etc. + + Ye think the Blakes + Are no "great shakes;" + They're all his blood relations. + And the Bodkins sneeze + At the grim Chinese, + For they come from the <i>Phenaycians</i>. + So fill the brim, and here's to him + Who'd drink in punch the Solway, + With debts galore, but fun far more,— + Oh, that's "the man for Galway." + CHORUS: With debts, etc. +</pre> + <p> + I much fear that the reception of this very classic ode would not be as + favorable in general companies as it was on the occasion I first heard it; + for certainly the applause was almost deafening, and even Sir George, the + defects of whose English education left some of the allusions out of his + reach, was highly amused, and laughed heartily. + </p> + <p> + The conversation once more reverted to the election; and although I was + too far from those who seemed best informed on the matter to hear much, I + could catch enough to discover that the feeling was a confident one. This + was gratifying to me, as I had some scruples about my so long neglecting + my uncle's cause. + </p> + <p> + "We have Scariff to a man," said Bodkin. + </p> + <p> + "And Mosey's tenantry," said another. "I swear, though there's not a + freehold registered on the estate, that they'll vote, every mother's son + of them, or devil a stone of the court-house they'll leave standing on + another." + </p> + <p> + "And may the Lord look to the returning officer!" said a third, throwing + up his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Mosey's tenantry are droll boys; and like their landlord, more by token, + they never pay any rent." + </p> + <p> + "And what for shouldn't they vote?" said a dry-looking little old fellow + in a red waistcoat; "when I was the dead agent—" + </p> + <p> + "The dead agent!" interrupted Sir George, with a start. + </p> + <p> + "Just so," said the old fellow, pulling down his spectacles from his + forehead, and casting a half-angry look at Sir George, for what he had + suspected to be a doubt of his veracity. + </p> + <p> + "The general does not know, may be, what that is," said some one. + </p> + <p> + "You have just anticipated me," said Sir George; "I really am in most + profound ignorance." + </p> + <p> + "It is the dead agent," says Mr. Blake, "who always provides substitutes + for any voters that may have died since the last election. A very + important fact in statistics may thus be gathered from the poll-books of + this county, which proves it to be the healthiest part of Europe,—a + freeholder has not died in it for the last fifty years." + </p> + <p> + "The 'Kiltopher boys' won't come this time; they say there's no use trying + to vote when so many were transported last assizes for perjury." + </p> + <p> + "They're poor-spirited creatures," said another. + </p> + <p> + "Not they,—they are as decent boys as any we have; they're willing + to wreck the town for fifty shillings' worth of spirits. Besides, if they + don't vote for the county, they will for the borough." + </p> + <p> + This declaration seemed to restore these interesting individuals to favor; + and now all attention was turned towards Bodkin, who was detailing the + plan of a grand attack upon the polling-booths, to be headed by himself. + By this time, all the prudence and guardedness of the party had given way; + whiskey was in the ascendant, and every bold stroke of election policy, + every cunning artifice, every ingenious device, was detailed and applauded + in a manner which proved that self-respect was not the inevitable gift of + "mountain dew." + </p> + <p> + The mirth and fun grew momentarily more boisterous, and Miles Bodkin, who + had twice before been prevented proposing some toast by a telegraphic + signal from the other end of the table, now swore that nothing should + prevent him any longer, and rising with a smoking tumbler in his hand, + delivered himself as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Phil Blake, ye needn't be winkin' at me that way; it's little I + care for the spawn of the ould serpent. [Here great cheers greeted the + speaker, in which, without well knowing why, I heartily joined.] I'm going + to give a toast, boys,—a real good toast, none of your sentimental + things about wall-flowers or the vernal equinox, or that kind of thing, + but a sensible, patriotic, manly, intrepid toast,—toast you must + drink in the most universal, laborious, and awful manner: do ye see now? + [Loud cheers.] If any man of you here present doesn't drain this toast to + the bottom [here the speaker looked fixedly at me, as did the rest of the + company]—then, by the great-gun of Athlone, I'll make him eat the + decanter, glass-stopper and all, for the good of his digestion: d'ye see + now?" + </p> + <p> + The cheering at this mild determination prevented my hearing what + followed; but the peroration consisted in a very glowing eulogy upon some + person unknown, and a speedy return to him as member for Galway. Amidst + all the noise and tumult at this critical moment, nearly every eye at the + table was turned upon me; and as I concluded that they had been drinking + my uncle's health, I thundered away at the mahogany with all my energy. At + length the hip-hipping over, and comparative quiet restored, I rose from + my seat to return thanks; but, strange enough, Sir George Dashwood did so + likewise. And there we both stood, amidst an uproar that might well have + shaken the courage of more practised orators; while from every side came + cries of "Hear, hear!"—"Go on, Sir George!"—"Speak out, + General!"—"Sit down, Charley!"—"Confound the boy!"—"Knock + the legs from under him!" etc. Not understanding why Sir George should + interfere with what I regarded as my peculiar duty, I resolved not to give + way, and avowed this determination in no very equivocal terms. "In that + case," said the general, "I am to suppose that the young gentleman moves + an amendment to your proposition; and as the etiquette is in his favor, I + yield." Here he resumed his place amidst a most terrific scene of noise + and tumult, while several humane proposals as to my treatment were made + around me, and a kind suggestion thrown out to break my neck by a near + neighbor. Mr. Blake at length prevailed upon the party to hear what I had + to say,—for he was certain I should not detain them above a minute. + The commotion having in some measure subsided, I began: "Gentlemen, as the + adopted son of the worthy man whose health you have just drunk—" + Heaven knows how I should have continued; but here my eloquence was met by + such a roar of laughing as I never before listened to. From one end of the + board to the other it was one continued shout, and went on, too, as if all + the spare lungs of the party had been kept in reserve for the occasion. I + turned from one to the other; I tried to smile, and seemed to participate + in the joke, but failed; I frowned; I looked savagely about where I could + see enough to turn my wrath thitherward,—and, as it chanced, not in + vain; for Mr. Miles Bodkin, with an intuitive perception of my wishes, + most suddenly ceased his mirth, and assuming a look of frowning defiance + that had done him good service upon many former occasions, rose and said:— + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir, I hope you're proud of yourself. You've made a nice beginning + of it, and a pretty story you'll have for your uncle. But if you'd like to + break the news by a letter the general will have great pleasure in + franking it for you; for, by the rock of Cashel, we'll carry him in + against all the O'Malley's that ever cheated the sheriff." + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the words uttered, when I seized my wineglass, and hurled it + with all my force at his head; so sudden was the act, and so true the aim, + that Mr. Bodkin measured his length upon the floor ere his friends could + appreciate his late eloquent effusion. The scene now became terrific; for + though the redoubted Miles was <i>hors-de-combat</i>, his friends made a + tremendous rush at, and would infallibly have succeeded in capturing me, + had not Blake and four or five others interposed. Amidst a desperate + struggle, which lasted for some minutes, I was torn from the spot, carried + bodily up-stairs, and pitched headlong into my own room; where, having + doubly locked the door on the outside, they left me to my own cool and not + over-agreeable reflections. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + THE FLIGHT FROM GURT-NA-MORRA. + </p> + <p> + It was by one of those sudden and inexplicable revulsions which + occasionally restore to sense and intellect the maniac of years standing, + that I was no sooner left alone in my chamber than I became perfectly + sober. The fumes of the wine—and I had drunk deeply—were + dissipated at once; my head, which but a moment before was half wild with + excitement, was now cool, calm, and collected; and stranger than all, I, + who had only an hour since entered the dining-room with all the + unsuspecting freshness of boyhood, became, by a mighty bound, a man,—a + man in all my feelings of responsibility, a man who, repelling an insult + by an outrage, had resolved to stake his life upon the chance. In an + instant a new era in life had opened before me; the light-headed gayety + which fearlessness and youth impart was replaced by one absorbing thought,—one + all-engrossing, all-pervading impression, that if I did not follow up my + quarrel with Bodkin, I was dishonored and disgraced, my little knowledge + of such matters not being sufficient to assure me that I was now the + aggressor, and that any further steps in the affair should come from his + side. + </p> + <p> + So thoroughly did my own griefs occupy me, that I had no thought for the + disappointment my poor uncle was destined to meet with in hearing that the + Blake interest was lost to him, and the former breach between the families + irreparably widened by the events of the evening. Escape was my first + thought; but how to accomplish it? The door, a solid one of Irish oak, + doubly locked and bolted, defied all my efforts to break it open; the + window was at least five-and-twenty feet from the ground, and not a tree + near to swing into. I shouted, I called aloud, I opened the sash, and + tried if any one outside were within hearing; but in vain. Weary and + exhausted, I sat down upon my bed and ruminated over my fortunes. + Vengeance—quick, entire, decisive vengeance—I thirsted and + panted for; and every moment I lived under the insult inflicted on me + seemed an age of torturing and maddening agony. I rose with a leap; a + thought had just occurred to me. I drew the bed towards the window, and + fastening the sheet to one of the posts with a firm knot, I twisted it + into a rope, and let myself down to within about twelve feet of the + ground, when I let go my hold, and dropped upon the grass beneath safe and + uninjured. A thin, misty rain was falling, and I now perceived, for the + first time, that in my haste I had forgotten my hat; this thought, + however, gave me little uneasiness, and I took my way towards the stable, + resolving, if I could, to saddle my horse and get off before any + intimation of my escape reached the family. + </p> + <p> + When I gained the yard, all was quiet and deserted; the servants were + doubtless enjoying themselves below stairs, and I met no one on the way. I + entered the stable, threw the saddle upon "Badger," and before five + minutes from my descent from the window, was galloping towards O'Malley + Castle at a pace that defied pursuit, had any one thought of it. + </p> + <p> + It was about five o'clock on a dark, wintry morning as I led my horse + through the well-known defiles of out-houses and stables which formed the + long line of offices to my uncle's house. As yet no one was stirring; and + as I wished to have my arrival a secret from the family, after providing + for the wants of my gallant gray, I lifted the latch of the kitchen-door—no + other fastening being ever thought necessary, even at night—and + gently groped my way towards the stairs; all was perfectly still, and the + silence now recalled me to reflection as to what course I should pursue. + It was all-important that my uncle should know nothing of my quarrel, + otherwise he would inevitably make it his own, and by treating me like a + boy in the matter, give the whole affair the very turn I most dreaded. + Then, as to Sir Harry Boyle, he would most certainly turn the whole thing + into ridicule, make a good story, perhaps a song out of it, and laugh at + my notions of demanding satisfaction. Considine, I knew, was my man; but + then he was at Athlone,—at least so my uncle's letter mentioned. + Perhaps he might have returned; if not, to Athlone I should set off at + once. So resolving, I stole noiselessly up-stairs, and reached the door of + the count's chamber; I opened it gently and entered; and though my step + was almost imperceptible to myself, it was quite sufficient to alarm the + watchful occupant of the room, who, springing up in his bed, demanded + gruffly, "Who's there?" + </p> + <p> + "Charles, sir," said I, shutting the door carefully, and approaching his + bedside. "Charles O'Malley, sir. I'm come to have a bit of your advice; + and as the affair won't keep, I have been obliged to disturb you." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, Charley," said the count; "sit down, there's a chair + somewhere near the bed,—have you found it? There! Well now, what is + it? What news of Blake?" + </p> + <p> + "Very bad; no worse. But it is not exactly <i>that</i> I came about; I've + got into a scrape, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Run off with one of the daughters," said Considine. "By jingo, I knew + what those artful devils would be after." + </p> + <p> + "Not so bad as that," said I, laughing. "It's just a row, a kind of + squabble; something that must come—" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay," said the count, brightening up; "say you so, Charley? Begad, the + young ones will beat us all out of the field. Who is it with,—not + old Blake himself; how was it? Tell me all." + </p> + <p> + I immediately detailed the whole events of the preceding chapter, as well + as his frequent interruptions would permit, and concluded by asking what + farther step was now to be taken, as I was resolved the matter should be + concluded before it came to my uncle's ears. + </p> + <p> + "There you are all right; quite correct, my boy. But there are many points + I should have wished otherwise in the conduct of the affair hitherto." + </p> + <p> + Conceiving that he was displeased at my petulance and boldness, I was + about to commence a kind of defence, when he added,— + </p> + <p> + "Because, you see," said he, assuming an oracular tone of voice, "throwing + a wine-glass, with or without wine, in a man's face is merely, as you may + observe, a mark of denial and displeasure at some observation he may have + made,—not in any wise intended to injure him, further than in the + wound to his honor at being so insulted, for which, of course, he must + subsequently call you out. Whereas, Charley, in the present case, the view + I take is different; the expression of Mr. Bodkin, as regards your uncle, + was insulting to a degree,—gratuitously offensive,—and + warranting a blow. Therefore, my boy, you should, under such + circumstances, have preferred aiming at him with a decanter: a cut-glass + decanter, well aimed and low, I have seen do effective service. However, + as you remark it was your first thing of the kind, I am pleased with you—very + much pleased with you. Now, then, for the next step." So saying, he arose + from his bed, and striking a light with a tinder-box, proceeded to dress + himself as leisurely as if for a dinner party, talking all the while. + </p> + <p> + "I will just take Godfrey's tax-cart and the roan mare on to Meelish, put + them up at the little inn,—it is not above a mile from Bodkin's; and + I'll go over and settle the thing for you. You must stay quiet till I come + back, and not leave the house on any account. I've got a case of old broad + barrels there that will answer you beautifully; if you were anything of a + shot, I'd give you my own cross handles, but they'd only spoil your + shooting." + </p> + <p> + "I can hit a wine-glass in the stem at fifteen paces," said I, rather + nettled at the disparaging tone in which he spoke of my performance. + </p> + <p> + "I don't care sixpence for that; the wine-glass had no pistol in his hand. + Take the old German, then; see now, hold your pistol thus,—no finger + on the guard there, these two on the trigger. They are not hair-triggers; + drop the muzzle a bit; bend your elbow a trifle more; sight your man + outside your arm,—outside, mind,—and take him in the hip, and + if anywhere higher, no matter." + </p> + <p> + By this time the count had completed his toilet, and taking the small + mahogany box which contained his peace-makers under his arm, led the way + towards the stables. When we reached the yard, the only person stirring + there was a kind of half-witted boy, who, being about the house, was + employed to run of messages from the servants, walk a stranger's horse, or + to do any of the many petty services that regular domestics contrive + always to devolve upon some adopted subordinate. He was seated upon a + stone step formerly used for mounting, and though the day was scarcely + breaking, and the weather severe and piercing, the poor fellow was singing + an Irish song, in a low monotonous tone, as he chafed a curb chain between + his hands with some sand. As we came near he started up, and as he pulled + off his cap to salute us, gave a sharp and piercing glance at the count, + then at me, then once more upon my companion, from whom his eyes were + turned to the brass-bound box beneath his arm,—when, as if seized + with a sudden impulse, he started on his feet, and set off towards the + house with the speed of a greyhound, not, however, before Considine's + practised eye had anticipated his plan; for throwing down the pistol-case, + he dashed after him, and in an instant had seized him by the collar. + </p> + <p> + "It won't do, Patsey," said the count; "you can't double on me." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Count, darlin', Mister Considine avick, don't do it, don't now," said + the poor fellow, falling on his knees, and blubbering like an infant. + </p> + <p> + "Hold your tongue, you villain, or I'll cut it out of your head," said + Considine. + </p> + <p> + "And so I will; but don't do it, don't for the love of—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't do what, you whimpering scoundrel? What does he think I'll do?" + </p> + <p> + "Don't I know very well what you're after, what you're always after too? + Oh, wirra, wirra!" Here he wrung his hands, and swayed himself backwards + and forwards, a true picture of Irish grief. + </p> + <p> + "I'll stop his blubbering," said Considine, opening the box and taking out + a pistol, which he cocked leisurely, and pointed at the poor fellow's + head; "another syllable now, and I'll scatter your brains upon that + pavement." + </p> + <p> + "And do, and divil thank you; sure, it's your trade." + </p> + <p> + The coolness of the reply threw us both off our guard so completely that + we burst out into a hearty fit of laughing. + </p> + <p> + "Come, come," said the count, at last, "this will never do; if he goes on + this way, we'll have the whole house about us. Come, then, harness the + roan mare; and here's half a crown for you." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't touch the best piece in your purse," said the poor boy; "sure + it's blood-money, no less." + </p> + <p> + The words were scarcely spoken, when Considine seized him by the collar + with one hand, and by the wrist with the other, and carried him over the + yard to the stable, where, kicking open the door, he threw him on a heap + of stones, adding, "If you stir now, I'll break every bone in your body;" + a threat that seemed certainly considerably increased in its terrors, from + the rough gripe he had already experienced, for the lad rolled himself up + like a ball, and sobbed as if his heart were breaking. + </p> + <p> + Very few minutes sufficed us now to harness the mare in the tax-cart, and + when all was ready, Considine seized the whip, and locking the stable-door + upon Patsey, was about to get up, when a sudden thought struck him. + "Charley," said he, "that fellow will find some means to give the alarm; + we must take him with us." So saying, he opened the door, and taking the + poor fellow by the collar, flung him at my feet in the tax-cart. + </p> + <p> + We had already lost some time, and the roan mare was put to her fastest + speed to make up for it. Our pace became, accordingly, a sharp one; and as + the road was bad, and the tax-cart no "patent inaudible," neither of us + spoke. To me this was a great relief. The events of the last few days had + given them the semblance of years, and all the reflection I could muster + was little enough to make anything out of the chaotic mass,—love, + mischief, and misfortune,—in which I had been involved since my + leaving O'Malley Castle. + </p> + <p> + "Here we are, Charley," said Considine, drawing up short at the door of a + little country ale-house, or, in Irish parlance, <i>shebeen</i>, which + stood at the meeting of four bleak roads, in a wild and barren mountain + tract beside the Shannon. "Here we are, my boy! Jump out and let us be + stirring." + </p> + <p> + "Here, Patsey, my man," said the count, unravelling the prostrate and + doubly knotted figure at our feet; "lend a hand, Patsey." Much to my + astonishment, he obeyed the summons with alacrity, and proceeded to + unharness the mare with the greatest despatch. My attention was, however, + soon turned from him to my own more immediate concerns, and I followed my + companion into the house. + </p> + <p> + "Joe," said the count to the host, "is Mr. Bodkin up at the house this + morning?" + </p> + <p> + "He's just passed this way, sir, with Mr. Malowney of Tillnamuck, in the + gig, on their way from Mr. Blake's. They stopped here to order horses to + go over to O'Malley Castle, and the gossoon is gone to look for a pair." + </p> + <p> + "All right," said Considine, and added, in a whisper, "we've done it well, + Charley, to be beforehand, or the governor would have found it all out and + taken the affair into his own hands. Now all you have to do is to stay + quietly here till I come back, which will not be above an hour at + farthest. Joe, send me the pony; keep an eye on Patsey, that he doesn't + play us a trick. The short way to Mr. Bodkin's is through Scariff. Ay, I + know it well; good-by, Charley. By the Lord, we'll pepper him!" + </p> + <p> + These were the last words of the worthy count as he closed the door behind + him, and left me to my own not very agreeable reflections. Independently + of my youth and perfect ignorance of the world, which left me unable to + form any correct judgment on my conduct, I knew that I had taken a great + deal of wine, and was highly excited when my unhappy collision with Mr. + Bodkin occurred. Whether, then, I had been betrayed into anything which + could fairly have provoked his insulting retort or not, I could not + remember; and now my most afflicting thought was, what opinion might be + entertained of me by those at Blake's table; and above all, what Miss + Dashwood herself would think, and what narrative of the occurrence would + reach her. The great effort of my last few days had been to stand well in + her estimation, to appear something better in feeling, something higher in + principle, than the rude and unpolished squirearchy about me; and now here + was the end of it! What would she, what could she, think, but that I was + the same punch-drinking, rowing, quarrelling bumpkin as those whom I had + so lately been carefully endeavoring to separate myself from? How I hated + myself for the excess to which passion had betrayed me, and how I detested + my opponent as the cause of all my present misery. "How very differently," + thought I, "her friend the captain would have conducted himself. His quiet + and gentlemanly manner would have done fully as much to wipe out any + insult on his honor as I could do, and after all, would neither have + disturbed the harmony of a dinner-table, nor made himself, as I shuddered + to think I had, a subject of rebuke, if not of ridicule." These harassing, + torturing reflections continued to press on me, and I paced the room with + my hands clasped and the perspiration upon my brow. "One thing is certain,—I + can never see her again," thought I; "this disgraceful business must, in + some shape or other, become known to her, and all I have been saying these + last three days rise up in judgment against this one act, and stamp me an + impostor! I that decried—nay, derided—our false notion of + honor. Would that Considine were come! What can keep him now?" I walked to + the door; a boy belonging to the house was walking the roan before the + door. "What had, then, become of Pat?" I inquired; but no one could tell. + He had disappeared shortly after our arrival, and had not been seen + afterwards. My own thoughts were, however, too engrossing to permit me to + think more of this circumstance, and I turned again to enter the house, + when I saw Considine advancing up the road at the full speed of his pony. + </p> + <p> + "Out with the mare, Charley! Be alive, my boy!—all's settled." So + saying, he sprang from the pony and proceeded to harness the roan with the + greatest haste, informing me in broken sentences, as he went on with all + the arrangements. + </p> + <p> + "We are to cross the bridge of Portumna. They won the ground, and it seems + Bodkin likes the spot; he shot Peyton there three years ago. Worse luck + now, Charley, you know; by all the rule of chance, he can't expect the + same thing twice,—never four by honors in two deals. Didn't say + that, though. A sweet meadow, I know it well; small hillocks, like + molehills; all over it. Caught him at breakfast; I don't think he expected + the message to come from us, but said it was a very polite attention,—and + so it was, you know." + </p> + <p> + So he continued to ramble on as we once more took our seats in the + tax-cart and set out for the ground. + </p> + <p> + "What are you thinking of, Charley?" said the count, as I kept silent for + some minutes. + </p> + <p> + "I'm thinking, sir, if I were to kill him, what I must do after." + </p> + <p> + "Right, my boy; nothing like that, but I'll settle all for you. Upon my + conscience, if it wasn't for the chance of his getting into another + quarrel and spoiling the election, I'd go back for Godfrey; he'd like to + see you break ground so prettily. And you say you're no shot?" + </p> + <p> + "Never could do anything with the pistol to speak of, sir," said I, + remembering his rebuke of the morning. + </p> + <p> + "I don't mind that. You've a good eye; never take it off him after you're + on the ground,—follow him everywhere. Poor Callaghan, that's gone, + shot his man always that way. He had a way of looking without winking that + was very fatal at a short distance; a very good thing to learn, Charley, + when you have a little spare time." + </p> + <p> + Half-an-hour's sharp driving brought us to the river side, where a boat + had been provided by Considine to ferry us over. It was now about eight + o'clock, and a heavy, gloomy morning. Much rain had fallen overnight, and + the dark and lowering atmosphere seemed charged with more. The mountains + looked twice their real size, and all the shadows were increased to an + enormous extent. A very killing kind of light it was, as the count + remarked. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE DUEL. + </p> + <p> + As the boatmen pulled in towards the shore we perceived, a few hundred + yards off, a group of persons standing, whom we soon recognized as our + opponents. "Charley," said the count, grasping my arm tightly, as I stood + up to spring on the land,—"Charley, although you are only a boy, as + I may say, I have no fear for your courage; but still more than that is + needful here. This Bodkin is a noted duellist, and will try to shake your + nerve. Now, mind that you take everything that happens quite with an air + of indifference; don't let him think that he has any advantage over you, + and you'll see how the tables will be turned in your favor." + </p> + <p> + "Trust to me, Count" said I; "I'll not disgrace you." + </p> + <p> + He pressed my hand tightly, and I thought that I discerned something like + a slight twitch about the corners of his grim mouth, as if some sudden and + painful thought had shot across his mind; but in a moment he was calm, and + stern-looking as ever. + </p> + <p> + "Twenty minutes late, Mr. Considine," said a short, red-faced little man, + with a military frock and foraging cap, as he held out his watch in + evidence. + </p> + <p> + "I can only say, Captain Malowney, that we lost no time since we parted. + We had some difficulty in finding a boat; but in any case, we are here <i>now</i>, + and that, I opine, is the important part of the matter." + </p> + <p> + "Quite right,—very just indeed. Will you present me to your young + friend. Very proud to make your acquaintance, sir; your uncle and I met + more than once in this kind of way. I was out with him in '92,—was + it? no, I think it was '93,—when he shot Harry Burgoyne, who, + by-the-bye, was called the crack shot of our mess; but, begad, your uncle + knocked his pistol hand to shivers, saying, in his dry way, 'He must try + the left hand this morning.' Count, a little this side, if you please." + </p> + <p> + While Considine and the captain walked a few paces apart from where I + stood, I had leisure to observe my antagonist, who stood among a group of + his friends, talking and laughing away in great spirits. As the tone they + spoke in was not of the lowest, I could catch much of their conversation + at the distance I was from them. They were discussing the last occasion + that Bodkin had visited this spot, and talking of the fatal event which + happened then. + </p> + <p> + "Poor devil," said Bodkin, "it wasn't his fault; but you see some of the + —th had been showing white feathers before that, and he was obliged + to go out. In fact, the colonel himself said, 'Fight, or leave the corps.' + Well, out he came; it was a cold morning in February, with a frost the + night before going off in a thin rain. Well, it seems he had the + consumption or something of that sort, with a great cough and spitting of + blood, and this weather made him worse; and he was very weak when he came + to the ground. Now, the moment I got a glimpse of him, I said to myself, + 'He's pluck enough, but as nervous as a lady;' for his eye wandered all + about, and his mouth was constantly twitching. 'Take off your great-coat, + Ned,' said one of his people, when they were going to put him up; 'take it + off, man.' He seemed to hesitate for an instant, when Michael Blake + remarked, 'Arrah, let him alone; it's his mother makes him wear it, for + the cold he has.' They all began to laugh at this; but I kept my eye upon + him, and I saw that his cheek grew quite livid and a kind of gray color, + and his eyes filled up. 'I have you now,' said I to myself, and I shot him + through the lung." + </p> + <p> + "And this poor fellow," thought I, "was the only son of a widowed mother." + I walked from the spot to avoid hearing further, and felt, as I did so, + something like a spirit of vengeance rising within me, for the fate of one + so untimely cut off. + </p> + <p> + "Here we are, all ready," said Malowney, springing over a small fence into + the adjoining field. "Take your ground, gentlemen." + </p> + <p> + Considine took my arm and walked forward. "Charley," said he, "I am to + give the signal; I'll drop my glove when you are to fire, but don't look + at me at all. I'll manage to catch Bodkin's eye; and do you watch him + steadily, and fire when he does." + </p> + <p> + "I think that the ground we are leaving behind us is rather better," said + some one. + </p> + <p> + "So it is," said Bodkin; "but it might be troublesome to carry the young + gentleman down that way,—here all is fair and easy." + </p> + <p> + The next instant we were placed; and I well remember the first thought + that struck me was, that there could be no chance of either of us + escaping. + </p> + <p> + "Now then," said the count, "I'll walk twelve paces, turn and drop this + glove; at which signal you fire, and <i>together</i> mind. The man who + reserves his shot falls by my hand." This very summary denunciation seemed + to meet general approbation, and the count strutted forth. Notwithstanding + the advice of my friend, I could not help turning my eyes from Bodkin to + watch the retiring figure of the count. At length he stopped; a second or + two elapsed; he wheeled rapidly round, and let fall the glove. My eye + glanced towards my opponent; I raised my pistol and fired. My hat turned + half round upon my head, and Bodkin fell motionless to the earth. I saw + the people around me rush forward; I caught two or three glances thrown at + me with an expression of revengeful passion; I felt some one grasp me + round the waist, and hurry me from the spot; and it was at least ten + minutes after, as we were skimming the surface of the broad Shannon, + before I could well collect my scattered faculties to remember all that + was passing, as Considine, pointing to the two bullet-holes in my hat, + remarked, "Sharp practice, Charley; it was the overcharge saved you." + </p> + <p> + "Is he killed, sir?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + "Not quite, I believe, but as good. You took him just above the hip." + </p> + <p> + "Can he recover?" said I, with a voice tremulous from agitation, which I + vainly endeavored to conceal from my companion. + </p> + <p> + "Not if the doctor can help it," said Considine; "for the fool keeps + poking about for the ball. But now let's think of the next step,—you'll + have to leave this, and at once, too." + </p> + <p> + Little more passed between us. As we rowed towards the shore, Considine + was following up his reflections, and I had mine,—alas! too many and + too bitter to escape from. + </p> + <p> + As we neared the land a strange spectacle caught our eye. For a + considerable distance along the coast crowds of country people were + assembled, who, forming in groups and breaking into parties of two and + three, were evidently watching with great anxiety what was taking place at + the opposite side. Now, the distance was at least a mile, and therefore + any part of the transaction which had been enacting there must have been + quite beyond their view. While I was wondering at this, Considine cried + out suddenly, "Too infamous, by Jove! We're murdered men!" + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you see that?" said he, pointing to something black which floated + from a pole at the opposite side of the river. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; what is it?" + </p> + <p> + "It's his coat they've put upon an oar to show the people he's killed,—that's + all. Every man here's his tenant; and look—there! They're not giving + us much doubt as to their intention." + </p> + <p> + Here a tremendous yell burst forth from the mass of people along the + shore, which rising to a terrific cry sunk gradually down to a low + wailing, then rose and fell again several times as the Irish death-cry + filled the air and rose to Heaven, as if imploring vengeance on a + murderer. + </p> + <p> + The appalling influence of the <i>keen</i>, as it is called, had been + familiar to me from my infancy; but it needed the awful situation I was + placed in to consummate its horrors. It was at once my accusation and my + doom. I knew well—none better—the vengeful character of the + Irish peasant of the west, and that my death was certain I had no doubt. + The very crime that sat upon my heart quailed its courage and unnerved my + arm. As the boatmen looked from us towards the shore and again at our + faces, they, as if instinctively, lay upon their oars, and waited for our + decision as to what course to pursue. + </p> + <p> + "Rig the spritsail, my boys," said Considine, "and let her head lie up the + river; and be alive, for I see they're bailing a boat below the little + reef there, and will be after us in no time." + </p> + <p> + The poor fellows, who, although strangers to us, sympathizing in what they + perceived to be our imminent danger, stepped the light spar which acted as + mast, and shook out their scanty rag of canvas in a minute. Considine + meanwhile went aft, and steadying her head with an oar, held the small + craft up to the wind till she lay completely over, and as she rushed + through the water, ran dipping her gun-wale through the white foam. + </p> + <p> + "Where can we make without tacking, boys?" inquired the count. + </p> + <p> + "If it blows on as fresh, sir, we'll run you ashore within half a mile of + the Castle." + </p> + <p> + "Put an oar to leeward," said Considine, "and keep her up more to the + wind, and I promise you, my lads, you will not go home fresh and fasting + if you land us where you say." + </p> + <p> + "Here they come," said the other boatman, as he pointed back with his + finger towards a large yawl which shot suddenly from the shore, with six + sturdy fellows pulling at their oars, while three or four others were + endeavoring to get up their rigging, which appeared tangled and confused + at the bottom of the boat; the white splash of water which fell each + moment beside her showing that the process of bailing was still continued. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then, may I never—av it isn't the ould 'Dolphin' they have + launched for the cruise," said one of our fellows. + </p> + <p> + "What's the 'Dolphin,' then?" + </p> + <p> + "An ould boat of the Lord's [Lord Clanricarde's] that didn't see water, + except when it rained, these four years, and is sun-cracked from stem to + stern." + </p> + <p> + "She can sail, however," said Considine, who watched with a painful + anxiety the rapidity of her course through the water. + </p> + <p> + "Nabocklish, she was a smuggler's jolly-boat, and well used to it. Look + how they're pulling. God pardon them, but they're in no blessed humor this + morning." + </p> + <p> + "Lay out upon your oars, boys; the wind's failing us," cried the count, as + the sail flapped lazily against the mast. + </p> + <p> + "It's no use, yer honor," said the elder. "We'll be only breaking our + hearts to no purpose. They're sure to catch us." + </p> + <p> + "Do as I bade you, at all events. What's that ahead of us there?" + </p> + <p> + "The Oat Rock, sir. A vessel with grain struck there and went down with + all aboard, four years last winter. There's no channel between it and the + shore,—all sunk rocks, every inch of it. There's the breeze." + </p> + <p> + The canvas fell over as he spoke, and the little craft lay down to it till + the foaming water bubbled over her lee bow. + </p> + <p> + "Keep her head up, sir; higher—higher still." + </p> + <p> + But Considine little heeded the direction, steering straight for the + narrow channel the man alluded to. + </p> + <p> + "Tear and ages, but you're going right for the cloch na quirka!" + </p> + <p> + "Arrah, an' the devil a taste I'll be drowned for your devarsion!" said + the other, springing up. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down there, and be still," roared Considine, as he drew a pistol from + the case at his feet, "if you don't want some leaden ballast to keep you + so! Here, Charley, take this, and if that fellow stirs hand or foot—you + understand me." + </p> + <p> + The two men sat sulkily in the bottom of the boat, which now was actually + flying through the water. Considine's object was a clear one. He saw that + in sailing we were greatly overmatched, and that our only chance lay in + reaching the narrow and dangerous channel between Oat Rock and the shore, + by which we should distance the pursuit, the long reef of rocks that ran + out beyond requiring a wide berth to escape from. Nothing but the danger + behind us could warrant so rash a daring. The whole channel was dotted + with patches of white and breaking foam,—the sure evidence of the + mischief beneath,—while here and there a dash of spurting spray flew + up from the dark water, where some cleft rock lay hid below the flood. + Escape seemed impossible; but who would not have preferred even so slender + a chance with so frightful an alternative behind him? As if to add terror + to the scene, Considine had scarcely turned the boat ahead of the channel + when a tremendous blackness spread over all around, the thunder pealed + forth, and amidst the crashing of the hail and the bright glare of + lightning a squall struck us and laid us nearly keel uppermost for several + minutes. I well remember we rushed through the dark and blackened water, + our little craft more than half filled, the oars floating off to leeward, + and we ourselves kneeling on the bottom planks for safety. Roll after roll + of loud thunder broke, as it were, just above our heads; while in the + swift dashing rain that seemed to hiss around us every object was hidden, + and even the other boat was lost to our view. The two poor fellows—I + shall never forget their expression. One, a devout Catholic, had placed a + little leaden image of a saint before him in the bow, and implored its + intercession with a torturing agony of suspense that wrung my very heart. + The other, apparently less alive to such consolations as his Church + afforded, remained with his hands clasped, his mouth compressed, his brows + knitted, and his dark eyes bent upon me with the fierce hatred of a deadly + enemy; his eyes were sunken and bloodshot, and all told of some dreadful + conflict within. The wild ferocity of his look fascinated my gaze, and + amidst all the terrors of the scene I could not look from him. As I gazed, + a second and more awful squall struck the boat; the mast went over, and + with a loud report like a pistol-shot smashed at the thwart and fell over, + trailing the sail along the milky sea behind us. Meanwhile the water + rushed clean over us, and the boat seemed settling. At this dreadful + moment the sailor's eye was bent upon me, his lips parted, and he + muttered, as if to himself, "This it is to go to sea with a murderer." Oh, + God! the agony of that moment! the heartfelt and accusing conscience that + I was judged and doomed! that the brand of Cain was upon my brow! that my + fellow-men had ceased forever to regard me as a brother! that I was an + outcast and a wanderer forever! I bent forward till my forehead fell upon + my knees, and I wept. Meanwhile the boat flew through the water, and + Considine, who alone among us seemed not to lose his presence of mind, cut + away the mast and sent it overboard. The storm began now to abate; and as + the black mass of cloud broke from around us we beheld the other boat, + also dismasted, far behind us, while all on board of her were employed in + bailing out the water with which she seemed almost sinking. The curtain of + mist that had hidden us from each other no sooner broke than they ceased + their labors for a moment, and looking towards us, burst forth into a yell + so wild, so savage, so dreadful, my very heart quailed as its cadence fell + upon my ear. + </p> + <p> + "Safe, my boy," said Considine, clapping me on the shoulder, as he steered + the boat forth from its narrow path of danger, and once more reached the + broad Shannon,—"safe, Charley; though we've had a brush for it." In + a minute more we reached the land, and drawing our gallant little craft on + shore, set out for O'Malley Castle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + THE RETURN. + </p> + <p> + O'Malley Castle lay about four miles from the spot we landed at, and + thither accordingly we bent our steps without loss of time. We had not, + however, proceeded far, when, before us on the road, we perceived a mixed + assemblage of horse and foot, hurrying along at a tremendous rate. The + mob, which consisted of some hundred country people, were armed with + sticks, scythes, and pitchforks, and although not preserving any very + military aspect in their order of march, were still a force quite + formidable enough to make us call a halt, and deliberate upon what we were + to do. + </p> + <p> + "They've outflanked us, Charley," said Considine; "however, all is not yet + lost. But see, they've got sight of us; here they come." + </p> + <p> + At these words, the vast mass before us came pouring along, splashing the + mud on every side, and huzzaing like so many Indians. In the front ran a + bare-legged boy, waving his cap to encourage the rest, who followed him at + about fifty yards behind. + </p> + <p> + "Leave that fellow for me," said the count, coolly examining the lock of + his pistol; "I'll pick him out, and load again in time for his friends' + arrival. Charley, is that a gentleman I see far back in the crowd? Yes, to + be sure it is? He's on a large horse—now he's pressing forward; so + let—no—oh—ay, it's Godfrey O'Malley himself, and these + are our own people." Scarcely were the words out when a tremendous cheer + arose from the multitude, who, recognizing us at the same instant, sprang + from their horses and ran forward to welcome us. Among the foremost was + the scarecrow leader, whom I at once perceived as poor Patsey, who, + escaping in the morning, had returned at full speed to O'Malley Castle, + and raised the whole country to my rescue. Before I could address one word + to my faithful followers I was in my uncle's arms. + </p> + <p> + "Safe, my boy, quite safe?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite safe, sir." + </p> + <p> + "No scratch anywhere?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing but a hat the worse, sir," said I, showing the two bullet-holes + in my headpiece. + </p> + <p> + His lip quivered as he turned and whispered something into Considine's + ear, which I heard not; but the count's reply was, "Devil a bit, as cool + as you see him this minute." + </p> + <p> + "And Bodkin, what of him?" + </p> + <p> + "This day's work's his last," said Considine; "the ball entered here. But + come along, Godfrey; Charley's new at this kind of thing, and we had + better discuss matters in the house." + </p> + <p> + Half-an-hour's brisk trot—for we were soon supplied with horses—brought + us back to the Castle, much to the disappointment of our cortege, who had + been promised a <i>scrimmage</i>, and went back in very ill-humor at the + breach of contract. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast-room, as we entered, was filled with my uncle's supporters, + all busily engaged over poll-books and booth tallies, in preparation for + the eventful day of battle. These, however, were immediately thrown aside + to hasten round me and inquire all the details of my duel. Considine, + happily for me, however, assumed all the dignity of an historian, and + recounted the events of the morning so much to my honor and glory, that I, + who only a little before felt crushed and bowed down by the misery of my + late duel, began, amidst the warm congratulations and eulogiums about me, + to think I was no small hero, and in fact, something very much resembling + "the man for Galway." To this feeling a circumstance that followed + assisted in contributing. While we were eagerly discussing the various + results likely to arise from the meeting, a horse galloped rapidly to the + door and a loud voice called out, "I can't get off, but tell him to come + here." We rushed out and beheld Captain Malowney, Mr. Bodkin's second, + covered with mud from head to foot, and his horse reeking with foam and + sweat. "I am hurrying on to Athlone for another doctor; but I've called to + tell you that the wound is not supposed to be mortal,—he may recover + yet." Without waiting for another word, he dashed spurs into his nag and + rattled down the avenue at full gallop. Mr. Bodkin's dearest friend on + earth could not have received the intelligence with more delight; and I + now began to listen to the congratulations of my friends with a more + tranquil spirit. My uncle, too, seemed much relieved by the information, + and heard with great good temper my narrative of the few days at + Gurt-na-Morra. "So then," said he, as I concluded, "my opponent is at + least a gentleman; that is a comfort." + </p> + <p> + "Sir George Dashwood," said I, "from all I have seen, is a remarkably nice + person, and I am certain you will meet with only the fair and legitimate + opposition of an opposing candidate in him,—no mean or unmanly + subterfuge." + </p> + <p> + "All right, Charley. Well, now, your affair of this morning must keep you + quiet for a few days, come what will; by Monday next, when the election + takes place, Bodkin's fate will be pretty clear, one way or the other, and + if matters go well, you can come into town; otherwise, I have arranged + with Considine to take you over to the Continent for a year or so; but + we'll discuss all this in the evening. Now I must start on a canvass. + Boyle expects to meet you at dinner to-day; he is coming from Athlone on + purpose. Now, good-by!" + </p> + <p> + When my uncle had gone, I sank into a chair and fell into a musing fit + over all the changes a few hours had wrought in me. From a mere boy whose + most serious employment was stocking the house with game or inspecting the + kennel, I had sprung at once into man's estate, was complimented for my + coolness, praised for my prowess, lauded for my discretion, by those who + were my seniors by nearly half a century; talked to in a tone of + confidential intimacy by my uncle, and, in a word, treated in all respects + as an equal,—and such was all the work of a few hours. But so it is; + the eras in life are separated by a narrow boundary,—some trifling + accident, some casual <i>rencontre</i> impels us across the Rubicon, and + we pass from infancy to youth, from youth to manhood, from manhood to age, + less by the slow and imperceptible step of time than by some one decisive + act or passion which, occurring at a critical moment, elicits a long + latent feeling, and impresses our existence with a color that tinges us + for many a long year. As for me, I had cut the tie which bound me to the + careless gayety of boyhood with a rude gash. In three short days I had + fallen deeply, desperately in love, and had wounded, if not killed, an + antagonist in a duel. As I meditated on these things, I was aroused by the + noise of horses' feet in the yard beneath. I opened the window and beheld + no less a person than Captain Hammersley. He was handing a card to a + servant, which he was accompanying by a verbal message; the impression of + something like hostility on the part of the captain had never left my + mind, and I hastened down-stairs just in time to catch him as he turned + from the door. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Mr. O'Malley!" said he, in a most courteous tone. "They told me you + were not at home." + </p> + <p> + I apologized for the blunder, and begged of him to alight and come in. + </p> + <p> + "I thank you very much, but, in fact, my hours are now numbered here. I + have just received an order to join my regiment; we have been ordered for + service, and Sir George has most kindly permitted my giving up my staff + appointment. I could not, however, leave the country without shaking hands + with you. I owe you a lesson in horsemanship, and I'm only sorry that we + are not to have another day together." + </p> + <p> + "Then you are going out to the Peninsula?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Why, we hope so; the commander-in-chief, they say, is in great want of + cavalry, and we scarcely less in want of something to do. I'm sorry you + are not coming with us." + </p> + <p> + "Would to Heaven I were!" said I, with an earnestness that almost made my + brain start. + </p> + <p> + "Then, why not?" + </p> + <p> + "Unfortunately, I am peculiarly situated. My worthy uncle, who is all to + me in this world, would be quite alone if I were to leave him; and + although he has never said so, I know he dreads the possibility of my + suggesting such a thing to him: so that, between his fears and mine, the + matter is never broached by either party, nor do I think ever can be." + </p> + <p> + "Devilish hard—but I believe you are right; something, however, may + turn up yet to alter his mind, and if so, and if you do take to + dragooning, don't forget George Hammersley will be always most delighted + to meet you; and so good-by, O'Malley, good-by." + </p> + <p> + He turned his horse's head and was already some paces off, when he + returned to my side, and in a lower tone of voice said,— + </p> + <p> + "I ought to mention to you that there has been much discussion on your + affair at Blake's table, and only one opinion on the matter among all + parties,—that you acted perfectly right. Sir George Dashwood,—no + mean judge of such things,—quite approves of your conduct, and, I + believe, wishes you to know as much; and now, once more, good-by." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + THE ELECTION. + </p> + <p> + The important morning at length arrived, and as I looked from my bed-room + window at daybreak, the crowd of carriages of all sorts and shapes + decorated with banners and placards; the incessant bustle; the hurrying + hither and thither; the cheering as each new detachment of voters came up, + mounted on jaunting-cars, or on horses whose whole caparison consisted in + a straw rope for a bridle, and a saddle of the same frail material,—all + informed me that the election day was come. I lost no further time, but + proceeded to dress with all possible despatch. When I appeared in the + breakfast-room, it was already filled with some seventy or eighty persons + of all ranks and ages, mingled confusedly together, and enjoying the + hospitable fare of my uncle's house, while they discussed all the details + and prospects of the election. In the hall, the library, the large + drawing-room, too, similar parties were also assembled, and as newcomers + arrived, the servants were busy in preparing tables before the door and up + the large terrace that ran the entire length of the building. Nothing + could be more amusing than the incongruous mixture of the guests, who, + with every variety of eatable that chance or inclination provided, were + thus thrown into close contact, having only this in common,—the + success of the cause they were engaged in. Here was the old Galway squire, + with an ancestry that reached to Noah, sitting side by side with the poor + cotter, whose whole earthly possession was what, in Irish phrase, is + called a "potato garden,"—meaning the exactly smallest possible + patch of ground out of which a very Indian-rubber conscience could presume + to vote. Here sat the old simple-minded, farmer-like man, in close + conversation with a little white-foreheaded, keen-eyed personage, in a + black coat and eye-glass,—a flash attorney from Dublin, learned in + flaws of the registry, and deep in the subtleties of election law. There + was an Athlone horse-dealer, whose habitual daily practices in imposing + the halt, the lame, and the blind upon the unsuspecting, for beasts of + blood and mettle, well qualified him for the trickery of a county contest. + Then there were scores of squireen gentry, easily recognized on common + occasions by a green coat, brass buttons, dirty cords, and dirtier + top-boots, a lash-whip, and a half-bred fox-hound; but now, fresh-washed + for the day, they presented something the appearance of a swell mob, + adjusted to the meridian of Galway. A mass of frieze-coated, brow-faced, + bullet-headed peasantry filled up the large spaces, dotted here and there + with a sleek, roguish-eyed priest, or some low electioneering agent + detailing, for the amusement of the company, some of those cunning + practices of former times which if known to the proper authorities would + in all likelihood cause the talented narrator to be improving the soil of + Sidney, or fishing on the banks of the Swan river; while at the head and + foot of each table sat some personal friend of my uncle, whose ready + tongue, and still readier pistol, made him a personage of some + consequence, not more to his own people than to the enemy. While of such + material were the company, the fare before them was no less varied: here + some rubicund squire was deep in amalgamating the contents of a venison + pasty with some of Sneyd's oldest claret; his neighbor, less ambitious, + and less erudite in such matters, was devouring rashers of bacon, with + liberal potations of potteen; some pale-cheeked scion of the law, with all + the dust of the Four Courts in his throat, was sipping his humble beverage + of black tea beside four sturdy cattle-dealers from Ballinasloe, who were + discussing hot whiskey punch and <i>spoleaion</i> (boiled beef) at the + very primitive hour of eight in the morning. Amidst the clank of + decanters, the crash of knives and plates, and the jingling of glasses, + the laughter and voices of the guests were audibly increasing; and the + various modes of "running a buck" (<i>Anglicé</i>, substituting a vote), + or hunting a badger, were talked over on all sides, while the price of a + <i>veal</i> (a calf), or a voter, was disputed with all the energy of + debate. + </p> + <p> + Refusing many an offered place, I went through the different rooms in + search of Considine, to whom circumstances of late had somehow greatly + attached me. + </p> + <p> + "Here, Charley," cried a voice I was very familiar with,—"here's a + place I've been keeping for you." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Sir Harry, how do you do? Any of that grouse-pie to spare?" + </p> + <p> + "Abundance, my boy; but I'm afraid I can't say as much for the liquor. I + have been shouting for claret this half-hour in vain,—do get us some + nutriment down here, and the Lord will reward you. What a pity it is," he + added, in a lower tone, to his neighbor—"what a pity a quart-bottle + won't hold a quart; but I'll bring it before the House one of these days." + That he kept his word in this respect, a motion on the books of the + Honorable House will bear me witness. + </p> + <p> + "Is this it?" said he, turning towards a farmer-like old man, who had put + some question to him across the table; "is it the apple-pie you'll have?" + </p> + <p> + "Many thanks to your honor,—I'd like it, av it was wholesome." + </p> + <p> + "And why shouldn't it be wholesome?" said Sir Harry. + </p> + <p> + "Troth, then, myself does not know; but my father, I heerd tell, died of + an apple-plexy, and I'm afeerd of it." + </p> + <p> + I at length found Considine, and learned that, as a very good account of + Bodkin had arrived, there was no reason why I should not proceed to the + hustings; but I was secretly charged not to take any prominent part in the + day's proceedings. My uncle I only saw for an instant,—he begged me + to be careful, avoid all scrapes, and not to quit Considine. It was past + ten o'clock when our formidable procession got under way, and headed + towards the town of Galway. The road was, for miles, crowded with our + followers; banners flying and music playing, we presented something of the + spectacle of a very ragged army on its march. At every cross-road a + mountain-path reinforcement awaited us, and as we wended along, our + numbers were momentarily increasing; here and there along the line, some + energetic and not over-sober adherent was regaling his auditory with a + speech in laudation of the O'Malleys since the days of Moses, and more + than one priest was heard threatening the terrors of his Church in aid of + a cause to whose success he was pledged and bound. I rode beside the + count, who, surrounded by a group of choice spirits, recounted the various + happy inventions by which he had, on divers occasions, substituted a + personal quarrel for a contest. Boyle also contributed his share of + election anecdote, and one incident he related, which, I remember, amused + me much at the time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0091.jpg" alt="The Election. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Do you remember Billy Calvert, that came down to contest Kilkenny?" + inquired Sir Harry. + </p> + <p> + "What, ever forget him!" said Considine, "with his well-powdered wig and + his hessians. There never was his equal for lace ruffles and rings." + </p> + <p> + "You never heard, may be, how he lost the election?" + </p> + <p> + "He resigned, I believe, or something of that sort." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," said another; "he never came forward at all. There's some secret + in it; for Tom Butler was elected without a contest." + </p> + <p> + "Jack, I'll tell you how it happened. I was on my way up from Cork, having + finished my own business, and just carried the day, not without a push for + it. When we reached,—Lady Mary was with me,—when we reached + Kilkenny, the night before the election, I was not ten minutes in town + till Butler heard of it, and sent off express to see me; I was at my + dinner when the messenger came, and promised to go over when I'd done. But + faith, Tom didn't wait, but came rushing up-stairs himself, and dashed + into the room in the greatest hurry. + </p> + <p> + "'Harry,' says he, 'I'm done for; the corporation of free smiths, that + were always above bribery, having voted for myself and my father before, + for four pounds ten a man, won't come forward under six guineas and + whiskey. Calvert has the money; they know it. The devil a farthing we + have; and we've been paying all our fellows that can't read in Hennesy's + notes, and you know the bank's broke this three weeks.' + </p> + <p> + "On he went, giving me a most disastrous picture of his cause, and + concluded by asking if I could suggest anything under the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + "'You couldn't get a decent mob and clear the poll?' + </p> + <p> + "'I am afraid not,' said he, despondingly. + </p> + <p> + "'Then I don't see what's to be done, if you can't pick a fight with + himself. Will he go out?' + </p> + <p> + "'Lord knows! They say he's so afraid of that, that it has prevented him + coming down till the very day. But he is arrived now; he came in the + evening, and is stopping at Walsh's in Patrick Street.' + </p> + <p> + "'Then I'll see what can be done,' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'Is that Calvert, the little man that blushes when the Lady-Lieutenant + speaks to him?' said Lady Mary. + </p> + <p> + "'The very man.' + </p> + <p> + "'Would it be of any use to you if he could not come on the hustings + to-morrow?' said she, again. + </p> + <p> + "''Twould gain us the day. Half the voters don't believe he's here at all, + and his chief agent cheated all the people on the last election; and if + Calvert didn't appear, he wouldn't have ten votes to register. But why do + you ask?' + </p> + <p> + "'Why, that, if you like, I'll bet you a pair of diamond ear-rings he + sha'n't show.' + </p> + <p> + "'Done!' said Butler. 'And I promise a necklace into the bargain, if you + win; but I'm afraid you're only quizzing me.' + </p> + <p> + "'Here's my hand on it,' said she. 'And now let's talk of something + else.'" + </p> + <p> + As Lady Mary never asked my assistance, and as I knew she was very well + able to perform whatever she undertook, you may be sure I gave myself very + little trouble about the whole affair; and when they came, I went off to + breakfast with Tom's committee, not knowing anything that was to be done. + </p> + <p> + Calvert had given orders that he was to be called at eight o'clock, and so + a few minutes before that time a gentle knock came to the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Come in,' said he, thinking it was the waiter, and covering himself up in + the clothes; for he was the most bashful creature ever was seen,—'come + in.' + </p> + <p> + The door opened, and what was his horror to find that a lady entered in + her dressing-gown, her hair on her shoulders, very much tossed and + dishevelled. The moment she came in, she closed the door and locked it, + and then sat leisurely down upon a chair. + </p> + <p> + Billy's teeth chattered, and his limbs trembled; for this was an adventure + of a very novel kind for him. At last he took courage to speak. + </p> + <p> + 'I am afraid, madam,' said he, 'that you are under some unhappy mistake, + and that you suppose this chamber is—' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Calvert's,' said the lady, with a solemn voice, 'is it not?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, madam, I am that person.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank God!' said the lady, with a very impressive tone. 'Here I am safe.' + </p> + <p> + Billy grew very much puzzled at these words; but hoping that by his + silence the lady would proceed to some explanation, he said no more. She, + however, seemed to think that nothing further was necessary, and sat still + and motionless, with her hands before her and her eyes fixed on Billy. + </p> + <p> + "'You seem to forget me, sir?' said she, with a faint smile. + </p> + <p> + "'I do, indeed, madam; the half-light, the novelty of your costume, and + the strangeness of the circumstance altogether must plead for me, if I + appear rude enough.' + </p> + <p> + "'I am Lady Mary Boyle,' said she. + </p> + <p> + "'I do remember you, madam; but may I ask—' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, yes; I know what you would ask. You would say, Why are you here? + How comes it that you have so far outstepped the propriety of which your + whole life is an example, that alone, at such a time, you appear in the + chamber of a man whose character for gallantry—' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, indeed—indeed, my lady, nothing of the kind!' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, alas! poor defenceless women learn, too late, how constantly + associated is the retiring modesty which decries, with the pleasing powers + which ensure success—' + </p> + <p> + "Here she sobbed, Billy blushed, and the clock struck nine. + </p> + <p> + "'May I then beg, madam—' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, yes, you shall hear it all; but my poor scattered faculties will + not be the clearer by your hurrying me. You know, perhaps,' continued she, + 'that my maiden name was Rogers?' He of the blankets bowed, and she + resumed, 'It is now eighteen years since, that a young, unsuspecting, fond + creature, reared in all the care and fondness of doting parents, tempted + her first step in life, and trusted her fate to another's keeping. I am + that unhappy person; the other, that monster in human guise that smiled + but to betray, that won but to ruin and destroy, is he whom you know as + Sir Harry Boyle.' + </p> + <p> + "Here she sobbed for some minutes, wiped her eyes, and resumed her + narrative. Beginning at the period of her marriage, she detailed a number + of circumstances in which poor Calvert, in all his anxiety to come <i>au + fond</i> at matters, could never perceive bore upon the question in any + way; but as she recounted them all with great force and precision, + entreating him to bear in mind certain circumstances to which she should + recur by and by, his attention was kept on the stretch, and it was only + when the clock struck ten that he was fully aware how his morning was + passing, and what surmises his absence might originate. + </p> + <p> + "'May I interrupt you for a moment, dear madam? Was it nine or ten o'clock + which struck last?' + </p> + <p> + "'How should I know?' said she, frantically. 'What are hours and minutes + to her who has passed long years of misery?' + </p> + <p> + "'Very true, very true,' replied he, timidly, and rather fearing for the + intellect of his fair companion. + </p> + <p> + She continued. The narrative, however, so far from becoming clearer, grew + gradually more confused and intricate; and as frequent references were + made by the lady to some previous statement, Calvert was more than once + rebuked for forgetfulness and inattention, where in reality nothing less + than short-hand could have borne him through. + </p> + <p> + "'Was it in '93 I said that Sir Harry left me at Tuam?' + </p> + <p> + "'Upon my life, madam, I am afraid to aver; but it strikes me—' + </p> + <p> + "'Gracious powers! and this is he whom I fondly trusted to make the + depository of my woes! Cruel, cruel man!' + </p> + <p> + "Here she sobbed considerably for several minutes, and spoke not. A loud + cheer of 'Butler forever!' from the mob without now burst upon their + hearing, and recalled poor Calvert at once to the thought that the hours + were speeding fast and no prospect of the everlasting tale coming to an + end. + </p> + <p> + "'I am deeply, most deeply grieved, my dear madam,' said the little man, + sitting up in a pyramid of blankets; 'but hours, minutes, are most + precious to me this morning. I am about to be proposed as member for + Kilkenny.' + </p> + <p> + "At these words the lady straightened her figure out, threw her arms at + either side, and burst into a fit of laughter which poor Calvert knew at + once to be hysterics. Here was a pretty situation! The bell-rope lay + against the opposite wall; and even if it did not, would he be exactly + warranted in pulling it? + </p> + <p> + "'May the devil and all his angels take Sir Harry Boyle and his whole + connection to the fifth generation!' was his sincere prayer as he sat like + a Chinese juggler under his canopy. + </p> + <p> + "At length the violence of the paroxysm seemed to subside; the sobs became + less frequent, the kicking less forcible, and the lady's eyes closed, and + she appeared to have fallen asleep. + </p> + <p> + "'Now is the moment,' said Billy. 'If I could only get as far as my + dressing-gown.' So saying, he worked himself down noiselessly to the foot + of his bed, looked fixedly at the fallen lids of the sleeping lady, and + essayed one leg from the blanket. 'Now or never,' said he, pushing aside + the curtain and preparing for a spring. One more look he cast at his + companion, and then leaped forth; but just as he lit upon the floor she + again roused herself, screaming with horror. Billy fell upon the bed, and + rolling himself in the bedclothes, vowed never to rise again till she was + out of the visible horizon. + </p> + <p> + "'What is all this? What do you mean, sir?' said the lady, reddening with + indignation. + </p> + <p> + "'Nothing, upon my soul, madam; it was only my dressing-gown.' + </p> + <p> + "'Your dressing-gown!' said she, with an emphasis worthy of Siddons; 'a + likely story for Sir Harry to believe, sir! Fie, fie, sir!' + </p> + <p> + "This last allusion seemed a settler; for the luckless Calvert heaved a + profound sigh, and sunk down as if all hope had left him. 'Butler + forever!' roared the mob. 'Calvert forever!' cried a boy's voice from + without. 'Three groans for the runaway!' answered this announcement; and a + very tender inquiry of, 'Where is he?' was raised by some hundred mouths. + </p> + <p> + "'Madam,' said the almost frantic listener,—'madam, I must get up! I + must dress! I beg of you to permit me!' + </p> + <p> + "'I have nothing to refuse, sir. Alas, disdain has long been my only + portion! Get up, if you will.' + </p> + <p> + "'But,' said the astonished man, who was well-nigh deranged at the + coolness of this reply,—'but how am I to do so if you sit there?' + </p> + <p> + "'Sorry for any inconvenience I may cause you; but in the crowded state of + the hotel I hope you see the impropriety of my walking about the passages + in this costume?' + </p> + <p> + "'And, great God! madam, why did you come out in it?' + </p> + <p> + "A cheer from the mob prevented her reply being audible. One o'clock + tolled out from the great bell of the cathedral. + </p> + <p> + "'There's one o'clock, as I live!' + </p> + <p> + "'I heard it,' said the lady. + </p> + <p> + "'The shouts are increasing. What is that I hear? "Butler is in!" Gracious + mercy! is the election over?' + </p> + <p> + "The lady stepped to the window, drew aside the curtain, and said, + 'Indeed, it would appear so. The mob are cheering Mr. Butler.' A deafening + shout burst from the street. 'Perhaps you'd like to see the fun, so I'll + not detain you any longer. So, good-by, Mr. Calvert; and as your breakfast + will be cold, in all likelihood, come down to No. 4, for Sir Harry's a + late man, and will be glad to see you.'" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + AN ADVENTURE. + </p> + <p> + As thus we lightened the road with chatting, the increasing concourse of + people, and the greater throng of carriages that filled the road, + announced that we had nearly reached our destination. + </p> + <p> + "Considine," said my uncle, riding up to where we were, "I have just got a + few lines from Davern. It seems Bodkin's people are afraid to come in; + they know what they must expect, and if so, more than half of that barony + is lost to our opponent." + </p> + <p> + "Then he has no chance whatever." + </p> + <p> + "He never had, in my opinion," said Sir Harry. + </p> + <p> + "We'll see soon," said my uncle, cheerfully, and rode to the post. + </p> + <p> + The remainder of the way was occupied in discussing the various + possibilities of the election, into which I was rejoiced to find that + defeat never entered. + </p> + <p> + In the goodly days I speak of, a county contest was a very different thing + indeed from the tame and insipid farce that now passes under that name: + where a briefless barrister, bullied by both sides, sits as assessor; a + few drunken voters, a radical O'Connellite grocer, a demagogue priest, a + deputy grand-purple-something from the Trinity College lodge, with some + half-dozen followers, shouting, "To the Devil with Peel!" or "Down with + Dens!" form the whole <i>corp-de-ballet</i>. No, no; in the times I refer + to the voters were some thousands in number, and the adverse parties took + the field, far less dependent for success upon previous pledge or promise + made them than upon the actual stratagem of the day. Each went forth, like + a general to battle, surrounded by a numerous and well-chosen staff,—one + party of friends, acting as commissariat, attended to the victualling of + the voters, that they obtained a due, or rather undue allowance of liquor, + and came properly drunk to the poll; others, again, broke into skirmishing + parties, and scattered over the country, cut off the enemy's supplies, + breaking down their post-chaises, upsetting their jaunting-cars, stealing + their poll-books, and kidnapping their agents. Then there were + secret-service people, bribing the enemy and enticing them to desert; and + lastly, there was a species of sapper-and-miner force, who invented false + documents, denied the identity of the opposite party's people, and when + hard pushed, provided persons who took bribes from the enemy, and gave + evidence afterwards on a petition. Amidst all these encounters of wit and + ingenuity, the personal friends of the candidate formed a species of rifle + brigade, picking out the enemy's officers, and doing sore damage to their + tactics by shooting a proposer or wounding a seconder,—a + considerable portion of every leading agent's fee being intended as + compensation for the duels he might, could, would, should, or ought to + fight during the election. Such, in brief, was a contest in the olden + time. And when it is taken into consideration that it usually lasted a + fortnight or three weeks; that a considerable military force was always + engaged (for our Irish law permits this), and which, when nothing pressing + was doing, was regularly assailed by both parties; that far more + dependence was placed in a bludgeon than a pistol; and that the man who + registered a vote without a cracked pate was regarded as a kind of natural + phenomenon,—some faint idea may be formed how much such a scene must + have contributed to the peace of the county, and the happiness and welfare + of all concerned in it. + </p> + <p> + As we rode along, a loud cheer from a road that ran parallel to the one we + were pursuing attracted our attention, and we perceived that the cortége + of the opposite party was hastening on to the hustings. I could + distinguish the Blake girls on horseback among a crowd of officers in + undress, and saw something like a bonnet in the carriage-and-four which + headed the procession, and which I judged to be that of Sir George + Dashwood. My heart beat strongly as I strained my eyes to see if Miss + Dashwood was there; but I could not discern her, and it was with a sense + of relief that I reflected on the possibility of our not meeting under + circumstances wherein our feelings and interests were so completely + opposed. While I was engaged in making this survey, I had accidentally + dropped behind my companions; my eyes were firmly fixed upon that + carriage, and in the faint hope that it contained the object of all my + wishes, I forgot everything else. At length the cortége entered the town, + and passing beneath a heavy stone gateway, was lost to my view. I was + still lost in revery, when an under-agent of my uncle's rode up. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Master Charles!" said he, "what's to be done? They've forgotten Mr. + Holmes at Woodford, and we haven't a carriage, chaise, or even a car left + to send for him." + </p> + <p> + "Have you told Mr. Considine?" inquired I. + </p> + <p> + "And sure you know yourself how little Mr. Considine thinks of a lawyer. + It's small comfort he'd give me if I went to tell him. If it was a case of + pistols or a bullet mould he'd ride back the whole way himself for them." + </p> + <p> + "Try Sir Harry Boyle, then." + </p> + <p> + "He's making a speech this minute before the court-house." + </p> + <p> + This had sufficed to show me how far behind my companions I had been + loitering, when a cheer from the distant road again turned my eyes in that + direction; it was the Dashwood carriage returning after leaving Sir George + at the hustings. The head of the britska, before thrown open, was now + closed, and I could not make out if any one were inside. + </p> + <p> + "Devil a doubt of it," said the agent, in answer to some question of a + farmer who rode beside him; "will you stand to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Troth, to be sure I will." + </p> + <p> + "Here goes, then," said he, gathering up his reins and turning his horse + towards the fence at the roadside; "follow me now, boys." + </p> + <p> + The order was well obeyed; for when he had cleared the ditch, a dozen + stout country fellows, well mounted, were beside him. Away they went, at a + hunting pace, taking every leap before them, and heading towards the road + before us. + </p> + <p> + Without thinking further of the matter, I was laughing at the droll effect + the line of frieze coats presented as they rode side by side over the + stone-walls, when an observation near me aroused my attention. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then, av they know anything of Tim Finucane, they'll give it up + peaceably; it's little he'd think of taking the coach from under the judge + himself." + </p> + <p> + "What are they about, boys?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Goin' to take the chaise-and-four forninst ye, yer honor," said the man. + </p> + <p> + I waited not to hear more, but darting spurs into my horse's sides, + cleared the fence in one bound. My horse, a strong-knit half-breed, was as + fast as a racer for a short distance; so that when the agent and his party + had come up with the carriage, I was only a few hundred yards behind. I + shouted out with all my might, but they either heard not or heeded not, + for scarcely was the first man over the fence into the road when the + postilion on the leader was felled to the ground, and his place supplied + by his slayer; the boy on the wheeler shared the same fate, and in an + instant, so well managed was the attack, the carriage was in possession of + the assailants. Four stout fellows had climbed into the box and the + rumble, and six others were climbing to the interior, regardless of the + aid of steps. By this time the Dashwood party had got the alarm, and + returned in full force, not, however, before the other had laid whip to + the horses and set out in full gallop; and now commenced the most terrific + race I ever witnessed. + </p> + <p> + The four carriage-horses, which were the property of Sir George, were + English thorough-breds of great value, and, totally unaccustomed to the + treatment they experienced, dashed forward at a pace that threatened + annihilation to the carriage at every bound. The pursuers, though well + mounted, were speedily distanced, but followed at a pace that in the end + was certain to overtake the carriage. As for myself, I rode on beside the + road at the full speed of my horse, shouting, cursing, imploring, + execrating, and beseeching at turns, but all in vain; the yells and shouts + of the pursuers and pursued drowned all other sounds, except when the + thundering crash of the horses' feet rose above all. The road, like most + western Irish roads until the present century, lay straight as an arrow + for miles, regardless of every opposing barrier, and in the instance in + question, crossed a mountain at its very highest point. Towards this + pinnacle the pace had been tremendous; but owing to the higher breeding of + the cattle, the carriage party had still the advance, and when they + reached the top they proclaimed the victory by a cheer of triumph and + derision. The carriage disappeared beneath the crest of the mountain, and + the pursuers halted as if disposed to relinquish the chase. + </p> + <p> + "Come on, boys; never give up," cried I, springing over into the road, and + heading the party to which by every right I was opposed. + </p> + <p> + It was no time for deliberation, and they followed me with a hearty cheer + that convinced me I was unknown. The next instant we were on the mountain + top, and beheld the carriage half way down beneath us, still galloping at + full stretch. + </p> + <p> + "We have them now," said a voice behind me; "they'll never turn Lurra + Bridge, if we only press on." + </p> + <p> + The speaker was right; the road at the mountain foot turned at a perfect + right angle, and then crossed a lofty one-arched bridge over a mountain + torrent that ran deep and boisterously beneath. On we went, gaining at + every stride; for the fellows who rode postilion well knew what was before + them, and slackened their pace to secure a safe turning. A yell of victory + arose from the pursuers, but was answered by the others with a cheer of + defiance. The space was now scarcely two hundred yards between us, when + the head of the britska was flung down, and a figure that I at once + recognized as the redoubted Tim Finucane, one of the boldest and most + reckless fellows in the county, was seen standing on the seat, holding,—gracious + Heavens! it was true,—holding in his arms the apparently lifeless + figure of Miss Dashwood. + </p> + <p> + "Hold in!" shouted the ruffian, with a voice that rose high above all the + other sounds. "Hold in! or by the Eternal, I'll throw her, body and bones, + into the Lurra Gash!" for such was the torrent called that boiled and + foamed a few yards before us. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0103.jpg" alt="The Rescue. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + He had by this time got firmly planted on the hind seat, and held the + drooping form on one arm with all the ease of a giant's grasp. + </p> + <p> + "For the love of God!" said I, "pull up. I know him well; he'll do it to a + certainty if you press on." + </p> + <p> + "And we know you, too," said a ruffianly fellow, with a dark whisker + meeting beneath his chin, "and have some scores to settle ere we part—" + </p> + <p> + But I heard no more. With one tremendous effort I dashed my horse forward. + The carriage turned an angle of the road, for an instant was out of sight, + another moment I was behind it. + </p> + <p> + "Stop!" I shouted, with a last effort, but in vain. The horses, maddened + and infuriated, sprang forward, and heedless of all efforts to turn them + the leaders sprang over the low parapet of the bridge, and hanging for a + second by the traces, fell with a crash into the swollen torrent beneath. + By this time I was beside the carriage. Finucane had now clambered to the + box, and regardless of the death and ruin around, bent upon his murderous + object, he lifted the light and girlish form above his head, bent + backwards as if to give greater impulse to his effort, when, twining my + lash around my wrist, I levelled my heavy and loaded hunting-whip at his + head. The weighted ball of lead struck him exactly beneath his hat; he + staggered, his hands relaxed, and he fell lifeless to the ground; the same + instant I was felled to the earth by a blow from behind, and saw no more. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + MICKEY FREE. + </p> + <p> + Nearly three weeks followed the event I have just narrated ere I again was + restored to consciousness. The blow by which I was felled—from what + hand coming it was never after discovered—had brought on concussion + of the brain, and for several days my life was despaired of. As by slow + steps I advanced towards recovery, I learned from Considine that Miss + Dashwood, whose life was saved by my interference, had testified, in the + warmest manner, her gratitude, and that Sir George had, up to the period + of his leaving the country, never omitted a single day to ride over and + inquire for me. + </p> + <p> + "You know, of course," said the count, supposing such news was the most + likely to interest me,—"you know we beat them?" + </p> + <p> + "No. Pray tell me all. They've not let me hear anything hitherto." + </p> + <p> + "One day finished the whole affair. We polled man for man till past two + o'clock, when our fellows lost all patience and beat their tallies out of + the town. The police came up, but they beat the police; then they got + soldiers, but, begad, they were too strong for them, too. Sir George + witnessed it all, and knowing besides how little chance he had of success, + deemed it best to give in; so that a little before five o'clock he + resigned. I must say no man could behave better. He came across the + hustings and shook hands with Godfrey; and as the news of the <i>scrimmage</i> + with his daughter had just arrived, said that he was sorry his prospect of + success had not been greater, that in resigning he might testify how + deeply he felt the debt the O'Malleys had laid him under." + </p> + <p> + "And my uncle, how did he receive his advances?" + </p> + <p> + "Like his own honest self,—grasped his hand firmly; and upon my + soul, I think he was half sorry that he gained the day. Do you know, he + took a mighty fancy to that blue-eyed daughter of the old general's. + Faith, Charley, if he was some twenty years younger, I would not say but—Come, + come, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings; but I have been staying here + too long. I'll send up Mickey to sit with you. Mind and don't be talking + too much to him." + </p> + <p> + So saying, the worthy count left the room fully impressed that in hinting + at the possibility of my uncle's marrying again, he had said something to + ruffle my temper. + </p> + <p> + For the next two or three weeks my life was one of the most tiresome + monotony. Strict injunctions had been given by the doctors to avoid + exciting me; and consequently, every one that came in walked on tiptoe, + spoke in whispers, and left me in five minutes. Reading was absolutely + forbidden; and with a sombre half-light to sit in, and chicken broth to + support nature, I dragged out as dreary an existence as any gentleman west + of Athlone. + </p> + <p> + Whenever my uncle or Considine were not in the room, my companion was my + own servant, Michael, or as he was better known, "Mickey Free." Now, had + Mickey been left to his own free and unrestricted devices, the time would + not have hung so heavily; for among Mike's manifold gifts he was possessed + of a very great flow of gossiping conversation. He knew all that was doing + in the county, and never was barren in his information wherever his + imagination could come into play. Mickey was the best hurler in the + barony, no mean performer on the violin, could dance the national bolero + of "Tatter Jack Walsh" in a way that charmed more than one soft heart + beneath a red woolsey bodice, and had, withal, the peculiar free-and-easy + devil-may-care kind of off-hand Irish way that never deserted him in the + midst of his wiliest and most subtle moments, giving to a very deep and + cunning fellow all the apparent frankness and openness of a country lad. + </p> + <p> + He had attached himself to me as a kind of sporting companion; and growing + daily more and more useful, had been gradually admitted to the honors of + the kitchen and the prerogatives of cast clothes, without ever having been + actually engaged as a servant; and while thus no warrant officer, as, in + fact, he discharged all his duties well and punctually, was rated among + the ship's company, though no one could say at what precise period he + changed his caterpillar existence and became the gay butterfly with cords + and tops, a striped vest, and a most knowing jerry hat who stalked about + the stable-yard and bullied the helpers. Such was Mike. He had made his + fortune, such as it was, and had a most becoming pride in the fact that he + made himself indispensable to an establishment which, before he entered + it, never knew the want of him. As for me, he was everything to me. Mike + informed me what horse was wrong, why the chestnut mare couldn't go out, + and why the black horse could. He knew the arrival of a new covey of + partridge quicker than the "Morning Post" does of a noble family from the + Continent, and could tell their whereabouts twice as accurately. But his + talents took a wider range than field sports afford, and he was the + faithful chronicler of every wake, station, wedding, or christening for + miles round; and as I took no small pleasure in those very national + pastimes, the information was of great value to me. To conclude this brief + sketch, Mike was a devout Catholic in the same sense that he was + enthusiastic about anything,—that is, he believed and obeyed exactly + as far as suited his own peculiar notions of comfort and happiness. Beyond + <i>that</i>, his scepticism stepped in and saved him from inconvenience; + and though he might have been somewhat puzzled to reduce his faith to a + rubric, still it answered his purpose, and that was all he wanted. Such, + in short, was my valet, Mickey Free, and who, had not heavy injunctions + been laid on him as to silence and discretion, would well have lightened + my weary hours. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then, Misther Charles!" said he, with a half-suppressed yawn at the + long period of probation his tongue had been undergoing in silence,—"ah, + then, but ye were mighty near it!" + </p> + <p> + "Near what?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Faith, then, myself doesn't well know. Some say it's purgathory; but it's + hard to tell." + </p> + <p> + "I thought you were too good a Catholic, Mickey, to show any doubts on the + matter?" + </p> + <p> + "May be I am; may be I ain't," was the cautious reply. + </p> + <p> + "Wouldn't Father Roach explain any of your difficulties for you, if you + went over to him?" + </p> + <p> + "Faix, it's little I'd mind his explainings." + </p> + <p> + "And why not?" + </p> + <p> + "Easy enough. If you ax ould Miles there, without, what does he be doing + with all the powther and shot, wouldn't he tell you he's shooting the + rooks, and the magpies, and some other varmint? But myself knows he sells + it to Widow Casey, at two-and-fourpence a pound; so belikes, Father Roach + may be shooting away at the poor souls in purgathory, that all this time + are enjoying the hoith of fine living in heaven, ye understand." + </p> + <p> + "And you think that's the way of it, Mickey?" + </p> + <p> + "Troth, it's likely. Anyhow, I know its not the place they make it out." + </p> + <p> + "Why, how do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, I'll tell you, Misther Charles; but you must not be saying + anything about it afther, for I don't like to talk about these kind of + things." + </p> + <p> + Having pledged myself to the requisite silence and secrecy, Mickey began:— + </p> + <p> + "May be you heard tell of the way my father, rest his soul wherever he is, + came to his end. Well, I needn't mind particulars, but, in short, he was + murdered in Ballinasloe one night, when he was baitin' the whole town with + a blackthorn stick he had; more by token, a piece of a scythe was stuck at + the end of it,—a nate weapon, and one he was mighty partial to; but + those murdering thieves, the cattle-dealers, that never cared for + diversion of any kind, fell on him and broke his skull. + </p> + <p> + "Well, we had a very agreeable wake, and plenty of the best of everything, + and to spare, and I thought it was all over; but somehow, though I paid + Father Roach fifteen shillings, and made him mighty drunk, he always gave + me a black look wherever I met him, and when I took off my hat, he'd turn + away his head displeased like. + </p> + <p> + "'Murder and ages,' says I, 'what's this for?' But as I've a light heart, + I bore up, and didn't think more about it. One day, however, I was coming + home from Athlone market, by myself on the road, when Father Roach + overtook me. 'Devil a one a me 'ill take any notice of you now,' says I, + 'and we'll see what'll come out of it.' So the priest rid up and looked me + straight in the face. + </p> + <p> + "'Mickey,' says he,—'Mickey.' + </p> + <p> + "'Father,' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'Is it that way you salute your clargy,' says he, 'with your caubeen on + your head?' + </p> + <p> + "'Faix,' says I, 'it's little ye mind whether it's an or aff; for you + never take the trouble to say, "By your leave," or "Damn your soul!" or + any other politeness when we meet.' + </p> + <p> + "'You're an ungrateful creature,' says he; 'and if you only knew, you'd be + trembling in your skin before me, this minute.' + </p> + <p> + "'Devil a tremble,' says I, 'after walking six miles this way.' + </p> + <p> + "'You're an obstinate, hard-hearted sinner,' says he; 'and it's no use in + telling you.' + </p> + <p> + "'Telling me what?' says I; for I was getting curious to make out what he + meant. + </p> + <p> + "'Mickey,' says he, changing his voice, and putting his head down close to + me,—'Mickey, I saw your father last night.' + </p> + <p> + "'The saints be merciful to us!' said I, 'did ye?' + </p> + <p> + "'I did,' says he. + </p> + <p> + "'Tear an ages,' says I, 'did he tell you what he did with the new + corduroys he bought in the fair?' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, then, you are a could-hearted creature!' says he, 'and I'll not lose + time with you.' With that he was going to ride away, when I took hold of + the bridle. + </p> + <p> + "'Father, darling,' says I, 'God pardon me, but them breeches is goin' + between me an' my night's rest; but tell me about my father?' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, then, he's in a melancholy state!' + </p> + <p> + "'Whereabouts is he?' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'In purgathory,' says he; 'but he won't be there long.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well,' says I, 'that's a comfort, anyhow.' + </p> + <p> + "'I am glad you think so,' says he; 'but there's more of the other + opinion.' + </p> + <p> + "'What's <i>that?</i>' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'That hell's worse.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, melia-murther!' says I, 'is that it?' + </p> + <p> + "'Ay, that's it.' + </p> + <p> + "Well, I was so terrified and frightened, I said nothing for some time, + but trotted along beside the priest's horse. + </p> + <p> + "'Father,' says I, 'how long will it be before they send him where you + know?' + </p> + <p> + "'It will not be long now,' says he, 'for they're tired entirely with him; + they've no peace night or day,' says he. 'Mickey, your father is a mighty + hard man.' + </p> + <p> + "'True for you, Father Roach,' says I to myself; 'av he had only the ould + stick with the scythe in it, I wish them joy of his company.' + </p> + <p> + "'Mickey,' says he, 'I see you're grieved, and I don't wonder; sure, it's + a great disgrace to a decent family.' + </p> + <p> + "'Troth, it is,' says I; 'but my father always liked low company. Could + nothing be done for him now, Father Roach?' says I, looking up in the + priest's face. + </p> + <p> + "'I'm greatly afraid, Mickey, he was a bad man, a very bad man.' + </p> + <p> + "'And ye think he'll go there?' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'Indeed, Mickey, I have my fears.' + </p> + <p> + "'Upon my conscience,' says I, 'I believe you're right; he was always a + restless crayture.' + </p> + <p> + "'But it doesn't depind on him,' says the priest, crossly. + </p> + <p> + "'And, then, who then?' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'Upon yourself, Mickey Free,' says he, 'God pardon you for it, too!' + </p> + <p> + "'Upon me?' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'Troth, no less,' says he; 'how many Masses was said for your father's + soul; how many Aves; how many Paters? Answer me.' + </p> + <p> + "'Devil a one of me knows!—may be twenty.' + </p> + <p> + "'Twenty, twenty!—no, nor one.' + </p> + <p> + "'And why not?' says I; 'what for wouldn't you be helping a poor crayture + out of trouble, when it wouldn't cost you more nor a handful of prayers?' + </p> + <p> + "'Mickey, I see,' says he, in a solemn tone, 'you're worse nor a haythen; + but ye couldn't be other, ye never come to yer duties.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, Father,' says I, Looking very penitent, 'how many Masses would get + him out?' + </p> + <p> + "'Now you talk like a sensible man,' says he. 'Now, Mickey, I've hopes for + you. Let me see,' here he went countin' upon his fingers, and numberin' to + himself for five minutes. 'Mickey,' says he, 'I've a batch coming out on + Tuesday week, and if you were to make great exertions, perhaps your father + could come with them; that is, av they have made no objections.' + </p> + <p> + "'And what for would they?' says I; 'he was always the hoith of company, + and av singing's allowed in them parts—' + </p> + <p> + "'God forgive you, Mickey, but yer in a benighted state,' says he, + sighing. + </p> + <p> + "'Well,' says I, 'how'll we get him out on Tuesday week? For that's + bringing things to a focus.' + </p> + <p> + "'Two Masses in the morning, fastin',' says Father Roach, half aloud, 'is + two, and two in the afternoon is four, and two at vespers is six,' says + he; 'six Masses a day for nine days is close by sixty Masses,—say + sixty,' says he; 'and they'll cost you—mind, Mickey, and don't be + telling it again, for it's only to yourself I'd make them so cheap—a + matter of three pounds.' + </p> + <p> + "'Three pounds!' says I; 'be-gorra ye might as well ax me to give you the + rock of Cashel.' + </p> + <p> + "'I'm sorry for ye, Mickey,' says he, gatherin' up the reins to ride off,—'I'm + sorry for ye; and the time will come when the neglect of your poor father + will be a sore stroke agin yourself.' + </p> + <p> + "'Wait a bit, your reverence,' says I,—'wait a bit. Would forty + shillings get him out?' + </p> + <p> + "'Av course it wouldn't,' says he. + </p> + <p> + "'May be,' says I, coaxing,—'may be, av you said that his son was a + poor boy that lived by his indhustry, and the times was bad—' + </p> + <p> + "'Not the least use,' says he. + </p> + <p> + "'Arrah, but it's hard-hearted they are,' thinks I. 'Well, see now, I'll + give you the money, but I can't afford it all at onst; but I'll pay five + shillings a week. Will that do?' + </p> + <p> + "'I'll do my endayvors,' says Father Roach; 'and I'll speak to them to + treat him peaceably in the meantime.' + </p> + <p> + "'Long life to yer reverence, and do. Well, here now, here's five hogs to + begin with; and, musha, but I never thought I'd be spending my loose + change that way.' + </p> + <p> + "Father Roach put the six tinpinnies in the pocket of his black leather + breeches, said something in Latin, bid me good-morning, and rode off. + </p> + <p> + "Well, to make my story short, I worked late and early to pay the five + shillings a week, and I did do it for three weeks regular; then I brought + four and fourpence; then it came down to one and tenpence halfpenny, then + ninepence, and at last I had nothing at all to bring. + </p> + <p> + "'Mickey Free,' says the priest, 'ye must stir yourself. Your father is + mighty displeased at the way you've been doing of late; and av ye kept yer + word, he'd be near out by this time.' + </p> + <p> + "'Troth,' says I, 'it's a very expensive place.' + </p> + <p> + "'By coorse it is,' says he; 'sure all the quality of the land's there. + But, Mickey, my man, with a little exertion, your father's business is + done. What are you jingling in your pocket there?' + </p> + <p> + "'It's ten shillings, your reverence, I have to buy seed potatoes.' + </p> + <p> + "'Hand it here, my son. Isn't it better your father would be enjoying + himself in paradise, than if ye were to have all the potatoes in Ireland?' + </p> + <p> + "'And how do ye know,' says I, 'he's so near out?' + </p> + <p> + "'How do I know,—how do I know, is it? Didn't I see him?' + </p> + <p> + "'See him! Tear an ages, was you down there again?' + </p> + <p> + "'I was,' says he; 'I was down there for three quarters of an hour + yesterday evening, getting out Luke Kennedy's mother. Decent people the + Kennedy's; never spared expense.' + </p> + <p> + "'And ye seen my father?' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'I did,' says he; 'he had an ould flannel waistcoat on, and a pipe + sticking out of the pocket av it.' + </p> + <p> + "'That's him,' says I. 'Had he a hairy cap?' + </p> + <p> + "'I didn't mind the cap,' says he; 'but av coorse he wouldn't have it on + his head in that place.' + </p> + <p> + "'Thrue for you,' says I. 'Did he speak to you?' + </p> + <p> + "'He did,' says Father Roach; 'he spoke very hard about the way he was + treated down there; that they was always jibin' and jeerin' him about <i>drink</i>, + and fightin', and the course he led up here, and that it was a queer + thing, for the matter of ten shillings, he was to be kept there so long.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well,' says I, taking out the ten shillings and counting it with one + hand, 'we must do our best, anyhow; and ye think this'll get him out + surely?' + </p> + <p> + "'I know it will,' says he; 'for when Luke's mother was leaving the place, + and yer father saw the door open, he made a rush at it, and, be-gorra, + before it was shut he got his head and one shoulder outside av it,—so + that, ye see, a thrifle more'll do it.' + </p> + <p> + "'Faix, and yer reverence,' says I, 'you've lightened my heart this + morning.' And I put my money back again in my pocket. + </p> + <p> + "'Why, what do you mean?' says he, growing very red, for he was angry. + </p> + <p> + "'Just this,' says I, 'that I've saved my money; for av it was my father + you seen, and that he got his head and one shoulder outside the door, oh, + then, by the powers!' says I, 'the devil a jail or jailer from hell to + Connaught id hould him. So, Father Roach, I wish you the top of the + morning.' And I went away laughing; and from that day to this I never + heard more of purgathory; and ye see, Master Charles, I think I was + right." + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had Mike concluded when my door was suddenly burst open, and Sir + Harry Boyle, without assuming any of his usual precautions respecting + silence and quiet, rushed into the room, a broad grin upon his honest + features, and his eyes twinkling in a way that evidently showed me + something had occurred to amuse him. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, Charley, I mustn't keep it from you; it's too good a thing not + to tell you. Do you remember that very essenced young gentleman who + accompanied Sir George Dashwood from Dublin, as a kind of electioneering + friend?" + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean Mr. Prettyman?" + </p> + <p> + "The very man; he was, you are aware, an under-secretary in some + government department. Well, it seems that he had come down among us poor + savages as much from motives of learned research and scientific inquiry, + as though we had been South Sea Islanders; report had gifted us humble + Galwayans with some very peculiar traits, and this gifted individual + resolved to record them. Whether the election week might have sufficed his + appetite for wonders I know not; but he was peaceably taking his departure + from the west on Saturday last, when Phil Macnamara met him, and pressed + him to dine that day with a few friends at his house. You know Phil; so + that when I tell you Sam Burke, of Greenmount, and Roger Doolan were of + the party, I need not say that the English traveller was not left to his + own unassisted imagination for his facts. Such anecdotes of our habits and + customs as they crammed him with, it would appear, never were heard + before; nothing was too hot or too heavy for the luckless cockney, who, + when not sipping his claret, was faithfully recording in his tablet the + mems. for a very brilliant and very original work on Ireland. + </p> + <p> + "Fine country, splendid country; glorious people,—gifted, brave, + intelligent, but not happy,—alas! Mr. Macnamara, not happy. But we + don't know you, gentlemen,—we don't indeed,—at the other side + of the Channel. Our notions regarding you are far, very far from just." + </p> + <p> + "I hope and trust," said old Burke, "you'll help them to a better + understanding ere long." + </p> + <p> + "Such, my dear sir, will be the proudest task of my life. The facts I have + heard here this evening have made so profound an impression upon me that I + burn for the moment when I can make them known to the world at large. To + think—just to think that a portion of this beautiful island should + be steeped in poverty; that the people not only live upon the mere + potatoes, but are absolutely obliged to wear the skins for raiment, as Mr. + Doolan has just mentioned to me!" + </p> + <p> + "'Which accounts for our cultivation of lumpers,' added Mr. Doolan, 'they + being the largest species of the root, and best adapted for wearing + apparel.' + </p> + <p> + "'I should deem myself culpable—indeed I should—did I not + inform my countrymen upon the real condition of this great country.' + </p> + <p> + "'Why, after your great opportunities for judging,' said Phil, 'you ought + to speak out. You've seen us in a way, I may fairly affirm, few Englishmen + have, and heard more.' + </p> + <p> + "'That's it,—that's the very thing, Mr. Macnamara. I've looked at + you more closely; I've watched you more narrowly; I've witnessed what the + French call your <i>vie intime</i>.' + </p> + <p> + "'Begad you have,' said old Burke, with a grin, 'and profited by it to the + utmost.' + </p> + <p> + "'I've been a spectator of your election contests; I've partaken of your + hospitality; I've witnessed your popular and national sports; I've been + present at your weddings, your fairs, your wakes; but no,—I was + forgetting,—I never saw a wake.' + </p> + <p> + "'Never saw a wake?' repeated each of the company in turn, as though the + gentleman was uttering a sentiment of very dubious veracity. + </p> + <p> + "'Never,' said Mr. Prettyman, rather abashed at this proof of his + incapacity to instruct his English friends upon <i>all</i> matters of + Irish interest. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, then,' said Macnamara, 'with a blessing, we'll show you one. Lord + forbid that we shouldn't do the honors of our poor country to an + intelligent foreigner when he's good enough to come among us.' + </p> + <p> + "'Peter,' said he, turning to the servant behind him, 'who's dead + hereabouts?' + </p> + <p> + "'Sorra one, yer honor. Since the scrimmage at Portumna the place is + peaceable.' + </p> + <p> + "'Who died lately in the neighborhood?' + </p> + <p> + "'The widow Macbride, yer honor.' + </p> + <p> + "'Couldn't they take her up again, Peter? My friend here never saw a + wake.' + </p> + <p> + "'I'm afeered not; for it was the boys roasted her, and she wouldn't be a + decent corpse for to show a stranger,' said Peter, in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Prettyman shuddered at these peaceful indications of the + neighborhood, and said nothing. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, then, Peter, tell Jimmy Divine to take the old musket in my + bedroom, and go over to the Clunagh bog,—he can't go wrong. There's + twelve families there that never pay a halfpenny rent; and <i>when it's + done</i>, let him give notice to the neighborhood, and we'll have a + rousing wake.' + </p> + <p> + "'You don't mean, Mr. Macnamara,—you don't mean to say—' + stammered out the cockney, with a face like a ghost. + </p> + <p> + "'I only mean to say,' said Phil, laughing, 'that you're keeping the + decanter very long at your right hand.' + </p> + <p> + "Burke contrived to interpose before the Englishman could ask any + explanation of what he had just heard,—and for some minutes he could + only wait in impatient anxiety,—when a loud report of a gun close + beside the house attracted the attention of the guests. The next moment + old Peter entered, his face radiant with smiles. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, what's that?' said Macnamara. + </p> + <p> + "''T was Jimmy, yer honor. As the evening was rainy, he said he'd take one + of the neighbors; and he hadn't to go far, for Andy Moore was going home, + and he brought him down at once.' + </p> + <p> + "'Did he shoot him?' said Mr. Prettyman, while cold perspiration broke + over his forehead. 'Did he murder the man?' + </p> + <p> + "'Sorra murder,' said Peter, disdainfully. 'But why shouldn't he shoot him + when the master bid him?' + </p> + <p> + "I needn't tell you more, Charley; but in ten minutes after, feigning some + excuse to leave the room, the terrified cockney took flight, and offering + twenty guineas for a horse to convey him to Athlone, he left Galway, fully + convinced that they don't yet know us on the other side of the Channel." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE JOURNEY. + </p> + <p> + The election concluded, the turmoil and excitement of the contest over, + all was fast resuming its accustomed routine around us, when one morning + my uncle informed me that I was at length to leave my native county and + enter upon the great world as a student of Trinity College, Dublin. + Although long since in expectation of this eventful change, it was with no + slight feeling of emotion I contemplated the step which, removing me at + once from all my early friends and associations, was to surround me with + new companions and new influences, and place before me very different + objects of ambition from those I had hitherto been regarding. + </p> + <p> + My destiny had been long ago decided. The army had had its share of the + family, who brought little more back with them from the wars than a short + allowance of members and shattered constitutions; the navy had proved, on + more than one occasion, that the fate of the O'Malleys did not incline to + hanging; so that, in Irish estimation, but one alternative remained, and + that was the bar. Besides, as my uncle remarked, with great truth and + foresight, "Charley will be tolerably independent of the public, at all + events; for even if they never send him a brief, there's law enough in the + family to last <i>his</i> time,"—a rather novel reason, by-the-bye, + for making a man a lawyer, and which induced Sir Harry, with his usual + clearness, to observe to me:— + </p> + <p> + "Upon my conscience, boy, you are in luck. If there had been a Bible in + the house, I firmly believe he'd have made you a parson." + </p> + <p> + Considine alone, of all my uncle's advisers, did not concur in this + determination respecting me. He set forth, with an eloquence that + certainly converted <i>me</i>, that my head was better calculated for + bearing hard knocks than unravelling knotty points, that a shako would + become it infinitely better than a wig; and declared, roundly, that a boy + who began so well and had such very pretty notions about shooting was + positively thrown away in the Four Courts. My uncle, however, was firm, + and as old Sir Harry supported him, the day was decided against us, + Considine murmuring as he left the room something that did not seem quite + a brilliant anticipation of the success awaiting me in my legal career. As + for myself, though only a silent spectator of the debate, all my wishes + were with the count. Prom my earliest boyhood a military life had been my + strongest desire; the roll of the drum, and the shrill fife that played + through the little village, with its ragged troop of recruits following, + had charms for me I cannot describe; and had a choice been allowed me, I + would infinitely rather have been a sergeant in the dragoons than one of + his Majesty's learned in the law. If, then, such had been the cherished + feeling of many a year, how much more strongly were my aspirations + heightened by the events of the last few days. The tone of superiority I + had witnessed in Hammersley, whose conduct to me at parting had placed him + high in my esteem; the quiet contempt of civilians implied in a thousand + sly ways; the exalted estimate of his own profession,—at once + wounded my pride and stimulated my ambition; and lastly, more than all, + the avowed preference that Lucy Dashwood evinced for a military life, were + stronger allies than my own conviction needed to make me long for the + army. So completely did the thought possess me that I felt, if I were not + a soldier, I cared not what became of me. Life had no other object of + ambition for me than military renown, no other success for which I cared + to struggle, or would value when obtained. "<i>Aut Caesar aut nullus</i>," + thought I; and when my uncle determined I should be a lawyer, I neither + murmured nor objected, but hugged myself in the prophecy of Considine that + hinted pretty broadly, "the devil a stupider fellow ever opened a brief; + but he'd have made a slashing light dragoon." + </p> + <p> + The preliminaries were not long in arranging. It was settled that I should + be immediately despatched to Dublin to the care of Dr. Mooney, then a + junior fellow in the University, who would take me into his especial + charge; while Sir Harry was to furnish me with a letter to his old friend, + Doctor Barret, whose advice and assistance he estimated at a very high + price. Provided with such documents I was informed that the gates of + knowledge were more than half ajar for me, without an effort upon my part. + One only portion of all the arrangements I heard with anything like + pleasure; it was decided that my man Mickey was to accompany me to Dublin, + and remain with me during my stay. + </p> + <p> + It was upon a clear, sharp morning in January, of the year 18—, that + I took my place upon the box-seat of the old Galway mail and set out on my + journey. My heart was depressed, and my spirits were miserably low. I had + all that feeling of sadness which leave-taking inspires, and no sustaining + prospect to cheer me in the distance. For the first time in my life, I had + seen a tear glisten in my poor uncle's eye, and heard his voice falter as + he said, "Farewell!" Notwithstanding the difference of age, we had been + perfectly companions together; and as I thought now over all the thousand + kindnesses and affectionate instances of his love I had received, my heart + gave way, and the tears coursed slowly down my cheeks. I turned to give + one last look at the tall chimneys and the old woods, my earliest friends; + but a turn of the road had shut out the prospect, and thus I took my leave + of Galway. + </p> + <p> + My friend Mickey, who sat behind with the guard, participated but little + in my feelings of regret. The potatoes in the metropolis could scarcely be + as wet as the lumpers in Scariff; he had heard that whiskey was not + dearer, and looked forward to the other delights of the capital with a + longing heart. Meanwhile, resolved that no portion of his career should be + lost, he was lightening the road by anecdote and song, and held an + audience of four people, a very crusty-looking old guard included, in + roars of laughter. Mike had contrived, with his usual <i>savoir faire</i>, + to make himself very agreeable to an extremely pretty-looking country + girl, around whose waist he had most lovingly passed his arm under + pretence of keeping her from falling, and to whom, in the midst of all his + attentions to the party at large, he devoted himself considerably, + pressing his suit with all the aid of his native minstrelsy. + </p> + <p> + "Hould me tight, Miss Matilda, dear." + </p> + <p> + "My name's Mary Brady, av ye plase." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, and I do plase. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Oh, Mary Brady, you are my darlin', + You are my looking-glass from night till morning; + I'd rayther have ye without one farthen, + Nor Shusey Gallagher and her house and garden.' +</pre> + <p> + May I never av I wouldn't then; and ye needn't be laughing." + </p> + <p> + "Is his honor at home?" + </p> + <p> + This speech was addressed to a gaping country fellow that leaned on his + spade to see the coach pass. + </p> + <p> + "Is his honor at home? I've something for him from Mr. Davern." + </p> + <p> + Mickey well knew that few western gentlemen were without constant + intercourse with the Athlone attorney. The poor countryman accordingly + hastened through the fence and pursued the coach with all speed for above + a mile, Mike pretending all the time to be in the greatest anxiety for his + overtaking them, until at last, as he stopped in despair, a hearty roar of + laughter told him that, in Mickey's <i>parlance</i>, he was "sould." + </p> + <p> + "Taste it, my dear; devil a harm it'll do ye. It never paid the king + sixpence." + </p> + <p> + Here he filled a little horn vessel from a black bottle he carried, + accompanying the action with a song, the air to which, if any of my + readers feel disposed to sing it, I may observe, bore a resemblance to the + well-known, "A Fig for Saint Denis of France." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + POTTEEN, GOOD LUCK TO YE, DEAR. + + Av I was a monarch in state, + Like Romulus or Julius Caysar, + With the best of fine victuals to eat, + And drink like great Nebuchadnezzar, + A rasher of bacon I'd have, + And potatoes the finest was seen, sir, + And for drink, it's no claret I'd crave, + But a keg of ould Mullens's potteen, sir, + With the smell of the smoke on it still. + + They talk of the Romans of ould, + Whom they say in their own times was frisky; + But trust me, to keep out the cowld, + The Romans at home here like whiskey. + Sure it warms both the head and the heart, + It's the soul of all readin' and writin'; + It teaches both science and art, + And disposes for love or for fightin'. + Oh, potteen, good luck to ye, dear. +</pre> + <p> + This very classic production, and the black bottle which accompanied it, + completely established the singer's pre-eminence in the company; and I + heard sundry sounds resembling drinking, with frequent good wishes to the + provider of the feast,—"Long life to ye, Mr. Free," "Your health and + inclinations, Mr. Free," etc.; to which Mr. Free responded by drinking + those of the company, "av they were vartuous." The amicable relations thus + happily established promised a very lasting reign, and would doubtless + have enjoyed such, had not a slight incident occurred which for a brief + season interrupted them. At the village where we stopped to breakfast, + three very venerable figures presented themselves for places in the inside + of the coach; they were habited in black coats, breeches, and gaiters, + wore hats of a very ecclesiastic breadth in their brim, and had altogether + the peculiar air and bearing which distinguishes their calling, being no + less than three Roman Catholic prelates on their way to Dublin to attend a + convocation. While Mickey and his friends, with the ready tact which every + low Irishman possesses, immediately perceived who and what these + worshipful individuals were, another traveller who had just assumed his + place on the outside participated but little in the feelings of reverence + so manifestly displayed, but gave a sneer of a very ominous kind as the + skirt of the last black coat disappeared within the coach. This latter + individual was a short, thick-set, bandy-legged man of about fifty, with + an enormous nose, which, whatever its habitual coloring, on the morning in + question was of a brilliant purple. He wore a blue coat with bright + buttons, upon which some letters were inscribed; and around his neck was + fastened a ribbon of the same color, to which a medal was attached. This + he displayed with something of ostentation whenever an opportunity + occurred, and seemed altogether a person who possessed a most satisfactory + impression of his own importance. In fact, had not this feeling been + participated in by others, Mr. Billy Crow would never have been deputed by + No. 13,476 to carry their warrant down to the west country, and establish + the nucleus of an Orange Lodge in the town of Foxleigh; such being, in + brief, the reason why he, a very well known manufacturer of "leather + continuations" in Dublin, had ventured upon the perilous journey from + which he was now returning. Billy was going on his way to town rejoicing, + for he had had most brilliant success: the brethren had feasted and fêted + him; he had made several splendid orations, with the usual number of + prophecies about the speedy downfall of Romanism, the inevitable return of + Protestant ascendancy, the pleasing prospect that with increased effort + and improved organization they should soon be able to have everything + their own way, and clear the Green Isle of the horrible vermin Saint + Patrick forgot when banishing the others; and that if Daniel O'Connell + (whom might the Lord confound!) could only be hanged, and Sir Harcourt + Lees made Primate of all Ireland, there were still some hopes of peace and + prosperity to the country. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crow had no sooner assumed his place upon the coach than he saw that + he was in the camp of the enemy. Happily for all parties, indeed, in + Ireland, political differences have so completely stamped the externals of + each party that he must be a man of small penetration who cannot, in the + first five minutes he is thrown among strangers, calculate with + considerable certainty whether it will be more conducive to his happiness + to sing, "Croppies Lie Down," or "The Battle of Ross." As for Billy Crow, + long life to him! you might as well attempt to pass a turkey upon M. + Audubon for a giraffe, as endeavor to impose a Papist upon him for a true + follower of King William. He could have given you more generic + distinctions to guide you in the decision than ever did Cuvier to + designate an antediluvian mammoth; so that no sooner had he seated himself + upon the coach than he buttoned up his great-coat, stuck his hands firmly + in his side-pockets, pursed up his lips, and looked altogether like a man + that, feeling himself out of his element, resolves to "bide his time" in + patience until chance may throw him among more congenial associates. + Mickey Free, who was himself no mean proficient in reading a character, at + one glance saw his man, and began hammering his brains to see if he could + not overreach him. The small portmanteau which contained Billy's wardrobe + bore the conspicuous announcement of his name; and as Mickey could read, + this was one important step already gained. + </p> + <p> + He accordingly took the first opportunity of seating himself beside him, + and opened the conversation by some very polite observation upon the + other's wearing apparel, which is always in the west considered a piece of + very courteous attention. By degrees the dialogue prospered, and Mickey + began to make some very important revelations about himself and his + master, intimating that the "state of the country" was such that a man of + his way of thinking had no peace or quiet in it. + </p> + <p> + "That's him there, forenent ye," said Mickey, "and a better Protestant + never hated Mass. Ye understand." + </p> + <p> + "What!" said Billy, unbuttoning the collar of his coat to get a fairer + view at his companion; "why, I thought you were—" + </p> + <p> + Here he made some resemblance of the usual manner of blessing oneself. + </p> + <p> + "Me, devil a more nor yourself, Mr. Crow." + </p> + <p> + "Why, do you know me, too?" + </p> + <p> + "Troth, more knows you than you think." + </p> + <p> + Billy looked very much puzzled at all this; at last he said,— + </p> + <p> + "And ye tell me that your master there's the right sort?" + </p> + <p> + "Thrue blue," said Mike, with a wink, "and so is his uncles." + </p> + <p> + "And where are they, when they are at home?" + </p> + <p> + "In Galway, no less; but they're here now." + </p> + <p> + "Where?" + </p> + <p> + "Here." + </p> + <p> + At these words he gave a knock of his heel to the coach, as if to intimate + their "whereabouts." + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean in the coach, do ye?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure I do; and troth you can't know much of the west, av ye don't + know the three Mr. Trenches of Tallybash!—them's they." + </p> + <p> + "You don't say so?" + </p> + <p> + "Faix, but I do." + </p> + <p> + "May I never drink the 12th of July if I didn't think they were priests." + </p> + <p> + "Priests!" said Mickey, in a roar of laughter,—"priests!" + </p> + <p> + "Just priests!" + </p> + <p> + "Be-gorra, though, ye had better keep that to yourself; for they're not + the men to have that same said to them." + </p> + <p> + "Of course I wouldn't offend them," said Mr. Crow; "faith, it's not me + would cast reflections upon such real out-and-outers as they are. And + where are they going now?" + </p> + <p> + "To Dublin straight; there's to be a grand lodge next week. But sure Mr. + Crow knows better than me." + </p> + <p> + Billy after this became silent. A moody revery seemed to steal over him; + and he was evidently displeased with himself for his want of tact in not + discovering the three Mr. Trenches of Tallybash, though he only caught + sight of their backs. + </p> + <p> + Mickey Free interrupted not the frame of mind in which he saw conviction + was slowly working its way, but by gently humming in an undertone the + loyal melody of "Croppies Lie Down," fanned the flame he had so + dexterously kindled. At length they reached the small town of Kinnegad. + While the coach changed horses, Mr. Crow lost not a moment in descending + from the top, and rushing into the little inn, disappeared for a few + moments. When he again issued forth, he carried a smoking tumbler of + whiskey punch, which he continued to stir with a spoon. As he approached + the coach-door he tapped gently with his knuckles; upon which the reverend + prelate of Maronia, or Mesopotamia, I forget which, inquired what he + wanted. + </p> + <p> + "I ask your pardon, gentlemen," said Billy, "but I thought I'd make bold + to ask you to take something warm this cold day." + </p> + <p> + "Many thanks, my good friend; but we never do," said a bland voice from + within. + </p> + <p> + "I understand," said Billy, with a sly wink; "but there are circumstances + now and then,—and one might for the honor of the cause, you know. + Just put it to your lips, won't you?" + </p> + <p> + "Excuse me," said a very rosy-cheeked little prelate, "but nothing + stronger than water—" + </p> + <p> + "Botheration," thought Billy, as he regarded the speaker's nose. "But I + thought," said he, aloud, "that you would not refuse this." + </p> + <p> + Here he made a peculiar manifestation in the air, which, whatever respect + and reverence it might carry to the honest brethren of 13,476, seemed only + to increase the wonder and astonishment of the bishops. + </p> + <p> + "What does he mean?" said one. + </p> + <p> + "Is he mad?" said another. + </p> + <p> + "Tear and ages," said Mr. Crow, getting quite impatient at the slowness of + his friends' perception,—"tear and ages, I'm one of yourselves." + </p> + <p> + "One of us," said the three in chorus,—"one of us?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, to be sure," here he took a long pull at the punch,—"to be sure + I am; here's 'No surrender,' your souls! whoop—" a loud yell + accompanying the toast as he drank it. + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to insult us?" said Father P———. "Guard, + take the fellow." + </p> + <p> + "Are we to be outraged in this manner?" chorussed the priests. + </p> + <p> + "'July the 1st, in Oldbridge town,'" sang Billy, "and here it is, 'The + glorious, pious, and immortal memory of the great and good—'" + </p> + <p> + "Guard! Where is the guard?" + </p> + <p> + "'And good King William, that saved us from Popery—'" + </p> + <p> + "Coachman! Guard!" screamed Father ———. + </p> + <p> + "'Brass money—'" + </p> + <p> + "Policeman! policeman!" shouted the priests. + </p> + <p> + "'Brass money and wooden shoes;' devil may care who hears me!" said Billy, + who, supposing that the three Mr. Trenches were skulking the avowal of + their principles, resolved to assert the pre-eminence of the great cause + single-handed and alone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0126.jpg" alt="Mr. Crow Well Plucked. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "'Here's the Pope in the pillory, and the Devil pelting him with + priests.'" + </p> + <p> + At these words a kick from behind apprised the loyal champion that a very + ragged auditory, who for some time past had not well understood the gist + of his eloquence, had at length comprehended enough to be angry. <i>Ce + n'est que le premier pas qui coûte</i>, certainly, in an Irish row. "The + merest urchin may light the train; one handful of mud often ignites a + shindy that ends in a most bloody battle." + </p> + <p> + And here, no sooner did the <i>vis-a-tergo</i> impel Billy forward than a + severe rap of a closed fist in the eye drove him back, and in one instant + he became the centre to a periphery of kicks, cuffs, pullings, and + haulings that left the poor deputy-grand not only orange, but blue. + </p> + <p> + He fought manfully, but numbers carried the day; and when the coach drove + off, which it did at last without him, the last thing visible to the + outsides was the figure of Mr. Crow,—whose hat, minus the crown, had + been driven over his head down upon his neck, where it remained like a + dress cravat,—buffeting a mob of ragged vagabonds who had so + completely metamorphosed the unfortunate man with mud and bruises that a + committee of the grand lodge might actually have been unable to identify + him. + </p> + <p> + As for Mickey and his friends behind, their mirth knew no bounds; and + except the respectable insides, there was not an individual about the + coach who ceased to think of and laugh at the incident till we arrived in + Dublin and drew up at the Hibernian in Dawson Street. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + DUBLIN. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had I arrived in Dublin than my first care was to present myself + to Dr. Mooney, by whom I was received in the most cordial manner. In fact, + in my utter ignorance of such persons, I had imagined a college fellow to + be a character necessarily severe and unbending; and as the only two very + great people I had ever seen in my life were the Archbishop of Tuam and + the chief-baron when on circuit, I pictured to myself that a university + fellow was, in all probability, a cross between the two, and feared him + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + The doctor read over my uncle's letter attentively, invited me to partake + of his breakfast, and then entered upon something like an account of the + life before me; for which Sir Harry Boyle had, however, in some degree + prepared me. + </p> + <p> + "Your uncle, I find, wishes you to live in college,—perhaps it is + better, too,—so that I must look out for chambers for you. Let me + see: it will be rather difficult, just now, to find them." Here he fell + for some moments into a musing fit, and merely muttered a few broken + sentences, as: "To be sure, if other chambers could be had—but then—and + after all, perhaps, as he is young—besides, Frank will certainly be + expelled before long, and then he will have them all to himself. I say, + O'Malley, I believe I must quarter you for the present with a rather wild + companion; but as your uncle says you're a prudent fellow,"—here he + smiled very much, as if my uncle had not said any such thing,—"why, + you must only take the better care of yourself until we can make some + better arrangement. My pupil, Frank Webber, is at this moment in want of a + 'chum,' as the phrase is,—his last three having only been + domesticated with him for as many weeks; so that until we find you a more + quiet resting-place, you may take up your abode with him." + </p> + <p> + During breakfast, the doctor proceeded to inform me that my destined + companion was a young man of excellent family and good fortune who, with + very considerable talents and acquirements, preferred a life of rackety + and careless dissipation to prospects of great success in public life, + which his connection and family might have secured for him. That he had + been originally entered at Oxford, which he was obliged to leave; then + tried Cambridge, from which he escaped expulsion by being rusticated,—that + is, having incurred a sentence of temporary banishment; and lastly, was + endeavoring, with what he himself believed to be a total reformation, to + stumble on to a degree in the "silent sister." + </p> + <p> + "This is his third year," said the doctor, "and he is only a freshman, + having lost every examination, with abilities enough to sweep the + university of its prizes. But come over now, and I'll present you to him." + </p> + <p> + I followed him down-stairs, across the court to an angle of the old square + where, up the first floor left, to use the college direction, stood the + name of Mr. Webber, a large No. 2 being conspicuously painted in the + middle of the door and not over it, as is usually the custom. As we + reached the spot, the observations of my companion were lost to me in the + tremendous noise and uproar that resounded from within. It seemed as if a + number of people were fighting pretty much as a banditti in a melodrama + do, with considerable more of confusion than requisite; a fiddle and a + French horn also lent their assistance to shouts and cries which, to say + the best, were not exactly the aids to study I expected in such a place. + </p> + <p> + Three times was the bell pulled with a vigor that threatened its downfall, + when at last, as the jingle of it rose above all other noises, suddenly + all became hushed and still; a momentary pause succeeded, and the door was + opened by a very respectable looking servant who, recognizing the doctor, + at once introduced us into the apartment where Mr. Webber was sitting. + </p> + <p> + In a large and very handsomely furnished room, where Brussels carpeting + and softly cushioned sofas contrasted strangely with the meagre and + comfortless chambers of the doctor, sat a young man at a small + breakfast-table beside the fire. He was attired in a silk dressing-gown + and black velvet slippers, and supported his forehead upon a hand of most + lady-like whiteness, whose fingers were absolutely covered with rings of + great beauty and price. His long silky brown hair fell in rich profusion + upon the back of his neck and over his arm, and the whole air and attitude + was one which a painter might have copied. So intent was he upon the + volume before him that he never raised his head at our approach, but + continued to read aloud, totally unaware of our presence. + </p> + <p> + "Dr. Mooney, sir," said the servant. + </p> + <p> + <i>"Ton dapamey bominos, prosephe, crione Agamemnon"</i> repeated the + student, in an ecstasy, and not paying the slightest attention to the + announcement. + </p> + <p> + "Dr. Mooney, sir," repeated the servant, in a louder tone, while the + doctor looked around on every side for an explanation of the late uproar, + with a face of the most puzzled astonishment. + </p> + <p> + <i>"Be dakiown para thina dolekoskion enkos"</i> said Mr. Webber, + finishing a cup of coffee at a draught. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Webber, hard at work I see," said the doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Doctor, I beg pardon! Have you been long here?" said the most soft + and insinuating voice, while the speaker passed his taper fingers across + his brow, as if to dissipate the traces of deep thought and study. + </p> + <p> + While the doctor presented me to my future companion, I could perceive, in + the restless and searching look he threw around, that the fracas he had so + lately heard was still an unexplained and <i>vexata questio</i> in his + mind. + </p> + <p> + "May I offer you a cup of coffee, Mr. O'Malley?" said the youth, with an + air of almost timid bashfulness. "The doctor, I know, breakfasts at a very + early hour." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Webber," said the doctor, who could no longer restrain his + curiosity, "what an awful row I heard here as I came up to the door. I + thought Bedlam was broke loose. What could it have been?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, you heard it too, sir," said Mr. Webber, smiling most benignly. + </p> + <p> + "Hear it? To be sure I did. O'Malley and I could not hear ourselves + talking with the uproar." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed, it is very provoking; but then, what's to be done? One can't + complain, under the circumstances." + </p> + <p> + "Why, what do you mean?" said Mooney, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing, sir; nothing. I'd much rather you'd not ask me; for after all, + I'll change my chambers." + </p> + <p> + "But why? Explain this at once. I insist upon it." + </p> + <p> + "Can I depend upon the discretion of your young friend?" said Mr. Webber, + gravely. + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly," said the doctor, now wound up to the greatest anxiety to + learn a secret. + </p> + <p> + "And you'll promise not to mention the thing except among your friends?" + </p> + <p> + "I do," said the doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," said he, in a low and confident whisper, "it's the dean." + </p> + <p> + "The dean!" said Mooney, with a start. "The dean! Why, how can it be the + dean?" + </p> + <p> + "Too true," said Mr. Webber, making a sign of drinking,—"too true, + Doctor. And then, the moment he is so, he begins smashing the furniture. + Never was anything heard like it. As for me, as I am now become a reading + man, I must go elsewhere." + </p> + <p> + Now, it so chanced that the worthy dean, who albeit a man of most + abstemious habits, possessed a nose which, in color and development, was a + most unfortunate witness to call to character, and as Mooney heard Webber + narrate circumstantially the frightful excesses of the great functionary, + I saw that something like conviction was stealing over him. + </p> + <p> + "You'll, of course, never speak of this except to your most intimate + friends," said Webber. + </p> + <p> + "Of course not," said the doctor, as he shook his hand warmly, and + prepared to leave the room. "O'Malley, I leave you here," said he; "Webber + and you can talk over your arrangements." + </p> + <p> + Webber followed the doctor to the door, whispered something in his ear, to + which the other replied, "Very well, I will write; but if your father + sends the money, I must insist—" The rest was lost in protestations + and professions of the most fervent kind, amidst which the door was shut, + and Mr. Webber returned to the room. + </p> + <p> + Short as was the interspace from the door without to the room within, it + was still ample enough to effect a very thorough and remarkable change in + the whole external appearance of Mr. Frank Webber; for scarcely had the + oaken panel shut out the doctor, when he appeared no longer the shy, + timid, and silvery-toned gentleman of five minutes before, but dashing + boldly forward, he seized a key-bugle that lay hid beneath a sofa-cushion + and blew a tremendous blast. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0132.jpg" alt="Frank Webber at his Studies. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Come forth, ye demons of the lower world," said he, drawing a cloth from + a large table, and discovering the figures of three young men coiled up + beneath. "Come forth, and fear not, most timorous freshmen that ye are," + said he, unlocking a pantry, and liberating two others. "Gentlemen, let me + introduce to your acquaintance Mr. O'Malley. My chum, gentlemen. Mr. + O'Malley, that is Harry Nesbitt, who has been in college since the days of + old Perpendicular, and numbers more cautions than any man who ever had his + name on the books. Here is my particular friend, Cecil Cavendish, the only + man who could ever devil kidneys. Captain Power, Mr. O'Malley, a dashing + dragoon, as you see; aide-de-camp to his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant, + and love-maker-general to Merrion Square West. These," said he, pointing + to the late denizens of the pantry, "are jibs whose names are neither + known to the proctor nor the police-office; but with due regard to their + education and morals, we don't despair." + </p> + <p> + "By no means," said Power; "but come, let us resume our game." At these + words he took a folio atlas of maps from a small table, and displayed + beneath a pack of cards, dealt as if for whist. The two gentlemen to whom + I was introduced by name returned to their places; the unknown two put on + their boxing gloves, and all resumed the hilarity which Dr. Mooney's + advent had so suddenly interrupted. + </p> + <p> + "Where's Moore?" said Webber, as he once more seated himself at his + breakfast. + </p> + <p> + "Making a spatch-cock, sir," said the servant. + </p> + <p> + At the same instant, a little, dapper, jovial-looking personage appeared + with the dish in question. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley, Mr. Moore, the gentleman who, by repeated remonstrances to + the board, has succeeded in getting eatable food for the inhabitants of + this penitentiary, and has the honored reputation of reforming the commons + of college." + </p> + <p> + "Anything to Godfrey O'Malley, may I ask, sir?" said Moore. + </p> + <p> + "His nephew," I replied. + </p> + <p> + "Which of you winged the gentleman the other day for not passing the + decanter, or something of that sort?" + </p> + <p> + "If you mean the affair with Mr. Bodkin, it was I." + </p> + <p> + "Glorious, that; begad, I thought you were one of us. I say, Power, it was + he pinked Bodkin." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, indeed," said Power, not turning his head from his game, "a pretty + shot, I heard,—two by honors,—and hit him fairly,—the + odd trick. Hammersley mentioned the thing to me." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, is he in town?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "No; he sailed for Portsmouth yesterday. He is to join the llth—game. + I say, Webber, you've lost the rubber." + </p> + <p> + "Double or quit, and a dinner at Dunleary," said Webber. "We must show + O'Malley,—confound the Mister!—something of the place." + </p> + <p> + "Agreed." + </p> + <p> + The whist was resumed; the boxers, now refreshed by a leg of the + spatch-cock, returned to their gloves; Mr. Moore took up his violin; Mr. + Webber his French horn; and I was left the only unemployed man in the + company. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Power, you'd better bring the drag over here for us; we can all go + down together." + </p> + <p> + "I must inform you," said Cavendish, "that, thanks to your philanthropic + efforts of last night, the passage from Grafton Street to Stephen's Green + is impracticable." A tremendous roar of laughter followed this + announcement; and though at the time the cause was unknown to me, I may as + well mention it here, as I subsequently learned it from my companions. + </p> + <p> + Among the many peculiar tastes which distinguished Mr. Francis Webber was + an extraordinary fancy for street-begging. He had, over and over, won + large sums upon his success in that difficult walk; and so perfect were + his disguises,—both of dress, voice, and manner,—that he + actually at one time succeeded in obtaining charity from his very opponent + in the wager. He wrote ballads with the greatest facility, and sang them + with infinite pathos and humor; and the old woman at the corner of College + Green was certain of an audience when the severity of the night would + leave all other minstrelsy deserted. As these feats of <i>jonglerie</i> + usually terminated in a row, it was a most amusing part of the transaction + to see the singer's part taken by the mob against the college men, who, + growing impatient to carry him off to supper somewhere, would invariably + be obliged to have a fight for the booty. + </p> + <p> + Now it chanced that a few evenings before, Mr. Webber was returning with a + pocket well lined with copper from a musical <i>reunion</i> he had held at + the corner of York Street, when the idea struck him to stop at the end of + Grafton Street, where a huge stone grating at that time exhibited—perhaps + it exhibits still—the descent to one of the great main sewers of the + city. + </p> + <p> + The light was shining brightly from a pastrycook's shop, and showed the + large bars of stone between which the muddy water was rushing rapidly down + and plashing in the torrent that ran boisterously several feet beneath. + </p> + <p> + To stop in the street of any crowded city is, under any circumstances, an + invitation to others to do likewise which is rarely unaccepted; but when + in addition to this you stand fixedly in one spot and regard with stern + intensity any object near you, the chances are ten to one that you have + several companions in your curiosity before a minute expires. + </p> + <p> + Now, Webber, who had at first stood still without any peculiar thought in + view, no sooner perceived that he was joined by others than the idea of + making something out of it immediately occurred to him. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, agra?" inquired an old woman, very much in his own style of + dress, pulling at the hood of his cloak. "And can't you see for yourself, + darling?" replied he, sharply, as he knelt down and looked most intensely + at the sewer. + </p> + <p> + "Are ye long there, avick?" inquired he of an imaginary individual below, + and then waiting as if for a reply, said, + </p> + <p> + "Two hours! Blessed Virgin, he's two hours in the drain!" + </p> + <p> + By this time the crowd had reached entirely across the street, and the + crushing and squeezing to get near the important spot was awful. + </p> + <p> + "Where did he come from?" "Who is he?" "How did he get there?" were + questions on every side; and various surmises were afloat till Webber, + rising from his knees, said, in a mysterious whisper, to those nearest + him, "He's made his escape to-night out o' Newgate by the big drain, and + lost his way; he was looking for the Liffey, and took the wrong turn." + </p> + <p> + To an Irish mob what appeal could equal this? A culprit at any time has + his claim upon their sympathy; but let him be caught in the very act of + cheating the authorities and evading the law, and his popularity knows no + bounds. Webber knew this well, and as the mob thickened around him + sustained an imaginary conversation that Savage Landor might have envied, + imparting now and then such hints concerning the runaway as raised their + interest to the highest pitch, and fifty different versions were related + on all sides,—of the crime he was guilty of, the sentence that was + passed on him, and the day he was to suffer. + </p> + <p> + "Do you see the light, dear?" said Webber, as some ingeniously benevolent + individual had lowered down a candle with a string,—"do ye see the + light? Oh, he's fainted, the creature!" A cry of horror burst forth from + the crowd at these words, followed by a universal shout of, "Break open + the street." + </p> + <p> + Pickaxes, shovels, spades, and crowbars seemed absolutely the walking + accompaniments of the crowd, so suddenly did they appear upon the field of + action; and the work of exhumation was begun with a vigor that speedily + covered nearly half of the street with mud and paving-stones. Parties + relieved each other at the task, and ere half an hour a hole capable of + containing a mail-coach was yawning in one of the most frequented + thoroughfares of Dublin. Meanwhile, as no appearance of the culprit could + be had, dreadful conjectures as to his fate began to gain ground. By this + time the authorities had received intimation of what was going forward, + and attempted to disperse the crowd; but Webber, who still continued to + conduct the prosecution, called on them to resist the police and save the + poor creature. And now began a most terrific fray: the stones, forming a + ready weapon, were hurled at the unprepared constables, who on their side + fought manfully, but against superior numbers; so that at last it was only + by the aid of a military force the mob could be dispersed, and a riot + which had assumed a very serious character got under. Meanwhile Webber had + reached his chambers, changed his costume, and was relating over a + supper-table the narrative of his philanthropy to a very admiring circle + of his friends. + </p> + <p> + Such was my chum, Frank Webber; and as this was the first anecdote I had + heard of him, I relate it here that my readers may be in possession of the + grounds upon which my opinion of that celebrated character was founded, + while yet our acquaintance was in its infancy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + CAPTAIN POWER. + </p> + <p> + Within a few weeks after my arrival in town I had become a matriculated + student of the university, and the possessor of chambers within its walls + in conjunction with the sage and prudent gentleman I have introduced to my + readers in the last chapter. Had my intentions on entering college been of + the most studious and regular kind, the companion into whose society I was + then immediately thrown would have quickly dissipated them. He voted + morning chapels a bore, Greek lectures a humbug, examinations a farce, and + pronounced the statute-book, with its attendant train of fines and + punishment, an "unclean thing." With all my country habits and + predilections fresh upon me, that I was an easily-won disciple to his code + need not be wondered at; and indeed ere many days had passed over, my + thorough indifference to all college rules and regulations had given me a + high place in the esteem of Webber and his friends. As for myself, I was + most agreeably surprised to find that what I had looked forward to as a + very melancholy banishment, was likely to prove a most agreeable sojourn. + Under Webber's directions there was no hour of the day that hung heavily + upon our hands. We rose about eleven and breakfasted, after which + succeeded fencing, sparring, billiards, or tennis in the park; about + three, got on horseback, and either cantered in the Phoenix or about the + squares till visiting time; after which, made our calls, and then dressed + for dinner, which we never thought of taking at commons, but had it from + Morrison's,—we both being reported sick in the dean's list, and + thereby exempt from the routine fare of the fellows' table. In the evening + our occupations became still more pressing; there were balls, suppers, + whist parties, rows at the theatre, shindies in the street, devilled + drumsticks at Hayes's, select oyster parties at the Carlingford,—in + fact, every known method of remaining up all night, and appearing both + pale and penitent the following morning. + </p> + <p> + Webber had a large acquaintance in Dublin, and soon made me known to them + all. Among others, the officers of the —th Light Dragoons, in which + regiment Power was captain, were his particular friends; and we had + frequent invitations to dine at their mess. There it was first that + military life presented itself to me in its most attractive possible form, + and heightened the passion I had already so strongly conceived for the + army. Power, above all others, took my fancy. He was a gay, + dashing-looking, handsome fellow of about eight-and-twenty, who had + already seen some service, having joined while his regiment was in + Portugal; was in heart and soul a soldier; and had that species of pride + and enthusiasm in all that regarded a military career that forms no small + part of the charm in the character of a young officer. + </p> + <p> + I sat near him the second day we dined at the mess, and was much pleased + at many slight attentions in his manner towards me. + </p> + <p> + "I called on you to-day, Mr. O'Malley," said he, "in company with a friend + who is most anxious to see you." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed," said I, "I did not hear of it." + </p> + <p> + "We left no cards, either of us, as we were determined to make you out on + another day; my companion has most urgent reasons for seeing you. I see + you are puzzled," said he; "and although I promised to keep his secret, I + must blab. It was Sir George Dashwood was with me; he told us of your most + romantic adventure in the west,—and faith there is no doubt you + saved the lady's life." + </p> + <p> + "Was she worth the trouble of it?" said the old major, whose conjugal + experiences imparted a very crusty tone to the question. + </p> + <p> + "I think," said I, "I need only tell her name to convince you of it." + </p> + <p> + "Here's a bumper to her," said Power, filling his glass; "and every true + man will follow my example." + </p> + <p> + When the hip-hipping which followed the toast was over, I found myself + enjoying no small share of the attention of the party as the deliverer of + Lucy Dashwood. + </p> + <p> + "Sir George is cudgelling his brain to show his gratitude to you," said + Power. + </p> + <p> + "What a pity, for the sake of his peace of mind, that you're not in the + army," said another; "it's so easy to show a man a delicate regard by a + quick promotion." + </p> + <p> + "A devil of a pity for his own sake, too," said Power, again; "they're + going to make a lawyer of as strapping a fellow as ever carried a + sabretasche." + </p> + <p> + "A lawyer!" cried out half a dozen together, pretty much with the same + tone and emphasis as though he had said a twopenny postman; "the devil + they are." + </p> + <p> + "Cut the service at once; you'll get no promotion in it," said the + colonel; "a fellow with a black eye like you would look much better at the + head of a squadron than of a string of witnesses. Trust me, you'd shine + more in conducting a picket than a prosecution." + </p> + <p> + "But if I can't?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Then take my plan," said Power, "and make it cut <i>you</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Yours?" said two or three in a breath,—"yours?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, mine; did you never know that I was bred to the bar? Come, come, if + it was only for O'Malley's use and benefit, as we say in the parchments, I + must tell you the story." + </p> + <p> + The claret was pushed briskly round, chairs drawn up to fill any vacant + spaces, and Power began his story. + </p> + <p> + "As I am not over long-winded, don't be scared at my beginning my history + somewhat far back. I began life that most unlucky of all earthly + contrivances for supplying casualties in case anything may befall the heir + of the house,—a species of domestic jury-mast, only lugged out in a + gale of wind,—a younger son. My brother Tom, a thick-skulled, + pudding-headed dog, that had no taste for anything save his dinner, took + it into his wise head one morning that he would go into the army, and + although I had been originally destined for a soldier, no sooner was his + choice made than all regard for my taste and inclination was forgotten; + and as the family interest was only enough for one, it was decided that I + should be put in what is called a 'learned profession,' and let push my + fortune. 'Take your choice, Dick,' said my father, with a most benign + smile,—'take your choice, boy: will you be a lawyer, a parson, or a + doctor?' + </p> + <p> + "Had he said, 'Will you be put in the stocks, the pillory, or publicly + whipped?' I could not have looked more blank than at the question. + </p> + <p> + "As a decent Protestant, he should have grudged me to the Church; as a + philanthropist, he might have scrupled at making me a physician; but as he + had lost deeply by law-suits, there looked something very like a lurking + malice in sending me to the bar. Now, so far, I concurred with him; for + having no gift for enduring either sermons or senna, I thought I'd make a + bad administrator of either, and as I was ever regarded in the family as + rather of a shrewd and quick turn, with a very natural taste for roguery, + I began to believe he was right, and that Nature intended me for the + circuit. + </p> + <p> + "From the hour my vocation was pronounced, it had been happy for the + family that they could have got rid of me. A certain ambition to rise in + my profession laid hold on me, and I meditated all day and night how I was + to get on. Every trick, every subtle invention to cheat the enemy that I + could read of, I treasured up carefully, being fully impressed with the + notion that roguery meant law, and equity was only another name for odd + and even. + </p> + <p> + "My days were spent haranguing special juries of housemaids and + laundresses, cross-examining the cook, charging the under-butler, and + passing sentence of death upon the pantry boy, who, I may add, was + invariably hanged when the court rose. + </p> + <p> + "If the mutton were overdone, or the turkey burned, I drew up an + indictment against old Margaret, and against the kitchen-maid as + accomplice, and the family hungered while I harangued; and, in fact, into + such disrepute did I bring the legal profession, by the score of annoyance + of which I made it the vehicle, that my father got a kind of holy horror + of law courts, judges, and crown solicitors, and absented himself from the + assizes the same year, for which, being a high sheriff, he paid a penalty + of five hundred pounds. + </p> + <p> + "The next day I was sent off in disgrace to Dublin to begin my career in + college, and eat the usual quartos and folios of beef and mutton which + qualify a man for the woolsack. + </p> + <p> + "Years rolled over, in which, after an ineffectual effort to get through + college, the only examination I ever got being a jubilee for the king's + birthday, I was at length called to the Irish bar, and saluted by my + friends as Counsellor Power. The whole thing was so like a joke to me that + it kept me in laughter for three terms; and in fact it was the best thing + could happen me, for I had nothing else to do. The hall of the Four Courts + was a very pleasant lounge; plenty of agreeable fellows that never earned + sixpence or were likely to do so. Then the circuits were so many country + excursions, that supplied fun of one kind or other, but no profit. As for + me, I was what was called a good junior. I knew how to look after the + waiters, to inspect the decanting of the wine and the airing of the + claret, and was always attentive to the father of the circuit,—the + crossest old villain that ever was a king's counsel. These eminent + qualities, and my being able to sing a song in honor of our own bar, were + recommendations enough to make me a favorite, and I was one. + </p> + <p> + "Now, the reputation I obtained was pleasant enough at first, but I began + to wonder that I never got a brief. Somehow, if it rained civil bills or + declarations, devil a one would fall upon my head; and it seemed as if the + only object I had in life was to accompany the circuit, a kind of + deputy-assistant commissary-general, never expected to come into action. + To be sure, I was not alone in misfortune; there were several promising + youths, who cut great figures in Trinity, in the same predicament, the + only difference being, that they attributed to jealousy what I suspected + was forgetfulness, for I don't think a single attorney in Dublin knew one + of us. + </p> + <p> + "Two years passed over, and then I walked the hall with a bag filled with + newspapers to look like briefs, and was regularly called by two or three + criers from one court to the other. It never took. Even when I used to + seduce a country friend to visit the courts, and get him into an animated + conversation in a corner between two pillars, devil a one would believe + him to be a client, and I was fairly nonplussed. + </p> + <p> + "'How is a man ever to distinguish himself in such a walk as this?' was my + eternal question to myself every morning, as I put on my wig. 'My face is + as well known here as Lord Manners's.' Every one says, 'How are you, + Dick?' 'How goes it, Power?' But except Holmes, that said one morning as + he passed me, 'Eh, always busy?' no one alludes to the possibility of my + having anything to do. + </p> + <p> + "'If I could only get a footing,' thought I, 'Lord, how I'd astonish them! + As the song says:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Perhaps a recruit + Might chance to shoo + Great General Buonaparté." +</pre> + <p> + So,' said I to myself, 'I'll make these halls ring for it some day or + other, if the occasion ever present itself.' But, faith, it seemed as if + some cunning solicitor overheard me and told his associates, for they + avoided me like a leprosy. The home circuit I had adopted for some time + past, for the very palpable reason that being near town it was least + costly, and it had all the advantages of any other for me in getting me + nothing to do. Well, one morning we were in Philipstown; I was lying awake + in bed, thinking how long it would be before I'd sum up resolution to cut + the bar, where certainly my prospects were not the most cheering, when + some one tapped gently at my door. + </p> + <p> + "'Come in,' said I. + </p> + <p> + "The waiter opened gently, and held out his hand with a large roll of + paper tied round with a piece of red tape. + </p> + <p> + "'Counsellor,' said he, 'handsel.' + </p> + <p> + "'What do you mean?' said I, jumping out of bed. 'What is it, you + villain?' + </p> + <p> + "'A brief.' + </p> + <p> + "'A brief. So I see; but it's for Counsellor Kinshella, below stairs.' + That was the first name written on it. + </p> + <p> + "'Bethershin,' said he, 'Mr. M'Grath bid me give it to you carefully.' + </p> + <p> + "By this time I had opened the envelope and read my own name at full + length as junior counsel in the important case of Monaghan <i>v</i>. + M'Shean, to be tried in the Record Court at Ballinasloe. 'That will do,' + said I, flinging it on the bed with a careless air, as if it were a very + every-day matter with me. + </p> + <p> + "'But Counsellor, darlin', give us a thrifle to dhrink your health with + your first cause, and the Lord send you plenty of them!' + </p> + <p> + "'My first,' said I, with a smile of most ineffable compassion at his + simplicity; 'I'm worn out with them. Do you know, Peter, I was thinking + seriously of leaving the bar, when you came into the room? Upon my + conscience, it's in earnest I am.' + </p> + <p> + "Peter believed me, I think, for I saw him give a very peculiar look as he + pocketed his half-crown and left the room. + </p> + <p> + "The door was scarcely closed when I gave way to the free transport of my + ecstasy; there it lay at last, the long looked-for, long wished-for object + of all my happiness, and though I well knew that a junior counsel has + about as much to do in the conducting of a case as a rusty handspike has + in a naval engagement, yet I suffered not such thoughts to mar the current + of my happiness. There was my name in conjunction with the two mighty + leaders on the circuit; and though they each pocketed a hundred, I doubt + very much if they received their briefs with one half the satisfaction. My + joy at length a little subdued, I opened the roll of paper and began + carefully to peruse about fifty pages of narrative regarding a watercourse + that once had turned a mill; but, from some reasons doubtless known to + itself or its friends, would do so no longer, and thus set two respectable + neighbors at loggerheads, and involved them in a record that had been now + heard three several times. + </p> + <p> + "Quite forgetting the subordinate part I was destined to fill, I opened + the case in a most flowery oration, in which I descanted upon the benefits + accruing to mankind from water-communication since the days of Noah; + remarking upon the antiquity of mills, and especially of millers, and + consumed half an hour in a preamble of generalities that I hoped would + make a very considerable impression upon the court. Just at the critical + moment when I was about to enter more particularly into the case, three or + four of the great unbriefed came rattling into my room, and broke in upon + the oration. + </p> + <p> + "'I say, Power,' said one, 'come and have an hour's skating on the canal; + the courts are filled, and we sha'n't be missed.' + </p> + <p> + "'Skate, my dear friend,' said I, in a most dolorous tone, 'out of the + question; see, I am chained to a devilish knotty case with Kinshella and + Mills.' + </p> + <p> + "'Confound your humbugging,' said another, 'that may do very well in + Dublin for the attorneys, but not with us.' + </p> + <p> + "'I don't well understand you,' I replied; 'there is the brief. Hennesy + expects me to report upon it this evening, and I am so hurried.' + </p> + <p> + "Here a very chorus of laughing broke forth, in which, after several vain + efforts to resist, I was forced to join, and kept it up with the others. + </p> + <p> + "When our mirth was over, my friends scrutinized the red-tape-tied packet, + and pronounced it a real brief, with a degree of surprise that certainly + augured little for their familiarity with such objects of natural history. + </p> + <p> + "When they had left the room, I leisurely examined the all-important + document, spreading it out before me upon the table, and surveying it as a + newly-anointed sovereign might be supposed to contemplate a map of his + dominions. + </p> + <p> + "'At last,' said I to myself,—'at last, and here is the footstep to + the woolsack.' For more than an hour I sat motionless, my eyes fixed upon + the outspread paper, lost in a very maze of revery. The ambition which + disappointments had crushed, and delay had chilled, came suddenly back, + and all my day-dreams of legal success, my cherished aspirations after + silk gowns and patents of precedence, rushed once more upon me, and I was + resolved to do or die. Alas, a very little reflection showed me that the + latter was perfectly practicable; but that, as a junior counsel, five + minutes of very common-place recitation was all my province, and with the + main business of the day I had about as much to do as the call-boy of a + playhouse has with the success of a tragedy. + </p> + <p> + "'My Lord, this is an action brought by Timothy Higgin,' etc., and down I + go, no more to be remembered and thought of than if I had never existed. + How different it would be if I were the leader! Zounds, how I would worry + the witnesses, browbeat the evidence, cajole the jury, and soften the + judges! If the Lord were, in His mercy, to remove old Mills and Kinshella + before Tuesday, who knows but my fortune might be made? This supposition + once started, set me speculating upon all the possible chances that might + cut off two king's counsel in three days, and left me fairly convinced + that my own elevation was certain, were they only removed from my path. + </p> + <p> + "For two whole days the thought never left my mind; and on the evening of + the second day, I sat moodily over my pint of port, in the Clonbrock Arms, + with my friend Timothy Casey, Captain in the North Cork Militia, for my + companion. + </p> + <p> + "'Dick,' said Tim, 'take off your wine, man. When does this confounded + trial come on?' + </p> + <p> + "'To-morrow,' said I, with a deep groan. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, well, and if it does, what matter?' he said; 'you'll do well + enough, never be afraid.' + </p> + <p> + "'Alas!' said I, 'you don't understand the cause of my depression.' I here + entered upon an account of my sorrows, which lasted for above an hour, and + only concluded just as a tremendous noise in the street without announced + an arrival. For several minutes such was the excitement in the house, such + running hither and thither, such confusion, and such hubbub, that we could + not make out who had arrived. + </p> + <p> + "At last a door opened quite near us, and we saw the waiter assisting a + very portly-looking gentleman off with his great-coat, assuring him the + while that if he would only walk into the coffee-room for ten minutes, the + fire in his apartment should be got ready. The stranger accordingly + entered and seated himself at the fireplace, having never noticed that + Casey and myself, the only persons there, were in the room. + </p> + <p> + "'I say, Phil, who is he?' inquired Casey of the waiter. + </p> + <p> + "'Counsellor Mills, Captain,' said the waiter, and left the room. + </p> + <p> + "'That's your friend,' said Casey. + </p> + <p> + "'I see,' said I; 'and I wish with all my heart he was at home with his + pretty wife, in Leeson Street.' + </p> + <p> + "'Is she good-looking?' inquired Tim. + </p> + <p> + "'Devil a better,' said I; 'and he's as jealous as old Nick.' + </p> + <p> + "'Hem,' said Tim, 'mind your cue, and I'll give him a start.' Here he + suddenly changed his whispering tone for one in a louder key, and resumed: + 'I say, Power, it will make some work for you lawyers. But who can she be? + that's the question.' Here he took a much crumpled letter from his pocket, + and pretended to read: '"A great sensation was created in the neighborhood + of Merrion Square, yesterday, by the sudden disappearance from her house + of the handsome Mrs. ———." Confound it!—what's the + name? What a hand he writes! Hill, or Miles, or something like that,—"the + lady of an eminent barrister, now on circuit. The gay Lothario is, they + say, the Hon. George ———."' I was so thunderstruck at + the rashness of the stroke, I could say nothing; while the old gentleman + started as if he had sat down on a pin. Casey, meanwhile, went on. + </p> + <p> + "'Hell and fury!' said the king's counsel, rushing over, 'what is it + you're saying?' + </p> + <p> + "'You appear warm, old gentleman,' said Casey, putting up the letter and + rising from the table. + </p> + <p> + "'Show me that letter!—show me that infernal letter, sir, this + instant!' + </p> + <p> + "'Show you my letter,' said Casey; 'cool, that, anyhow. You are certainly + a good one.' + </p> + <p> + "'Do you know me, sir? Answer me that,' said the lawyer, bursting with + passion. + </p> + <p> + "'Not at present,' said Tim, quietly; 'but I hope to do so in the morning + in explanation of your language and conduct.' A tremendous ringing of the + bell here summoned the waiter to the room. + </p> + <p> + "'Who is that—' inquired the lawyer. The epithet he judged it safe + to leave unsaid, as he pointed to my friend Casey. + </p> + <p> + "'Captain Casey, sir, the commanding officer here.' + </p> + <p> + "'Just so,' said Casey. 'And very much, at your service any hour after + five in the morning.' + </p> + <p> + "'Then you refuse, sir, to explain the paragraph I have just heard you + read?' + </p> + <p> + "'Well done, old gentleman; so you have been listening to a private + conversation I held with my friend here. In that case we had better retire + to our room.' So saying, he ordered the waiter to send a fresh bottle and + glasses to No. 14, and taking my arm, very politely wished Mr. Mills + good-night, and left the coffee-room. + </p> + <p> + "Before we had reached the top of the stairs the house was once more in + commotion. The new arrival had ordered out fresh horses, and was hurrying + every one in his impatience to get away. In ten minutes the chaise rolled + off from the door; and Casey, putting his head out of the window, wished + him a pleasant journey; while turning to me, he said,— + </p> + <p> + "'There's one of them out of the way for you, if we are even obliged to + fight the other.' + </p> + <p> + "The port was soon despatched, and with it went all the scruples of + conscience I had at first felt for the cruel <i>ruse</i> we had just + practised. Scarcely was the other bottle called for when we heard the + landlord calling out in a stentorian voice,— + </p> + <p> + "'Two horses for Goran Bridge to meet Counsellor Kinshella.' + </p> + <p> + "'That's the other fellow?' said Casey. + </p> + <p> + "'It is,' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'Then we must be stirring,' said he. 'Waiter, chaise and pair in five + minutes,—d'ye hear? Power, my boy, I don't want you; stay here and + study your brief. It's little trouble Counsellor Kinshella will give you + in the morning.' + </p> + <p> + "All he would tell me of his plans was that he didn't mean any serious + bodily harm to the counsellor, but that certainly he was not likely to be + heard of for twenty-four hours. + </p> + <p> + "'Meanwhile, Power, go in and win, my boy,' said he; 'such another walk + over may never occur.' + </p> + <p> + "I must not make my story longer. The next morning the great record of + Monaghan <i>v</i>. M'Shean was called on; and as the senior counsel were + not present, the attorney wished a postponement. I, however, was firm; + told the court I was quite prepared, and with such an air of assurance + that I actually puzzled the attorney. The case was accordingly opened by + me in a very brilliant speech, and the witnesses called; but such was my + unlucky ignorance of the whole matter that I actually broke down the + testimony of our own, and fought like a Trojan, for the credit and + character of the perjurers against us! The judge rubbed his eyes; the jury + looked amazed; and the whole bar laughed outright. However, on I went, + blundering, floundering, and foundering at every step; and at half-past + four, amidst the greatest and most uproarious mirth of the whole court, + heard the jury deliver a verdict against us, just as old Kinshella rushed + into the court covered with mud and spattered with clay. He had been sent + for twenty miles to make a will for Mr. Daly, of Daly's Mount, who was + supposed to be at the point of death, but who, on his arrival, threatened + to shoot him for causing an alarm to his family by such an imputation. + </p> + <p> + "The rest is soon told. They moved for a new trial, and I moved out of the + profession. I cut the bar, for it cut me. I joined the gallant 14th as a + volunteer; and here I am without a single regret, I must confess, that I + didn't succeed in the great record of Monaghan <i>v</i>. M'Shean." + </p> + <p> + Once more the claret went briskly round, and while we canvassed Power's + story, many an anecdote of military life was told, as every instant + increased the charm of that career I longed for. + </p> + <p> + "Another cooper, Major," said Power. + </p> + <p> + "With all my heart," said the rosy little officer, as he touched the bell + behind him; "and now let's have a song." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Power," said three or four together; "let us have 'The Irish + Dragoon,' if it's only to convert your friend O'Malley there." + </p> + <p> + "Here goes, then," said Dick, taking off a bumper as he began the + following chant to the air of "Love is the Soul of a gay Irishman":— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE IRISH DRAGOON. + + Oh, love is the soul of an Irish dragoon + In battle, in bivouac, or in saloon, + From the tip of his spur to his bright sabretasche. + With his soldierly gait and his bearing so high, + His gay laughing look and his light speaking eye, + He frowns at his rival, he ogles his wench, + He springs in his saddle and <i>chasses</i> the French, + With his jingling spur and his bright sabretasche. + + His spirits are high, and he little knows care, + Whether sipping his claret or charging a square, + With his jingling spur and his bright sabretasche. + As ready to sing or to skirmish he's found, + To take off his wine or to take up his ground; + When the bugle may call him, how little he fears + To charge forth in column and beat the Mounseers, + With his jingling spur and his bright sabretasche. + + When the battle is over, he gayly rides back + To cheer every soul in the night bivouac, + With his jingling spur and his bright sabretasche. + Oh, there you may see him in full glory crowned, + As he sits 'midst his friends on the hardly won ground, + And hear with what feeling the toast he will give, + As he drinks to the land where all Irishmen live, + With his jingling spur and his bright sabretasche. +</pre> + <p> + It was late when we broke up; but among all the recollections of that + pleasant evening none clung to me so forcibly, none sank so deeply in my + heart, as the gay and careless tone of Power's manly voice; and as I fell + asleep towards morning, the words of "The Irish Dragoon" were floating + through my mind and followed me in my dreams. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + THE VICE-PROVOST. + </p> + <p> + I had now been for some weeks a resident within the walls of the + university, and yet had never presented my letter of introduction to Dr. + Barret. Somehow, my thoughts and occupations had left me little leisure to + reflect upon my college course, and I had not felt the necessity suggested + by my friend Sir Harry, of having a supporter in the very learned and + gifted individual to whom I was accredited. How long I might have + continued in this state of indifference it is hard to say, when chance + brought about my acquaintance with the doctor. + </p> + <p> + Were I not inditing a true history in this narrative of my life, to the + events and characters of which so many are living witnesses, I should + certainly fear to attempt anything like a description of this very + remarkable man; so liable would any sketch, however faint and imperfect, + be to the accusation of caricature, when all was so singular and so + eccentric. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Barret was, at the time I speak of, close upon seventy years of age, + scarcely five feet in height, and even that diminutive stature lessened by + a stoop. His face was thin, pointed, and russet-colored; his nose so + aquiline as nearly to meet his projecting chin, and his small gray eyes, + red and bleary, peered beneath his well-worn cap with a glance of mingled + fear and suspicion. His dress was a suit of the rustiest black, + threadbare, and patched in several places, while a pair of large brown + leather slippers, far too big for his feet, imparted a sliding motion to + his walk that added an air of indescribable meanness to his appearance; a + gown that had been worn for twenty years, browned and coated with the + learned dust of the <i>Fagel</i>, covered his rusty habiliments, and + completed the equipments of a figure that it was somewhat difficult for + the young student to recognize as the vice-provost of the university. Such + was he in externals. Within, a greater or more profound scholar never + graced the walls of the college; a distinguished Grecian, learned in all + the refinements of a hundred dialects; a deep Orientalist, cunning in all + the varieties of Eastern languages, and able to reason with a Moonshee, or + chat with a Persian ambassador. With a mind that never ceased acquiring, + he possessed a memory ridiculous for its retentiveness, even of trifles; + no character in history, no event in chronology was unknown to him, and he + was referred to by his contemporaries for information in doubtful and + disputed cases, as men consult a lexicon or dictionary. With an intellect + thus stored with deep and far-sought knowledge, in the affairs of the + world he was a child. Without the walls of the college, for above forty + years, he had not ventured half as many times, and knew absolutely nothing + of the busy, active world that fussed and fumed so near him; his farthest + excursion was to the Bank of Ireland, to which he made occasional visits + to fund the ample income of his office, and add to the wealth which + already had acquired for him a well-merited repute of being the richest + man in college. + </p> + <p> + His little intercourse with the world had left him, in all his habits and + manners, in every respect exactly as when he entered college nearly half a + century before; and as he had literally risen from the ranks in the + university, all the peculiarities of voice, accent, and pronunciation + which distinguished him as a youth, adhered to him in old age. This was + singular enough, and formed a very ludicrous contrast with the learned and + deep-read tone of his conversation; but another peculiarity, still more + striking, belonged to him. When he became a fellow, he was obliged, by the + rules of the college, to take holy orders as a <i>sine qua non</i> to his + holding his fellowship. This he did, as he would have assumed a red hood + or blue one, as bachelor of laws or doctor of medicine, and thought no + more of it; but frequently, in his moments of passionate excitement, the + venerable character with which he was invested was quite forgotten, and he + would utter some sudden and terrific oath, more productive of mirth to his + auditors than was seemly, and for which, once spoken, the poor doctor felt + the greatest shame and contrition. These oaths were no less singular than + forcible; and many a trick was practised, and many a plan devised, that + the learned vice-provost might be entrapped into his favorite exclamation + of, "May the devil admire me!" which no place or presence could restrain. + </p> + <p> + My servant, Mike, who had not been long in making himself acquainted with + all the originals about him, was the cause of my first meeting the doctor, + before whom I received a summons to appear on the very serious charge of + treating with disrespect the heads of the college. + </p> + <p> + The circumstances were shortly these: Mike had, among the other gossip of + the place, heard frequent tales of the immense wealth and great parsimony + of the doctor, and of his anxiety to amass money on all occasions, and the + avidity with which even the smallest trifle was added to his gains. He + accordingly resolved to amuse himself at the expense of this trait, and + proceeded thus. Boring a hole in a halfpenny, he attached a long string to + it, and having dropped it on the doctor's step stationed himself on the + opposite side of the court, concealed from view by the angle of the + Commons' wall. He waited patiently for the chapel bell, at the first toll + of which the door opened, and the doctor issued forth. Scarcely was his + foot upon the step, when he saw the piece of money, and as quickly stooped + to seize it; but just as his finger had nearly touched it, it evaded his + grasp and slowly retreated. He tried again, but with the like success. At + last, thinking he had miscalculated the distance, he knelt leisurely down, + and put forth his hand, but lo! it again escaped him; on which, slowly + rising from his posture, he shambled on towards the chapel, where, meeting + the senior lecturer at the door, he cried out, "H——— to + my soul, Wall, but I saw the halfpenny walk away!" + </p> + <p> + For the sake of the grave character whom he addressed, I need not recount + how such a speech was received; suffice it to say, that Mike had been seen + by a college porter, who reported him as my servant. + </p> + <p> + I was in the very act of relating the anecdote to a large party at + breakfast in my rooms, when a summons arrived, requiring my immediate + attendance at the board, then sitting in solemn conclave at the + examination hall. + </p> + <p> + I accordingly assumed my academic costume as speedily as possible, and + escorted by that most august functionary, Mr. M'Alister, presented myself + before the seniors. + </p> + <p> + The members of the board, with the provost at their head, were seated at a + long oak table covered with books, papers, etc., and from the silence they + maintained as I walked up the hall, I augured that a very solemn scene was + before me. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley," said the dean, reading my name from a paper he held in his + hand, "you have been summoned here at the desire of the vice-provost, + whose questions you will reply to." + </p> + <p> + I bowed. A silence of a few minutes followed, when, at length, the learned + doctor, hitching up his nether garments with both hands, put his old and + bleary eyes close to my face, while he croaked out, with an accent that no + hackney-coachman could have exceeded in vulgarity,— + </p> + <p> + "Eh, O'Malley, you're <i>quartus</i>, I believe; a'n't you?" + </p> + <p> + "I believe not. I think I am the only person of that name now on the + books." + </p> + <p> + "That's thrue; but there were three O'Malleys before you. Godfrey + O'Malley, that construed <i>Calve Neroni</i> to Nero the Calvinist,—ha! + ha! ha!—was cautioned in 1788." + </p> + <p> + "My uncle, I believe, sir." + </p> + <p> + "More than likely, from what I hear of you,—<i>Ex uno</i>, etc. I + see your name every day on the punishment roll. Late hours, never at + chapel, seldom at morning lecture. Here ye are, sixteen shillings, wearing + a red coat." + </p> + <p> + "Never knew any harm in that, Doctor." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but d'ye see me, now? 'Grave raiment,' says the statute. And then, ye + keep numerous beasts of prey, dangerous in their habits, and unseemly to + behold." + </p> + <p> + "A bull terrier, sir, and two game-cocks, are, I assure you, the only + animals in my household." + </p> + <p> + "Well. I'll fine you for it." + </p> + <p> + "I believe, Doctor," said the dean, interrupting in an undertone, "that + you cannot impose a penalty in this matter." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but I can. 'Singing-birds,' says the statute, 'are forbidden within + the wall.'" + </p> + <p> + "And then, ye dazzled my eyes at Commons with a bit of looking-glass, on + Friday. I saw you. May the devil!—ahem! As I was saying, that's + casting <i>reflections</i> on the heads of the college; and your servant + it was, <i>Michaelis Liber</i>, Mickey Free,—may the flames of!—ahem!—an + insolent varlet! called me a sweep." + </p> + <p> + "You, Doctor; impossible!" said I, with pretended horror. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but d'ye see me, now? It's thrue, for I looked about me at the time, + and there wasn't another sweep in the place but myself. Hell to!—I + mean—God forgive me for swearing! but I'll fine you a pound for + this." + </p> + <p> + As I saw the doctor was getting on at such a pace, I resolved, + notwithstanding the august presence of the board, to try the efficacy of + Sir Harry's letter of introduction, which I had taken in my pocket in the + event of its being wanted. + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon, sir, if the time be an unsuitable one; but may I take + the opportunity of presenting this letter to you?" + </p> + <p> + "Ha! I know the hand—Boyle's. <i>Boyle secundus</i>. Hem, ha, ay! + 'My young friend; and assist him by your advice.' To be sure! Oh, of + course. Eh, tell me, young man, did Boyle say nothing to you about the + copy of Erasmus, bound in vellum, that I sold him in Trinity term, 1782?" + </p> + <p> + "I rather think not, sir," said I, doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, he might. He owes me two-and-fourpence of the balance." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I beg pardon, sir; I now remember he desired me to repay you that + sum; but he had just sealed the letter when he recollected it." + </p> + <p> + "Better late than never," said the doctor, smiling graciously. "Where's + the money? Ay! half-a-crown. I haven't twopence—never mind. Go away, + young man; the case is dismissed. <i>Vehementer miror quare hue venisti</i>. + You're more fit for anything than a college life. Keep good hours; mind + the terms; and dismiss <i>Michaelis Liber</i>. Ha, ha, ha! May the devil!—hem!—that + is do—" So saying, the little doctor's hand pushed me from the hall, + his mind evidently relieved of all the griefs from which he had been + suffering, by the recovery of his long-lost two-and-four-pence. + </p> + <p> + Such was my first and last interview with the vice-provost, and it made an + impression upon me that all the intervening years have neither dimmed nor + erased. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + TRINITY COLLEGE.—A LECTURE. + </p> + <p> + I had not been many weeks a resident of Old Trinity ere the flattering + reputation my chum, Mr. Francis Webber, had acquired, extended also to + myself; and by universal consent, we were acknowledged the most riotous, + ill-conducted, disorderly men on the books of the university. Were the + lamps of the squares extinguished, and the college left in total darkness, + we were summoned before the dean; was the vice-provost serenaded with a + chorus of trombones and French horns, to our taste in music was the + attention ascribed; did a sudden alarm of fire disturb the congregation at + morning chapel, Messrs. Webber and O'Malley were brought before the board,—and + I must do them the justice to say that the most trifling circumstantial + evidence was ever sufficient to bring a conviction. Reading men avoided + the building where we resided as they would have done the plague. Our + doors, like those of a certain classic precinct commemorated by a Latin + writer, lay open night and day, while mustached dragoons, knowingly + dressed four-in-hand men, fox-hunters in pink, issuing forth to the Dubber + or returning splashed from a run with the Kildare hounds, were + everlastingly seen passing and repassing. Within, the noise and confusion + resembled rather the mess-room of a regiment towards eleven at night than + the chambers of a college student; while, with the double object of + affecting to be in ill-health, and to avoid the reflections that daylight + occasionally inspires, the shutters were never opened, but lamps and + candles kept always burning. Such was No. 2, Old Square, in the goodly + days I write of. All the terrors of fines and punishments fell scathless + on the head of my worthy chum. In fact, like a well-known political + character, whose pleasure and amusement it has been for some years past to + drive through acts of Parliament and deride the powers of the law, so did + Mr. Webber tread his way, serpenting through the statute-book, ever + grazing, but rarely trespassing upon some forbidden ground which might + involve the great punishment of expulsion. So expert, too, had he become + in his special pleadings, so dexterous in the law of the university, that + it was no easy matter to bring crime home to him; and even when this was + done, his pleas of mitigation rarely failed of success. + </p> + <p> + There was a sweetness of demeanor, a mild, subdued tone about him, that + constantly puzzled the worthy heads of the college how the accusations + ever brought against him could be founded on truth; that the pale, + delicate-looking student, whose harsh, hacking cough terrified the + hearers, could be the boisterous performer upon a key-bugle, or the + terrific assailant of watchmen, was something too absurd for belief. And + when Mr. Webber, with his hand upon his heart, and in his most dulcet + accents, assured them that the hours he was not engaged in reading for the + medal were passed in the soothing society of a few select and intimate + friends of literary tastes and refined minds, who, knowing the delicacy of + his health,—here he would cough,—were kind enough to sit up + with him for an hour or so in the evening, the delusion was perfect; and + the story of the dean's riotous habits having got abroad, the charge was + usually suppressed. + </p> + <p> + Like most idle men, Webber never had a moment to spare. Except read, there + was nothing he did not do; training a hack for a race in the Phoenix, + arranging a rowing-match, getting up a mock duel between two white-feather + acquaintances, were his almost daily avocations. Besides that, he was at + the head of many organized societies, instituted for various benevolent + purposes. One was called "The Association for Discountenancing Watchmen;" + another, "The Board of Works," whose object was principally devoted to the + embellishment of the university, in which, to do them justice, their + labors were unceasing, and what with the assistance of some black paint, a + ladder, and a few pounds of gunpowder, they certainly contrived to effect + many important changes. Upon an examination morning, some hundred luckless + "jibs" might be seen perambulating the courts, in the vain effort to + discover their tutors' chambers, the names having undergone an alteration + that left all trace of their original proprietors unattainable: Doctor + Francis Mooney having become Doctor Full Moon; Doctor Hare being, by the + change of two letters, Doctor Ape; Romney Robinson, Romulus and Remus, + etc. While, upon occasions like these, there could be but little doubt of + Master Frank's intentions, upon many others, so subtle were his + inventions, so well-contrived his plots, it became a matter of + considerable difficulty to say whether the mishap which befell some + luckless acquaintance were the result of design or mere accident; and not + unfrequently well-disposed individuals were found condoling with "Poor + Frank" upon his ignorance of some college rule or etiquette, his breach of + which had been long and deliberately planned. Of this latter description + was a circumstance which occurred about this time, and which some who may + throw an eye over these pages will perhaps remember. + </p> + <p> + The dean, having heard (and, indeed, the preparations were not intended to + secure secrecy) that Webber destined to entertain a party of his friends + at dinner on a certain day, sent a peremptory order for his appearance at + Commons, his name being erased from the sick list, and a pretty strong + hint conveyed to him that any evasion upon his part would be certainly + followed by an inquiry into the real reasons for his absence. What was to + be done? That was the very day he had destined for his dinner. To be sure, + the majority of his guests were college men, who would understand the + difficulty at once; but still there were some others, officers of the + 14th, with whom he was constantly dining, and whom he could not so easily + put off. The affair was difficult, but still Webber was the man for a + difficulty; in fact, he rather liked one. A very brief consideration + accordingly sufficed, and he sat down and wrote to his friends at the + Royal Barracks thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Saturday. + DEAR POWER,—I have a better plan for Tuesday than that I + had proposed. Lunch here at three (we'll call it dinner), in the hall + with the great guns. I can't say much for the grub; but the + company—glorious! + After that we'll start for Lucan in the drag; take + our coffee, strawberries, etc., and return to No. 2 for supper at ten. + Advertise your fellows of this change, and believe me, + + Most unchangeably yours, FRANK WEBBER. +</pre> + <p> + Accordingly, as three o'clock struck, six dashing-looking light dragoons + were seen slowly sauntering up the middle of the dining-hall, escorted by + Webber, who, in full academic costume, was leisurely ciceroning his + friends, and expatiating upon the excellences of the very remarkable + portraits which graced the walls. + </p> + <p> + The porters looked on with some surprise at the singular hour selected for + sight-seeing; but what was their astonishment to find that the party, + having arrived at the end of the hall, instead of turning back again, very + composedly unbuckled their belts, and having disposed of their sabres in a + corner, took their places at the Fellows' table, and sat down amidst the + collective wisdom of Greek lecturers and Regius professors, as though they + had been mere mortals like themselves. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was the long Latin grace concluded, when Webber, leaning forward, + enjoined his friends, in a very audible whisper, that if they intended to + dine no time was to be lost. + </p> + <p> + "We have but little ceremony here, gentlemen, and all we ask is a fair + start," said he, as he drew over the soup, and proceeded to help himself. + </p> + <p> + The advice was not thrown away; for each man, with an alacrity a campaign + usually teaches, made himself master of some neighboring dish, a very + quick interchange of good things speedily following the appropriation. It + was in vain that the senior lecturer looked aghast, that the professor of + astronomy frowned. The whole table, indeed, were thunderstruck, even to + the poor vice-provost himself, who, albeit given to the comforts of the + table, could not lift a morsel to his mouth, but muttered between his + teeth, "May the devil admire me, but they're dragoons!" The first shock of + surprise over, the porters proceeded to inform them that except Fellows of + the University or Fellow-commoners, none were admitted to the table. + Webber however assured them that it was a mistake, there being nothing in + the statute to exclude the 14th Light Dragoons, as he was prepared to + prove. Meanwhile dinner proceeded, Power and his party performing with + great self-satisfaction upon the sirloins and saddles about them, + regretting only, from time to time, that there was a most unaccountable + absence of wine, and suggesting the propriety of napkins whenever they + should dine there again. Whatever chagrin these unexpected guests caused + among their entertainers of the upper table, in the lower part of the hall + the laughter was loud and unceasing; and long before the hour concluded, + the Fellows took their departure, leaving to Master Frank Webber the task + of doing the honors alone and unassisted. When summoned before the board + for the offence on the following morning, Webber excused himself by + throwing the blame upon his friends, with whom, he said, nothing short of + a personal quarrel—a thing for a reading man not to be thought of—could + have prevented intruding in the manner related. Nothing less than <i>his</i> + tact could have saved him on this occasion, and at last he carried the + day; while by an act of the board the 14th Light Dragoons were pronounced + the most insolent corps in the service. + </p> + <p> + An adventure of his, however, got wind about this time, and served to + enlighten many persons as to his real character, who had hitherto been + most lenient in their expressions about him. Our worthy tutor, with a zeal + for our welfare far more praiseworthy than successful, was in the habit of + summoning to his chambers, on certain mornings of the week, his various + pupils, whom he lectured in the books for the approaching examinations. + Now, as these séances were held at six o'clock in winter as well as + summer, in a cold fireless chamber,—the lecturer lying snug amidst + his blankets, while we stood shivering around the walls,—the ardor + of learning must indeed have proved strong that prompted a regular + attendance. As to Frank, he would have as soon thought of attending chapel + as of presenting himself on such an occasion. Not so with me. I had not + yet grown hackneyed enough to fly in the face of authority, and I + frequently left the whist-table, or broke off in a song, to hurry over to + the doctor's chambers and spout Homer and Hesiod. I suffered on in + patience, till at last the bore became so insupportable that I told my + sorrows to my friend, who listened to me out, and promised me succor. + </p> + <p> + It so chanced that upon some evening in each week Dr. Mooney was in the + habit of visiting some friends who resided a short distance from town, and + spending the night at their house. He, of course, did not lecture the + following morning,—a paper placard, announcing no lecture, being + affixed to the door on such occasions. Frank waited patiently till he + perceived the doctor affixing this announcement upon his door one evening; + and no sooner had he left the college than he withdrew the paper and + departed. + </p> + <p> + On the next morning he rose early, and concealing himself on the + staircase, waited the arrival of the venerable damsel who acted as servant + to the doctor. No sooner had she opened the door and groped her way into + the sitting-room than Frank crept forward, and stealing gently into the + bedroom, sprang into the bed and wrapped himself up in the blankets. The + great bell boomed forth at six o'clock, and soon after the sounds of the + feet were heard upon the stairs. One by one they came along, and gradually + the room was filled with cold and shivering wretches, more than half + asleep, and trying to arouse themselves into an approach to attention. + </p> + <p> + "Who's there?" said Frank, mimicking the doctor's voice, as he yawned + three or four times in succession and turned in the bed. + </p> + <p> + "Collisson, O'Malley, Nesbitt," etc., said a number of voices, anxious to + have all the merit such a penance could confer. + </p> + <p> + "Where's Webber?" + </p> + <p> + "Absent, sir," chorussed the whole party. + </p> + <p> + "Sorry for it," said the mock doctor. "Webber is a man of first-rate + capacity; and were he only to apply, I am not certain to what eminence his + abilities might raise him. Come, Collisson, any three angles of a triangle + are equal to—are equal to—what are they equal to?" Here he + yawned as though he would dislocate his jaw. + </p> + <p> + "Any three angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles," said + Collisson, in the usual sing-song tone of a freshman. + </p> + <p> + As he proceeded to prove the proposition, his monotonous tone seemed to + have lulled the doctor into a doze, for in a few minutes a deep, + long-drawn snore announced from the closed curtains that he listened no + longer. After a little time, however, a short snort from the sleeper awoke + him suddenly, and he called out, "Go on, I'm waiting. Do you think I can + arouse at this hour of the morning for nothing but to listen to your + bungling? Can no one give me a free translation of the passage?" + </p> + <p> + This digression from mathematics to classics did not surprise the hearers, + though it somewhat confused them, no one being precisely aware what the + line in question might be. + </p> + <p> + "Try it, Nesbitt,—you, O'Malley. Silent all? Really this is too + bad!" An indistinct muttering here from the crowd was followed by an + announcement from the doctor that the speaker was an ass, and his head a + turnip! "Not one of you capable of translating a chorus from Euripides,—'Ou, + ou, papai, papai,' etc.; which, after all, means no more than, 'Oh, + whilleleu, murder, why did you die!' etc. What are you laughing at, + gentlemen? May I ask, does it become a set of ignorant, ill-informed + savages—yes, savages, I repeat the word—to behave in this + manner? Webber is the only man I have with common intellect,—the + only man among you capable of distinguishing himself. But as for you, I'll + bring you before the board; I'll write to your friends; I'll stop your + college indulgences; I'll confine you to the walls; I'll be damned, eh—" + </p> + <p> + This lapse confused him. He stammered, stuttered, endeavored to recover + himself; but by this time we had approached the bed, just at the moment + when Master Frank, well knowing what he might expect if detected, had + bolted from the blankets and rushed from the room. In an instant we were + in pursuit; but he regained his chambers, and double-locked the door + before we could overtake him, leaving us to ponder over the insolent + tirade we had so patiently submitted to. + </p> + <p> + That morning the affair got wind all over college. As for us, we were + scarcely so much laughed at as the doctor; the world wisely remembering, + if such were the nature of our morning's orisons, we might nearly as + profitably have remained snug in our quarters. + </p> + <p> + Such was our life in Old Trinity; and strange enough it is that one should + feel tempted to the confession, but I really must acknowledge these were, + after all, happy times, and I look back upon them with mingled pleasure + and sadness. The noble lord who so pathetically lamented that the devil + was not so strong in him as he used to be forty years before, has an echo + in my regrets that the student is not as young in me as when these scenes + were enacting of which I write. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE INVITATION.—THE WAGER. + </p> + <p> + I was sitting at breakfast with Webber, a few mornings after the mess + dinner I have spoken of, when Power came in hastily. + </p> + <p> + "Ha, the very man!" said he. "I say, O'Malley, here's an invitation for + you from Sir George, to dine on Friday. He desired me to say a thousand + civil things about his not having made you out, regrets that he was not at + home when you called yesterday, and all that. By Jove, I know nothing like + the favor you stand in; and as for Miss Dashwood, faith! the fair Lucy + blushed, and tore her glove in most approved style, when the old general + began his laudation of you." + </p> + <p> + "Pooh, nonsense," said I; "that silly affair in the west." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, very probably; there's reason the less for you looking so excessively + conscious. But I must tell you, in all fairness, that you have no chance; + nothing short of a dragoon will go down." + </p> + <p> + "Be assured," said I, somewhat nettled, "my pretensions do not aspire to + the fair Miss Dashwood." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Tant mieux et tant pis, mon cher</i>. I wish to Heaven mine did; and, + by Saint Patrick, if I only played the knight-errant half as gallantly as + yourself, I would not relinquish my claims to the Secretary at War + himself." + </p> + <p> + "What the devil brought the old general down to your wild regions?" + inquired Webber. + </p> + <p> + "To contest the county." + </p> + <p> + "A bright thought, truly. When a man was looking for a seat, why not try a + place where the law is occasionally heard of?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm sure I can give you no information on that head; nor have I ever + heard how Sir George came to learn that such a place as Galway existed." + </p> + <p> + "I believe I can enlighten you," said Power. "Lady Dashwood—rest her + soul!—came west of the Shannon; she had a large property somewhere + in Mayo, and owned some hundred acres of swamp, with some thousand + starving tenantry thereupon, that people dignified as an estate in + Connaught. This first suggested to him the notion of setting up for the + county, probably supposing that the people who never paid in rent might + like to do so in gratitude. How he was undeceived, O'Malley there can + inform us. Indeed, I believe the worthy general, who was confoundedly hard + up when he married, expected to have got a great fortune, and little + anticipated the three chancery suits he succeeded to, nor the fourteen + rent-charges to his wife's relatives that made up the bulk of the dower. + It was an unlucky hit for him when he fell in with the old 'maid' at Bath; + and had she lived, he must have gone to the colonies. But the Lord took + her one day, and Major Dashwood was himself again. The Duke of York, the + story goes, saw him at Hounslow during a review, was much struck with his + air and appearance, made some inquiries, found him to be of excellent + family and irreproachable conduct, made him an aide-de-camp, and, in fact, + made his fortune. I do not believe that, while doing so kind, he could by + possibility have done a more popular thing. Every man in the army rejoiced + at his good fortune; so that, after all, though he has had some hard rubs, + he has come well through, the only vestige of his unfortunate matrimonial + connection being a correspondence kept up by a maiden sister of his late + wife's with him. She insists upon claiming the ties of kindred upon about + twenty family eras during the year, when she regularly writes a most + loving and ill-spelled epistle, containing the latest information from + Mayo, with all particulars of the Macan family, of which she is a worthy + member. To her constant hints of the acceptable nature of certain small + remittances, the poor general is never inattentive; but to the pleasing + prospect of a visit in the flesh from Miss Judy Macan, the good man is + dead. In fact, nothing short of being broke by general court-martial could + complete his sensations of horror at such a stroke of fortune; and I am + not certain, if choice were allowed him, that he would not prefer the + latter." + </p> + <p> + "Then he has never yet seen her?" said Webber. + </p> + <p> + "Never," replied Power; "and he hopes to leave Ireland without that + blessing, the prospect of which, however remote and unlikely, has, I know + well, more than once terrified him since his arrival." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Power, and has your worthy general sent me a card for his ball?" + </p> + <p> + "Not through me, Master Frank." + </p> + <p> + "Well, now, I call that devilish shabby, do you know. He asks O'Malley + there from <i>my</i> chambers, and never notices the other man, the + superior in the firm. Eh, O'Malley, what say you?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, I didn't know you were acquainted." + </p> + <p> + "And who said we were? It was his fault, though, entirely, that we were + not. I am, as I have ever been, the most easy fellow in the world on that + score, never give myself airs to military people, endure anything, + everything, and you see the result; hard, ain't it?" + </p> + <p> + "But, Webber, Sir George must really be excused in this matter. He has a + daughter, a most attractive, lovely daughter, just at that budding, + unsuspecting age when the heart is most susceptible of impressions; and + where, let me ask, could she run such a risk as in the chance of a casual + meeting with the redoubted lady-killer, Master Frank Webber? If he has not + sought you out, then here be his apology." + </p> + <p> + "A very strong case, certainly," said Frank; "but, still, had he confided + his critical position to my honor and secrecy, he might have depended on + me; now, having taken the other line—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, what then?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, he must abide the consequences. I'll make fierce love to Louisa; + isn't that the name?" + </p> + <p> + "Lucy, so please you." + </p> + <p> + "Well, be it so,—to Lucy,—talk the little girl into a most + deplorable attachment for me." + </p> + <p> + "But, how, may I ask, and when?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll begin at the ball, man." + </p> + <p> + "Why, I thought you said you were not going?" + </p> + <p> + "There you mistake seriously. I merely said that I had not been invited." + </p> + <p> + "Then, of course," said I, "Webber, you can't think of going, in any case, + on <i>my</i> account." + </p> + <p> + "My very dear friend, I go entirely upon my own. I not only shall go, but + I intend to have most particular notice and attention paid me. I shall be + prime favorite with Sir George, kiss Lucy—" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, this is too strong." + </p> + <p> + "What do you bet I don't? There, now, I'll give you a pony apiece, I do. + Do you say done?" + </p> + <p> + "That you kiss Miss Dashwood, and are not kicked down-stairs for your + pains; are those the terms of the wager?" inquired Power. + </p> + <p> + "With all my heart. That I kiss Miss Dashwood, and am not kicked + down-stairs for my pains." + </p> + <p> + "Then, I say, done." + </p> + <p> + "And with you, too, O'Malley?" + </p> + <p> + "I thank you," said I, coldly; "I am not disposed to make such a return + for Sir George Dashwood's hospitality as to make an insult to his family + the subject of a bet." + </p> + <p> + "Why, man, what are you dreaming of? Miss Dashwood will not refuse my + chaste salute. Come, Power, I'll give you the other pony." + </p> + <p> + "Agreed," said he. "At the same time, understand me distinctly, that I + hold myself perfectly eligible to winning the wager by my own + interference; for if you do kiss her, by Jove! I'll perform the remainder + of the compact." + </p> + <p> + "So I understand the agreement," said Webber, arranging his curls before + the looking-glass. "Well, now, who's for Howth? The drag will be here in + half an hour." + </p> + <p> + "Not I," said Power; "I must return to the barracks." + </p> + <p> + "Nor I," said I, "for I shall take this opportunity of leaving my card at + Sir George Dashwood's." + </p> + <p> + "I have won my fifty, however," said Power, as we walked out in the + courts. + </p> + <p> + "I am not quite certain—" + </p> + <p> + "Why, the devil, he would not risk a broken neck for that sum; besides, if + he did, he loses the bet." + </p> + <p> + "He's a devilish keen fellow." + </p> + <p> + "Let him be. In any case I am determined to be on my guard here." + </p> + <p> + So chatting, we strolled along to the Royal Hospital, when, having dropped + my pasteboard, I returned to the college. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <p> + THE BALL. + </p> + <p> + I have often dressed for a storming party with less of trepidation than I + felt on the evening of Sir George Dashwood's ball. Since the eventful day + of the election I had never seen Miss Dashwood; therefore, as to what + precise position I might occupy in her favor was a matter of great doubt + in my mind, and great import to my happiness. That I myself loved her, was + a matter of which all the badinage of my friends regarding her made me + painfully conscious; but that, in our relative positions, such an + attachment was all but hopeless, I could not disguise from myself. Young + as I was, I well knew to what a heritage of debt, lawsuit, and difficulty + I was born to succeed. In my own resources and means of advancement I had + no confidence whatever, had even the profession to which I was destined + been more of my choice. I daily felt that it demanded greater exertions, + if not far greater abilities, than I could command, to make success at all + likely; and then, even if such a result were in store, years, at least, + must elapse before it could happen; and where would she then be, and where + should I? Where the ardent affection I now felt and gloried in,—perhaps + all the more for its desperate hopelessness,—when the sanguine and + buoyant spirit to combat with difficulties which youth suggests, and + which, later, manhood refuses, should have passed away? And even if all + these survived the toil and labor of anxious days and painful nights, what + of her? Alas, I now reflected that, although only of my own age, her + manner to me had taken all that tone of superiority and patronage which an + elder assumes towards one younger, and which, in the spirit of protection + it proceeds upon, essentially bars up every inlet to a dearer or warmer + feeling,—at least, when the lady plays the former part. "What, then, + is to be done?" thought I. "Forget her?—but how? How shall I + renounce all my plans, and unweave the web of life I have been spreading + around me for many a day, without that one golden thread that lent it more + than half its brilliancy and all its attraction? But then the alternative + is even worse, if I encourage expectations and nurture hopes never to be + realized. Well, we meet to-night, after a long and eventful absence; let + my future fate be ruled by the results of this meeting. If Lucy Dashwood + does care for me, if I can detect in her manner enough to show me that my + affection may meet a return, the whole effort of my life shall be to make + her mine; if not, if my own feelings be all that I have to depend upon to + extort a reciprocal affection, then shall I take my last look of her, and + with it the first and brightest dream of happiness my life has hitherto + presented." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + It need not be wondered at if the brilliant <i>coup d'oeil</i> of the + ball-room, as I entered, struck me with astonishment, accustomed as I had + hitherto been to nothing more magnificent than an evening party of squires + and their squiresses or the annual garrison ball at the barracks. The + glare of wax-lights, the well-furnished saloons, the glitter of uniforms, + and the blaze of plumed and jewelled dames, with the clang of military + music, was a species of enchanted atmosphere which, breathing for the + first time, rarely fails to intoxicate. Never before had I seen so much + beauty. Lovely faces, dressed in all the seductive flattery of smiles, + were on every side; and as I walked from room to room, I felt how much + more fatal to a man's peace and heart's ease the whispered words and + silent glances of those fair damsels, than all the loud gayety and + boisterous freedom of our country belles, who sought to take the heart by + storm and escalade. + </p> + <p> + As yet I had seen neither Sir George nor his daughter, and while I looked + on every side for Lucy Dashwood, it was with a beating and anxious heart I + longed to see how she would bear comparison with the blaze of beauty + around. + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment a very gorgeously dressed hussar stepped from a + doorway beside me, as if to make a passage for some one, and the next + moment she appeared leaning upon the arm of another lady. One look was all + that I had time for, when she recognized me. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Mr. O'Malley, how happy—has Sir George—has my father seen + you?" + </p> + <p> + "I have only arrived this moment; I trust he is quite well?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, thank you—" + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon with all humility, Miss Dashwood," said the hussar, in + a tone of the most knightly courtesy, "but they are waiting for us." + </p> + <p> + "But, Captain Fortescue, you must excuse me one moment more. Mr. Lechmere, + will you do me the kindness to find out Sir George? Mr. O'Malley—Mr. + Lechmere." Here she said something in French to her companion, but so + rapidly that I could not detect what it was, but merely heard the reply, + <i>"Pas mal!"</i>—which, as the lady continued to canvass me most + deliberately through her eye-glass, I supposed referred to me. "And now, + Captain Fortescue—" And with a look of most courteous kindness to me + she disappeared in the crowd. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman to whose guidance I was entrusted was one of the + aides-de-camp, and was not long in finding Sir George. No sooner had the + good old general heard my name, than he held out both his hands and shook + mine most heartily. + </p> + <p> + "At last, O'Malley; at last I am able to thank you for the greatest + service ever man rendered me. He saved Lucy, my Lord; rescued her under + circumstances where anything short of his courage and determination must + have cost her her life." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, very pretty indeed," said a stiff old gentleman addressed, as he + bowed a most superbly powdered scalp before me; "most happy to make your + acquaintance." + </p> + <p> + "Who is he?" added he, in nearly as loud a tone to Sir George. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley, of O'Malley Castle." + </p> + <p> + "True, I forgot; why is he not in uniform?" + </p> + <p> + "Because, unfortunately, my Lord, we don't own him; he's not in the army." + </p> + <p> + "Ha! ha! thought he was." + </p> + <p> + "You dance, O'Malley, I suppose? I'm sure you'd rather be over there than + hearing all my protestations of gratitude, sincere and heartfelt as they + really are." + </p> + <p> + "Lechmere, introduce my friend, Mr. O'Malley; get him a partner." + </p> + <p> + I had not followed my new acquaintance many steps, when Power came up to + me. "I say, Charley," cried he, "I have been tormented to death by half + the ladies in the room to present you to them, and have been in quest of + you this half-hour. Your brilliant exploit in savage land has made you a + regular <i>preux chevalier</i>; and if you don't trade on that adventure + to your most lasting profit, you deserve to be—a lawyer. Come along + here! Lady Muckleman, the adjutant-general's lady and chief, has four + Scotch daughters you are to dance with; then I am to introduce you in all + form to the Dean of Something's niece,—she is a good-looking girl, + and has two livings in a safe county. Then there's the town-major's wife; + and, in fact, I have several engagements from this to supper-time." + </p> + <p> + "A thousand thanks for all your kindness in prospective, but I think, + perhaps, it were right I should ask Miss Dashwood to dance, if only as a + matter of form,—you understand?" + </p> + <p> + "And if Miss Dashwood should say, 'With pleasure, sir,' only as a matter + of form,—you understand?" said a silvery voice beside me. I turned, + and saw Lucy Dashwood, who, having overheard my free-and-easy suggestion, + replied to me in this manner. + </p> + <p> + I here blundered out my excuses. What I said, and what I did not say, I do + not now remember; but certainly, it was her turn now to blush, and her arm + trembled within mine as I led her to the top of the room. In the little + opportunity which our quadrille presented for conversation, I could not + help remarking that, after the surprise of her first meeting with me, Miss + Dashwood's manner became gradually more and more reserved, and that there + was an evident struggle between her wish to appear grateful for what had + occurred, with a sense of the necessity of not incurring a greater degree + of intimacy. Such was my impression, at least, and such the conclusion I + drew from a certain quiet tone in her manner that went further to wound my + feelings and mar my happiness than any other line of conduct towards me + could possibly have effected. + </p> + <p> + Our quadrille over, I was about to conduct her to a seat, when Sir George + came hurriedly up, his face greatly flushed, and betraying every semblance + of high excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Papa, has anything occurred? Pray what is it?" inquired she. + </p> + <p> + He smiled faintly, and replied, "Nothing very serious, my dear, that I + should alarm you in this way; but certainly, a more disagreeable <i>contretemps</i> + could scarcely occur." + </p> + <p> + "Do tell me: what can it be?" + </p> + <p> + "Read this," said he, presenting a very dirty-looking note which bore the + mark of a red wafer most infernally plain upon its outside. + </p> + <p> + Miss Dashwood unfolded the billet, and after a moment's silence, instead + of participating, as he expected, in her father's feeling of distress, + burst out a-laughing, while she said: "Why, really, Papa, I do not see why + this should put you out much, after all. Aunt may be somewhat of a + character, as her note evinces, but after a few days—" + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense, child; there's nothing in this world I have such a dread of as + that confounded woman,—and to come at such a time." + </p> + <p> + "When does she speak of paying her visit?" + </p> + <p> + "I knew you had not read the note," said Sir George, hastily; "she's + coming here to-night,—is on her way this instant, perhaps. What is + to be done? If she forces her way in here, I shall go deranged outright; + O'Malley, my boy, read this note, and you will not feel surprised if I + appear in the humor you see me." + </p> + <p> + I took the billet from the hands of Miss Dashwood, and read as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DEAR BROTHER,—When this reaches your hand, I'll not be far + off. I'm on my way up to town, to be under Dr. Dease for the ould + complaint. Cowley mistakes my case entirely; he says it's nothing + but religion and wind. Father Magrath, who understands a good + deal about females, thinks otherwise; but God knows who's right. + Expect me to tea, and, with love to Lucy, + Believe me, yours in haste, + JUDITH MACAN. +</pre> + <p> + Let the sheets be well aired in my room; and if you have a spare bed, + perhaps we could prevail upon Father Magrath to stop too. + </p> + <p> + I scarcely could contain my laughter till I got to the end of this very + free-and-easy epistle; when at last I burst forth in a hearty fit, in + which I was joined by Miss Dashwood. + </p> + <p> + From the account Power had given me in the morning, I had no difficulty in + guessing that the writer was the maiden sister of the late Lady Dashwood; + and for whose relationship Sir George had ever testified the greatest + dread, even at the distance of two hundred miles; and for whom, in any + nearer intimacy, he was in no wise prepared. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Lucy," said he, "there's only one thing to be done: if this horrid + woman does arrive, let her be shown to her room; and for the few days of + her stay in town, we'll neither see nor be seen by any one." + </p> + <p> + Without waiting for a reply, Sir George was turning away to give the + necessary instructions, when the door of the drawing-room was flung open, + and the servant announced, in his loudest voice, "Miss Macan." Never shall + I forget the poor general's look of horror as the words reached him; for + as yet, he was too far to catch even a glimpse of its fair owner. As for + me, I was already so much interested in seeing what she was like, that I + made my way through the crowd towards the door. It is no common occurrence + that can distract the various occupations of a crowded ball-room, where, + amidst the crash of music and the din of conversation, goes on the soft, + low voice of insinuating flattery, or the light flirtation of a first + acquaintance; every clique, every coterie, every little group of three or + four has its own separate and private interests, forming a little world of + its own, and caring for and heeding nothing that goes on around; and even + when some striking character or illustrious personage makes his <i>entrée</i>, + the attention he attracts is so momentary, that the buzz of conversation + is scarcely, if at all, interrupted, and the business of pleasure + continues to flow on. Not so now, however. No sooner had the servant + pronounced the magical name of Miss Macan, than all seemed to stand still. + The spell thus exercised over the luckless general seemed to have extended + to his company; for it was with difficulty that any one could continue his + train of conversation, while every eye was directed towards the door. + About two steps in advance of the servant, who still stood door in hand, + was a tall, elderly lady, dressed in an antique brocade silk, with + enormous flowers gaudily embroidered upon it. Her hair was powdered and + turned back in the fashion of fifty years before; while her high-pointed + and heeled shoes completed a costume that had not been seen for nearly a + century. Her short, skinny arms were bare and partly covered by a falling + flower of old point lace, while on her hands she wore black silk mittens; + a pair of green spectacles scarcely dimmed the lustre of a most piercing + pair of eyes, to whose effect a very palpable touch of rouge on the cheeks + certainly added brilliancy. There stood this most singular apparition, + holding before her a fan about the size of a modern tea-tray; while at + each repetition of her name by the servant, she curtesied deeply, + bestowing the while upon the gay crowd before her a very curious look of + maidenly modesty at her solitary and unprotected position. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0174.jpg" alt="Miss Judy Macan. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + As no one had ever heard of the fair Judith, save one or two of Sir + George's most intimate friends, the greater part of the company were + disposed to regard Miss Macan as some one who had mistaken the character + of the invitation, and had come in a fancy dress. But this delusion was + but momentary, as Sir George, armed with the courage of despair, forced + his way through the crowd, and taking her hand affectionately, bid her + welcome to Dublin. The fair Judy, at this, threw her arms about his neck, + and saluted him with a hearty smack that was heard all over the room. + </p> + <p> + "Where's Lucy, Brother? Let me embrace my little darling," said the lady, + in an accent that told more of Miss Macan than a three-volume biography + could have done. "There she is, I'm sure; kiss me, my honey." + </p> + <p> + This office Miss Dashwood performed with an effort at courtesy really + admirable; while, taking her aunt's arm, she led her to a sofa. + </p> + <p> + It needed all the poor general's tact to get over the sensation of this + most <i>malapropos</i> addition to his party; but by degrees the various + groups renewed their occupations, although many a smile, and more than one + sarcastic glance at the sofa, betrayed that the maiden aunt had not + escaped criticism. + </p> + <p> + Power, whose propensity for fun very considerably out-stripped his sense + of decorum to his commanding officer, had already made his way towards + Miss Dashwood, and succeeded in obtaining a formal introduction to Miss + Macan. + </p> + <p> + "I hope you will do me the favor to dance next set with me, Miss Macan?" + </p> + <p> + "Really, Captain, it's very polite of you, but you must excuse me. I was + never anything great in quadrilles; but if a reel or a jig—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, dear Aunt, don't think of it, I beg of you." + </p> + <p> + "Or even Sir Roger de Coverley," resumed Miss Macan. + </p> + <p> + "I assure you, quite equally impossible." + </p> + <p> + "Then I'm certain you waltz," said Power. + </p> + <p> + "What do you take me for, young man? I hope I know better. I wish Father + Magrath heard you ask me that question, and for all your laced jacket—" + </p> + <p> + "Dearest Aunt, Captain Power didn't mean to offend you; I'm certain he—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, why did he dare to [<i>sob, sob</i>]—did he see anything + light about me, that he [<i>sob, sob, sob</i>]—oh, dear! oh, dear! + is it for this I came up from my little peaceful place in the west [<i>sob, + sob, sob</i>]?—General, George, dear; Lucy, my love, I'm taken bad. + Oh, dear! oh, dear! is there any whiskey negus?" + </p> + <p> + Whatever sympathy Miss Macan's sufferings might have excited in the crowd + about her before, this last question totally routed them, and a most + hearty fit of laughter broke forth from more than one of the bystanders. + </p> + <p> + At length, however, she was comforted, and her pacification completely + effected by Sir George setting her down to a whist-table. From this moment + I lost sight of her for above two hours. Meanwhile I had little + opportunity of following up my intimacy with Miss Dashwood, and as I + rather suspected that, on more than one occasion, she seemed to avoid our + meeting, I took especial care on my part, to spare her the annoyance. + </p> + <p> + For one instant only had I any opportunity of addressing her, and then + there was such an evident embarrassment in her manner that I readily + perceived how she felt circumstanced, and that the sense of gratitude to + one whose further advances she might have feared, rendered her constrained + and awkward. "Too true," said I, "she avoids me. My being here is only a + source of discomfort and pain to her; therefore, I'll take my leave, and + whatever it may cost me, never to return." With this intention, resolving + to wish Sir George a very good night, I sought him out for some minutes. + At length I saw him in a corner, conversing with the old nobleman to whom + he had presented me early in the evening. + </p> + <p> + "True, upon my honor, Sir George," said he; "I saw it myself, and she did + it just as dexterously as the oldest blackleg in Paris." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you don't mean to say that she cheated?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but I do, though,—turned the ace every time. Lady Herbert said + to me, 'Very extraordinary it is,—four by honors again.' So I + looked, and then I perceived it,—a very old trick it is; but she did + it beautifully. What's her name?" + </p> + <p> + "Some western name; I forget it," said the poor general, ready to die with + shame. + </p> + <p> + "Clever old woman, very!" said the old lord, taking a pinch of snuff; "but + revokes too often." + </p> + <p> + Supper was announced at this critical moment, and before I had further + thought of my determination to escape, I felt myself hurried along in the + crowd towards the staircase. The party immediately in front of me were + Power and Miss Macan, who now appeared reconciled, and certainly testified + most openly their mutual feelings of good-will. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Charley," whispered Power, as I came along, "it is capital fun,—never + met anything equal to her; but the poor general will never live through + it, and I'm certain of ten day's arrest for this night's proceeding." + </p> + <p> + "Any news of Webber?" I inquired. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, I fancy I can tell something of him; for I heard of some one + presenting himself, and being refused the <i>entrée</i>, so that Master + Frank has lost his money. Sit near us, I pray you, at supper. We must take + care of the dear aunt for the niece's sake, eh?" + </p> + <p> + Not seeing the force of this reasoning, I soon separated myself from them, + and secured a corner at a side-table. Every supper on such an occasion as + this is the same scene of solid white muslin, faded flowers, flushed + faces, torn gloves, blushes, blanc-mange, cold chicken, jelly, sponge + cakes, spooney young gentlemen doing the attentive, and watchful mammas + calculating what precise degree of propinquity in the crush is safe or + seasonable for their daughters to the mustached and unmarrying lovers + beside them. There are always the same set of gratified elders, like the + benchers in King's Inn, marched up to the head of the table, to eat, + drink, and be happy, removed from the more profane looks and soft speeches + of the younger part of the creation. Then there are the <i>hoi polloi</i> + of outcasts, younger sons of younger brothers, tutors, governesses, + portionless cousins, and curates, all formed in phalanx round the + side-tables, whose primitive habits and simple tastes are evinced by their + all eating off the same plate and drinking from nearly the same + wine-glass,—too happy if some better-off acquaintance at the long + table invites them to "wine," though the ceremony on their part is limited + to the pantomime of drinking. To this miserable <i>tiers etat</i> I + belonged, and bore my fate with unconcern; for, alas, my spirits were + depressed and my heart heavy. Lucy's treatment of me was every moment + before me, contrasted with her gay and courteous demeanor to all save + myself, and I longed for the moment to get away. + </p> + <p> + Never had I seen her looking so beautiful; her brilliant eyes were lit + with pleasure, and her smile was enchantment itself. What would I not have + given for one moment's explanation, as I took my leave forever!—one + brief avowal of my unalterable, devoted love; for which I sought not nor + expected return, but merely that I might not be forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Such were my thoughts, when a dialogue quite near me aroused me from my + revery. I was not long in detecting the speakers, who, with their backs + turned to us, were seated at the great table discussing a very liberal + allowance of pigeon-pie, a flask of champagne standing between them. + </p> + <p> + "Don't now! don't I tell ye; it's little ye know Galway, or ye wouldn't + think to make up to me, squeezing my foot." + </p> + <p> + "Upon my soul, you're an angel, a regular angel. I never saw a woman suit + my fancy before." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, behave now. Father Magrath says—" + </p> + <p> + "Who's he?" + </p> + <p> + "The priest; no less." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, confound him!" + </p> + <p> + "Confound Father Magrath, young man?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, Judy, don't be angry; I only meant that a dragoon knows + rather more of these matters than a priest." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, I'm not so sure of that. But anyhow, I'd have you to remember + it ain't a Widow Malone you have beside you." + </p> + <p> + "Never heard of the lady," said Power. + </p> + <p> + "Sure, it's a song,—poor creature,—it's a song they made about + her in the North Cork, when they were quartered down in our county." + </p> + <p> + "I wish to Heaven you'd sing it." + </p> + <p> + "What will you give me, then, if I do?" + </p> + <p> + "Anything,—everything; my heart, my life." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't give a trauneen for all of them. Give me that old green ring + on your finger, then." + </p> + <p> + "It's yours," said Power, placing it gracefully upon Miss Macan's finger; + "and now for your promise." + </p> + <p> + "May be my brother might not like it." + </p> + <p> + "He'd be delighted," said Power; "he dotes on music." + </p> + <p> + "Does he now?" + </p> + <p> + "On my honor, he does." + </p> + <p> + "Well, mind you get up a good chorus, for the song has one, and here it + is." + </p> + <p> + "Miss Macan's song!" said Power, tapping the table with his knife. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Macan's song!" was re-echoed on all sides; and before the luckless + general could interfere, she had begun. How to explain the air I know not, + for I never heard its name; but at the end of each verse a species of echo + followed the last word that rendered it irresistibly ridiculous. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE WIDOW MALONE. + + Did ye hear of the Widow Malone, + Ohone! + Who lived in the town of Athlone, + Alone? + Oh, she melted the hearts + Of the swains in them parts, + So lovely the Widow Malone, + Ohone! + So lovely the Widow Malone. + + Of lovers she had a full score, + Or more; + And fortunes they all had galore, + In store; + From the minister down + To the clerk of the crown, + All were courting the Widow Malone, + Ohone! + All were courting the Widow Malone. + + But so modest was Mrs. Malone, + 'T was known + No one ever could see her alone, + Ohone! + Let them ogle and sigh, + They could ne'er catch her eye, + So bashful the Widow Malone, + Ohone! + So bashful the Widow Malone. + + Till one Mister O'Brien from Clare, + How quare! + It's little for blushin' they care + Down there; + Put his arm round her waist, + Gave ten kisses at laste, + "Oh," says he, "you're my Molly Malone, + My own; + Oh," says he, "you're my Molly Malone." + + And the widow they all thought so shy, + My eye! + Ne'er thought of a simper or sigh, + For why? + But "Lucius," says she, + "Since you've made now so free, + You may marry your Mary Malone, + Ohone! + You may marry your Mary Malone." + + There's a moral contained in my song, + Not wrong; + And one comfort it's not very long, + But strong; + If for widows you die, + Larn to <i>kiss, not</i> to <i>sigh</i>, + For they're all like sweet Mistress Malone, + Ohone! + Oh, they're very like Mistress Malone. +</pre> + <p> + Never did song create such a sensation as Miss Macan's; and certainly her + desires as to the chorus were followed to the letter, for "The Widow + Malone, ohone!" resounded from one end of the table to the other, amidst + one universal shout of laughter. None could resist the ludicrous effect of + her melody; and even poor Sir George, sinking under the disgrace of his + relationship, which she had contrived to make public by frequent allusions + to her "dear brother the general," yielded at last, and joined in the + mirth around him. + </p> + <p> + "I insist upon a copy of 'The Widow,' Miss Macan," said Power. + </p> + <p> + "To be sure; give me a call to-morrow,—let me see,—about two. + Father Magrath won't be at home," said she, with a coquettish look. + </p> + <p> + "Where, pray, may I pay my respects?" + </p> + <p> + "No. 22 South Anne Street,—very respectable lodgings. I'll write the + address in your pocket-book." + </p> + <p> + Power produced a card and pencil, while Miss Macan wrote a few lines, + saying, as she handed it:— + </p> + <p> + "There, now, don't read it here before the people; they'll think it mighty + indelicate in me to make an appointment." + </p> + <p> + Power pocketed the card, and the next minute Miss Macan's carriage was + announced. + </p> + <p> + Sir George Dashwood, who little flattered himself that his fair guest had + any intention of departure, became now most considerately attentive, + reminded her of the necessity of muffling against the night air, hoped she + would escape cold, and wished her a most cordial good-night, with a + promise of seeing her early the following day. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding Power's ambition to engross the attention of the lady, Sir + George himself saw her to her carriage, and only returned to the room as a + group was collecting around the gallant captain, to whom he was relating + some capital traits of his late conquest,—for such he dreamed she + was. + </p> + <p> + "Doubt it who will," said he, "she has invited me to call on her + to-morrow, written her address on my card, told me the hour she is certain + of being alone. See here!" At these words he pulled forth the card, and + handed it to Lechmere. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the eyes of the other thrown upon the writing, when he said, + "So, this isn't it, Power." + </p> + <p> + "To be sure it is, man," said Power. "Anne Street is devilish seedy, but + that's the quarter." + </p> + <p> + "Why, confound it, man!" said the other; "there's not a word of that + here." + </p> + <p> + "Read it out," said Power. "Proclaim aloud my victory." + </p> + <p> + Thus urged, Lechmere read:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DEAR P.,— + + Please pay to my credit,—and soon, mark ye!—the two ponies + lost this evening. I have done myself the pleasure of enjoying your + ball, kissed the lady, quizzed the papa, and walked into the cunning + Fred Power. Yours, + FRANK WEBBER. + "The Widow Malone, ohone!" is at your service. +</pre> + <p> + Had a thunderbolt fallen at his feet, his astonishment could not have + equalled the result of this revelation. He stamped, swore, raved, laughed, + and almost went deranged. The joke was soon spread through the room, and + from Sir George to poor Lucy, now covered with blushes at her part in the + transaction, all was laughter and astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "Who is he? That is the question," said Sir George, who, with all the + ridicule of the affair hanging over him, felt no common relief at the + discovery of the imposition. + </p> + <p> + "A friend of O'Malley's," said Power, delighted, in his defeat, to involve + another with himself. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" said the general, regarding me with a look of a very mingled + cast. + </p> + <p> + "Quite true, sir," said I, replying to the accusation that his manner + implied; "but equally so, that I neither knew of his plot nor recognized + him when here." + </p> + <p> + "I am perfectly sure of it, my boy," said the general; "and, after all, it + was an excellent joke,—carried a little too far, it's true; eh, + Lucy?" + </p> + <p> + But Lucy either heard not, or affected not to hear; and after some little + further assurance that he felt not the least annoyed, the general turned + to converse with some other friends; while I, burning with indignation + against Webber, took a cold farewell of Miss Dashwood, and retired. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + THE LAST NIGHT IN TRINITY. + </p> + <p> + How I might have met Master Webber after his impersonation of Miss Macan, + I cannot possibly figure to myself. Fortunately, indeed, for all parties, + he left town early the next morning; and it was some weeks ere he + returned. In the meanwhile I became a daily visitor at the general's, + dined there usually three or four times a week, rode out with Lucy + constantly, and accompanied her every evening either to the theatre or + into society. Sir George, possibly from my youth, seemed to pay little + attention to an intimacy which he perceived every hour growing closer, and + frequently gave his daughter into my charge in our morning excursions on + horseback. As for me, my happiness was all but perfect. I loved, and + already began to hope that I was not regarded with indifference; for + although Lucy's manner never absolutely evinced any decided preference + towards me, yet many slight and casual circumstances served to show me + that my attentions to her were neither unnoticed nor uncared for. Among + the many gay and dashing companions of our rides, I remarked that, however + anxious for such a distinction, none ever seemed to make any way in her + good graces; and I had already gone far in my self-deception that I was + destined for good fortune, when a circumstance which occurred one morning + at length served to open my eyes to the truth, and blast by one fatal + breath the whole harvest of my hopes. + </p> + <p> + We were about to set out one morning on a long ride, when Sir George's + presence was required by the arrival of an officer who had been sent from + the Horse Guards on official business. After half an hour's delay, Colonel + Cameron, the officer in question, was introduced, and entered into + conversation with our party. He had only landed in England from the + Peninsula a few days before, and had abundant information of the stirring + events enacting there. At the conclusion of an anecdote,—I forget + what,—he turned suddenly round to Miss Dashwood, who was standing + beside me, and said in a low voice:— + </p> + <p> + "And now, Miss Dashwood, I am reminded of a commission I promised a very + old brother officer to perform. Can I have one moment's conversation with + you in the window?" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, I perceived that he crumpled beneath his glove something like + a letter. + </p> + <p> + "To me?" said Lucy, with a look of surprise that sadly puzzled me whether + to ascribe it to coquetry or innocence,—"to me?" + </p> + <p> + "To you," said the colonel, bowing; "and I am sadly deceived by my friend + Hammersley—" + </p> + <p> + "Captain Hammersley?" said she, blushing deeply as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + I heard no more. She turned towards the window with the colonel, and all I + saw was that he handed her a letter, which, having hastily broken open and + thrown her eyes over, she grew at first deadly pale, then red, and while + her eyes filled with tears, I heard her say, "How like him! How truly + generous this is!" I listened for no more; my brain was wheeling round and + my senses reeling. I turned and left the room; in another moment I was on + my horse, galloping from the spot, despair, in all its blackness, in my + heart, and in my broken-hearted misery, wishing for death. + </p> + <p> + I was miles away from Dublin ere I remembered well what had occurred, and + even then not over clearly. The fact that Lucy Dashwood, whom I imagined + to be my own in heart, loved another, was all that I really knew. That one + thought was all my mind was capable of, and in it my misery, my + wretchedness were centred. + </p> + <p> + Of all the grief my life has known, I have had no moments like the long + hours of that dreary night. My sorrow, in turn, took every shape and + assumed every guise. Now I remembered how the Dashwoods had courted my + intimacy and encouraged my visits,—how Lucy herself had evinced in a + thousand ways that she felt a preference for me. I called to mind the many + unequivocal proofs I had given her that my feeling at least was no common + one; and yet, how had she sported with my affections, and jested with my + happiness! That she loved Hammersley I had now a palpable proof. That this + affection must have been mutual, and prosecuted at the very moment I was + not only professing my own love for her, but actually receiving all but an + avowal of its return,—oh, it was too, too base! and in my deepest + heart I cursed my folly, and vowed never to see her more. + </p> + <p> + It was late on the next day ere I retraced my steps towards town, my heart + sad and heavy, careless what became of me for the future, and pondering + whether I should not at once give up my college career and return to my + uncle. When I reached my chambers, all was silent and comfortless; Webber + had not returned; my servant was from home; and I felt myself more than + ever wretched in the solitude of what had been so oft the scene of noisy + and festive gayety. I sat some hours in a half-musing state, every sad + depressing thought that blighted hopes can conjure up rising in turn + before me. A loud knocking at the door at length aroused me. I got up and + opened it. No one was there. I looked around as well as the coming gloom + of evening would permit, but saw nothing. I listened, and heard, at some + distance off, my friend Power's manly voice as he sang,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Oh, love is the soul of an Irish dragoon!" +</pre> + <p> + I hallooed out, "Power!" + </p> + <p> + "Eh, O'Malley, is that you?" inquired he. "Why, then, it seems it required + some deliberation whether you opened your door or not. Why, man, you can + have no great gift of prophecy, or you wouldn't have kept me so long + there." + </p> + <p> + "And have you been so?" + </p> + <p> + "Only twenty minutes; for as I saw the key in the lock, I had determined + to succeed if noise would do it." + </p> + <p> + "How strange! I never heard it." + </p> + <p> + "Glorious sleeper you must be; but come, my dear fellow, you don't appear + altogether awake yet." + </p> + <p> + "I have not been quite well these few days." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, indeed! The Dashwoods thought there must have been something of that + kind the matter by your brisk retreat. They sent me after you yesterday; + but wherever you went, Heaven knows. I never could come up with you; so + that your great news has been keeping these twenty-four hours longer than + need be." + </p> + <p> + "I am not aware what you allude to." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you are not over likely to be the wiser when you hear it, if you + can assume no more intelligent look than that. Why, man, there's great + luck in store for you." + </p> + <p> + "As how, pray? Come, Power, out with it; though I can't pledge myself to + feel half as grateful for my good fortune as I should do. What is it?" + </p> + <p> + "You know Cameron?" + </p> + <p> + "I have seen him," said I, reddening. + </p> + <p> + "Well, old Camy, as we used to call him, has brought over, among his other + news, your gazette." + </p> + <p> + "My gazette! What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Confound your uncommon stupidity this evening! I mean, man, that you are + one of us,—gazetted to the 14th Light,—the best fellows for + love, war, and whiskey that ever sported a sabretasche. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Oh, love is the soul of an Irish dragoon!' +</pre> + <p> + By Jove, I am as delighted to have rescued you from the black harness of + the King's Bench as though you had been a prisoner there! Know, then, + friend Charley, that on Wednesday we proceed to Fermoy, join some score of + gallant fellows,—all food for powder,—and, with the aid of a + rotten transport and the stormy winds that blow, will be bronzing our + beautiful faces in Portugal before the month's out. But come, now, let's + see about supper. Some of ours are coming over here at eleven, and I + promised them a devilled bone; and as it's your last night among these + classic precincts, let us have a shindy of it." + </p> + <p> + While I despatched Mike to Morrison's to provide supper, I heard from + Power that Sir George Dashwood had interested himself so strongly for me + that I had obtained my cornetcy in the 14th; that, fearful lest any + disappointment might arise, he had never mentioned the matter to me, but + that he had previously obtained my uncle's promise to concur in the + arrangement if his negotiation succeeded. It had so done, and now the + long-sought-for object of many days was within my grasp. But, alas, the + circumstance which lent it all its fascinations was a vanished dream; and + what but two days before had rendered my happiness perfect, I listened to + listlessly and almost without interest. Indeed, my first impulse at + finding that I owed my promotion to Sir George was to return a positive + refusal of the cornetcy; but then I remembered how deeply such conduct + would hurt my poor uncle, to whom I never could give an adequate + explanation. So I heard Power in silence to the end, thanked him sincerely + for his own good-natured kindness in the matter, which already, by the + interest he had taken in me, went far to heal the wounds that my own + solitary musings were deepening in my heart. At eighteen, fortunately, + consolations are attainable that become more difficult at + eight-and-twenty, and impossible at eight-and-thirty. + </p> + <p> + While Power continued to dilate upon the delights of a soldier's life—a + theme which many a boyish dream had long since made hallowed to my + thoughts—I gradually felt my enthusiasm rising, and a certain + throbbing at my heart betrayed to me that, sad and dispirited as I felt, + there was still within that buoyant spirit which youth possesses as its + privilege, and which answers to the call of enterprise as the war-horse to + the trumpet. That a career worthy of manhood, great, glorious, and + inspiriting, opened before me, coming so soon after the late downfall of + my hopes, was in itself a source of such true pleasure that ere long I + listened to my friend, and heard his narrative with breathless interest. A + lingering sense of pique, too, had its share in all this. I longed to come + forward in some manly and dashing part, where my youth might not be ever + remembered against me, and when, having brought myself to the test, I + might no longer be looked upon and treated as a boy. + </p> + <p> + We were joined at length by the other officers of the 14th, and, to the + number of twelve, sat down to supper. + </p> + <p> + It was to be my last night in Old Trinity, and we resolved that the + farewell should be a solemn one. Mansfield, one of the wildest young + fellows in the regiment, had vowed that the leave-taking should be + commemorated by some very decisive and open expressions of our feelings, + and had already made some progress in arrangements for blowing up the + great bell, which had more than once obtruded upon our morning + convivialities; but he was overruled by his more discreet associates, and + we at length assumed our places at table, in the midst of which stood a <i>hecatomb</i> + of all my college equipments, cap, gown, bands, etc. A funeral pile of + classics was arrayed upon the hearth, surmounted by my "Book on the + Cellar," and a punishment-roll waved its length, like a banner, over the + doomed heroes of Greece and Rome. + </p> + <p> + It is seldom that any very determined attempt to be gay <i>par excellence</i> + has a perfect success, but certainly upon this evening ours had. Songs, + good stories, speeches, toasts, high visions of the campaign before us, + the wild excitement which such a meeting cannot be free from, gradually, + as the wine passed from hand to hand, seized upon all, and about four in + the morning, such was the uproar we caused, and so terrific the noise of + our proceedings, that the accumulated force of porters, sent one by one to + demand admission, was now a formidable body at the door, and Mike at last + came in to assure us that the bursar,—the most dread official of all + collegians,—was without, and insisted, with a threat of his heaviest + displeasure in case of refusal, that the door should be opened. + </p> + <p> + A committee of the whole house immediately sat upon the question; and it + was at length resolved, <i>nemine contradicente</i>, that the request + should be complied with. A fresh bowl of punch, in honor of our expected + guest, was immediately concocted, a new broil put on the gridiron, and + having seated ourselves with as great a semblance of decorum as four + bottles a man admits of, Curtis the junior captain, being most drunk, was + deputed to receive the bursar at the door, and introduce him to our august + presence. + </p> + <p> + Mike's instructions were, that immediately on Dr. Stone the bursar + entering, the door was to be slammed to, and none of his followers + admitted. This done, the doctor was to be ushered in and left to our + polite attentions. + </p> + <p> + A fresh thundering from without scarcely left time for further + deliberation; and at last Curtis moved towards the door in execution of + his mission. + </p> + <p> + "Is there any one there?" said Mike, in a tone of most unsophisticated + innocence, to a rapping that, having lasted three quarters of an hour, + threatened now to break in the panel. "Is there any one there?" + </p> + <p> + "Open the door this instant,—the senior bursar desires you,—this + instant." + </p> + <p> + "Sure it's night, and we're all in bed," said Mike. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Webber, Mr. O'Malley," said the bursar, now boiling with indignation, + "I summon you, in the name of the board, to admit me." + </p> + <p> + "Let the gemman in," hiccoughed Curtis; and at the same instant the heavy + bars were withdrawn, and the door opened, but so sparingly as with + difficulty to permit the passage of the burly figure of the bursar. + </p> + <p> + Forcing his way through, and regardless of what became of the rest, he + pushed on vigorously through the antechamber, and before Curtis could + perform his functions of usher, stood in the midst of us. What were his + feelings at the scene before him, Heaven knows. The number of figures in + uniform at once betrayed how little his jurisdiction extended to the great + mass of the company, and he immediately turned towards me. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Webber—" + </p> + <p> + "O'Malley, if you please, Mr. Bursar," said I, bowing with, most + ceremonious politeness. + </p> + <p> + "No matter, sir; <i>arcades ambo</i>, I believe." + </p> + <p> + "Both archdeacons," said Melville, translating, with a look of withering + contempt upon the speaker. + </p> + <p> + The doctor continued, addressing me,— + </p> + <p> + "May I ask, sir, if you believe yourself possessed of any privilege for + converting this university into a common tavern?" + </p> + <p> + "I wish to Heaven he did," said Curtis; "capital tap your old commons + would make." + </p> + <p> + "Really, Mr. Bursar," replied I, modestly, "I had begun to flatter myself + that our little innocent gayety had inspired you with the idea of joining + our party." + </p> + <p> + "I humbly move that the old cove in the gown do take the chair," sang out + one. "All who are of this opinion say, 'Ay.'" A perfect yell of ayes + followed this. "All who are of the contrary say, 'No.' The ayes have it." + </p> + <p> + Before the luckless doctor had a moment for thought, his legs were lifted + from under him, and he was jerked, rather than placed, upon a chair, and + put sitting upon the table. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley, your expulsion within twenty-four hours—" + </p> + <p> + "Hip, hip, hurra, hurra, hurra!" drowned the rest, while Power, taking off + the doctor's cap, replaced it by a foraging cap, very much to the + amusement of the party. + </p> + <p> + "There is no penalty the law permits of that I shall not—" + </p> + <p> + "Help the doctor," said Melville, placing a glass of punch in his + unconscious hand. + </p> + <p> + "Now for a 'Viva la Compagnie!'" said Telford, seating himself at the + piano, and playing the first bars of that well-known air, to which, in our + meetings, we were accustomed to improvise a doggerel in turn. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I drink to the graces, Law, Physic, Divinity, + Viva la Compagnie! + And here's to the worthy old Bursar of Trinity, + Viva la Compagnie!" +</pre> + <p> + "Viva, viva la va!" etc., were chorussed with a shout that shook the old + walls, while Power took up the strain: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Though with lace caps and gowns they look so like asses, + Viva la Compagnie!" + They'd rather have punch than the springs of Parnassus, + Viva la Compagnie! + What a nose the old gentleman has, by the way, + Viva la Compagnie! + Since he smelt out the Devil from Botany Bay, [1] + Viva la Compagnie! +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote:1 Botany Bay was the slang name given by college men to a new + square rather remotely situated from the remainder of the college.] + </p> + <p> + Words cannot give even the faintest idea of the poor bursar's feelings + while these demoniacal orgies were enacting around him. Held fast in his + chair by Lechmere and another, he glowered on the riotous mob around like + a maniac, and astonishment that such liberties could be taken with one in + his situation seemed to have surpassed even his rage and resentment; and + every now and then a stray thought would flash across his mind that we + were mad,—a sentiment which, unfortunately, our conduct was but too + well calculated to inspire. + </p> + <p> + "So you're the morning lecturer, old gentleman, and have just dropped in + here in the way of business; pleasant life you must have of it," said + Casey, now by far the most tipsy man present. + </p> + <p> + "If you think, Mr. O'Malley, that the events of this evening are to end + here—" + </p> + <p> + "Very far from it, Doctor," said Power; "I'll draw up a little account of + the affair for 'Saunders.' They shall hear of it in every corner and nook + of the kingdom." + </p> + <p> + "The bursar of Trinity shall be a proverb for a good fellow that loveth + his lush," hiccoughed out Fegan. + </p> + <p> + "And if you believe that such conduct is academical," said the doctor, + with a withering sneer. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps not," lisped Melville, tightening his belt; "but it's devilish + convivial,—eh, Doctor?" + </p> + <p> + "Is that like him?" said Moreton, producing a caricature which he had just + sketched. + </p> + <p> + "Capital,—very good,—perfect. M'Cleary shall have it in his + window by noon to-day," said Power. + </p> + <p> + At this instant some of the combustibles disposed among the rejected + habiliments of my late vocation caught fire, and squibs, crackers, and + detonating shots went off on all sides. The bursar, who had not been deaf + to several hints and friendly suggestions about setting fire to him, + blowing him up, etc., with one vigorous spring burst from his antagonists, + and clearing the table at a bound, reached the floor. Before he could be + seized, he had gained the door, opened it, and was away. We gave chase, + yelling like so many devils. But wine and punch, songs and speeches, had + done their work, and more than one among the pursuers measured his length + upon the pavement; while the terrified bursar, with the speed of terror, + held on his way, and gained his chambers by about twenty yards in advance + of Power and Melville, whose pursuit only ended when the oaken panel of + the door shut them out from their victim. One loud cheer beneath his + window served for our farewell to our friend, and we returned to my rooms. + By this time a regiment of those classic functionaries ycleped porters had + assembled around the door, and seemed bent upon giving battle in honor of + their maltreated ruler; but Power explained to them, in a neat speech + replete with Latin quotations, that their cause was a weak one, that we + were more than their match, and finally proposed to them to finish the + punch-bowl, to which we were really incompetent,—a motion that met + immediate acceptance; and old Duncan, with his helmet in one hand and a + goblet in the other, wished me many happy days and every luck in this life + as I stepped from the massive archway, and took my last farewell of Old + Trinity. + </p> + <p> + Should any kind reader feel interested as to the ulterior course assumed + by the bursar, I have only to say that the terrors of the "Board" were + never fulminated against me, harmless and innocent as I should have + esteemed them. The threat of giving publicity to the entire proceedings by + the papers, and the dread of figuring in a sixpenny caricature in + M'Cleary's window, were too much for the worthy doctor, and he took the + wiser course under the circumstances, and held his peace about the matter. + I, too, have done so for many a year, and only now recall the scene among + the wild transactions of early days and boyish follies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <p> + THE PHOENIX PARK. + </p> + <p> + What a glorious thing it is when our first waking thoughts not only dispel + some dark, depressing dream, but arouse us to the consciousness of a new + and bright career suddenly opening before us, buoyant in hope, rich in + promise for the future! Life has nothing better than this. The bold spring + by which the mind clears the depth that separates misery from happiness is + ecstasy itself; and then what a world of bright visions come teeming + before us,—what plans we form; what promises we make to ourselves in + our own hearts; how prolific is the dullest imagination; how excursive the + tamest fancy, at such a moment! In a few short and fleeting seconds, the + events of a whole life are planned and pictured before us. Dreams of + happiness and visions of bliss, of which all our after-years are + insufficient to eradicate the <i>prestige</i>, come in myriads about us; + and from that narrow aperture through which this new hope pierces into our + heart, a flood of light is poured that illumines our path to the very + verge of the grave. How many a success in after-days is reckoned but as + one step in that ladder of ambition some boyish review has framed, + perhaps, after all, destined to be the first and only one! With what + triumph we hail some goal attained, some object of our wishes gained, less + for its present benefit, than as the accomplishment of some youthful + prophecy, when picturing to our hearts all that we would have in life, we + whispered within us the flattery of success. + </p> + <p> + Who is there who has not had some such moment; and who would exchange it, + with all the delusive and deceptive influences by which it comes + surrounded, for the greatest actual happiness he has partaken of? Alas, + alas, it is only in the boundless expanse of such imaginations, unreal and + fictitious as they are, that we are truly blessed! Our choicest blessings + in life come even so associated with some sources of care that the cup of + enjoyment is not pure but dregged in bitterness. + </p> + <p> + To such a world of bright anticipation did I awake on the morning after + the events I have detailed in the last chapter. The first thing my eyes + fell upon was an official letter from the Horse Guards:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The commander of the forces desires that Mr. O'Malley will report + himself, immediately on the receipt of this letter, at the headquarters + of the regiment to which he is gazetted." +</pre> + <p> + Few and simple as the lines were, how brimful of pleasure they sounded to + my ears. The regiment to which I was gazetted! And so I was a soldier at + last! The first wish of my boyhood was then really accomplished. And my + uncle, what will he say; what will he think? + </p> + <p> + "A letter, sir, by the post," said Mike, at the moment. + </p> + <p> + I seized it eagerly; it came from home, but was in Considine's + handwriting. How my heart failed me as I turned to look at the seal. + "Thank God!" said I, aloud, on perceiving that it was a red one. I now + tore it open and read:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Dear Charley,—Godfrey, being laid up with the gout, has + desired me to write to you by this day's post. Your appointment to + the 14th, notwithstanding all his prejudices about the army, has + given him sincere pleasure. I believe, between ourselves, that your + college career, of which he has heard something, convinced him that + your forte did not lie in the classics; you know I said so always, but + nobody minded me. Your new prospects are all that your best friends + could wish for you: you begin early; your corps is a crack one; you + are ordered for service. What could you have more? + + Your uncle hopes, if you can get a few days' leave, that you will + come down here before you join, and I hope so too; for he is unusually + low-spirited, and talks about his never seeing you again, and + all that sort of thing. + + I have written to Merivale, your colonel, on this subject, as well + as generally on your behalf. We were cornets together forty years + ago. A strict fellow you'll find him, but a trump on service. If + you can't manage the leave, write a long letter home at all events. + And so, God bless you, and all success! + Yours sincerely, + W. Considine. + + I had thought of writing you a long letter of advice for your new + career; and, indeed, half accomplished one. After all, however, I + can tell you little that your own good sense will not teach you as you + go on; and experience is ever better than precept. I know of but + one rule in life which admits of scarcely any exception, and having + followed it upwards of sixty years, approve of it only the more: + Never quarrel when you can help it; but meet any man,—your + tailor, your hairdresser,—if he wishes to have you out. + W. C. +</pre> + <p> + I had scarcely come to the end of this very characteristic epistle, when + two more letters were placed upon my table. One was from Sir George + Dashwood, inviting me to dinner to meet some of my "brother officers." How + my heart beat at the expression. The other was a short note, marked + "Private," from my late tutor, Dr. Mooney, saying, "that if I made a + suitable apology to the bursar for the late affair at my room, he might + probably be induced to abandon any further step; otherwise—" then + followed innumerable threats about fine, penalties, expulsion, etc., that + fell most harmlessly upon my ears. I accepted the invitation; declined the + apology; and having ordered my horse, cantered off to the barracks to + consult my friend Power as to all the minor details of my career. + </p> + <p> + As the dinner hour grew near, my thoughts became again fixed upon Miss + Dashwood; and a thousand misgivings crossed my mind as to whether I should + have nerve enough to meet her, without disclosing in my manner the altered + state of my feelings; a possibility which I now dreaded fully as much as I + had longed some days before to avow my affection for her, however slight + its prospect of return. All my valiant resolves and well-contrived plans + for appearing unmoved and indifferent in her presence, with which I stored + my mind while dressing and when on the way to dinner, were, however, + needless, for it was a party exclusively of men; and as the coffee was + served in the dining-room, no move was made to the drawing-room by any of + the company. "Quite as well as it is!" was my muttered opinion, as I got + into my cab at the door. "All is at an end as regards me in her esteem, + and I must not spend my days sighing for a young lady that cares for + another." Very reasonable, very proper resolutions these; but, alas! I + went home to bed, only to think half the night long of the fair Lucy, and + dream of her the remainder of it. + </p> + <p> + When morning dawned my first thought was, Shall I see her once more? Shall + I leave her forever thus abruptly? Or, rather, shall I not unburden my + bosom of its secret, confess my love, and say farewell? I felt such a + course much more in unison with my wishes than the day before; and as + Power had told me that before a week we should present ourselves at + Fermoy, I knew that no time was to be lost. + </p> + <p> + My determination was taken. I ordered my horse, and early as it was, rode + out to the Royal Hospital. My heart beat so strongly as I rode up to the + door that I half resolved to return. I rang the bell. Sir George was in + town. Miss Dashwood had just gone, five minutes before, to spend some days + at Carton. "It is fate!" thought I as I turned from the spot and walked + slowly beside my horse towards Dublin. + </p> + <p> + In the few days that intervened before my leaving town, my time was + occupied from morning to night; the various details of my uniform, outfit, + etc., were undertaken for me by Power. My horses were sent for to Galway; + and I myself, with innumerable persons to see, and a mass of business to + transact, contrived at least three times a day to ride out to the Royal + Hospital, always to make some trifling inquiry for Sir George, and always + to hear repeated that Miss Dashwood had not returned. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed five of my last six days in Dublin; and as the morning of the + last opened, it was with a sorrowing spirit that I felt my hour of + departure approach without one only opportunity of seeing Lucy, even to + say good-by. While Mike was packing in one corner, and I in another was + concluding a long letter to my poor uncle, my door opened and Webber + entered. + </p> + <p> + "Eh, O'Malley, I'm only in time to say adieu, it seems. To my surprise + this morning I found you had cut the 'Silent Sister.' I feared I should be + too late to catch one glimpse of you ere you started for the wars." + </p> + <p> + "You are quite right, Master Frank, and I scarcely expected to have seen + you. Your last brilliant achievement at Sir George's very nearly involved + me in a serious scrape." + </p> + <p> + "A mere trifle. How confoundedly silly Power must have looked, eh? Should + like so much to have seen his face. He booked up next day,—very + proper fellow. By-the-bye, O'Malley, I rather like the little girl; she is + decidedly pretty, and her foot,—did you remark her foot?—capital." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, she's very good-looking," said I, carelessly. + </p> + <p> + "I'm thinking of cultivating her a little," said Webber, pulling up his + cravat and adjusting his hair at the glass. "She's spoiled by all the + tinsel vaporing of her hussar and aide-de-camp acquaintances; but + something may be done for her, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "With your most able assistance and kind intentions." + </p> + <p> + "That's what I mean exactly. Sorry you're going,—devilish sorry. You + served out Stone gloriously: perhaps it's as well, though,—you know + they'd have expelled you; but still something might turn up. Soldiering is + a bad style of thing, eh? How the old general did take his sister-in-law's + presence to heart! But he must forgive and forget, for I am going to be + very great friends with him and Lucy. Where are you going now?" + </p> + <p> + "I am about to try a new horse before troops," said I. "He's stanch enough + with the cry of the fox-pack in his ears; but I don't know how he'll stand + a peal of artillery." + </p> + <p> + "Well, come along," said Webber; "I'll ride with you." So saying, we + mounted and set off to the Park, where two regiments of cavalry and some + horse artillery were ordered for inspection. + </p> + <p> + The review was over when we reached the exercising ground, and we slowly + walked our horses towards the end of the Park, intending to return to + Dublin by the road. We had not proceeded far, when, some hundred yards in + advance, we perceived an officer riding with a lady, followed by an + orderly dragoon. + </p> + <p> + "There he goes," said Webber; "I wonder if he'd ask me to dinner, if I + were to throw myself in his way?" + </p> + <p> + "Who do you mean?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Sir George Dashwood, to be sure, and, <i>la voilà</i>, Miss Lucy. The + little darling rides well, too; how squarely she sits her horse. O'Malley, + I've a weakness there; upon my soul I have." + </p> + <p> + "Very possible," said I; "I am aware of another friend of mine + participating in the sentiment." + </p> + <p> + "One Charles O'Malley, of his Majesty's—" + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense, man; no, no. I mean a very different person, and, for all I can + see, with some reason to hope for success." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, as to that, we flatter ourselves the thing does not present any very + considerable difficulties." + </p> + <p> + "As how, pray?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, of course, like all such matters, a very decisive determination to + be, to do, and to suffer, as Lindley Murray says, carries the day. Tell + her she's an angel every day for three weeks. She may laugh a little at + first, but she'll believe it in the end. Tell her that you have not the + slightest prospect of obtaining her affections, but still persist in + loving her. That, finally, you must die from the effects of despair, etc., + but rather like the notion of it than otherwise. That you know she has no + fortune; that you haven't a sixpence; and who should marry, if people + whose position in the world was similar did not?" + </p> + <p> + "But halt; pray, how are you to get time and place for all such + interesting conversations?" + </p> + <p> + "Time and place! Good Heavens, what a question! Is not every hour of the + twenty-four the fittest? Is not every place the most suitable? A sudden + pause in the organ of St. Patrick's did, it is true, catch me once in a + declaration of love, but the choir came in to my aid and drowned the + lady's answer. My dear O'Malley, what could prevent you this instant, if + you are so disposed, from doing the amiable to the darling Lucy there?" + </p> + <p> + "With the father for an umpire in case we disagreed," said I. + </p> + <p> + "Not at all. I should soon get rid of him." + </p> + <p> + "Impossible, my dear friend." + </p> + <p> + "Come now, just for the sake of convincing your obstinacy. If you like to + say good-by to the little girl without a witness, I'll take off the + he-dragon." + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean—" + </p> + <p> + "I do, man; I do mean it." So saying, he drew a crimson silk handkerchief + from his pocket, and fastened it round his waist like an officer's sash. + This done, and telling me to keep in their wake for some minutes, he + turned from me, and was soon concealed by a copse of white-thorn near us. + </p> + <p> + I had not gone above a hundred yards farther when I heard Sir George's + voice calling for the orderly. I looked and saw Webber at a considerable + distance in front, curvetting and playing all species of antics. The + distance between the general and myself was now so short that I overheard + the following dialogue with his sentry:— + </p> + <p> + "He's not in uniform, then?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; he has a round hat." + </p> + <p> + "A round hat!" + </p> + <p> + "His sash—" + </p> + <p> + "A sword and sash. This is too bad. I'm determined to find him out." + </p> + <p> + "How d'ye do, General?" cried Webber, as he rode towards the trees. + </p> + <p> + "Stop, sir!" shouted Sir George. + </p> + <p> + "Good-day, Sir George," replied Webber, retiring. + </p> + <p> + "Stay where you are, Lucy," said the general as, dashing spurs into his + horse, he sprang forward at a gallop, incensed beyond endurance that his + most strict orders should be so openly and insultingly transgressed. + </p> + <p> + Webber led on to a deep hollow, where the road passed between two smooth + slopes, covered with furze-trees, and from which it emerged afterwards in + the thickest and most intricate part of the Park. Sir George dashed boldly + after, and in less than half a minute both were lost to my view, leaving + me in breathless amazement at Master Frank's ingenuity, and some puzzle as + to my own future movements. + </p> + <p> + "Now then, or never!" said I, as I pushed boldly forward, and in an + instant was alongside of Miss Dashwood. Her astonishment at seeing me so + suddenly increased the confusion from which I felt myself suffering, and + for some minutes I could scarcely speak. At last I plucked up courage a + little, and said:— + </p> + <p> + "Miss Dashwood, I have looked most anxiously, for the last four days, for + the moment which chance has now given me. I wished, before I parted + forever with those to whom I owe already so much, that I should at least + speak my gratitude ere I said good-by." + </p> + <p> + "But when do you think of going?" + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow. Captain Power, under whose command I am, has received orders + to embark immediately for Portugal." + </p> + <p> + I thought—perhaps it was but a thought—that her cheek grew + somewhat paler as I spoke; but she remained silent; and I, scarcely + knowing what I had said, or whether I had finished, spoke not either. + </p> + <p> + "Papa, I'm sure, is not aware," said she, after a long pause, "of your + intention of leaving so soon, for only last night he spoke of some letters + he meant to give you to some friends in the Peninsula; besides, I know," + here she smiled faintly,—"that he destined some excellent advice for + your ears, as to your new path in life, for he has an immense opinion of + the value of such to a young officer." + </p> + <p> + "I am, indeed, most grateful to Sir George, and truly never did any one + stand more in need of counsel than I do." This was said half musingly, and + not intended to be heard. + </p> + <p> + "Then, pray, consult papa," said she, eagerly; "he is much attached to + you, and will, I am certain, do all in his power—" + </p> + <p> + "Alas! I fear not, Miss Dashwood." + </p> + <p> + "Why, what can you mean. Has anything so serious occurred?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no; I'm but misleading you, and exciting your sympathy with false + pretences. Should I tell you all the truth, you would not pardon, perhaps + not hear me." + </p> + <p> + "You have, indeed, puzzled me; but if there is anything in which my father—" + </p> + <p> + "Less him than his daughter," said I, fixing my eyes full upon her as I + spoke. "Yes, Lucy, I feel I must confess it, cost what it may; I love you. + Stay, hear me out; I know the fruitlessness, the utter despair, that + awaits such a sentiment. My own heart tells me that I am not, cannot be, + loved in return; yet would I rather cherish in its core my affection, + slighted and unblessed, such as it is, than own another heart. I ask for + nothing, I hope for nothing; I merely entreat that, for my truth, I may + meet belief, and for my heart's worship of her whom alone I can love, + compassion. I see that you at least pity me. Nay, one word more; I have + one favor more to ask,—it is my last, my only one. Do not, when time + and distance may have separated us, perhaps forever, think that the + expressions I now use are prompted by a mere sudden ebullition of boyish + feeling; do not attribute to the circumstance of my youth alone the warmth + of the attachment I profess,—for I swear to you, by every hope that + I have, that in my heart of hearts my love to you is the source and spring + of every action in my life, of every aspiration in my heart; and when I + cease to love you, I shall cease to feel." + </p> + <p> + "And now, farewell,—farewell forever!" I pressed her hand to my + lips, gave one long, last look, turned my horse rapidly away, and ere a + minute was far out of sight of where I had left her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> + <p> + THE ROAD. + </p> + <p> + Power was detained in town by some orders from the adjutant-general, so + that I started for Cork the next morning with no other companion than my + servant Mike. For the first few stages upon the road, my own thoughts + sufficiently occupied me to render me insensible or indifferent to all + else. My opening career, the prospects my new life as a soldier held out, + my hopes of distinction, my love of Lucy with all its train of doubts and + fears, passed in review before me, and I took no note of time till far + past noon. I now looked to the back part of the coach, where Mike's voice + had been, as usual, in the ascendant for some time, and perceived that he + was surrounded by an eager auditory of four raw recruits, who, under the + care of a sergeant, were proceeding to Cork to be enrolled in their + regiment. The sergeant, whose minutes of wakefulness were only those when + the coach stopped to change horses, and when he got down to mix a "summat + hot," paid little attention to his followers, leaving them perfectly free + in all their movements, to listen to Mike's eloquence and profit by his + suggestions, should they deem fit. Master Michael's services to his new + acquaintances, I began to perceive, were not exactly of the same nature as + Dibdin is reported to have rendered to our navy in the late war. Far from + it. His theme was no contemptuous disdain for danger; no patriotic + enthusiasm to fight for home and country; no proud consciousness of + British valor, mingled with the appropriate hatred of our mutual enemies,—on + the contrary, Mike's eloquence was enlisted for the defendant. He + detailed, and in no unimpressive way either, the hardships of a soldier's + life,—its dangers, its vicissitudes, its chances, its possible + penalties, its inevitably small rewards; and, in fact, so completely did + he work on the feelings of his hearers that I perceived more than one + glance exchanged between the victims that certainly betokened anything + save the resolve to fight for King George. It was at the close of a long + and most powerful appeal upon the superiority of any other line in life, + petty larceny and small felony inclusive, that he concluded with the + following quotation:— + </p> + <p> + "Thrue for ye, boys! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'With your red scarlet coat, + You're as proud as a goat, + And your long cap and feather.' +</pre> + <p> + But, by the piper that played before Moses! it's more whipping nor + gingerbread is going on among them, av ye knew but all, and heerd the + misfortune that happened to my father." + </p> + <p> + "And was he a sodger?" inquired one. + </p> + <p> + "Troth was he, more sorrow to him; and wasn't he a'most whipped one day + for doing what he was bid?" + </p> + <p> + "Musha, but that was hard!" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure it was hard; but faix, when my father seen that they didn't + know their own minds, he thought, anyhow, he knew his, so he ran away,—and + devil a bit of him they ever cotch afther. May be ye might like to hear + the story; and there's instruction in it for yez, too." + </p> + <p> + A general request to this end being preferred by the company, Mike took a + shrewd look at the sergeant, to be sure that he was still sleeping, + settled his coat comfortably across his knees, and began:— + </p> + <p> + Well, it's a good many years ago my father 'listed in the North Cork, just + to oblige Mr. Barry, the landlord there. For,' says he, 'Phil,' says he, + 'it's not a soldier ye'll be at all, but my own man, to brush my clothes + and go errands, and the like o' that; and the king, long life to him! will + help to pay ye for your trouble. Ye understand me?' Well, my father + agreed, and Mr. Barry was as good as his word. Never a guard did my father + mount, nor as much as a drill had he, nor a roll-call, nor anything at + all, save and except wait on the captain, his master, just as pleasant as + need be, and no inconvenience in life. + </p> + <p> + "Well, for three years this went on as I am telling, and the regiment was + ordered down to Bantry, because of a report that the 'boys' was rising + down there; and the second evening there was a night party patrolling with + Captain Barry for six hours in the rain, and the captain, God be marciful + to him! tuk could and died. More by token, they said it was drink, but my + father says it wasn't: 'for' says he, 'after he tuk eight tumblers + comfortable,' my father mixed the ninth, and the captain waived his hand + this way, as much as to say he'd have no more. 'Is it that ye mean?' says + my father; and the captain nodded. 'Musha, but it's sorry I am,' says my + father, 'to see you this way; for ye must be bad entirely to leave off in + the beginning of the evening.' And thrue for him, the captain was dead in + the morning. + </p> + <p> + "A sorrowful day it was for my father when he died. It was the finest + place in the world; little to do, plenty of divarsion, and a kind man he + was,—when he was drunk. Well, then, when the captain was buried and + all was over, my father hoped they'd be for letting him away, as he said, + 'Sure, I'm no use in life to anybody, save the man that's gone, for his + ways are all I know, and I never was a sodger.' But, upon my conscience, + they had other thoughts in their heads, for they ordered him into the + ranks to be drilled just like the recruits they took the day before. + </p> + <p> + "'Musha, isn't this hard?' said my father. 'Here I am, an ould vitrin that + ought to be discharged on a pension with two-and-sixpence a day, obliged + to go capering about the barrack-yard, practising the goose-step, or some + other nonsense not becoming my age nor my habits.' But so it was. Well, + this went on for some time, and sure, if they were hard on my father, + hadn't he his revenge; for he nigh broke their hearts with his stupidity. + Oh, nothing in life could equal him! Devil a thing, no matter how easy, he + could learn at all; and so far from caring for being in confinement, it + was that he liked best. Every sergeant in the regiment had a trial of him, + but all to no good; and he seemed striving so hard to learn all the while + that they were loath to punish him, the ould rogue! + </p> + <p> + "This was going on for some time, when, one day, news came in that a body + of the rebels, as they called them, was coming down from the Gap of + Mulnavick to storm the town and burn all before them. The whole regiment + was of coorse under arms, and great preparations was made for a battle. + Meanwhile patrols were ordered to scour the roads, and sentries posted at + every turn of the way and every rising ground to give warning when the + boys came in sight; and my father was placed at the Bridge of Drumsnag, in + the wildest and bleakest part of the whole country, with nothing but furze + mountains on every side, and a straight road going over the top of them. + </p> + <p> + "'This is pleasant,' says my father, as soon as they left him there alone + by himself, with no human creature to speak to, nor a whiskey-shop within + ten miles of him; 'cowld comfort,' says he, 'on a winter's day; and faix, + but I have a mind to give ye the slip.' + </p> + <p> + "Well, he put his gun down on the bridge, and he lit his pipe, and he sat + down under an ould tree and began to ruminate upon his affairs. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, then, it's wishing it well I am,' says he, 'for sodgering; and bad + luck to the hammer that struck the shilling that 'listed me, that's all,' + for he was mighty low in his heart. + </p> + <p> + "Just then a noise came rattling down near him. He listened, and before he + could get on his legs, down comes' the general, ould Cohoon, with an + orderly after him. + </p> + <p> + "'Who goes there?' says my father. + </p> + <p> + "'The round,' says the general, looking about all the time to see where + was the sentry, for my father was snug under the tree. + </p> + <p> + "'What round?' says my father. + </p> + <p> + "'The grand round,' says the general, more puzzled than afore. + </p> + <p> + "'Pass on, grand round, and God save you kindly!' says my father, putting + his pipe in his mouth again, for he thought all was over. + </p> + <p> + "'D—n your soul, where are you?' says the general, for sorrow bit of + my father could he see yet. + </p> + <p> + "'It's here I am,' says he, 'and a cowld place I have of it; and if it + wasn't for the pipe I'd be lost entirely.' + </p> + <p> + "The words wasn't well out of his mouth when the general began laughing, + till ye'd think he'd fall off his horse; and the dragoon behind him—more + by token, they say it wasn't right for him—laughed as loud as + himself. + </p> + <p> + "'Yer a droll sentry,' says the general, as soon as he could speak. + </p> + <p> + "'Be-gorra, it's little fun there's left in me,' says my father, 'with + this drilling, and parading, and blackguarding about the roads all night.' + </p> + <p> + "'And is this the way you salute your officer?' says the general. + </p> + <p> + "'Just so,' says my father; 'devil a more politeness ever they taught me.' + </p> + <p> + "'What regiment do you belong to?' says the general. + </p> + <p> + "'The North Cork, bad luck to them!' says my father, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + "'They ought to be proud of ye,' says the general. + </p> + <p> + "'I'm sorry for it,' says my father, sorrowfully, 'for may be they'll keep + me the longer.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, my good fellow,' says the general, 'I haven't more time to waste + here; but let me teach you something before I go. Whenever your officer + passes, it's your duty to present to him.' + </p> + <p> + "'Arrah, it's jokin' ye are,' says my father. + </p> + <p> + "'No, I'm in earnest,' says he, 'as ye might learn, to your cost, if I + brought you to a court-martial.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, there's no knowing,' says my father, 'what they'd be up to; but + sure, if that's all, I'll do it, with all "the veins," whenever yer coming + this way again.' + </p> + <p> + "The general began to laugh again here; but said,— + </p> + <p> + 'I'm coming back in the evening,' says he, 'and mind you don't forget your + respect to your officer.' + </p> + <p> + "'Never fear, sir,' says my father; 'and many thanks to you for your + kindness for telling me.' + </p> + <p> + "Away went the general, and the orderly after him, and in ten minutes they + were out of sight. + </p> + <p> + "The night was falling fast, and one half of the mountain was quite dark + already, when my father began to think they were forgetting him entirely. + He looked one way, and he looked another, but sorra bit of a sergeant's + guard was coming to relieve him. There he was, fresh and fasting, and + daren't go for the bare life. 'I'll give you a quarter of an hour more,' + says my father, 'till the light leaves that rock up there; after that,' + says he, 'by the Mass! I'll be off, av it cost me what it may.' + </p> + <p> + "Well, sure enough, his courage was not needed this time; for what did he + see at the same moment but a shadow of something coming down the road + opposite the bridge. He looked again; and then he made out the general + himself, that was walking his horse down the steep part of the mountain, + followed by the orderly. My father immediately took up his musket off the + wall, settled his belts, shook the ashes out of his pipe and put it into + his pocket, making himself as smart and neat-looking as he could be, + determining, when ould Cohoon came up, to ask him for leave to go home, at + least for the night. Well, by this time the general was turning a sharp + part of the cliff that looks down upon the bridge, from where you might + look five miles round on every side. 'He sees me,' says my father; 'but + I'll be just as quick as himself.' No sooner said than done; for coming + forward to the parapet of the bridge, he up with his musket to his + shoulder, and presented it straight at the general. It wasn't well there, + when the officer pulled up his horse quite short, and shouted out, + 'Sentry! sentry!' + </p> + <p> + "'Anan?' says my father, still covering him. + </p> + <p> + "'Down with your musket you rascal. Don't you see it's the grand round?' + </p> + <p> + "'To be sure I do,' says my father, never changing for a minute. + </p> + <p> + "'The ruffian will shoot me,' says the general. + </p> + <p> + "'Devil a fear,' says my father, 'av it doesn't go off of itself.' + </p> + <p> + "'What do you mean by that, you villian?' says the general, scarcely able + to speak with fright, for every turn he gave on his horse, my father + followed with the gun,—what do you mean?' + </p> + <p> + "'Sure, ain't I presenting?' says my father. 'Blood an ages! do you want + me to fire next?' + </p> + <p> + "With that the general drew a pistol from his holster, and took deliberate + aim at my father; and there they both stood for five minutes, looking at + each other, the orderly all the while breaking his heart laughing behind a + rock; for, ye see, the general knew av he retreated that my father might + fire on purpose, and av he came on, that he might fire by chance,—and + sorra bit he knew what was best to be done. + </p> + <p> + "'Are ye going to pass the evening up there, grand round?' says my father; + 'for it's tired I'm getting houldin' this so long.' + </p> + <p> + "'Port arms!' shouted the general, as if on parade. + </p> + <p> + "'Sure I can't, till yer past,' says my father, angrily; 'and my hands + trembling already.' + </p> + <p> + "'By Heavens! I shall be shot,' says the general. + </p> + <p> + "'Be-gorra, it's what I'm afraid of,' says my father; and the words wasn't + out of his mouth before off went the musket, bang!—and down fell the + general, smack on the ground, senseless. Well the orderly ran out at this, + and took him up and examined his wound; but it wasn't a wound at all, only + the wadding of the gun. For my father—God be kind to him!—ye + see, could do nothing right; and so he bit off the wrong end of the + cartridge when he put it in the gun, and, by reason, there was no bullet + in it. Well, from that day after they never got a sight of him; for the + instant that the general dropped, he sprang over the bridge-wall and got + away; and what, between living in a lime-kiln for two months, eating + nothing but blackberries and sloes, and other disguises, he never returned + to the army, but ever after took to a civil situation, and drive a hearse + for many years." + </p> + <p> + How far Mike's narrative might have contributed to the support of his + theory, I am unable to pronounce; for his auditory were, at some distance + from Cork, made to descend from their lofty position and join a larger + body of recruits, all proceeding to the same destination, under a strong + escort of infantry. For ourselves, we reached the "beautiful city" in due + time, and took up our quarters at the Old George Hotel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + CORK. + </p> + <p> + The undress rehearsal of a new piece, with its dirty-booted actors, its + cloaked and hooded actresses <i>en papillote</i>, bears about the same + relation to the gala, wax-lit, and bespangled ballet, as the raw young + gentleman of yesterday to the epauletted, belted, and sabretasched + dragoon, whose transformation is due to a few hours of head-quarters, and + a few interviews with the adjutant. + </p> + <p> + So, at least, I felt it; and it was with a very perfect concurrence in his + Majesty's taste in a uniform, and a most entire approval of the regimental + tailor, that I strutted down George's Street a few days after my arrival + in Cork. The transports had not as yet come round; there was a great doubt + of their doing so for a week or so longer; and I found myself as the + dashing cornet, the centre of a thousand polite attentions and most kind + civilities. + </p> + <p> + The officer under whose orders I was placed for the time was a great + friend of Sir George Dashwood's, and paid me, in consequence, much + attention. Major Dalrymple had been on the staff from the commencement of + his military career, had served in the commissariat for some time, was + much on foreign stations; but never, by any of the many casualties of his + life, had he seen what could be called service. His ideas of the soldier's + profession were, therefore, what might almost be as readily picked up by a + commission in the battle-axe guards, as one in his Majesty's Fiftieth. He + was now a species of district paymaster, employed in a thousand ways, + either inspecting recruits, examining accounts, revising sick + certificates, or receiving contracts for mess beef. Whether the nature of + his manifold occupations had enlarged the sphere of his talents and + ambition, or whether the abilities had suggested the variety of his + duties, I know not, but truly the major was a man of all work. No sooner + did a young ensign join his regiment at Cork, than Major Dalrymple's card + was left at his quarters; the next day came the major himself; the third + brought an invitation to dinner; on the fourth he was told to drop in, in + the evening; and from thenceforward, he was the <i>ami de la maison</i>, + in company with numerous others as newly-fledged and inexperienced as + himself. + </p> + <p> + One singular feature of the society at the house was that although the + major was as well known as the flag on Spike Island, yet somehow, no + officer above the rank of an ensign was ever to be met with there. It was + not that he had not a large acquaintance; in fact, the "How are you, + Major?" "How goes it, Dalrymple?" that kept everlastingly going on as he + walked the streets, proved the reverse; but strange enough, his + predilections leaned towards the newly gazetted, far before the bronzed + and seared campaigners who had seen the world, and knew more about it. The + reasons for this line of conduct were twofold. In the first place, there + was not an article of outfit, from a stock to a sword-belt, that he could + not and did not supply to the young officer,—from the gorget of the + infantry to the shako of the grenadier, all came within his province; not + that he actually kept a <i>magasin</i> of these articles, but he had so + completely interwoven his interests with those of numerous shopkeepers in + Cork that he rarely entered a shop over whose door Dalrymple & Co. + might not have figured on the sign-board. His stables were filled with a + perfect infirmary of superannuated chargers, fattened and conditioned up + to a miracle, and groomed to perfection. He could get you—<i>only + you</i>—about three dozen of sherry to take out with you as + sea-store; he knew of such a servant; he chanced upon such a + camp-furniture yesterday in his walks; in fact, why want for anything? His + resources were inexhaustible; his kindness unbounded. + </p> + <p> + Then money was no object,—hang it, you could pay when you liked; + what signified it? In other words, a bill at thirty-one days, cashed and + discounted by a friend of the major's, would always do. While such were + the unlimited advantages his acquaintance conferred, the sphere of his + benefits took another range. The major had two daughters; Matilda and + Fanny were as well known in the army as Lord Fitzroy Somerset, or Picton, + from the Isle of Wight to Halifax, from Cape Coast to Chatham, from + Belfast to the Bermudas. Where was the subaltern who had not knelt at the + shrine of one or the other, if not of both, and vowed eternal love until a + change of quarters? In plain words, the major's solicitude for the service + was such, that, not content with providing the young officer with all the + necessary outfit of his profession, he longed also to supply him with a + comforter for his woes, a charmer for his solitary hours, in the person of + one of his amiable daughters. Unluckily, however, the necessity for a wife + is not enforced by "general orders," as is the cut of your coat, or the + length of your sabre; consequently, the major's success in the home + department of his diplomacy was not destined for the same happy results + that awaited it when engaged about drill trousers and camp kettles, and + the Misses Dalrymple remained misses through every clime and every + campaign. And yet, why was it so? It is hard to say. What would men have? + Matilda was a dark-haired, dark-eyed, romantic-looking girl, with a tall + figure and a slender waist, with more poetry in her head than would have + turned any ordinary brain; always unhappy, in need of consolation, never + meeting with the kindred spirit that understood her, destined to walk the + world alone, her fair thoughts smothered in the recesses of her own heart. + Devilish hard to stand this, when you began in a kind of platonic + friendship on both sides. More than one poor fellow nearly succumbed, + particularly when she came to quote Cowley, and told him, with tears in + her eyes,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "There are hearts that live and love alone," etc. +</pre> + <p> + I'm assured that this <i>coup-de-grace</i> rarely failed in being followed + by a downright avowal of open love, which, somehow, what between the route + coming, what with waiting for leave from home, etc., never got further + than a most tender scene, and exchange of love tokens; and, in fact, such + became so often the termination, that Power swears Matty had to make a + firm resolve about cutting off any more hair, fearing a premature baldness + during the recruiting season. + </p> + <p> + Now, Fanny had selected another arm of the service. Her hair was fair; her + eyes blue, laughing, languishing,—mischief-loving blue, with long + lashes, and a look in them that was wont to leave its impression rather + longer than you exactly knew of; then, her figure was <i>petite</i>, but + perfect; her feet Canova might have copied; and her hand was a study for + Titian; her voice, too, was soft and musical, but full of that <i>gaiété + de coeur</i> that never fails to charm. While her sister's style was <i>il + penserono</i>, hers was <i>l'allegro</i>; every imaginable thing, place, + or person supplied food for her mirth, and her sister's lovers all came in + for their share. She hunted with Smith Barry's hounds; she yachted with + the Cove Club; she coursed, practised at a mark with a pistol, and played + chicken hazard with all the cavalry,—for, let it be remarked as a + physiological fact, Matilda's admirers were almost invariably taken from + the infantry, while Fanny's adorers were as regularly dragoons. Whether + the former be the romantic arm of the service, and the latter be more + adapted to dull realities, or whether the phenomenon had any other + explanation, I leave to the curious. Now, this arrangement, proceeding + upon that principle which has wrought such wonders in Manchester and + Sheffield,—the division of labor,—was a most wise and + equitable one, each having her one separate and distinct field of action, + interference was impossible; not but that when, as in the present + instance, cavalry was in the ascendant, Fanny would willingly spare a + dragoon or two to her sister, who likewise would repay the debt when + occasion offered. + </p> + <p> + The mamma—for it is time I should say something of the head of the + family—was an excessively fat, coarse-looking, dark-skinned + personage, of some fifty years, with a voice like a boatswain in a quinsy. + Heaven can tell, perhaps, why the worthy major allied his fortunes with + hers, for she was evidently of a very inferior rank in society, could + never have been aught than downright ugly, and I never heard that she + brought him any money. "Spoiled five," the national amusement of her age + and sex in Cork, scandal, the changes in the army list, the failures in + speculation of her luckless husband, the forlorn fortunes of the girls, + her daughters, kept her in occupation, and her days were passed in one + perpetual, unceasing current of dissatisfaction and ill-temper with all + around, that formed a heavy counterpoise to the fascinations of the young + ladies. The repeated jiltings to which they had been subject had blunted + any delicacy upon the score of their marriage; and if the newly-introduced + cornet or ensign was not coming forward, as became him, at the end of the + requisite number of days, he was sure of receiving a very palpable + admonition from Mrs. Dalrymple. Hints, at first dimly shadowed, that + Matilda was not in spirits this morning; that Fanny, poor child, had a + headache,—directed especially at the culprit in question,—grew + gradually into those little motherly fondnesses in mamma, that, like the + fascination of the rattlesnake, only lure on to ruin. The doomed man was + pressed to dinner when all others were permitted to take their leave; he + was treated like one of the family, God help him! After dinner, the major + would keep him an hour over his wine, discussing the misery of an + ill-assorted marriage; detailing his own happiness in marrying a woman + like the Tonga Islander I have mentioned; hinting that girls should be + brought up, not only to become companions to their husbands, but with + ideas fitting their station; if his auditor were a military man, that none + but an old officer (like him) could know how to educate girls (like his); + and that feeling he possessed two such treasures, his whole aim in life + was to guard and keep them,—a difficult task, when proposals of the + most flattering kind were coming constantly before him. Then followed a + fresh bottle, during which the major would consult his young friend upon a + very delicate affair,—no less than a proposition for the hand of + Miss Matilda, or Fanny, whichever he was supposed to be soft upon. This + was generally a <i>coup-de-maître</i>; should he still resist, he was + handed over to Mrs. Dalrymple, with a strong indictment against him, and + rarely did he escape a heavy sentence. Now, is it not strange that two + really pretty girls, with fully enough of amiable and pleasing qualities + to have excited the attention and won the affections of many a man, should + have gone on for years,—for, alas! they did so in every climate, + under every sun,—to waste their sweetness in this miserable career + of intrigue and man-trap, and yet nothing come of it? But so it was. The + first question a newly-landed regiment was asked, if coming from where + they resided, was, "Well, how are the girls?" "Oh, gloriously. Matty is + there." "Ah, indeed! poor thing." "Has Fan sported a new habit?" "Is it + the old gray with the hussar braiding? Confound it, that was seedy when I + saw them in Corfu. And Mother Dal as fat and vulgar as ever?" "Dawson of + ours was the last, and was called up for sentence when we were ordered + away; of course, he bolted," etc. Such was the invariable style of + question and answer concerning them; and although some few, either from + good feeling or fastidiousness, relished but little the mode in which it + had become habitual to treat them, I grieve to say that, generally, they + were pronounced fair game for every species of flirtation and love-making + without any "intentions" for the future. I should not have trespassed so + far upon my readers' patience, were I not, in recounting these traits of + my friends above, narrating matters of history. How many are there who may + cast their eyes upon these pages, that will say, "Poor Matilda! I knew her + at Gibraltar. Little Fanny was the life and soul of us all in Quebec." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley," said the adjutant, as I presented myself in the afternoon + of my arrival in Cork to a short, punchy, little red-faced gentleman, in a + short jacket and ducks, "you are, I perceive, appointed to the 14th; you + will have the goodness to appear on parade to-morrow morning. The + riding-school hours are——. The morning drill is——; + evening drill——. Mr. Minchin, you are a 14th man, I believe? + No, I beg pardon! a carbineer; but no matter. Mr. O'Malley, Mr. Minchin; + Captain Dounie, Mr. O'Malley. You'll dine with us to-day, and to-morrow + you shall be entered at the mess." + </p> + <p> + "Yours are at Santarem, I believe?" said an old, weather-beaten looking + officer with one arm. + </p> + <p> + "I'm ashamed to say, I know nothing whatever of them; I received my + gazette unexpectedly enough." + </p> + <p> + "Ever in Cork before, Mr. O'Malley?" + </p> + <p> + "Never," said I. + </p> + <p> + "Glorious place," lisped a white-eyelashed, knocker-kneed ensign; + "splendid <i>gals</i>, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Brunton," said Minchin, "you may boast a little; but we poor devils—" + </p> + <p> + "Know the Dals?" said the hero of the lisp, addressing me. + </p> + <p> + "I haven't that honor," I replied, scarcely able to guess whether what he + alluded to were objects of the picturesque or a private family. + </p> + <p> + "Introduce him, then, at once," said the adjutant; "we'll all go in the + evening. What will the old squaw think?" + </p> + <p> + "Not I," said Minchin. "She wrote to the Duke of York about my helping + Matilda at supper, and not having any honorable intentions afterwards." + </p> + <p> + "We dine at 'The George' to-day, Mr. O'Malley, sharp seven. Until then—" + </p> + <p> + So saying, the little man bustled back to his accounts, and I took my + leave with the rest, to stroll about the town till dinner-time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + THE ADJUTANT'S DINNER. + </p> + <p> + The adjutant's dinner was as professional an affair as need be. A circuit + or a learned society could not have been more exclusively devoted to their + own separate and immediate topics than were we. Pipeclay in all its + varieties came on the <i>tapis</i>; the last regulation cap, the new + button, the promotions, the general orders, the colonel and the colonel's + wife, stoppages, and the mess fund were all well and ably discussed; and + strange enough, while the conversation took this wide range, not a chance + allusion, not one stray hint ever wandered to the brave fellows who were + covering the army with glory in the Peninsula, nor one souvenir of him + that, was even then enjoying a fame as a leader second to none in Europe. + This surprised me not a little at the time; but I have since that learned + how little interest the real services of an army possess for the ears of + certain officials, who, stationed at home quarters, pass their inglorious + lives in the details of drill, parade, mess-room gossip, and barrack + scandal. Such, in fact, were the dons of the present dinner. We had a + commissary-general, an inspecting brigade-major of something, a physician + to the forces, the adjutant himself, and Major Dalrymple; the <i>hoi + polloi</i> consisting of the raw ensign, a newly-fledged cornet (Mr. + Sparks), and myself. + </p> + <p> + The commissary told some very pointless stories about his own department; + the doctor read a dissertation upon Walcheren fever; the adjutant got very + stupidly tipsy; and Major Dalrymple succeeded in engaging the three + juniors of the party to tea, having previously pledged us to purchase + nothing whatever of outfit without his advice, he well knowing (which he + did) how young fellows like us were cheated, and resolving to be a father + to us (which he certainly tried to be). + </p> + <p> + As we rose from the table, about ten o'clock, I felt how soon a few such + dinners would succeed in disenchanting me of all my military illusions; + for, young as I was, I saw that the commissary was a vulgar bore, the + doctor a humbug, the adjutant a sot, and the major himself I greatly + suspected to be an old rogue. + </p> + <p> + "You are coming with us, Sparks?" said Major Dalrymple, as he took me by + one arm and the ensign by the other. "We are going to have a little tea + with the ladies; not five minutes' walk." + </p> + <p> + "Most happy, sir," said Mr. Sparks, with a very flattered expression of + countenance. + </p> + <p> + "O'Malley, you know Sparks, and Burton too." + </p> + <p> + This served for a species of triple introduction, at which we all bowed, + simpered, and bowed again. We were very happy to have the pleasure, etc. + </p> + <p> + "How pleasant to get away from these fellows!" said the major, "they are + so uncommonly prosy! That commissary, with his mess beef, and old + Pritchard, with black doses and rigors,—nothing so insufferable! + Besides, in reality, a young officer never needs all that nonsense. A + little medicine chest—I'll get you one each to-morrow for five + pounds—no, five pounds ten—the same thing—that will see + you all through the Peninsula. Remind me of it in the morning." This we + all promised to do, and the major resumed: "I say, Sparks, you've got a + real prize in that gray horse,—such a trooper as he is! O'Malley, + you'll be wanting something of that kind, if we can find it for you." + </p> + <p> + "Many thanks, Major; but my cattle are on the way here already. I've only + three horses, but I think they are tolerably good ones." + </p> + <p> + The major now turned to Burton and said something in a low tone, to which + the other replied, "Well, if you say so, I'll get it; but it's devilish + dear." + </p> + <p> + "Dear, my young friend! Cheap, dog cheap." + </p> + <p> + "Only think, O'Malley, a whole brass bed, camp-stool, basin-stand, all + complete, for sixty pounds! If it was not that a widow was disposing of it + in great distress, one hundred could not buy it. Here we are; come along,—no + ceremony. Mind the two steps; that's it, Mrs. Dalrymple, Mr. O'Malley; Mr. + Sparks, Mr. Burton, my daughters. Is tea over, girls?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, Papa, it's nearly eleven o'clock," said Fanny, as she rose to ring + the bell, displaying in so doing the least possible portion of a very + well-turned ankle. + </p> + <p> + Miss Matilda Dal laid down her book, but seemingly lost in abstraction, + did not deign to look at us. Mrs. Dalrymple, however, did the honors with + much politeness, and having by a few adroit and well-put queries + ascertained everything concerning our rank and position, seemed perfectly + satisfied that our intrusion was justifiable. + </p> + <p> + While my <i>confrère</i>, Mr. Sparks, was undergoing his examination I had + time to look at the ladies, whom I was much surprised at finding so very + well looking; and as the ensign had opened a conversation with Fanny, I + approached my chair towards the other, and having carelessly turned over + the leaves of the book she had been reading, drew her on to talk of it. As + my acquaintance with young ladies hitherto had been limited to those who + had "no soul," I felt some difficulty at first in keeping up with the + exalted tone of my fair companion, but by letting her take the lead for + some time, I got to know more of the ground. We went on tolerably + together, every moment increasing my stock of technicals, which were all + that was needed to sustain the conversation. How often have I found the + same plan succeed, whether discussing a question of law or medicine, with + a learned professor of either! or, what is still more difficult, + canvassing the merits of a preacher or a doctrine with a serious young + lady, whose "blessed privileges" were at first a little puzzling to + comprehend. + </p> + <p> + I so contrived it, too, that Miss Matilda should seem as much to be making + a convert to her views as to have found a person capable of sympathizing + with her; and thus, long before the little supper, with which it was the + major's practice to regale his friends every evening, made its appearance, + we had established a perfect understanding together,—a circumstance + that, a bystander might have remarked, was productive of a more widely + diffused satisfaction than I could have myself seen any just cause for. + Mr. Burton was also progressing, as the Yankees say, with the sister; + Sparks had booked himself as purchaser of military stores enough to make + the campaign of the whole globe; and we were thus all evidently fulfilling + our various vocations, and affording perfect satisfaction to our + entertainers. + </p> + <p> + Then came the spatch-cock, and the sandwiches, and the negus, which Fanny + first mixed for papa, and subsequently, with some little pressing, for Mr. + Burton; Matilda the romantic assisted <i>me</i>; Sparks helped himself. + Then we laughed, and told stories; pressed Sparks to sing, which, as he + declined, we only pressed the more. How, invariably, by-the-bye, is it the + custom to show one's appreciation of anything like a butt by pressing him + for a song! The major was in great spirits; told us anecdotes of his early + life in India, and how he once contracted to supply the troops with milk, + and made a purchase, in consequence, of some score of cattle, which turned + out to be bullocks. Matilda recited some lines from Pope in my ear. Fanny + challenged Burton to a rowing match. Sparks listened to all around him, + and Mrs. Dalrymple mixed a very little weak punch, which Dr. Lucas had + recommended to her to take the last thing at night,—<i>Noctes + coenoeque</i> etc. Say what you will, these were very jovial little <i>réunions</i>. + The girls were decidedly very pretty. We were in high favor; and when we + took leave at the door, with a very cordial shake hands, it was with no <i>arrière + pensée</i> we promised to see them in the morning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> + <p> + THE ENTANGLEMENT. + </p> + <p> + When we think for a moment over all the toils, all the anxieties, all the + fevered excitement of a <i>grande passion</i>, it is not a little singular + that love should so frequently be elicited by a state of mere idleness; + and yet nothing, after all, is so predisposing a cause as this. Where is + the man between eighteen and eight-and-thirty—might I not say forty—who, + without any very pressing duns, and having no taste for strong liquor and + <i>rouge-et-noir</i>, can possibly lounge through the long hours of his + day without at least fancying himself in love? The thousand little + occupations it suggests become a necessity of existence; its very worries + are like the wholesome opposition that purifies and strengthens the frame + of a free state. Then, what is there half so sweet as the reflective + flattery which results from our appreciation of an object who in return + deems us the <i>ne plus ultra</i> of perfection? There it is, in fact; + that confounded bump of self-esteem does it all, and has more imprudent + matches to answer for than all the occipital protuberances that ever + scared poor Harriet Martineau. + </p> + <p> + Now, to apply my moralizing. I very soon, to use the mess phrase, got + "devilish spooney" about the "Dals." The morning drill, the riding-school, + and the parade were all most fervently consigned to a certain military + character that shall be nameless, as detaining me from some appointment + made the evening before; for as I supped there each night, a party of one + kind or another was always planned for the day following. Sometimes we had + a boating excursion to Cove, sometimes a picnic at Foaty; now a rowing + party to Glanmire, or a ride, at which I furnished the cavalry. These + doings were all under my especial direction, and I thus became speedily + the organ of the Dalrymple family; and the simple phrase, "It was Mr. + O'Malley's arrangement," "Mr. O'Malley wished it," was like the <i>Moi le + roi</i> of Louis XIV. + </p> + <p> + Though all this while we continued to carry on most pleasantly, Mrs. + Dalrymple, I could perceive, did not entirely sympathize with our projects + of amusement. As an experienced engineer might feel when watching the + course of some storming projectile—some brilliant congreve—flying + over a besieged fortress, yet never touching the walls nor harming the + inhabitants, so she looked on at all these demonstrations of attack with + no small impatience, and wondered when would the breach be reported + practicable. Another puzzle also contributed its share of anxiety,—which + of the girls was it? To be sure, he spent three hours every morning with + Fanny; but then, he never left Matilda the whole evening. He had given his + miniature to one; a locket with his hair was a present to the sister. The + major thinks he saw his arm round Matilda's waist in the garden; the + housemaid swears she saw him kiss Fanny in the pantry. Matilda smiles when + we talk of his name with her sister's; Fanny laughs outright, and says, + "Poor Matilda! the man never dreamed of her." This is becoming + uncomfortable. The major must ask his intentions. It is certainly one or + the other; but then, we have a right to know which. Such was a very + condensed view of Mrs. Dalrymple's reflections on this important topic,—a + view taken with her usual tact and clear-sightedness. + </p> + <p> + Matters were in this state when Power at length arrived in Cork, to take + command of our detachment and make the final preparations for our + departure. I had been, as usual, spending the evening at the major's, and + had just reached my quarters, when I found my friend sitting at my fire, + smoking his cigar and solacing himself with a little brandy-and-water. + </p> + <p> + "At last," said he, as I entered,—"at last! Why, where the deuce + have you been till this hour,—past two o'clock? There is no ball, no + assembly going on, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said I, half blushing at the eagerness of the inquiry; "I've been + spending the evening with a friend." + </p> + <p> + "Spending the evening! Say, rather, the night! Why, confound you, man, + what is there in Cork to keep you out of bed till near three?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you must know, I have been supping at a Major Dalrymple's,—a + devilish good fellow, with two such daughters!" + </p> + <p> + "Ahem!" said Power, shutting one eye knowingly, and giving a look like a + Yorkshire horse-dealer. "Go on." + </p> + <p> + "Why, what do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Go on; continue." + </p> + <p> + "I've finished; I've nothing more to tell." + </p> + <p> + "So, they're here, are they?" said he, reflectingly. + </p> + <p> + "Who?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Matilda and Fanny, to be sure." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you know them, then?" + </p> + <p> + "I should think I do." + </p> + <p> + "Where have you met them?" + </p> + <p> + "Where have I not? When I was in the Rifles they were quartered at Zante. + Matilda was just then coming it rather strong with Villiers, of ours, a + regular greenhorn. Fanny, also, nearly did for Harry Nesbitt, by riding a + hurdle race. Then they left for Gibraltar, in the year,—what year + was it?" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come," said I, "this is a humbug; the girls are quite young; you + just have heard their names." + </p> + <p> + "Well, perhaps so; only tell me which is your peculiar weakness, as they + say in the west, and may be I'll convince you." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, as to that," said I, laughing, "I'm not very far gone on either + side." + </p> + <p> + "Then, Matilda, probably, has not tried you with Cowley, eh?—you + look a little pink—'There are hearts that live and love alone.' Oh, + poor fellow, you've got it! By Jove, how you've been coming it, though, in + ten days! She ought not to have got to that for a month, at least; and how + like a young one it was, to be caught by the poetry. Oh, Master Charley, I + thought that the steeple-chaser might have done most with your Galway + heart,—the girl in the gray habit, that sings 'Moddirederoo,' ought + to have been the prize! Halt! by Saint George, but that tickles you also! + Why, zounds, if I go on, probably, at this rate, I'll find a tender spot + occupied by the 'black lady' herself." + </p> + <p> + It was no use concealing, or attempting to conceal, anything from my + inquisitive friend; so I mixed my grog, and opened my whole heart; told + how I had been conducting myself for the entire preceding fortnight; and + when I concluded, sat silently awaiting Power's verdict, as though a jury + were about to pronounce upon my life. + </p> + <p> + "Have you ever written?" + </p> + <p> + "Never; except, perhaps, a few lines with tickets for the theatre, or + something of that kind." + </p> + <p> + "Have you copies of your correspondence?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course not. Why, what do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Has Mrs. Dal ever been present; or, as the French say, has she assisted + at any of your tender interviews with the young ladies?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm not aware that one kisses a girl before mamma." + </p> + <p> + "I'm not speaking of that; I merely allude to an ordinary flirtation." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I suppose she has seen me attentive." + </p> + <p> + "Very awkward, indeed! There is only one point in your favor; for as your + attentions were not decided, and as the law does not, as yet, permit + polygamy—" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, you know I never thought of marrying." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, but they did." + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but they did. What do you wager but that the major asks your + intentions, as he calls it, the moment he hears the transport has + arrived?" + </p> + <p> + "By Jove! now you remind me, he asked this evening, when he could have a + few minutes' private conversation with me to-morrow, and I thought it was + about some confounded military chest or sea-store, or one of his infernal + contrivances that he every day assures me are indispensable; though, if + every officer had only as much baggage as I have got, under his + directions, it would take two armies, at least, to carry the effects of + the fighting one." + </p> + <p> + "Poor fellow!" said he, starting upon his legs; "what a burst you've made + of it!" So saying, he began in a nasal twang,— + </p> + <p> + "I publish the banns of marriage between Charles O'Malley, late of his + Majesty's 14th Dragoons, and ——— Dalrymple, spinster, of + this city—" + </p> + <p> + "I'll be hanged if you do, though," said I, seeing pretty clearly, by this + time, something of the estimation my friends were held in. "Come, Power, + pull me through, like a good fellow,—pull me through, without doing + anything to hurt the girls' feelings." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we'll see about it," said he,—"we'll see about it in the + morning; but, at the same time, let me assure you, the affair is not so + easy as you may at first blush suppose. These worthy people have been so + often 'done'—to use the cant phrase—before, that scarcely a <i>ruse</i> + remains untried. It is of no use pleading that your family won't consent; + that your prospects are null; that you are ordered for India; that you are + engaged elsewhere; that you have nothing but your pay; that you are too + young or too old,—all such reasons, good and valid with any other + family, will avail you little here. Neither will it serve your cause that + you may be warranted by a doctor as subject to periodical fits of + insanity; monomaniacal tendencies to cut somebody's throat, etc. Bless + your heart, man, they have a soul above such littlenesses! They care + nothing for consent of friends, means, age, health, climate, prospects, or + temper. Firmly believing matrimony to be a lottery, they are not + superstitious about the number they pitch upon; provided only that they + get a ticket, they are content." + </p> + <p> + "Then it strikes me, if what you say is correct, that I have no earthly + chance of escape, except some kind friend will undertake to shoot me." + </p> + <p> + "That has been also tried." + </p> + <p> + "Why, how do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "A mock duel, got up at mess,—we had one at Malta. Poor Vickers was + the hero of that affair. It was right well planned, too. One of the + letters was suffered, by mere accident, to fall into Mrs. Dal's hands, and + she was quite prepared for the event when he was reported shot the next + morning. Then the young lady, of course, whether she cared or not, was + obliged to be perfectly unconcerned, lest the story of engaged affections + might get wind and spoil another market. The thing went on admirably, till + one day, some few months later, they saw, in a confounded army-list, that + the late George Vickers was promoted to the 18th Dragoons, so that the + trick was discovered, and is, of course, stale at present." + </p> + <p> + "Then could I not have a wife already, and a large family of interesting + babies?" + </p> + <p> + "No go,—only swell the damages, when they come to prosecute. + Besides, your age and looks forbid the assumption of such a fact. No, no; + we must go deeper to work." + </p> + <p> + "But where shall we go?" said I, impatiently; "for it appears to me these + good people have been treated to every trick and subterfuge that ever + ingenuity suggested." + </p> + <p> + "Come, I think I have it; but it will need a little more reflection. So, + now, let us to bed. I'll give you the result of my lucubrations at + breakfast; and, if I mistake not, we may get you through this without any + ill-consequences. Good-night, then, old boy; and now dream away of your + lady-love till our next meeting." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> + <p> + THE PREPARATION. + </p> + <p> + To prevent needless repetitions in my story, I shall not record here the + conversation which passed between my friend Power and myself on the + morning following at breakfast. Suffice it to say, that the plan proposed + by him for my rescue was one I agreed to adopt, reserving to myself, in + case of failure, a <i>pis aller</i> of which I knew not the meaning, but + of whose efficacy Power assured me I need not doubt. + </p> + <p> + "If all fail," said he,—"if every bridge break down beneath you, and + no road of escape be left, why, then, I believe you must have recourse to + another alternative. Still I should wish to avoid it, if possible, and I + put it to you, in honor, not to employ it unless as a last expedient. You + promise me this?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course," said I, with great anxiety for the dread final measure. "What + is it?" + </p> + <p> + He paused, smiled dubiously, and resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "And, after all,—but, to be sure, there will not be need for it,—the + other plan will do,—must do. Come, come, O'Malley, the admiralty say + that nothing encourages drowning in the navy like a life-buoy. The men + have such a prospect of being picked up that they don't mind falling + overboard; so, if I give you this life-preserver of mine, you'll not swim + an inch. Is it not so, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Far from it," said I. "I shall feel in honor bound to exert myself the + more, because I now see how much it costs you to part with it." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, hear it. When everything fails; when all your resources are + exhausted; when you have totally lost your memory, in fact, and your + ingenuity in excuses say,—but mind, Charley, not till then,—say + that you must consult your friend, Captain Power, of the 14th; that's + all." + </p> + <p> + "And is this it?" said I, quite disappointed at the lame and impotent + conclusion to all the high-sounding exordium; "is this all?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said he, "that is all. But stop, Charley; is not that the major + crossing the street there? Yes, to be sure it is; and, by Jove! he has got + on the old braided frock this morning. Had you not told me one word of + your critical position, I should have guessed there was something in the + wind from that. That same vestment has caused many a stout heart to + tremble that never quailed before a shot or shell." + </p> + <p> + "How can that be? I should like to hear." + </p> + <p> + "Why, my dear boy, that's his explanation coat, as we called it at + Gibraltar. He was never known to wear it except when asking some poor + fellow's 'intentions.' He would no more think of sporting it as an + every-day affair, than the chief-justice would go cook-shooting in his + black cap and ermine. Come, he is bound for your quarters, and as it will + not answer our plans to let him see you now, you had better hasten + down-stairs, and get round by the back way into George's Street, and + you'll be at his house before he can return." + </p> + <p> + Following Power's directions, I seized my foraging-cap and got clear out + of the premises before the major had reached them. It was exactly noon as + I sounded my loud and now well-known summons at the major's knocker. The + door was quickly opened; but instead of dashing up-stairs, four steps at a + time, as was my wont, to the drawing-room, I turned short into the + dingy-looking little parlor on the right, and desired Matthew, the + venerable servitor of the house, to say that I wished particularly to see + Mrs. Dalrymple for a few minutes, if the hour were not inconvenient. + </p> + <p> + There was something perhaps of excitement in my manner, some flurry in my + look, or some trepidation in my voice, or perhaps it was the unusual hour, + or the still more remarkable circumstance of my not going at once to the + drawing-room, that raised some doubts in Matthew's mind as to the object + of my visit; and instead of at once complying with my request to inform + Mrs. Dalrymple that I was there, he cautiously closed the door, and taking + a quick but satisfactory glance round the apartment to assure himself that + we were alone, he placed his back against it and heaved a deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + We were both perfectly silent: I in total amazement at what the old man + could possibly mean; he, following up the train of his own thoughts, + comprehended little or nothing of my surprise, and evidently was so + engrossed by his reflections that he had neither ears nor eyes for aught + around him. There was a most singular semi-comic expression in the old + withered face that nearly made me laugh at first; but as I continued to + look steadily at it, I perceived that, despite the long-worn wrinkles that + low Irish drollery and fun had furrowed around the angles of his mouth, + the real character of his look was one of sorrowful compassion. + </p> + <p> + Doubtless, my readers have read many interesting narratives wherein the + unconscious traveller in some remote land has been warned of a plan to + murder him, by some mere passing wink, a look, a sign, which some one, + less steeped in crime, less hardened in iniquity than his fellows, has + ventured for his rescue. Sometimes, according to the taste of the + narrator, the interesting individual is an old woman, sometimes a young + one, sometimes a black-bearded bandit, sometimes a child; and not + unfrequently, a dog is humane enough to do this service. One thing, + however, never varies,—be the agent biped or quadruped, dumb or + speechful, young or old, the stranger invariably takes the hint, and gets + off scott free for his sharpness. This never-varying trick on the doomed + man, I had often been sceptical enough to suspect; however, I had not been + many minutes a spectator of the old man's countenance, when I most + thoroughly recanted my errors, and acknowledged myself wrong. If ever the + look of a man conveyed a warning, his did; but there was more in it than + even that,—there was a tone of sad and pitiful compassion, such as + an old gray-bearded rat might be supposed to put on at seeing a young and + inexperienced one opening the hinge of an iron trap, to try its efficacy + upon his neck. Many a little occasion had presented itself, during my + intimacy with the family, of doing Matthew some small services, of making + him some trifling presents; so that, when he assumed before me the gesture + and look I have mentioned, I was not long in deciphering his intentions. + </p> + <p> + "Matthew!" screamed a sharp voice which I recognized at once for that of + Mrs. Dalrymple. "Matthew! Where is the old fool?" + </p> + <p> + But Matthew heard not, or heeded not. + </p> + <p> + "Matthew! Matthew! I say." + </p> + <p> + "I'm comin', ma'am," said he, with a sigh, as, opening the parlor-door, he + turned upon me one look of such import that only the circumstances of my + story can explain its force, or my reader's own ingenious imagination can + supply. + </p> + <p> + "Never fear, my good old friend," said I, grasping his hand warmly, and + leaving a guinea in the palm,—"never fear." + </p> + <p> + "God grant it, sir!" said he, setting on his wig in preparation for his + appearance in the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + "Matthew! The old wretch!" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley," said the often-called Matthew, as opening the door, he + announced me unexpectedly among the ladies there assembled, who, not + hearing of my approach, were evidently not a little surprised and + astonished. Had I been really the enamored swain that the Dalrymple family + were willing to believe, I half suspect that the prospect before me might + have cured me of my passion. A round bullet-head, <i>papilloté</i>, with + the "Cork Observer," where still-born babes and maids-of-all-work were + descanted upon in very legible type, was now the substitute for the + classic front and Italian ringlets of <i>la belle</i> Matilda; while the + chaste Fanny herself, whose feet had been a fortune for a statuary, was, + in the most slatternly and slipshod attire, pacing the room in a towering + rage, at some thing, place, or person, unknown (to me). If the + ballet-master at the <i>Académie</i> could only learn to get his imps, + demons, angels, and goblins "off" half as rapidly as the two young ladies + retreated on my being announced, I answer for the piece so brought out + having a run for half the season. Before my eyes had regained their + position parallel to the plane of the horizon, they were gone, and I found + myself alone with Mrs. Dalrymple. Now, she stood her ground, partly to + cover the retreat of the main body, partly, too, because—representing + the baggage wagons, ammunition stores, hospital, staff, etc.—her + retirement from the field demanded more time and circumspection than the + light brigade. + </p> + <p> + Let not my readers suppose that the <i>mère</i> Dalrymple was so perfectly + faultless in costume that her remaining was a matter of actual + indifference; far from it. She evidently had a struggle for it; but a + sense of duty decided her, and as Ney doggedly held back to cover the + retreating forces on the march from Moscow, so did she resolutely lurk + behind till the last flutter of the last petticoat assured her that the + fugitives were safe. Then did she hesitate for a moment what course to + take; but as I assumed my chair beside her, she composedly sat down, and + crossing her hands before her, waited for an explanation of this ill-timed + visit. + </p> + <p> + Had the Horse Guards, in the plenitude of their power and the perfection + of their taste, ordained that the 79th and 42d Regiments should in future, + in lieu of their respective tartans, wear flannel kilts and black worsted + hose, I could readily have fallen into the error of mistaking Mrs. + Dalrymple for a field officer in the new regulation dress; the philabeg + finding no mean representation in a capacious pincushion that hung down + from her girdle, while a pair of shears, not scissors, corresponded to the + dirk. After several ineffectual efforts on her part to make her vestment + (I know not its fitting designation) cover more of her legs than its + length could possibly effect, and after some most bland smiles and half + blushes at <i>dishabille</i>, etc., were over, and that I had apologized + most humbly for the unusually early hour of my call, I proceeded to open + my negotiations, and unfurl my banner for the fray. + </p> + <p> + "The old 'Racehorse' has arrived at last," said I, with a half-sigh, "and + I believe that we shall not obtain a very long time for our leave-taking; + so that, trespassing upon your very great kindness, I have ventured upon + an early call." + </p> + <p> + "The 'Racehorse,' surely can't sail to-morrow," said Mrs. Dalrymple, whose + experience of such matters made her a very competent judge; "her stores—" + </p> + <p> + "Are taken in already," said I; "and an order from the Horse Guards + commands us to embark in twenty-four hours; so that, in fact, we scarcely + have time to look about us." + </p> + <p> + "Have you seen the major?" inquired Mrs. Dalrymple, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Not to-day," I replied, carelessly; "but, of course, during the morning + we are sure to meet. I have many thanks yet to give him for all his most + kind attentions." + </p> + <p> + "I know he is most anxious to see you," said Mrs. Dalrymple, with a very + peculiar emphasis, and evidently desiring that I should inquire the + reasons of this anxiety. I, however, most heroically forbore indulging my + curiosity, and added that I should endeavor to find him on my way to the + barracks; and then, hastily looking at my watch, I pronounced it a full + hour later than it really was, and promising to spend the evening—my + last evening—with them, I took my leave and hurried away, in no + small flurry to be once more out of reach of Mrs. Dalrymple's fire, which + I every moment expected to open upon me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> + <p> + THE SUPPER. + </p> + <p> + Power and I dined together <i>tête-à-tête</i> at the hotel, and sat + chatting over my adventures with the Dalrymples till nearly nine o'clock. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Charley," said he, at length, "I see your eye wandering very often + towards the timepiece; another bumper, and I'll let you off. What shall it + be?" + </p> + <p> + "What you like," said I, upon whom a share of three bottles of strong + claret had already made a very satisfactory impression. + </p> + <p> + "Then champagne for the <i>coup-de-grace</i>. Nothing like your <i>vin + mousseux</i> for a critical moment,—every bubble that rises + sparkling to the surface prompts some bright thought, or elicits some + brilliant idea, that would only have been drowned in your more sober + fluids. Here's to the girl you love, whoever she be." + </p> + <p> + "To her bright eyes, then, be it," said I, clearing off a brimming goblet + of nearly half the bottle, while my friend Power seemed multiplied into + any given number of gentlemen standing amidst something like a glass + manufactory of decanters. + </p> + <p> + "I hope you feel steady enough for this business," said my friend, + examining me closely with the candle. + </p> + <p> + "I'm an archdeacon," muttered I, with one eye involuntarily closing. + </p> + <p> + "You'll not let them double on you!" + </p> + <p> + "Trust me, old boy," said I, endeavoring to look knowing. + </p> + <p> + "I think you'll do," said he, "so now march. I'll wait for you here, and + we'll go on board together; for old Bloater the skipper says he'll + certainly weigh by daybreak." + </p> + <p> + "Till then," said I, as opening the door, I proceeded very cautiously to + descend the stairs, affecting all the time considerable <i>nonchalance</i>, + and endeavoring, as well as my thickened utterance would permit, to hum:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Oh, love is the soul of an Irish dragoon." +</pre> + <p> + If I was not in the most perfect possession of my faculties in the house, + the change to the open air certainly but little contributed to their + restoration; and I scarcely felt myself in the street when my brain became + absolutely one whirl of maddened and confused excitement. Time and space + are nothing to a man thus enlightened, and so they appeared to me; + scarcely a second had elapsed when I found myself standing in the + Dalrymples' drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + If a few hours had done much to metamorphose <i>me</i>, certes, they had + done something for my fair friends also; anything more unlike what they + appeared in the morning can scarcely be imagined. Matilda in black, with + her hair in heavy madonna bands upon her fair cheek, now paler even than + usual, never seemed so handsome; while Fanny, in a light-blue dress, with + blue flowers in her hair, and a blue sash, looked the most lovely piece of + coquetry ever man set his eyes upon. The old major, too, was smartened up, + and put into an old regimental coat that he had worn during the siege of + Gibraltar; and lastly, Mrs. Dalrymple herself was attired in a very + imposing costume that made her, to my not over-accurate judgment, look + very like an elderly bishop in a flame-colored cassock. Sparks was the + only stranger, and wore upon his countenance, as I entered, a look of very + considerable embarrassment that even my thick-sightedness could not fail + of detecting. + </p> + <p> + <i>Parlez-moi de l'amitié</i>, my friends. Talk to me of the warm embrace + of your earliest friend, after years of absence; the cordial and heartfelt + shake hands of your old school companion, when in after years, a chance + meeting has brought you together, and you have had time and opportunity + for becoming distinguished and in repute, and are rather a good hit to be + known to than otherwise; of the close grip you give your second when he + comes up to say, that the gentleman with the loaded detonator opposite + won't fire, that he feels he's in the wrong. Any or all of these together, + very effective and powerful though they be, are light in the balance when + compared with the two-handed compression you receive from the gentleman + that expects you to marry one of his daughters. + </p> + <p> + "My dear O'Malley, how goes it? Thought you'd never come," said he, still + holding me fast and looking me full in the face, to calculate the extent + to which my potations rendered his flattery feasible. + </p> + <p> + "Hurried to death with preparations, I suppose," said Mrs. Dalrymple, + smiling blandly. "Fanny dear, some tea for him." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mamma, he does not like all that sugar; surely not," said she, + looking up with a most sweet expression, as though to say, "I at least + know his tastes." + </p> + <p> + "I believed you were going without seeing us," whispered Matilda, with a + very glassy look about the corner of her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Eloquence was not just then my forte, so that I contented myself with a + very intelligible look at Fanny, and a tender squeeze of Matilda's hand, + as I seated myself at the table. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had I placed myself at the tea-table, with Matilda beside and + Fanny opposite me, each vying with the other in their delicate and kind + attentions, when I totally forgot all my poor friend Power's injunctions + and directions for my management. It is true, I remembered that there was + a scrape of some kind or other to be got out of, and one requiring some + dexterity, too; but what or with whom I could not for the life of me + determine. What the wine had begun, the bright eyes completed; and amidst + the witchcraft of silky tresses and sweet looks, I lost all my reflection, + till the impression of an impending difficulty remained fixed in my mind, + and I tortured my poor, weak, and erring intellect to detect it. At last, + and by a mere chance, my eyes fell upon Sparks; and by what mechanism I + contrived it, I know not, but I immediately saddled him with the whole of + my annoyances, and attributed to him and to his fault any embarrassment I + labored under. + </p> + <p> + The physiological reason of the fact I'm very ignorant of, but for the + truth and frequency I can well vouch, that there are certain people, + certain faces, certain voices, certain whiskers, legs, waistcoats, and + guard-chains, that inevitably produce the most striking effects upon the + brain of a gentleman already excited by wine, and not exactly cognizant of + his own peculiar fallacies. + </p> + <p> + These effects are not produced merely among those who are quarrelsome in + their cups, for I call the whole 14th to witness that I am not such; but + to any person so disguised, the inoffensiveness of the object is no + security on the other hand,—for I once knew an eight-day clock + kicked down a barrack stairs by an old Scotch major, because he thought it + was laughing at him. To this source alone, whatever it be, can I attribute + the feeling of rising indignation with which I contemplated the luckless + cornet, who, seated at the fire, unnoticed and uncared for, seemed a very + unworthy object to vent anger or ill-temper upon. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Sparks, I fear," said I, endeavoring at the time to call up a look of + very sovereign contempt,—"Mr. Sparks, I fear, regards my visit here + in the light of an intrusion." + </p> + <p> + Had poor Mr. Sparks been told to proceed incontinently up the chimney + before him, he could not have looked more aghast. Reply was quite out of + his power. So sudden and unexpectedly was this charge of mine made that he + could only stare vacantly from one to the other; while I, warming with my + subject, and perhaps—but I'll not swear it—stimulated by a + gentle pressure from a soft hand near me, continued:— + </p> + <p> + "If he thinks for one moment that my attentions in this family are in any + way to be questioned by him, I can only say—" + </p> + <p> + "My dear O'Malley, my dear boy!" said the major, with the look of a + father-in-law in his eye. + </p> + <p> + "The spirit of an officer and a gentleman spoke there," said Mrs. + Dalrymple, now carried beyond all prudence by the hope that my attack + might arouse my dormant friend into a counter-declaration; nothing, + however, was further from poor Sparks, who began to think he had been + unconsciously drinking tea with five lunatics. + </p> + <p> + "If he supposes," said I, rising from my chair, "that his silence will + pass with me as any palliation—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, dear! oh, dear! there will be a duel. Papa, dear, why don't you speak + to Mr. O'Malley?" + </p> + <p> + "There now, O'Malley, sit down. Don't you see he is quite in error?" + </p> + <p> + "Then let him say so," said I, fiercely. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, yes, to be sure," said Fanny. "Do say it; say anything he likes, Mr. + Sparks." + </p> + <p> + "I must say," said Mrs. Dalrymple, "however sorry I may feel in my own + house to condemn any one, that Mr. Sparks is very much in the wrong." + </p> + <p> + Poor Sparks looked like a man in a dream. + </p> + <p> + "If he will tell Charles,—Mr. O'Malley, I mean," said Matilda, + blushing scarlet, "that he meant nothing by what he said—" + </p> + <p> + "But I never spoke, never opened my lips!" cried out the wretched man, at + length sufficiently recovered to defend himself. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mr. Sparks!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mr. Sparks!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mr. Sparks!" chorussed the three ladies. + </p> + <p> + While the old major brought up the rear with an "Oh, Sparks, I must say—" + </p> + <p> + "Then, by all the saints in the calendar, I must be mad," said he; "but if + I have said anything to offend you, O'Malley, I am sincerely sorry for + it." + </p> + <p> + "That will do, sir," said I, with a look of royal condescension at the <i>amende</i> + I considered as somewhat late in coming, and resumed my seat. + </p> + <p> + This little <i>intermezzo</i>, it might be supposed, was rather calculated + to interrupt the harmony of our evening. Not so, however. I had apparently + acquitted myself like a hero, and was evidently in a white heat, in which + I could be fashioned into any shape. Sparks was humbled so far that he + would probably feel it a relief to make any proposition; so that by our + opposite courses we had both arrived at a point at which all the dexterity + and address of the family had been long since aiming without success. + Conversation then resumed its flow, and in a few minutes every trace of + our late <i>fracas</i> had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + By degrees I felt myself more and more disposed to turn my attention + towards Matilda, and dropping my voice into a lower tone, opened a + flirtation of a most determined kind. Fanny had, meanwhile, assumed a + place beside Sparks, and by the muttered tones that passed between them, I + could plainly perceive they were similarly occupied. The major took up the + "Southern Reporter," of which he appeared deep in the contemplation, while + Mrs. Dal herself buried her head in her embroidery and neither heard nor + saw anything around her. + </p> + <p> + I know, unfortunately, but very little what passed between myself and my + fair companion; I can only say that when supper was announced at twelve + (an hour later than usual), I was sitting upon the sofa with my arm round + her waist, my cheek so close that already her lovely tresses brushed my + forehead, and her breath fanned my burning brow. + </p> + <p> + "Supper, at last," said the major, with a loud voice, to arouse us from + our trance of happiness without taking any mean opportunity of looking + unobserved. "Supper, Sparks, O'Malley; come now, it will be some time + before we all meet this way again." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps not so long, after all," said I, knowingly. + </p> + <p> + "Very likely not," echoed Sparks, in the same key. + </p> + <p> + "I've proposed for Fanny," said he, whispering in my ear. + </p> + <p> + "Matilda's mine," replied I, with the look of an emperor. + </p> + <p> + "A word with you, Major," said Sparks, his eye flashing with enthusiasm, + and his cheek scarlet. "One word,—I'll not detain you." + </p> + <p> + They withdrew into a corner for a few seconds, during which Mrs. Dalrymple + amused herself by wondering what the secret could be, why Mr. Sparks + couldn't tell her, and Fanny meanwhile pretended to look for something at + a side table, and never turned her head round. + </p> + <p> + "Then give me your hand," said the major, as he shook Sparks's with a + warmth of whose sincerity there could be no question. "Bess, my love," + said he, addressing his wife. The remainder was lost in a whisper; but + whatever it was, it evidently redounded to Sparks's credit, for the next + moment a repetition of the hand-shaking took place, and Sparks looked the + happiest of men. + </p> + <p> + "<i>A mon tour</i>," thought I, "now," as I touched the major's arm, and + led him towards the window. What I said may be one day matter for Major + Dalrymple's memoirs, if he ever writes them; but for my part I have not + the least idea. I only know that while I was yet speaking he called over + Mrs. Dal, who, in a frenzy of joy, seized me in her arms and embraced me. + After which, I kissed her, shook hands with the major, kissed Matilda's + hand, and laughed prodigiously, as though I had done something + confoundedly droll,—a sentiment evidently participated in by Sparks, + who laughed too, as did the others; and a merrier, happier party never sat + down to supper. + </p> + <p> + "Make your company pleased with themselves," says Mr. Walker, in his <i>Original</i> + work upon dinner-giving, "and everything goes on well." Now, Major + Dalrymple, without having read the authority in question, probably because + it was not written at the time, understood the principle fully as well as + the police-magistrate, and certainly was a proficient in the practice of + it. + </p> + <p> + To be sure, he possessed one grand requisite for success,—he seemed + most perfectly happy himself. There was that <i>air dégagé</i> about him + which, when an old man puts it on among his juniors, is so very + attractive. Then the ladies, too, were evidently well pleased; and the + usually austere mamma had relaxed her "rigid front" into a smile in which + any <i>habitué</i> of the house could have read our fate. + </p> + <p> + We ate, we drank, we ogled, smiled, squeezed hands beneath the table, and, + in fact, so pleasant a party had rarely assembled round the major's + mahogany. As for me, I made a full disclosure of the most burning love, + backed by a resolve to marry my fair neighbor, and settle upon her a + considerably larger part of my native county than I had ever even rode + over. Sparks, on the other side, had opened his fire more cautiously, but + whether taking courage from my boldness, or perceiving with envy the + greater estimation I was held in, was now going the pace fully as fast as + myself, and had commenced explanations of his intentions with regard to + Fanny that evidently satisfied her friends. Meanwhile the wine was passing + very freely, and the hints half uttered an hour before began now to be + more openly spoken and canvassed. + </p> + <p> + Sparks and I hob-nobbed across the table and looked unspeakable things at + each other; the girls held down their heads; Mrs. Dal wiped her eyes; and + the major pronounced himself the happiest father in Europe. + </p> + <p> + It was now wearing late, or rather early; some gray streaks of dubious + light were faintly forcing their way through the half-closed curtains, and + the dread thought of parting first presented itself. A cavalry trumpet, + too, at this moment sounded a call that aroused us from our trance of + pleasure, and warned us that our moments were few. A dead silence crept + over all; the solemn feeling which leave-taking ever inspires was + uppermost, and none spoke. The major was the first to break it. + </p> + <p> + "O'Malley, my friend, and you, Mr. Sparks; I must have a word with you, + boys, before we part." + </p> + <p> + "Here let it be, then, Major," said I, holding his arm as he turned to + leave the room,—"here, now; we are all so deeply interested, no + place is so fit." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," said the major, "as you desire it, now that I'm to regard + you both in the light of my sons-in-law,—at least, as pledged to + become so,—it is only fair as respects—" + </p> + <p> + "I see,—I understand perfectly," interrupted I, whose passion for + conducting the whole affair myself was gradually gaining on me. "What you + mean is, that we should make known our intentions before some mutual + friends ere we part; eh, Sparks? eh, Major?" + </p> + <p> + "Right, my boy,—right on every point." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, I thought of all that; and if you'll just send your servant + over to my quarters for our captain,—he's the fittest person, you + know, at such a time—" + </p> + <p> + "How considerate!" said Mrs. Dalrymple. + </p> + <p> + "How perfectly just his idea is!" said the major. + </p> + <p> + "We'll then, in his presence, avow our present and unalterable + determination as regards your fair daughters; and as the time is short—" + </p> + <p> + Here I turned towards Matilda, who placed her arm within mine; Sparks + possessed himself of Fanny's hand, while the major and his wife consulted + for a few seconds. + </p> + <p> + "Well, O'Malley, all you propose is perfect. Now, then, for the captain. + Who shall he inquire for?" + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0240.jpg" alt="Charles Pops the Question. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Oh, an old friend of yours," said I, jocularly; "you'll be glad to see + him." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" said all together. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, quite a surprise, I'll warrant it." + </p> + <p> + "Who can it be? Who on earth is it?" + </p> + <p> + "You can't guess," added I, with a very knowing look. "Knew you at Corfu; + a very intimate friend, indeed, if he tell the truth." + </p> + <p> + A look of something like embarrassment passed around the circle at these + words, while I, wishing to end the mystery, resumed:— + </p> + <p> + "Come, then, who can be so proper for all parties, at a moment like this, + as our mutual friend Captain Power?" + </p> + <p> + Had a shell fallen into the cold grouse pie in the midst of us, scattering + death and destruction on every side, the effect could scarcely have been + more frightful than that my last words produced. Mrs. Dalrymple fell with + a sough upon the floor, motionless as a corpse; Fanny threw herself, + screaming, upon a sofa; Matilda went off into strong hysterics upon the + hearth-rug; while the major, after giving me a look a maniac might have + envied, rushed from the room in search of his pistols with a most terrific + oath to shoot somebody, whether Sparks or myself, or both of us, on his + return, I cannot say. Fanny's sobs and Matilda's cries, assisted by a + drumming process by Mrs. Dal's heels upon the floor, made a most infernal + concert and effectually prevented anything like thought or reflection; and + in all probability so overwhelmed was I at the sudden catastrophe I had so + innocently caused, I should have waited in due patience for the major's + return, had not Sparks seized my arm, and cried out,— + </p> + <p> + "Run for it, O'Malley; cut like fun, my boy, or we're done for." + </p> + <p> + "Run; why? What for? Where?" said I, stupefied by the scene before me. + </p> + <p> + "Here he is!" called out Sparks, as throwing up the window, he sprang out + upon the stone sill, and leaped into the street. I followed mechanically, + and jumped after him, just as the major had reached the window. A ball + whizzed by me, that soon determined my further movements; so, putting on + all speed, I flew down the street, turned the corner, and regained the + hotel breathless and without a hat, while Sparks arrived a moment later, + pale as a ghost, and trembling like an aspen-leaf. + </p> + <p> + "Safe, by Jove!" said Sparks, throwing himself into a chair, and panting + for breath. + </p> + <p> + "Safe, at last," said I, without well knowing why or for what. + </p> + <p> + "You've had a sharp run of it, apparently," said Power, coolly, and + without any curiosity as to the cause; "and now, let us on board; there + goes the trumpet again. The skipper is a surly old fellow, and we must not + lose his tide for him." So saying, he proceeded to collect his cloaks, + cane, etc., and get ready for departure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + THE VOYAGE. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke from the long, sound sleep which succeeded my last adventure, + I had some difficulty in remembering where I was or how I had come there. + From my narrow berth I looked out upon the now empty cabin, and at length + some misty and confused sense of my situation crept slowly over me. I + opened the little shutter beside me and looked out. The bold headlands of + the southern coast were frowning in sullen and dark masses about a couple + of miles distant, and I perceived that we were going fast through the + water, which was beautifully calm and still. I now looked at my watch; it + was past eight o'clock; and as it must evidently be evening, from the + appearance of the sky, I felt that I had slept soundly for above twelve + hours. + </p> + <p> + In the hurry of departure the cabin had not been set to rights, and there + lay every species of lumber and luggage in all imaginable confusion. + Trunks, gun-cases, baskets of eggs, umbrellas, hampers of sea-store, + cloaks, foraging-caps, maps, and sword-belts were scattered on every side,—while + the <i>débris</i> of a dinner, not over-remarkable for its propriety in + table equipage, added to the ludicrous effect. The heavy tramp of a foot + overhead denoted the step of some one taking his short walk of exercise; + while the rough voice of the skipper, as he gave the word to "Go about!" + all convinced me that we were at last under way, and off to "the wars." + </p> + <p> + The confusion our last evening on shore produced in my brain was such that + every effort I made to remember anything about it only increased my + difficulty, and I felt myself in a web so tangled and inextricable that + all endeavor to escape free was impossible. Sometimes I thought that I had + really married Matilda Dalrymple; then, I supposed that the father had + called me out, and wounded me in a duel; and finally, I had some confused + notion about a quarrel with Sparks, but what for, when, and how it ended, + I knew not. How tremendously tipsy I must have been! was the only + conclusion I could draw from all these conflicting doubts; and after all, + it was the only thing like fact that beamed upon my mind. How I had come + on board and reached my berth was a matter I reserved for future inquiry, + resolving that about the real history of my last night on shore I would + ask no questions, if others were equally disposed to let it pass in + silence. + </p> + <p> + I next began to wonder if Mike had looked after all my luggage, trunks, + etc., and whether he himself had been forgotten in our hasty departure. + About this latter point I was not destined for much doubt; for a + well-known voice, from the foot of the companion-ladder, at once + proclaimed my faithful follower, and evidenced his feelings at his + departure from his home and country. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Free was, at the time I mention, gathered up like a ball opposite a + small, low window that looked upon the bluff headlands now fast becoming + dim and misty as the night approached. He was apparently in low spirits, + and hummed in a species of low, droning voice, the following ballad, at + the end of each verse of which came an Irish chorus which, to the erudite + in such matters, will suggest the air of Moddirederoo:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MICKEY FREE'S LAMENT. + + Then fare ye well, ould Erin dear; + To part, my heart does ache well: + From Carrickfergus to Cape Clear, + I'll never see your equal. + And though to foreign parts we're bound, + Where cannibals may ate us, + We'll ne'er forget the holy ground + Of potteen and potatoes. + Moddirederoo aroo, aroo, etc. + + When good Saint Patrick banished frogs, + And shook them from his garment, + He never thought we'd go abroad, + To live upon such varmint; + Nor quit the land where whiskey grew + To wear King George's button, + Take vinegar for mountain dew, + And toads for mountain mutton. + Moddirederoo aroo, aroo, etc. +</pre> + <p> + "I say, Mike, stop that confounded keen, and tell me where are we?" + </p> + <p> + "Off the ould head of Kinsale, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Where is Captain Power?" + </p> + <p> + "Smoking a cigar on deck, with the captain, sir." + </p> + <p> + "And Mr. Sparks?" + </p> + <p> + "Mighty sick in his own state-room. Oh, but it's himself has enough of + glory—bad luck to it!—by this time. He'd make your heart break + to look at him." + </p> + <p> + "Who have you got on board besides?" + </p> + <p> + "The adjutant's here, sir; and an old gentleman they call the major." + </p> + <p> + "Not Major Dalrymple?" said I, starting up with terror at the thought, + "eh, Mike?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, another major; his name is Mulroon, or Mundoon, or something + like that." + </p> + <p> + "Monsoon, you son of a lumper potato," cried out a surly, gruff voice from + a berth opposite. "Monsoon. Who's at the other side?" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley, 14th," said I, by way of introduction. + </p> + <p> + "My service to you, then," said the voice. "Going to join your regiment?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; and you, are you bound on a similar errand?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Heaven be praised! I'm attached to the commissariat, and only going + to Lisbon. Have you had any dinner?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a morsel; have you?" + </p> + <p> + "No more than yourself; but I always lie by for three or four days this + way, till I get used to the confounded rocking and pitching, and with a + little grog and some sleep, get over the time gayly enough. Steward, + another tumbler like the last; there—very good—that will do. + Your good health, Mr.—what was it you said?" + </p> + <p> + "O'Malley." + </p> + <p> + "O'Malley—your good health! Good-night." And so ended our brief + colloquy, and in a few minutes more, a very decisive snore pronounced my + friend to be fulfilling his precept for killing the hours. + </p> + <p> + I now made the effort to emancipate myself from my crib, and at last + succeeded in getting on the floor, where, after one <i>chassez</i> at a + small looking-glass opposite, followed by a very impetuous rush at a + little brass stove, in which I was interrupted by a trunk and laid + prostrate, I finally got my clothes on, and made my way to the deck. + Little attuned as was my mind at the moment to admire anything like + scenery, it was impossible to be unmoved by the magnificent prospect + before me. It was a beautiful evening in summer; the sun had set above an + hour before, leaving behind him in the west one vast arch of rich and + burnished gold, stretching along the whole horizon, and tipping all the + summits of the heavy rolling sea, as it rolled on, unbroken by foam or + ripple, in vast moving mountains, from the far coast of Labrador. We were + already in blue water, though the bold cliffs that were to form our + departing point were but a few miles to leeward. There lay the lofty bluff + of Old Kinsale, whose crest, overhanging, peered from a summit of some + hundred feet into the deep water that swept its rocky base, many a tangled + lichen and straggling bough trailing in the flood beneath. Here and there + upon the coast a twinkling gleam proclaimed the hut of the fisherman, + whose swift hookers had more than once shot by us and disappeared in a + moment. The wind, which began to fall at sunset, freshened as the moon + rose; and the good ship, bending to the breeze, lay gently over, and + rushed through the waters with a sound of gladness. I was alone upon the + deck. Power and the captain, whom I expected to have found, had + disappeared somehow, and I was, after all, not sorry to be left to my own + reflections uninterrupted. + </p> + <p> + My thoughts turned once more to my home,—to my first, my best, + earliest friend, whose hearth I had rendered lonely and desolate, and my + heart sank within me as I remembered it. How deeply I reproached myself + for the selfish impetuosity with which I had ever followed any rising + fancy, any new and sudden desire, and never thought of him whose every + hope was in, whose every wish was for me. Alas! alas, my poor uncle! how + gladly would I resign every prospect my soldier's life may hold out, with + all its glittering promise, and all the flattery of success, to be once + more beside you; to feel your warm and manly grasp; to see your smile; to + hear your voice; to be again where all our best feelings are born and + nurtured, our cares assuaged, our joys more joyed in, and our griefs more + wept,—at home! These very words have more music to my ears than all + the softest strains that ever siren sung. They bring us back to all we + have loved, by ties that are never felt but through such simple + associations. And in the earlier memories called up, our childish feelings + come back once more to visit us like better spirits, as we walk amidst the + dreary desolation that years of care and uneasiness have spread around us. + </p> + <p> + Wretched must he be who ne'er has felt such bliss; and thrice happy he + who, feeling it, knows that still there lives for him that same early + home, with all its loved inmates, its every dear and devoted object + waiting his coming and longing for his approach. + </p> + <p> + Such were my thoughts as I stood gazing at the bold line of coast now + gradually growing more and more dim while evening fell, and we continued + to stand farther out to sea. So absorbed was I all this time in my + reflections, that I never heard the voices which now suddenly burst upon + my ears quite close beside me. I turned, and saw for the first time that + at the end of the quarter-deck stood what is called a roundhouse, a small + cabin, from which the sounds in question proceeded. I walked gently + forward and peeped in, and certainly anything more in contrast with my + late revery need not be conceived. There sat the skipper, a bluff, + round-faced, jolly-looking little tar, mixing a bowl of punch at a table, + at which sat my friend Power, the adjutant, and a tall, meagre-looking + Scotchman, whom I once met in Cork, and heard that he was the doctor of + some infantry regiment. Two or three black bottles, a paper of cigars, and + a tallow candle were all the table equipage; but certainly the party + seemed not to want for spirits and fun, to judge from the hearty bursts of + laughing that every moment pealed forth, and shook the little building + that held them. Power, as usual with him, seemed to be taking the lead, + and was evidently amusing himself with the peculiarities of his + companions. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Adjutant, fill up; here's to the campaign before us. We, at least, + have nothing but pleasure in the anticipation; no lovely wife behind; no + charming babes to fret and be fretted for, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Vara true," said the doctor, who was mated with a <i>tartar</i>, "ye maun + have less regrets at leaving hame; but a married man is no' entirely + denied his ain consolations." + </p> + <p> + "Good sense in that," said the skipper; "a wide berth and plenty of sea + room are not bad things now and then." + </p> + <p> + "Is that your experience also?" said Power, with a knowing look. "Come, + come, Adjutant, we're not so ill off, you see; but, by Jove, I can't + imagine how it is a man ever comes to thirty without having at least one + wife,—without counting his colonial possessions of course." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the adjutant, with a sigh, as he drained his glass to the + bottom. "It is devilish strange,—woman, lovely woman!" Here he + filled and drank again, as though he had been proposing a toast for his + own peculiar drinking. + </p> + <p> + "I say, now," resumed Power, catching at once that there was something + working in his mind,—"I say, now, how happened it that you, a right + good-looking, soldier-like fellow, that always made his way among the fair + ones, with that confounded roguish eye and slippery tongue,—how the + deuce did it come to pass that you never married?" + </p> + <p> + "I've been more than once on the verge of it," said the adjutant, smiling + blandly at the flattery. + </p> + <p> + "And nae bad notion yours just to stay there," said the doctor, with a + very peculiar contortion of countenance. + </p> + <p> + "No pleasing you, no contenting a fellow like you," said Power, returning + to the charge; "that's the thing; you get a certain ascendancy; you have a + kind of success that renders you, as the French say, <i>téte montée</i>, + and you think no woman rich enough or good-looking enough or big enough." + </p> + <p> + "No; by Jove you're wrong," said the adjutant, swallowing the bait, hook + and all,—"quite wrong there; for some how, all my life, I was + decidedly susceptible. Not that I cared much for your blushing sixteen, or + budding beauties in white muslin, fresh from a back-board and a governess; + no, my taste inclined rather to the more sober charms of two or + three-and-thirty, the <i>embonpoint</i>, a good foot and ankle, a sensible + breadth about the shoulders—" + </p> + <p> + "Somewhat Dutch-like, I take it," said the skipper, puffing out a volume + of smoke; "a little bluff in the bows, and great stowage, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "You leaned then towards the widows?" said Power. + </p> + <p> + "Exactly; I confess, a widow always was my weakness. There was something I + ever liked in the notion of a woman who had got over all the awkward + girlishness of early years, and had that self-possession which habit and + knowledge of the world confer, and knew enough of herself to understand + what she really wished, and where she would really go." + </p> + <p> + "Like the trade winds," puffed the skipper. + </p> + <p> + "Then, as regards fortune, they have a decided superiority over the + spinster class. I defy any man breathing,—let him be half + police-magistrate, half chancellor,—to find out the figure of a + young lady's dower. On your first introduction to the house, some kind + friend whispers, 'Go it, old boy; forty thousand, not a penny less.' A few + weeks later, as the siege progresses, a maiden aunt, disposed to puffing, + comes down to twenty; this diminishes again one half, but then 'the money + is in bank stock, hard Three-and-a-Half.' You go a little farther, and as + you sit one day over your wine with papa, he certainly promulgates the + fact that his daughter has five thousand pounds, two of which turn out to + be in Mexican bonds, and three in an Irish mortgage." + </p> + <p> + "Happy for you," interrupted Power, "that it be not in Galway, where a + proposal to foreclose, would be a signal for your being called out and + shot without benefit of clergy." + </p> + <p> + "Bad luck to it, for Galway," said the adjutant. "I was nearly taken in + there once to marry a girl that her brother-in-law swore had eight hundred + a year; and it came out afterwards that so she had, but it was for one + year only; and he challenged me for doubting his word too." + </p> + <p> + "There's an old formula for finding out an Irish fortune," says Power, + "worth, all the algebra they ever taught in Trinity. Take the half of the + assumed sum, and divide it by three; the quotient will be a flattering + representative of the figure sought for." + </p> + <p> + "Not in the north," said the adjutant, firmly,—"not in the north, + Power. They are all well off there. There's a race of canny, thrifty, + half-Scotch niggers,—your pardon, Doctor, they are all Irish,—linen-weaving, + Presbyterian, yarn-factoring, long-nosed, hard-drinking fellows, that lay + by rather a snug thing now and then. Do you know, I was very near it once + in the north. I've half a mind to tell you the story; though, perhaps, + you'll laugh at me." + </p> + <p> + The whole party at once protested that nothing could induce them to + deviate so widely from the line of propriety; and the skipper having mixed + a fresh bowl and filled all the glasses round, the cigars were lighted, + and the adjutant began. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. + </h2> + <p> + THE ADJUTANT'S STORY.—LIFE IN DERBY. + </p> + <p> + "It is now about eight, may be ten, years since we were ordered to march + from Belfast and take up our quarters in Londonderry. We had not been more + than a few weeks altogether in Ulster when the order came; and as we had + been, for the preceding two years, doing duty in the south and west, we + concluded that the island was tolerably the same in all parts. We opened + our campaign in the maiden city exactly as we had been doing with + 'unparalleled success' in Cashel, Fermoy, Tuam, etc.,—that is to + say, we announced garrison balls and private theatricals; offered a cup to + be run for in steeple-chase; turned out a four-in-hand drag, with mottled + grays; and brought over two Deal boats to challenge the north." + </p> + <p> + "The 18th found the place stupid," said his companions. + </p> + <p> + "To be sure, they did; slow fellows like them must find any place stupid. + No dinners; but they gave none. No fun; but they had none in themselves. + In fact, we knew better; we understood how the thing was to be done, and + resolved that, as a mine of rich ore lay unworked, it was reserved for us + to produce the shining metal that others, less discerning, had failed to + discover. Little we knew of the matter; never was there a blunder like + ours. Were you ever in Derry?" + </p> + <p> + "Never," said the three listeners. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, let me inform you that the place has its own peculiar + features. In the first place, all the large towns in the south and west + have, besides the country neighborhood that surrounds them, a certain + sprinkling of gentlefolk, who, though with small fortunes and not much + usage of the world, are still a great accession to society, and make up + the blank which, even in the most thickly peopled country, would be sadly + felt without them. Now, in Derry, there is none of this. After the great + guns—and, <i>per Baccho!</i> what great guns they are!—you + have nothing but the men engaged in commerce,—sharp, clever, shrewd, + well-informed fellows; they are deep in flax-seed, cunning in molasses, + and not to be excelled in all that pertains to coffee, sassafras, + cinnamon, gum, oakum, and elephants' teeth. The place is a rich one, and + the spirit of commerce is felt throughout it. Nothing is cared for, + nothing is talked of, nothing alluded to, that does not bear upon this; + and, in fact, if you haven't a venture in Smyrna figs, Memel timber, Dutch + dolls, or some such commodity, you are absolutely nothing, and might as + well be at a ball with a cork leg, or go deaf to the opera." + </p> + <p> + "Now, when I've told thus much, I leave you to guess what impression our + triumphal entry into the city produced. Instead of the admiring crowds + that awaited us elsewhere, as we marched gayly into quarters, here we saw + nothing but grave, sober-looking, and, I confess it, intelligent-looking + faces, that scrutinized our appearance closely enough, but evidently with + no great approval and less enthusiasm. The men passed on hurriedly to the + counting-houses and wharves; the women, with almost as little interest, + peeped at us from the windows, and walked away again. Oh, how we wished + for Galway, glorious Galway, that paradise of the infantry that lies west + of the Shannon! Little we knew, as we ordered the band, in lively + anticipation of the gayeties before us, to strike up 'Payne's first set,' + that, to the ears of the fair listeners in Ship Quay Street, the rumble of + a sugar hogshead or the crank of a weighing crane were more delightful + music." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove!" interrupted Power, "you are quite right. Women are strongly + imitative in their tastes. The lovely Italian, whose very costume is a + natural following of a Raphael, is no more like the pretty Liverpool + damsel than Genoa is to Glasnevin; and yet what the deuce have they, dear + souls, with their feet upon a soft carpet and their eyes upon the pages of + Scott or Byron, to do with all the cotton or dimity that ever was printed? + But let us not repine; that very plastic character is our greatest + blessing." + </p> + <p> + "I'm not so sure that it always exists," said the doctor, dubiously, as + though his own experience pointed otherwise. + </p> + <p> + "Well, go ahead!" said the skipper, who evidently disliked the digression + thus interrupting the adjutant's story. + </p> + <p> + "Well, we marched along, looking right and left at the pretty faces—and + there were plenty of them, too—that a momentary curiosity drew to + the windows; but although we smiled and ogled and leered as only a newly + arrived regiment can smile, ogle, or leer, by all that's provoking we + might as well have wasted our blandishments upon the Presbyterian + meeting-house, that frowned upon us with its high-pitched roof and round + windows. + </p> + <p> + "'Droll people, these,' said one; 'Rayther rum ones,' cried another; 'The + black north, by Jove!' said a third: and so we went along to the barracks, + somewhat displeased to think that, though the 18th were slow, they might + have met their match. + </p> + <p> + "Disappointed, as we undoubtedly felt, at the little enthusiasm that + marked our <i>entrée</i>, we still resolved to persist in our original + plan, and accordingly, early the following morning, announced our + intention of giving amateur theatricals. The mayor, who called upon our + colonel, was the first to learn this, and received the information with + pretty much the same kind of look the Archbishop of Canterbury might be + supposed to assume if requested by a a friend to ride 'a Derby.' The + incredulous expression of the poor man's face, as he turned from one of us + to the other, evidently canvassing in his mind whether we might not, by + some special dispensation of Providence, be all insane, I shall never + forget. + </p> + <p> + "His visit was a very short one; whether concluding that we were not quite + safe company, or whether our notification was too much for his nerves, I + know not. + </p> + <p> + "We were not to be balked, however. Our plans for gayety, long planned and + conned over, wore soon announced in all form; and though we made efforts + almost super-human in the cause, our plays were performed to empty + benches, our balls were unattended, our picnic invitations politely + declined, and, in a word, all our advances treated with a cold and + chilling politeness that plainly said, 'We'll none of you.' + </p> + <p> + "Each day brought some new discomfiture, and as we met at mess, instead of + having, as heretofore, some prospect of pleasure and amusement to chat + over, it was only to talk gloomily over our miserable failures, and lament + the dreary quarters that our fates had doomed us to. + </p> + <p> + "Some months wore on in this fashion, and at length—what will not + time do?—we began, by degrees, to forget our woes. Some of us took + to late hours and brandy-and-water; others got sentimental, and wrote + journals and novels and poetry; some made acquaintances among the + townspeople, and out in to a quiet rubber to pass the evening; while + another detachment, among which I was, got up a little love affair to + while away the tedious hours, and cheat the lazy sun. + </p> + <p> + "I have already said something of my taste in beauty; now, Mrs. Boggs was + exactly the style of woman I fancied. She was a widow; she had black eyes,—not + your jet-black, sparkling, Dutch-doll eyes, that roll about and twinkle, + but mean nothing; no, hers had a soft, subdued, downcast, pensive look + about them, and were fully as melting a pair of orbs as any blue eyes you + ever looked at. + </p> + <p> + "Then, she had a short upper lip, and sweet teeth; by Jove, they were + pearls! and she showed them too, pretty often. Her figure was + well-rounded, plump, and what the French call <i>nette</i>. To complete + all, her instep and ankle were unexceptional; and lastly, her jointure was + seven hundred pounds per annum, with a trifle of eight thousand more that + the late lamented Boggs bequeathed, when, after four months of + uninterrupted bliss, he left Derry for another world. + </p> + <p> + "When chance first threw me in the way of the fair widow, some casual + coincidence of opinion happened to raise me in her estimation, and I soon + afterwards received an invitation to a small evening party at her house, + to which I alone of the regiment was asked. + </p> + <p> + "I shall not weary you with the details of my intimacy; it is enough that + I tell you I fell desperately in love. I began by visiting twice or thrice + a week, and in less than two months, spent every morning at her house, and + rarely left it till the 'Roast beef' announced mess. + </p> + <p> + "I soon discovered the widow's cue; she was serious. Now, I had conducted + all manner of flirtatious in my previous life; timid young ladies, manly + young ladies, musical, artistical, poetical, and hysterical,—bless + you, I knew them all by heart; but never before had I to deal with a + serious one, and a widow to boot. The case was a trying one. For some + weeks it was all very up-hill work; all the red shot of warm affection I + used to pour in on other occasions was of no use here. The language of + love, in which I was no mean proficient, availed me not. Compliments and + flattery, those rare skirmishers before the engagement, were denied me; + and I verily think that a tender squeeze of the hand would have cost me my + dismissal. + </p> + <p> + "'How very slow, all this!' thought I, as, at the end of two months siege, + I still found myself seated in the trenches, and not a single breach in + the fortress; 'but, to be sure, it's the way they have in the north, and + one must be patient.' + </p> + <p> + "While thus I was in no very sanguine frame of mind as to my prospects, in + reality my progress was very considerable. Having become a member of Mr. + M'Phun's congregation, I was gradually rising in the estimation of the + widow and her friends, whom my constant attendance at meeting, and my very + serious demeanor had so far impressed that very grave deliberation was + held whether I should not be made an elder at the next brevet. + </p> + <p> + "If the widow Boggs had not been a very lovely and wealthy widow; had she + not possessed the eyes, lips, hips, ankles, and jointure aforesaid,—I + honestly avow that neither the charms of that sweet man Mr. M'Phun's + eloquence, nor even the flattering distinction in store for me, would have + induced me to prolong my suit. However, I was not going to despair when in + sight of land. The widow was evidently softened. A little time longer, and + the most scrupulous moralist, the most rigid advocate for employing time + wisely, could not have objected to my daily system of courtship. I was + none of your sighing, dying, ogling, hand-squeezing, waist-pressing, + oath-swearing, everlasting-adoring affairs, with an interchange of rings + and lockets; not a bit of it. It was confoundedly like a controversial + meeting at the Rotundo, and I myself had a far greater resemblance to + Father Tom Maguire than a gay Lothario. + </p> + <p> + "After all, when mess-time came, when the 'Roast beef' played, and we + assembled at dinner, and the soup and fish had gone round, with two + glasses of sherry in, my spirits rallied, and a very jolly evening + consoled me for all my fatigues and exertions, and supplied me with energy + for the morrow; for, let me observe here, that I only made love before + dinner. The evenings I reserved for myself, assuring Mrs. Boggs that my + regimental duties required all my time after mess hour, in which I was + perfectly correct: for at six we dined; at seven I opened the claret No. + 1; at eight I had uncorked my second bottle; by half-past eight I was + returning to the sherry; and at ten, punctual to the moment, I was + repairing to my quarters on the back of my servant, Tim Daly, who had + carried me safely for eight years, without a single mistake, as the + fox-hunters say. This was a way we had in the —th. Every man was + carried away from mess, some sooner, some later. I was always an early + riser, and went betimes. + </p> + <p> + "Now, although I had very abundant proof, from circumstantial evidence, + that I was nightly removed from the mess-room to my bed in the mode I + mention, it would have puzzled me sorely to prove the fact in any direct + way; inasmuch as by half-past nine, as the clock chimed, and Tim entered + to take me, I was very innocent of all that was going on, and except a + certain vague sense of regret at leaving the decanter, felt nothing + whatever. + </p> + <p> + "It so chanced—what mere trifles are we ruled by in our destiny!—that + just as my suit with the widow had assumed its most favorable footing, old + General Hinks, that commanded the district, announced his coming over to + inspect our regiment. Over he came accordingly, and to be sure, we had a + day of it. We were paraded for six mortal hours; then we were marching and + countermarching, moving into line, back again into column, now forming + open column, then into square; till at last, we began to think that the + old general was like the Flying Dutchman, and was probably condemned to + keep on drilling us to the day of judgment. To be sure, he enlivened the + proceeding to me by pronouncing the regiment the worst-drilled and + appointed corps in the service, and the adjutant (me!) the stupidest + dunderhead—these were his words—he had ever met with. + </p> + <p> + "'Never mind,' thought I; 'a few days more, and it's little I'll care for + the eighteen manoeuvres. It's small trouble your eyes right or your left, + shoulders forward, will give me. I'll sell out, and with the Widow Boggs + and seven hundred a year,—but no matter.' + </p> + <p> + "This confounded inspection lasted till half-past five in the afternoon; + so that our mess was delayed a full hour in consequence, and it was past + seven as we sat down to dinner. Our faces were grim enough as we met + together at first; but what will not a good dinner and good wine do for + the surliest party? By eight o'clock we began to feel somewhat more + convivially disposed; and before nine, the decanters were performing a + quick-step round the table, in a fashion very exhilarating and very jovial + to look at. + </p> + <p> + "'No flinching to-night,' said the senior major. 'We've had a severe day; + let us also have a merry evening.' + </p> + <p> + "'By Jove! Ormond,' cried another, 'we must not leave this to-night. + Confound the old humbugs and their musty whist party; throw them over.' + </p> + <p> + "'I say, Adjutant,' said Forbes; addressing me, 'you've nothing particular + to say to the fair widow this evening? You'll not bolt, I hope?' + </p> + <p> + "'That he sha'n't,' said one near me; 'he must make up for his absence + to-morrow, for to-night we all stand fast.' + </p> + <p> + "'Besides,' said another, 'she's at meeting by this. Old—what-d'ye-call-him?—is + at fourteenthly before now.' + </p> + <p> + "'A note for you, sir,' said the mess waiter, presenting me with a + rose-colored three-cornered billet. It was from <i>la chère</i> Boggs + herself, and ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DEAR SIR,—Mr. M'Phun and a few friends are coming to tea at + my house after meeting; perhaps you will also favor us with your + company. + Yours truly, + ELIZA BOGGS. +</pre> + <p> + "What was to be done? Quit the mess; leave a jolly party just at the + jolliest moment; exchange Lafitte and red hermitage for a <i>soirée</i> of + elders, presided over by that sweet man, Mr. M'Phun! It was too bad!—but + then, how much was in the scale! What would the widow say if I declined? + What would she think? I well knew that the invitation meant nothing less + than a full-dress parade of me before her friends, and that to decline was + perhaps to forfeit all my hopes in that quarter forever. + </p> + <p> + "'Any answer, sir?' said the waiter. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' said I, in a half-whisper, 'I'll go,—tell the servant, I'll + go.' + </p> + <p> + "At this moment my tender epistle was subtracted from before me, and ere I + had turned round, had made the tour of half the table. I never perceived + the circumstance, however, and filling my glass, professed my resolve to + sit to the last, with a mental reserve to take my departure at the very + first opportunity. Ormond and the paymaster quitted the room for a moment, + as if to give orders for a broil at twelve, and now all seemed to promise + a very convivial and well-sustained party for the night. + </p> + <p> + "'Is that all arranged?' inquired the major, as Ormond entered. + </p> + <p> + "'All right,' said he; 'and now let us have a bumper and a song. Adjutant, + old boy, give us a chant.' + </p> + <p> + "'What shall it be, then?' inquired I, anxious to cover my intended + retreat by any appearance of joviality. + </p> + <p> + "'Give us— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "When I was in the Fusiliers + Some fourteen years ago."' +</pre> + <p> + "'No, no; confound it! I've heard nothing else since I joined the + regiment. Let us have the "Paymaster's Daughter."' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah! that's pathetic; I like that,' lisped a young ensign. + </p> + <p> + "'If I'm to have a vote,' grunted out the senior major, 'I pronounce for + "West India Quarters."' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, yes,' said half-a-dozen voices together; 'let's have "West India + Quarters." Come, give him a glass of sherry, and let him begin.' + </p> + <p> + "I had scarcely finished off my glass, and cleared my throat for my song, + when the clock on the chimney-piece chimed half-past nine, and the same + instant I felt a heavy hand fall upon my shoulder. I turned and beheld my + servant Tim. This, as I have already mentioned, was the hour at which Tim + was in the habit of taking me home to my quarters; and though we had dined + an hour later, he took no notice of the circumstance, but true to his + custom, he was behind my chair. A very cursory glance at my 'familiar' was + quite sufficient to show me that we had somehow changed sides; for Tim, + who was habitually the most sober of mankind, was, on the present + occasion, exceedingly drunk, while I, a full hour before that + consummation, was perfectly sober. + </p> + <p> + "'What d'ye want, sir?' inquired I, with something of severity in my + manner. + </p> + <p> + "'Come home,' said Tim, with a hiccough that set the whole table in a + roar. + </p> + <p> + "'Leave the room this instant,' said I, feeling wrath at being thus made a + butt of for his offences. 'Leave the room, or I'll kick you out of it.' + Now, this, let me add in a parenthesis, was somewhat of a boast, for Tim + was six feet three, and strong in proportion, and when in liquor, fearless + as a tiger. + </p> + <p> + "'You'll kick me out of the room, eh, will you? Try, only try it, that's + all.' Here a new roar of laughter burst forth, while Tim, again placing an + enormous paw upon my shoulder, continued, 'Don't be sitting there, making + a baste of yourself, when you've got enough. Don't you see you're drunk?' + </p> + <p> + "I sprang to my legs on this, and made a rush to the fireplace to secure + the poker; but Tim was beforehand with me, and seizing me by the waist + with both hands, flung me across his shoulders as though I were a baby, + saying, at the same time, 'I'll take you away at half-past eight + to-morrow, as you're as rampageous again.' I kicked, I plunged, I swore, I + threatened, I even begged and implored to be set down; but whether my + voice was lost in the uproar around me, or that Tim only regarded my + denunciations in the light of cursing, I know not, but he carried me + bodily down the stairs, steadying himself by one hand on the banisters, + while with the other he held me as in a vice. I had but one consolation + all this while; it was this, that as my quarters lay immediately behind + the mess-room, Tim's excursion would soon come to an end, and I should be + free once more; but guess my terror to find that the drunken scoundrel, + instead of going as usual to the left, turned short to the right hand, and + marched boldly into Ship Quay Street. Every window in the mess-room was + filled with our fellows, absolutely shouting with laughter. 'Go it Tim! + That's the fellow! Hold him tight! Never let go!' cried a dozen voices; + while the wretch, with the tenacity of drunkenness, gripped me still + harder, and took his way down the middle of the street. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0260.jpg" alt="The Adjutant's After Dinner Ride. " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "It was a beautiful evening in July, a soft summer night, as I made this + pleasing excursion down the most frequented thoroughfare in the maiden + city, my struggles every moment exciting roars of laughter from an + increasing crowd of spectators, who seemed scarcely less amused than + puzzled at the exhibition. In the midst of a torrent of imprecations + against my torturer, a loud noise attracted me. I turned my head, and saw,—horror + of horrors!—the door of the meeting-house just flung open, and the + congregation issuing forth <i>en masse</i>. Is it any wonder if I remember + no more? There I was, the chosen one of the widow Boggs, the elder elect, + the favored friend and admired associate of Mr. M'Phun, taking an airing + on a summer's evening on the back of a drunken Irishman. Oh, the thought + was horrible! and certainly the short and pithy epithets by which I was + characterized in the crowd, neither improved my temper nor assuaged my + wrath, and I feel bound to confess that my own language was neither + serious nor becoming. Tim, however, cared little for all this, and pursued + the even tenor of his way through the whole crowd, nor stopped till, + having made half the circuit of the wall, he deposited me safe at my own + door; adding, as he set me down, 'Oh, av you're as throublesome every + evening, it's a wheelbarrow I'll be obleeged to bring for you!' + </p> + <p> + "The next day I obtained a short leave of absence, and ere a fortnight + expired, exchanged into the —th, preferring Halifax itself to the + ridicule that awaited me in Londonderry." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. + </h2> + <p> + FRED POWER'S ADVENTURE IN PHILIPSTOWN. + </p> + <p> + The lazy hours of the long summer day crept slowly over. The sea, unbroken + by foam or ripple, shone like a broad blue mirror, reflecting here and + there some fleecy patches of snow-white cloud as they stood unmoved in the + sky. The good ship rocked to and fro with a heavy and lumbering motion, + the cordage rattled, the bulkheads creaked, the sails flapped lazily + against the masts, the very sea-gulls seemed to sleep as they rested on + the long swell that bore them along, and everything in sea and sky bespoke + the calm. No sailor trod the deck; no watch was stirring; the very tiller + ropes were deserted; and as they traversed backwards and forwards with + every roll of the vessel, told that we had no steerage-way, and lay a mere + log upon the water. + </p> + <p> + I sat alone in the bow, and fell into a musing fit upon the past and the + future. How happily for us is it ordained that in the most stirring + existences there are every here and there such little resting-spots of + reflection, from which, as from some eminence, we look back upon the road + we have been treading in life, and cast a wistful glance at the dark vista + before us! When first we set out upon our worldly pilgrimage, these are + indeed precious moments, when with buoyant heart and spirit high, + believing all things, trusting all things, our very youth comes back to + us, reflected from every object we meet; and like Narcissus, we are but + worshipping our own image in the water. As we go on in life, the cares, + the anxieties, and the business of the world engross us more and more, and + such moments become fewer and shorter. Many a bright dream has been + dissolved, many a fairy vision replaced, by some dark reality; blighted + hopes, false friendships have gradually worn callous the heart once alive + to every gentle feeling, and time begins to tell upon us,—yet still, + as the well-remembered melody to which we listened with delight in infancy + brings to our mature age a touch of early years, so will the very + association of these happy moments recur to us in our revery, and make us + young again in thought. Then it is that, as we look back upon our worldly + career, we become convinced how truly is the child the father of the man, + how frequently are the projects of our manhood the fruit of some boyish + predilection; and that in the emulative ardor that stirs the schoolboy's + heart, we may read the <i>prestige</i> of that high daring that makes a + hero of its possessor. + </p> + <p> + These moments, too, are scarcely more pleasurable than they are salutary + to us. Disengaged for the time from every worldly anxiety, we pass in + review before our own selves, and in the solitude of our own hearts are we + judged. That still small voice of conscience, unheard and unlistened to + amidst the din and bustle of life, speaks audibly to us now; and while + chastened on one side by regrets, we are sustained on the other by some + approving thought; and with many a sorrow for the past, and many a promise + for the future, we begin to feel "how good it is for us to be here." + </p> + <p> + The evening wore later; the red sun sank down upon the sea, growing larger + and larger; the long line of mellow gold that sheeted along the distant + horizon grew first of a dark ruddy tinge, then paler and paler, till it + became almost gray; a single star shone faintly in the east, and darkness + soon set in. With night came the wind, for almost imperceptibly the sails + swelled slowly out, a slight rustle at the bow followed, the ship lay + gently over, and we were once more in motion. It struck four bells; some + casual resemblance in the sound of the old pendulum that marked the hour + at my uncle's house startled me so that I actually knew not where I was. + With lightning speed my once home rose up before me with its happy hearts; + the old familiar faces were there; the gay laugh was in my ears; there sat + my dear old uncle, as with bright eye and mellow voice he looked a very + welcome to his guests; there Boyle; there Considine; there the + grim-visaged portraits that graced the old walls whose black oak wainscot + stood in broad light and shadow, as the blazing turf fire shone upon it; + there was my own place, now vacant; methought my uncle's eye was turned + towards it and that I heard him say, "My poor boy! I wonder where is he + now!" My heart swelled, my chest heaved, the tears coursed slowly down my + cheeks, as I asked myself, "Shall I ever see them more?" Oh, how little, + how very little to us are the accustomed blessings of our life till some + change has robbed us of them, and how dear are they when lost to us! My + uncle's dark foreboding that we should never meet again on earth, came for + the first time forcibly to my mind, and my heart was full to bursting. + What could repay me for the agony of that moment as I thought of him, my + first, my best, my only friend, whom I had deserted? And how gladly would + I have resigned my bright day-dawn of ambition to be once more beside his + chair, to hear his voice, to see his smile, to feel his love for me! A + loud laugh from the cabin roused me from my sad, depressing revery, and at + the same instant Mike's well-known voice informed me that the captain was + looking for me everywhere, as supper was on the table. Little as I felt + disposed to join the party at such a moment, as I knew there was no + escaping Power, I resolved to make the best of matters; so after a few + minutes I followed Mickey down the companion and entered the cabin. + </p> + <p> + The scene before me was certainly not calculated to perpetuate depressing + thoughts. At the head of a rude old-fashioned table, upon which figured + several black bottles and various ill-looking drinking vessels of every + shape and material, sat Fred Power; on his right was placed the skipper, + on his left the doctor,—the bronzed, merry-looking, weather-beaten + features of the one contrasting ludicrously with the pale, ascetic, + acute-looking expression of the other. Sparks, more than half-drunk, with + the mark of a red-hot cigar upon his nether lip, was lower down; while + Major Monsoon, to preserve the symmetry of the party, had protruded his + head, surmounted by a huge red nightcap, from the berth opposite, and held + out his goblet to be replenished from the punch-bowl. + </p> + <p> + "Welcome, thrice welcome, thou man of Galway!" cried out Power, as he + pointed to a seat, and pushed a wine-glass towards me. "Just in time, too, + to pronounce upon a new brewery. Taste that; a little more of the lemon + you would say, perhaps? Well, I agree with you. Rum and brandy, glenlivet + and guava jelly, limes, green tea, and a slight suspicion of preserved + ginger,—nothing else, upon honor,—and the most simple mixture + for the cure, the radical cure, of blue devils and debt I know of; eh, + Doctor? You advise it yourself, to be taken before bed-time; nothing + inflammatory in it, nothing pugnacious; a mere circulation of the better + juices and more genial spirits of the marly clay, without arousing any of + the baser passions; whiskey is the devil for that." + </p> + <p> + "I canna say that I dinna like whiskey toddy," said the doctor; "in the + cauld winter nights it's no sae bad." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that's it," said Power; "there's the pull you Scotch have upon us + poor Patlanders,—cool, calculating, long-headed fellows, you only + come up to the mark after fifteen tumblers; whereas we hot-brained devils, + with a blood at 212 degrees of Fahrenheit and a high-pressure engine of + good spirits always ready for an explosion, we go clean mad when tipsy; + not but I am fully convinced that a mad Irishman is worth two sane people + of any other country under heaven." + </p> + <p> + "If you mean by that insin—insin—sinuation to imply any + disrespect to the English," stuttered out Sparks, "I am bound to say that + I for one, and the doctor, I am sure, for another—" + </p> + <p> + "Na, na," interrupted the doctor, "ye mauna coont upon me; I'm no disposed + to fetch ower our liquor." + </p> + <p> + "Then, Major Monsoon, I'm certain—" + </p> + <p> + "Are ye, faith?" said the major, with a grin; "blessed are they who expect + nothing,—of which number you are not,—for most decidedly you + shall be disappointed." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, Sparks, take the whole fight to your own proper self, and do + battle like a man; and here I stand, ready at all arms to prove my + position,—that we drink better, sing better, court better, fight + better, and make better punch than every John Bull, from Berwick to the + Land's End." + </p> + <p> + Sparks, however, who seemed not exactly sure how far his antagonist was + disposed to quiz, relapsed into a half-tipsy expression of contemptuous + silence, and sipped his liquor without reply. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Power, after a pause, "bad luck to it for whiskey; it nearly + got me broke once, and poor Tom O'Reilly of the 5th, too, the + best-tempered fellow in the service. We were as near it as touch and go; + and all for some confounded Loughrea spirits that we believed to be + perfectly innocent, and used to swill away freely without suspicion of any + kind." + </p> + <p> + "Let's hear the story," said I, "by all means." + </p> + <p> + "It's not a long one," said Power, "so I don't care if I tell it; and + besides, if I make a clean breast of my own sins, I'll insist upon + Monsoon's telling you afterwards how he stocked his cellar in Cadiz. Eh, + Major; there's worse tipple than the King of Spain's sherry?" + </p> + <p> + "You shall judge for yourself, old boy," said Monsoon, good-humoredly; + "and as for the narrative, it is equally at your service. Of course it + goes no further. The commander-in-chief, long life to him! is a glorious + fellow; but he has no more idea of a joke than the Archbishop of + Canterbury, and it might chance to reach him." + </p> + <p> + "Recount, and fear not!" cried Power; "we are discreet as the worshipful + company of apothecaries." + </p> + <p> + "But you forget you are to lead the way." + </p> + <p> + "Here goes, then," said the jolly captain; "not that the story has any + merit in it, but the moral is beautiful. + </p> + <p> + "Ireland, to be sure, is a beautiful country; but somehow it would prove a + very dull one to be quartered in, if it were not that the people seem to + have a natural taste for the army. From the belle of Merrion Square down + to the inn-keeper's daughter in Tralee, the loveliest part of the creation + seem to have a perfect appreciation of our high acquirements and + advantages; and in no other part of the globe, the Tonga Islands included, + is a red-coat more in favor. To be sure, they would be very ungrateful if + it were not the case; for we, upon our side, leave no stone unturned to + make ourselves agreeable. We ride, drink, play, and make love to the + ladies from Fairhead to Killarney, in a way greatly calculated to render + us popular; and as far as making the time pass pleasantly, we are the boys + for the 'greatest happiness' principle. I repeat it; we deserve our + popularity. Which of us does not get head and ears in debt with garrison + balls and steeple-chases, picnics, regattas, and the thousand-and-one + inventions to get rid of one's spare cash,—so called for being so + sparingly dealt out by our governors? Now and then, too, when all else + fails, we take a newly-joined ensign and make him marry some pretty but + penniless lass in a country town, just to show the rest that we are not + joking, but have serious ideas of matrimony in the midst of all our + flirtations. If it were all like this, the Green Isle would be a paradise; + but unluckily every now and then one is condemned to some infernal place + where there is neither a pretty face nor tight ankle, where the priest + himself is not a good fellow, and long, ill-paved, straggling streets, + filled on market days with booths of striped calico and soapy cheese, is + the only promenade, and a ruinous barrack, with mouldy walls and a + tumbling chimney, the only quarters. + </p> + <p> + "In vain, on your return from your morning stroll or afternoon canter, you + look on the chimney-piece for a shower of visiting-cards and pink notes of + invitation; in vain you ask your servant, Has any one called. Alas, your + only visitor has been the ganger, to demand a party to assist in + still-hunting amidst that interesting class of the population who, having + nothing to eat, are engaged in devising drink, and care as much for the + life of a red-coat as you do for that of a crow or a curlew. This may seem + overdrawn; but I would ask you, Were you ever for your sins quartered in + that capital city of the Bog of Allen they call Philipstown? Oh, but it is + a romantic spot! They tell us somewhere that much of the expression of the + human face divine depends upon the objects which constantly surround us. + Thus the inhabitants of mountain districts imbibe, as it were, a certain + bold and daring character of expression from the scenery, very different + from the placid and monotonous look of those who dwell in plains and + valleys; and I can certainly credit the theory in this instance, for every + man, woman, and child you meet has a brown, baked, scruffy, turf-like + face, that fully satisfies you that if Adam were formed of clay the + Philipstown people were worse treated and only made of bog mould. + </p> + <p> + "Well, one fine morning poor Tom and myself were marched off from Birr, + where one might 'live and love forever,' to take up our quarters at this + sweet spot. Little we knew of Philipstown; and like my friend the adjutant + there, when he laid siege to Deny, we made our <i>entrée</i> with all the + pomp we could muster, and though we had no band, our drums and fifes did + duty for it; and we brushed along through turf-creels and wicker-baskets + of new brogues that obstructed the street till we reached the barrack,—the + only testimony of admiration we met with being, I feel bound to admit, + from a ragged urchin of ten years, who, with a wattle in his hand, + imitated me as I marched along, and when I cried halt, took his leave of + us by dexterously fixing his thumb to the side of his nose and + outstretching his fingers, as if thus to convey a very strong hint that we + were not half so fine fellows as we thought ourselves. Well, four mortal + summer months of hot sun and cloudless sky went over, and still we + lingered in that vile village, the everlasting monotony of our days being + marked by the same brief morning drill, the same blue-legged chicken + dinner, the same smoky Loughrea whiskey, and the same evening stroll along + the canal bank to watch for the Dublin packet-boat, with its never-varying + cargo of cattle-dealers, priests, and peelers on their way to the west + country, as though the demand for such colonial productions in these parts + was insatiable. This was pleasant, you will say; but what was to be done? + We had nothing else. Now, nothing saps a man's temper like <i>ennui</i>. + The cranky, peevish people one meets with would be excellent folk, if they + only had something to do. As for us, I'll venture to say two men more + disposed to go pleasantly down the current of life it were hard to meet + with; and yet, such was the consequence of these confounded four months' + sequestration from all other society, we became sour and cross-grained, + everlastingly disputing about trifles, and continually arguing about + matters which neither were interested in, nor, indeed, knew anything + about. There were, it is true, few topics to discuss; newspapers we never + saw; sporting there was none,—but then, the drill, the return of + duty, the probable chances of our being ordered for service, were all + daily subjects to be talked over, and usually with considerable asperity + and bitterness. One point, however, always served us when hard pushed for + a bone of contention; and which, begun by a mere accident at first, + gradually increased to a sore and peevish subject, and finally led to the + consequences which I have hinted at in the beginning. This was no less + than the respective merits of our mutual servants; each everlastingly + indulging in a tirade against the other for awkwardness, incivility, + unhandiness,—charges, I am bound to confess, most amply proved on + either side. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, I am sure, O'Reilly, if you can stand that fellow, it's no affair + of mine; but such an ungainly savage I never met,' I would say. + </p> + <p> + "To which he would reply, 'Bad enough he is, certainly; but, by Jove! when + I only think of your Hottentot, I feel grateful for what I've got.' + </p> + <p> + "Then ensued a discussion, with attack, rejoinder, charge, and + recrimination till we retired for the night, wearied with our exertions, + and not a little ashamed of ourselves at bottom for our absurd warmth and + excitement. In the morning the matter would be rigidly avoided by each + party until some chance occasion had brought it on the <i>tapis</i>, when + hostilities would be immediately renewed, and carried on with the same + vigor, to end as before. + </p> + <p> + "In this agreeable state of matters we sat one warm summer evening before + the mess-room, under the shade of a canvas awning, discussing, by way of + refrigerant, our eighth tumbler of whiskey punch. We had, as usual, been + jarring away about everything under heaven. A lately arrived post-chaise, + with an old, stiff-looking gentleman in a queue, had formed a kind of + 'godsend' for debate, as to who he was, whither he was going, whether he + really had intended to spend the night there, or that he only put up + because the chaise was broken; each, as was customary, maintaining his own + opinion with an obstinacy we have often since laughed at, though, at the + time, we had few mirthful thoughts about the matter. + </p> + <p> + "As the debate waxed warm, O'Reilly asserted that he positively knew the + individual in question to be a United Irishman, travelling with + instructions from the French government; while I laughed him to scorn by + swearing that he was the rector of Tyrrell's Pass, that I knew him well, + and, moreover, that he was the worst preacher in Ireland. Singular enough + it was that all this while the disputed identity was himself standing + coolly at the inn window, with his snuff-box in his hand, leisurely + surveying us as we sat, appearing, at least, to take a very lively + interest in our debate. + </p> + <p> + "'Come, now,' said O'Reilly, 'there's only one way to conclude this, and + make you pay for your obstinacy. What will you bet that he's the rector of + Tyrrell's Pass?' + </p> + <p> + "'What odds will you take that he's Wolfe Tone?' inquired I, sneeringly. + </p> + <p> + "'Five to one against the rector,' said he, exultingly. + </p> + <p> + "'An elephant's molar to a toothpick against Wolfe Tone,' cried I. + </p> + <p> + "'Ten pounds even that I'm nearer the mark than you,' said Tom, with a + smash of his fist upon the table. + </p> + <p> + "'Done,' said I,—'done. But how are we to decide the wager?' + </p> + <p> + "'That's soon done,' said he. At the same instant he sprang to his legs + and called out: 'Pat, I say, Pat, I want you to present my respects to—' + </p> + <p> + "'No, no, I bar that; no <i>ex parte</i> statements. Here, Jem, do you + simply tell that—' + </p> + <p> + "'That fellow can't deliver a message. Do come here, Pat. Just beg of—' + </p> + <p> + "'He'll blunder it, the confounded fool; so, Jem, do you go.' + </p> + <p> + "The two individuals thus addressed were just in the act of conveying a + tray of glasses and a spiced round of beef for supper into the mess-room; + and as I may remark that they fully entered into the feelings of jealousy + their respective masters professed, each eyed the other with a look of + very unequivocal dislike. + </p> + <p> + "'Arrah! you needn't be pushing me that way,' said Pat, 'an' the round o' + beef in my hands.' + </p> + <p> + "'Devil's luck to ye, it's the glasses you'll be breaking with your + awkward elbow!' + </p> + <p> + "'Then, why don't ye leave the way? Ain't I your suparior?' + </p> + <p> + "'Ain't I the captain's own man?' + </p> + <p> + "'Ay, and if you war. Don't I belong to his betters? Isn't my master the + two liftenants?' + </p> + <p> + "This, strange as it may sound, was so far true, as I held a commission in + an African corps, with my lieutenancy in the 5th. + </p> + <p> + "'Be-gorra, av he was six—There now, you done it!' + </p> + <p> + "At the same moment, a tremendous crash took place and the large dish fell + in a thousand pieces on the pavement, while the spiced round rolled + pensively down the yard. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0271.jpg" alt="The Rival Flunkies. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Scarcely was the noise heard when, with one vigorous kick, the tray of + glasses was sent spinning into the air, and the next moment the disputants + were engaged in bloody battle. It was at this moment that our attention + was first drawn towards them, and I need not say with what feelings of + interest we looked on. + </p> + <p> + "'Hit him, Pat—there, Jem, under the guard! That's it—go in! + Well done, left hand! By Jove! that was a facer! His eye's closed—he's + down! Not a bit of it-how do you like that? Unfair, unfair! No such thing! + I say it was! Not at all—I deny it!' + </p> + <p> + "By this time we had approached the combatants, each man patting his own + fellow on the back, and encouraging him by the most lavish promises. Now + it was, but in what way I never could exactly tell, that I threw out my + right hand to stop a blow that I saw coming rather too near me, when, by + some unhappy mischance, my doubled fist lighted upon Tom O'Reilly's nose. + Before I could express my sincere regret for the accident, the blow was + returned with double force, and the next moment we were at it harder than + the others. After five minutes' sharp work, we both stopped for breath, + and incontinently burst out a-laughing. There was Tom, with a nose as + large as three, a huge cheek on one side, and the whole head swinging + round like a harlequin's; while I, with one eye closed, and the other like + a half-shut cockle-shell, looked scarcely less rueful. We had not much + time for mirth, for at the same instant a sharp, full voice called out + close beside us— + </p> + <p> + "To your quarters, sirs. I put you both under arrest, from which you are + not to be released until the sentence of a court-martial decide if conduct + such as this becomes officers and gentlemen.' + </p> + <p> + "I looked round, and saw the old fellow in the queue. + </p> + <p> + "'Wolfe Tone, by all that's unlucky!' said I, with an attempt at a smile. + </p> + <p> + "'The rector of Tyrrell's Pass,' cried out Tom, with a snuffle; 'the worst + preacher in Ireland—eh, Fred?' + </p> + <p> + "We had not much time for further commentaries upon our friend, for he at + once opened his frock coat, and displayed to our horrified gaze the + uniform of a general officer. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, sir, General Johnson, if you will allow me to present him to your + acquaintance; and now, guard, turn out.' + </p> + <p> + "In a few minutes more the orders were issued, and poor Tom and myself + found ourselves fast confined to our quarters, with a sentinel at the + door, and the pleasant prospect that, in the space of about ten days, we + should be broke, and dismissed the service; which verdict, as the general + order would say, the commander of the forces has been graciously pleased + to approve. + </p> + <p> + "However, when morning came the old general, who was really a trump, + inquired a little further into the matter, saw it was partly accidental, + and after a severe reprimand, and a caution about Loughrea whiskey after + the sixth tumbler, released us from arrest, and forgave the whole affair." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. + </h2> + <p> + THE VOYAGE CONTINUED. + </p> + <p> + Ugh, what a miserable thing is a voyage! Here we are now eight days at + sea, the eternal sameness of all around growing every hour less + supportable. Sea and sky are beautiful things when seen from the dark + woods and waving meadows on shore; but their picturesque effect is sadly + marred from want of contrast. Besides that, the "<i>toujours</i> pork," + with crystals of salt as long as your wife's fingers; the potatoes that + seemed varnished in French polish; the tea seasoned with geological + specimens from the basin of London, ycleped maple sugar; and the butter—ye + gods, the butter! But why enumerate these smaller features of discomfort + and omit the more glaring ones?—the utter selfishness which blue + water suggests, as inevitably as the cold fit follows the ague. The good + fellow that shares his knapsack or his last guinea on land, here forages + out the best corner to hang his hammock; jockeys you into a comfortless + crib, where the uncalked deck-butt filters every rain from heaven on your + head; votes you the corner at dinner, not only that he may place you with + your back to the thorough-draught of the gangway ladder, but that he may + eat, drink, and lie down before you have even begun to feel the + qualmishness that the dinner of a troop-ship is well calculated to + suggest; cuts his pencil with your best razor; wears your shirts, as + washing is scarce; and winds up all by having a good story of you every + evening for the edification of the other "sharp gentlemen," who, being too + wide awake to be humbugged themselves, enjoy his success prodigiously. + This, gentle reader, is neither confession nor avowal of mine. The passage + I have here presented to you I have taken from the journal of my brother + officer, Mr. Sparks, who, when not otherwise occupied, usually employed + his time in committing to paper his thoughts upon men, manners, and things + at sea in general; though, sooth to say, his was not an idle life. Being + voted by unanimous consent "a junior," he was condemned to offices that + the veriest fag in Eton or Harrow had rebelled against. In the morning, + under the pseudonym of <i>Mrs</i>. Sparks, he presided at breakfast, + having previously made tea, coffee, and chocolate for the whole cabin, + besides boiling about twenty eggs at various degrees of hardness; he was + under heavy recognizances to provide a plate of buttered toast of very + alarming magnitude, fried ham, kidneys, etc., to no end. Later on, when + others sauntered about the deck, vainly endeavoring to fix their attention + upon a novel or a review, the poor cornet might be seen with a white apron + tucked gracefully round his spare proportions, whipping eggs for pancakes, + or, with upturned shirt-sleeves, fashioning dough for a pudding. As the + day waned, the cook's galley became his haunt, where, exposed to a + roasting fire, he inspected the details of a <i>cuisine</i>; for which, + whatever his demerits, he was sure of an ample remuneration in abuse at + dinner. Then came the dinner itself, that dread ordeal, where nothing was + praised and everything censured. This was followed by the punch-making, + where the tastes of six different and differing individuals were to be + exclusively consulted in the self-same beverage; and lastly, the supper at + night, when Sparkie, as he was familiarly called, towards evening grown + quite exhausted, became the subject of unmitigated wrath and most + unmeasured reprobation. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Sparks, it's getting late. The spatch-cock, old boy. Don't be + slumbering." + </p> + <p> + "By-the-bye, Sparkie, what a mess you made of that pea-soup to-day! By + Jove, I never felt so ill in my life!" + </p> + <p> + "Na, na; it was na the soup. It was something he pit in the punch, that's + burning me ever since I tuk it. Ou, man, but ye're an awfu' creture wi' + vittals!" + </p> + <p> + "He'll improve, Doctor; he'll improve. Don't discourage him; the boy's + young. Be alive now, there. Where's the toast?—confound you, where's + the toast?" + </p> + <p> + "There, Sparks, you like a drumstick, I know. Mustn't muzzle the ox, eh? + Scripture for you, old boy. Eat away; hang the expense. Hand him over the + jug. Empty—eh, Charley? Come, Sparkie, bear a hand; the liquor's + out." + </p> + <p> + "But won't you let me eat?" + </p> + <p> + "Eat! Heavens, what a fellow for eating! By George, such an appetite is + clean against the articles of war! Come, man, it's drink we're thinking + of. There's the rum, sugar, limes; see to the hot water. Well, Skipper, + how are we getting on?" + </p> + <p> + "Lying our course; eight knots off the log. Pass the rum. Why, Mister + Sparks!" + </p> + <p> + "Eh, Sparks, what's this?" + </p> + <p> + "Sparks, my man, confound it!" + </p> + <p> + And then, <i>omnes</i> chorussing "Sparks!" in every key of the gamut, the + luckless fellow would be obliged to jump up from his meagre fare and set + to work at a fresh brewage of punch for the others. The bowl and the + glasses filled, by some little management on Power's part our friend the + cornet would be <i>drawn out</i>, as the phrase is, into some confession + of his early years, which seemed to have been exclusively spent in + love-making,—devotion to the fair being as integral a portion of his + character as tippling was of the worthy major's. + </p> + <p> + Like most men who pass their lives in over-studious efforts to please,—however + ungallant the confession be,—the amiable Sparks had had little + success. His love, if not, as it generally happened, totally unrequited, + was invariably the source of some awkward catastrophe, there being no + imaginable error he had not at some time or other fallen into, nor any + conceivable mischance to which he had not been exposed. Inconsolable + widows, attached wives, fond mothers, newly-married brides, engaged young + ladies were by some <i>contretemps</i> continually the subject of his + attachments; and the least mishap which followed the avowal of his passion + was to be heartily laughed at and obliged to leave the neighborhood. + Duels, apologies, actions at law, compensations, etc., were of every-day + occurrence, and to such an extent, too, that any man blessed with a + smaller bump upon the occiput would eventually have long since abandoned + the pursuit, and taken to some less expensive pleasure. But poor Sparks, + in the true spirit of a martyr, only gloried the more, the more he + suffered; and like the worthy man who continued to purchase tickets in the + lottery for thirty years, with nothing but a succession of blanks, he ever + imagined that Fortune was only trying his patience, and had some cool + forty thousand pounds of happiness waiting his perseverance in the end. + Whether this prize ever did turn up in the course of years, I am unable to + say; but certainly, up to the period of his history I now speak of, all + had been as gloomy and unrequiting as need be. Power, who knew something + of every man's adventures, was aware of so much of poor Sparks's career, + and usually contrived to lay a trap for a confession that generally served + to amuse us during an evening,—as much, I acknowledge, from the + manner of the recital as anything contained in the story. There was a + species of serious matter-of-fact simplicity in his detail of the most + ridiculous scenes that left you convinced that his bearing upon the affair + in question must have greatly heightened the absurdity,—nothing, + however comic or droll in itself, ever exciting in him the least approach + to a smile. He sat with his large light-blue eyes, light hair, long upper + lip, and retreating chin, lisping out an account of an adventure, with a + look of Listen about him that was inconceivably amusing. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Sparks," said Power, "I claim a promise you made me the other + night, on condition we let you off making the oyster-patties at ten + o'clock; you can't forget what I mean." Here the captain knowingly touched + the tip of his ear, at which signal the cornet colored slightly, and drank + off his wine in a hurried, confused way. "He promised to tell us, Major, + how he lost the tip of his left ear. I have myself heard hints of the + circumstance, but would much rather hear Sparks's own version of it." + </p> + <p> + "Another love story," said the doctor, with a grin, "I'll be bound." + </p> + <p> + "Shot off in a duel?" said I, inquiringly. "Close work, too." + </p> + <p> + "No such thing," replied Power; "but Sparks will enlighten you. It is, + without exception, the most touching and beautiful thing I ever heard. As + a simple story, it beats the 'Vicar of Wakefield' to sticks." + </p> + <p> + "You don't say so?" said poor Sparks, blushing. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, that I do; and maintain it, too. I'd rather be the hero of that + little adventure, and be able to recount it as you do,—for, mark me, + that's no small part of the effect,—than I'd be full colonel of the + regiment. Well, I am sure I always thought it affecting. But, somehow, my + dear friend, you don't know your powers; you have that within you would + make the fortune of half the periodicals going. Ask Monsoon or O'Malley + there if I did not say so at breakfast, when you were grilling the old + hen,—which, by-the-bye, let me remark, was not one of your <i>chefs-d'oeuvre</i>." + </p> + <p> + "A tougher beastie I never put a tooth in." + </p> + <p> + "But the story, the story," said I. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Power, with a tone of command, "the story, Sparks." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you really think it worth telling, as I have always felt it a + very remarkable incident, here goes." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII + </h2> + <p> + MR. SPARKS'S STORY. + </p> + <p> + "I sat at breakfast one beautiful morning at the Goat Inn at Barmouth, + looking out of a window upon the lovely vale of Barmouth, with its tall + trees and brown trout-stream struggling through the woods, then turning to + take a view of the calm sea, that, speckled over with white-sailed + fishing-boats, stretched away in the distance. The eggs were fresh; the + trout newly caught; the cream delicious. Before me lay the 'Plwdwddlwn + Advertiser,' which, among the fashionable arrivals at the seaside, set + forth Mr. Sparks, nephew of Sir Toby Sparks, of Manchester,—a + paragraph, by the way, I always inserted. The English are naturally an + aristocratic people, and set a due value upon a title." + </p> + <p> + "A very just observation," remarked Power, seriously, while Sparks + continued. + </p> + <p> + "However, as far as any result from the announcement, I might as well have + spared myself the trouble, for not a single person called. Not one + solitary invitation to dinner, not a picnic, not a breakfast, no, nor even + a tea-party, was heard of. Barmouth, at the time I speak of, was just in + that transition state at which the caterpillar may be imagined, when, + having abandoned his reptile habits, he still has not succeeded in + becoming a butterfly. In fact, it had ceased to be a fishing village, but + had not arrived at the dignity of a watering-place. Now, I know nothing as + bad as this. You have not, on one hand, the quiet retirement of a little + peaceful hamlet, with its humble dwellings and cheap pleasures, nor have + you the gay and animated tableau of fashion in miniature, on the other; + but you have noise, din, bustle, confusion, beautiful scenery and lovely + points of view marred and ruined by vulgar associations. Every bold rock + and jutting promontory has its citizen occupants; every sandy cove or + tide-washed bay has its myriads of squalling babes and red baize-clad + bathing women,—those veritable descendants of the nymphs of old. + Pink parasols, donkey-carts, baskets of bread-and-butter, reticules, + guides to Barmouth, specimens of ore, fragments of gypsum meet you at + every step, and destroy every illusion of the picturesque." + </p> + <p> + "'I shall leave this,' thought I. 'My dreams, my long-cherished dreams of + romantic walks upon the sea-shore, of evening strolls by moonlight, + through dell and dingle, are reduced to a short promenade through an alley + of bathing-boxes, amidst a screaming population of nursery-maids and sick + children, with a thorough-bass of "Fresh shrimps!" discordant enough to + frighten the very fish from the shores. There is no peace, no quiet, no + romance, no poetry, no love.' Alas, that most of all was wanting! For, + after all, what is it which lights up the heart, save the flame of a + mutual attachment? What gilds the fair stream of life, save the bright ray + of warm affection? What—" + </p> + <p> + "In a word," said Power, "it is the sugar in the punch-bowl of our + existence. <i>Perge</i>, Sparks; push on." + </p> + <p> + "I was not long in making up my mind. I called for my bill; I packed my + clothes; I ordered post-horses; I was ready to start; one item in the bill + alone detained me. The frequent occurrence of the enigmatical word 'crw,' + following my servant's name, demanded an explanation, which I was in the + act of receiving, when a chaise-and-four drove rapidly up to the house. In + a moment the blinds were drawn up, and such a head appeared at the window! + Let me pause for one moment to drink in the remembrance of that lovely + being,—eyes where heaven's own blue seemed concentrated were shaded + by long, deep lashes of the darkest brown; a brow fair, noble, and + expansive, at each side of which masses of dark-brown hair waved half in + ringlets, half in loose falling bands, shadowing her pale and downy cheek, + where one faint rosebud tinge seemed lingering; lips slightly parted, as + though to speak, gave to the features all the play of animation which + completed this intellectual character, and made up—" + </p> + <p> + "What I should say was a devilish pretty girl," interrupted Power. + </p> + <p> + "Back the widow against her at long odds, any day," murmured the adjutant. + </p> + <p> + "She was an angel! an angel!" cried Sparks with enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + "So was the widow, if you go to that," said the adjutant, hastily. + </p> + <p> + "And so is Matilda Dalrymple," said Power, with a sly look at me. "We are + all honorable men; eh, Charley?" + </p> + <p> + "Go ahead with the story," said the skipper; "I'm beginning to feel an + interest in it." + </p> + <p> + "'Isabella,' said a man's voice, as a large, well-dressed personage + assisted her to alight,—'Isabella, love, you must take a little rest + here before we proceed farther.' + </p> + <p> + "'I think she had better, sir,' said a matronly-looking woman, with a + plaid cloak and a black bonnet. + </p> + <p> + "They disappeared within the house, and I was left alone. The bright dream + was past: she was there no longer; but in my heart her image lived, and I + almost felt she was before me. I thought I heard her voice, I saw her + move; my limbs trembled; my hands tingled; I rang the bell, ordered my + trunks back again to No. 5, and as I sank upon the sofa, murmured to + myself, 'This is indeed love at first sight.'" + </p> + <p> + "How devilish sudden it was," said the skipper. + </p> + <p> + "Exactly like camp fever," responded the doctor. "One moment ye are vara + well; the next ye are seized wi' a kind of shivering; then comes a kind of + mandering, dandering, travelling a'overness." + </p> + <p> + "D—— the camp fever," interrupted Power. + </p> + <p> + "Well, as I observed, I fell in love; and here let me take the opportunity + of observing that all that we are in the habit of hearing about single or + only attachments is mere nonsense. No man is so capable of feeling deeply + as he who is in the daily practice of it. Love, like everything else in + this world, demands a species of cultivation. The mere tyro in an affair + of the heart thinks he has exhausted all its pleasures and pains; but only + he who has made it his daily study for years, familiarizing his mind with + every phase of the passion, can properly or adequately appreciate it. + Thus, the more you love, the better you love; the more frequently has your + heart yielded—" + </p> + <p> + "It's vara like the mucous membrane," said the doctor. + </p> + <p> + "I'll break your neck with the decanter if you interrupt him again!" + exclaimed Power. + </p> + <p> + "For days I scarcely ever left the house," resumed Sparks, "watching to + catch one glance of the lovely Isabella. My farthest excursion was to the + little garden of the inn, where I used to set every imaginable species of + snare, in the event of her venturing to walk there. One day I would leave + a volume of poetry; another, a copy of Paul and Virginia with a marked + page; sometimes my guitar, with a broad, blue ribbon, would hang pensively + from a tree,—but, alas! all in vain; she never appeared. At length I + took courage to ask the waiter about her. For some minutes he could not + comprehend what I meant; but, at last, discovering my object, he cried + out, 'Oh, No. 8, sir; it is No. 8 you mean?' + </p> + <p> + "'It may be,' said I. 'What of her, then?' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, sir, she's gone these three days.' + </p> + <p> + "'Gone!' said I, with a groan. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, sir; she left this early on Tuesday with the same old gentleman and + the old woman in a chaise-and-four. They ordered horses at Dolgelly to + meet them; but I don't know which road they took afterwards.' + </p> + <p> + "I fell back on my chair unable to speak. Here was I enacting Romeo for + three mortal days to a mere company of Welsh waiters and chamber-maids, + sighing, serenading, reciting, attitudinizing, rose-plucking, + soliloquizing, half-suiciding, and all for the edification of a set of + savages, with about as much civilization as their own goats. + </p> + <p> + "'The bill,' cried I, in a voice of thunder; 'my bill this instant.' + </p> + <p> + "I had been imposed upon shamefully, grossly imposed upon, and would not + remain another hour in the house. Such were my feelings at least, and so + thinking, I sent for my servant, abused him for not having my clothes + ready packed. He replied; I reiterated, and as my temper mounted, vented + every imaginable epithet upon his head, and concluded by paying him his + wages and sending him about his business. In one hour more I was upon the + road. + </p> + <p> + "'What road, sir,' said the postilion, as he mounted into the saddle. + </p> + <p> + "'To the devil, if you please,' said I, throwing myself back in the + carriage. + </p> + <p> + "'Very well, sir,' replied the boy, putting spurs to his horse. + </p> + <p> + "That evening I arrived in Bedgellert. + </p> + <p> + "The little humble inn of Bedgellert, with its thatched roof and earthen + floor, was a most welcome sight to me, after eleven hours' travelling on a + broiling July day. Behind the very house itself rose the mighty Snowdon, + towering high above the other mountains, whose lofty peaks were lost + amidst the clouds; before me was the narrow valley—" + </p> + <p> + "Wake me up when he's under way again," said the skipper, yawning + fearfully. + </p> + <p> + "Go on, Sparks," said Power, encouragingly; "I was never more interested + in my life; eh, O'Malley?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite thrilling," responded I, and Sparks resumed. + </p> + <p> + "Three weeks did I loiter about that sweet spot, my mind filled with + images of the past and dreams of the future, my fishing-rod my only + companion. Not, indeed, that I ever caught anything; for, somehow, my + tackle was always getting foul of some willow-tree or water-lily, and at + last, I gave up even the pretence of whipping the streams. Well, one day—I + remember it as well as though it were but yesterday, it was the 4th of + August—I had set off upon an excursion to Llanberris. I had crossed + Snowdon early, and reached the little lake on the opposite side by + breakfast time. There I sat down near the ruined tower of Dolbadern, and + opening my knapsack, made a hearty meal. I have ever been a day-dreamer; + and there are few things I like better than to lie, upon some hot and + sunny day, in the tall grass beneath the shade of some deep boughs, with + running water murmuring near, hearing the summer bee buzzing monotonously, + and in the distance, the clear, sharp tinkle of the sheep-bell. In such a + place, at such a time, one's fancy strays playfully, like some happy + child, and none but pleasant thoughts present themselves. Fatigued by my + long walk, and overcome by heat, I fell asleep. How long I lay there I + cannot tell, but the deep shadows were half way down the tall mountain + when I awoke. A sound had startled me; I thought I heard a voice speaking + close to me. I looked up, and for some seconds I could not believe that I + was not dreaming. Beside me, within a few paces, stood Isabella, the + beautiful vision that I had seen at Barmouth, but far, a thousand times, + more beautiful. She was dressed in something like a peasant's dress, and + wore the round hat which, in Wales at least, seems to suit the character + of the female face so well; her long and waving ringlets fell carelessly + upon her shoulders, and her cheek flushed from walking. Before I had a + moment's notice to recover my roving thought, she spoke; her voice was + full and round, but soft and thrilling, as she said,— + </p> + <p> + "'I beg pardon, sir, for having disturbed you unconsciously; but, having + done so, may I request you will assist me to fill this pitcher with + water?' + </p> + <p> + "She pointed at the same time to a small stream which trickled down a + fissure in the rock, and formed a little well of clear water beneath. I + bowed deeply, and murmuring something, I know not what, took the pitcher + from her hand, and scaling the rocky cliff, mounted to the clear source + above, where having filled the vessel, I descended. When I reached the + ground beneath, I discovered that she was joined by another person whom, + in an instant, I recognized to be the old gentleman I had seen with her at + Barmouth, and who in the most courteous manner apologized for the trouble + I had been caused, and informed me that a party of his friends were + enjoying a little picnic quite near, and invited me to make one of them. + </p> + <p> + "I need not say that I accepted the invitation, nor that with delight I + seized the opportunity of forming an acquaintance with Isabella, who, I + must confess, upon her part showed no disinclination to the prospect of my + joining the party. + </p> + <p> + "After a few minutes' walking, we came to a small rocky point which + projected for some distance into the lake, and offered a view for several + miles of the vale of Llanberris. Upon this lovely spot we found the party + assembled; they consisted of about fourteen or fifteen persons, all busily + engaged in the arrangement of a very excellent cold dinner, each + individual having some peculiar province allotted to him or her, to be + performed by their own hands. Thus, one elderly gentlemen was whipping + cream under a chestnut-tree, while a very fashionably-dressed young man + was washing radishes in the lake; an old lady with spectacles was frying + salmon over a wood-fire, opposite to a short, pursy man with a bald head + and drab shorts, deep in the mystery of a chicken salad, from which he + never lifted his eyes when I came up. It was thus I found how the fair + Isabella's lot had been cast, as a drawer of water; she, with the others, + contributing her share of exertion for the common good. The old gentleman + who accompanied her seemed the only unoccupied person, and appeared to be + regarded as the ruler of the feast; at least, they all called him general, + and implicitly followed every suggestion he threw out. He was a man of a + certain grave and quiet manner, blended with a degree of mild good-nature + and courtesy, that struck me much at first, and gained greatly on me, even + in the few minutes I conversed with him as we came along. Just before he + presented me to his friends, he gently touched my arm, and drawing me + aside, whispered in my ear:— + </p> + <p> + "'Don't be surprised at anything you may hear to-day here; for I must + inform you this is a kind of club, as I may call it, where every one + assumes a certain character, and is bound to sustain it under a penalty. + We have these little meetings every now and then; and as strangers are + never present, I feel some explanation necessary, that you may be able to + enjoy the thing,—you understand?' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, perfectly,' said I, overjoyed at the novelty of the scene, and + anticipating much pleasure from my chance meeting with such very original + characters. + </p> + <p> + "'Mr. Sparks, Mrs. Winterbottom. Allow me to present Mr. Sparks.' + </p> + <p> + "'Any news from Batavia, young gentleman?' said the sallow old lady + addressed. 'How is coffee!' + </p> + <p> + "The general passed on, introducing me rapidly as he went. + </p> + <p> + "'Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Sparks.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, how do you do, old boy?' said Mr. Doolittle; 'sit down beside me. We + have forty thousand acres of pickled cabbage spoiling for want of a little + vinegar.' + </p> + <p> + "'Fie, fie, Mr. Doolittle,' said the general, and passed on to another. + </p> + <p> + "'Mr. Sparks, Captain Crosstree.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, Sparks, Sparks! son of old Blazes! ha, ha, ha!' and the captain fell + back into an immoderate fit of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "<i>'Le Rio est serci</i>,' said the thin meagre figure in nankeens, + bowing, cap in hand, before the general; and accordingly, we all assumed + our places upon the grass. + </p> + <p> + "'Say it again! Say it again, and I'll plunge this dagger in your heart!' + said a hollow voice, tremulous with agitation and rage, close beside me. I + turned my head, and saw an old gentleman with a wart on his nose, sitting + opposite a meat-pie, which he was contemplating with a look of fiery + indignation. Before I could witness the sequel of the scene, I felt a soft + hand pressed upon mine. I turned. It was Isabella herself, who, looking at + me with an expression I shall never forget, said:— + </p> + <p> + "'Don't mind poor Faddy; he never hurts any one.' + </p> + <p> + "Meanwhile the business of dinner went on rapidly. The servants, of whom + enormous numbers were now present, ran hither and thither; and duck, ham, + pigeon-pie, cold veal, apple tarts, cheese, pickled salmon, melon, and + rice pudding, flourished on every side. As for me, whatever I might have + gleaned from the conversation around under other circumstances, I was too + much occupied with Isabella to think of any one else. My suit—for + such it was—progressed rapidly. There was evidently something + favorable in the circumstances we last met under; for her manner had all + the warmth and cordiality of old friendship. It is true that, more than + once, I caught the general's eye fixed upon us with anything but an + expression of pleasure, and I thought that Isabella blushed and seemed + confused also. 'What care I?' however, was my reflection; 'my views are + honorable; and the nephew and heir of Sir Toby Sparks—' Just in the + very act of making this reflection, the old man in the shorts hit me in + the eye with a roasted apple, calling out at the moment:— + </p> + <p> + "'When did you join, thou child of the pale-faces?' + </p> + <p> + "'Mr. Murdocks!' cried the general, in a voice of thunder; and the little + man hung down his head, and spoke not. + </p> + <p> + "'A word with you, young gentleman,' said a fat old lady, pinching my arm + above the elbow. + </p> + <p> + "'Never mind her,' said Isabella, smiling; 'poor dear old Dorking, she + thinks she's an hour-glass. How droll, isn't it?' + </p> + <p> + "'Young man, have you any feelings of humanity?' inquired the old lady, + with tears in her eyes as she spoke; 'will you, dare you assist a + fellow-creature under my sad circumstances?' + </p> + <p> + "'What can I do for you, Madam?' said I, really feeling for her distress. + </p> + <p> + "'Just like a good dear soul, just turn me up, for I'm nearly run out.' + </p> + <p> + "Isabella burst out a laughing at the strange request,—an excess + which, I confess, I was unable myself to repress; upon which the old lady, + putting on a frown of the most ominous blackness, said:— + </p> + <p> + "'You may laugh, Madam; but first before you ridicule the misfortunes of + others, ask yourself are you, too, free from infirmity? When did you see + the ace of spades, Madam? Answer me that.' + </p> + <p> + "Isabella became suddenly pale as death; her very lips blanched, and her + voice, almost inaudible, muttered:— + </p> + <p> + "'Am I, then, deceived? Is not this he?' So saying, she placed her hand + upon my shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "'That the ace of spades?' exclaimed the old lady, with a sneer,—'that + the ace of spades!' + </p> + <p> + "'Are you, or are you not, sir?' said Isabella, fixing her deep and + languid eyes upon me. 'Answer me, as you are honest; are you the ace of + spades?' + </p> + <p> + "'He is the King of Tuscarora. Look at his war paint!' cried an elderly + gentleman, putting a streak of mustard across my nose and cheek. + </p> + <p> + "'Then am I deceived,' said Isabella. And flying at me, she plucked a + handful of hair out of my whiskers. + </p> + <p> + "'Cuckoo, cuckoo!' shouted one; 'Bow-wow-wow!' roared another; 'Phiz!' + went a third; and in an instant, such a scene of commotion and riot + ensued. Plates, dishes, knives, forks, and decanters flew right and left; + every one pitched into his neighbor with the most fearful cries, and hell + itself seemed broke loose. The hour-glass and the Moulah of Oude had got + me down and were pummelling me to death, when a short, thickset man came + on all fours slap down upon them shouting out, 'Way, make way for the + royal Bengal tiger!' at which they both fled like lightning, leaving me to + the encounter single-handed. Fortunately, however, this was not of very + long duration, for some well-disposed Christians pulled him from off me; + not, however, before he had seized me in his grasp, and bitten off a + portion of my left ear, leaving me, as you see, thus mutilated for the + rest of my days." + </p> + <p> + "What an extraordinary club," broke in the doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Club, sir, club! it was a lunatic asylum. The general was no other than + the famous Dr. Andrew Moorville, that had the great madhouse at Bangor, + and who was in the habit of giving his patients every now and then a kind + of country party; it being one remarkable feature of their malady that + when one takes to his peculiar flight, whatever it be, the others + immediately take the hint and go off at score. Hence my agreeable + adventure: the Bengal tiger being a Liverpool merchant, and the most + vivacious madman in England; while the hour-glass and the Moulah were both + on an experimental tour to see whether they should not be pronounced + totally incurable for life." + </p> + <p> + "And Isabella?" inquired Power. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, poor Isabella had been driven mad by a card-playing aunt at Bath, and + was in fact the most hopeless case there. The last words I heard her speak + confirmed my mournful impression of her case,— + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' said she, as they removed her to her carriage, 'I must, indeed, + have but a weak intellect, when I could have taken the nephew of a + Manchester cotton-spinner, with a face like a printed calico, for a trump + card, and the best in the pack!'" + </p> + <p> + Poor Sparks uttered these last words with a faltering accent, and + finishing his glass at one draught withdrew without wishing us good-night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE SKIPPER. + </p> + <p> + In such like gossipings passed our days away, for our voyage itself had + nothing of adventure or incident to break its dull monotony; save some few + hours of calm, we had been steadily following our seaward track with a + fair breeze, and the long pennant pointed ever to the land where our + ardent expectations were hurrying before it. + </p> + <p> + The latest accounts which had reached us from the Peninsula told that our + regiment was almost daily engaged; and we burned with impatience to share + with the others the glory they were reaping. Power, who had seen service, + felt less on this score than we who had not "fleshed our maiden swords;" + but even he sometimes gave way, and when the wind fell toward sunset, he + would break out into some exclamation of discontent, half fearing we + should be too late. "For," said he, "if we go on in this way the regiment + will be relieved and ordered home before we reach it." + </p> + <p> + "Never fear, my boys, you'll have enough of it. Both sides like the work + too well to give in; they've got a capital ground and plenty of spare + time," said the major. + </p> + <p> + "Only to think," cried Power, "that we should be lounging away our idle + hours when these gallant fellows are in the saddle late and early. It is + too bad; eh, O'Malley? You'll not be pleased to go back with the polish on + your sabre? What will Lucy Dashwood say?" + </p> + <p> + This was the first allusion Power had ever made to her, and I became red + to the very forehead. + </p> + <p> + "By-the-bye," added he, "I have a letter for Hammersley, which should + rather have been entrusted to your keeping." + </p> + <p> + At these words I felt cold as death, while he continued:— + </p> + <p> + "Poor fellow! certainly he is most desperately smitten; for, mark me, when + a man at his age takes the malady, it is forty times as severe as with a + younger fellow, like you. But then, to be sure, he began at the wrong end + in the matter; why commence with papa? When a man has his own consent for + liking a girl, he must be a contemptible fellow if he can't get her; and + as to anything else being wanting, I don't understand it. But the moment + you begin by influencing the heads of the house, good-by to your chances + with the dear thing herself, if she have any spirit whatever. It is, in + fact, calling on her to surrender without the honors of war; and what girl + would stand that?" + </p> + <p> + "It's vara true," said the doctor; "there's a strong speerit of opposition + in the sex, from physiological causes." + </p> + <p> + "Curse your physiology, old Galen; what you call opposition, is that + piquant resistance to oppression that makes half the charm of the sex. It + is with them—with reverence be it spoken—as with horses: the + dull, heavy-shouldered ones, that bore away with the bit in their teeth, + never caring whether you are pulling to the right or to the left, are + worth nothing; the real luxury is in the management of your arching-necked + curvetter, springing from side to side with every motion of your wrist, + madly bounding at restraint, yet, to the practised hand, held in check + with a silk tread. Eh, Skipper, am I not right?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I can't say I've had much to do with horse-beasts, but I believe + you're not far wrong. The lively craft that answers the helm quick, goes + round well in stays, luffs up close within a point or two, when you want + her, is always a good sea-boat, even though she pitches and rolls a bit; + but the heavy lugger that never knows whether your helm is up or down, + whether she's off the wind or on it, is only fit for firewood,—you + can do nothing with a ship or a woman if she hasn't got steerage way on + her." + </p> + <p> + "Come, Skipper, we've all been telling our stories; let us hear one of + yours?" + </p> + <p> + "My yarn won't come so well after your sky-scrapers of love and courting + and all that. But if you like to hear what happened to me once, I have no + objection to tell you. + </p> + <p> + "I often think how little we know what's going to happen to us any minute + of our lives. To-day we have the breeze fair in our favor, we are going + seven knots, studding-sails set, smooth water, and plenty of sea-room; + to-morrow the wind freshens to half a gale, the sea gets up, a rocky coast + is seen from the lee bow, and may be—to add to all—we spring a + leak forward; but then, after all, bad as it looks, mayhap, we rub through + even this, and with the next day, the prospect is as bright and cheering + as ever. You'll perhaps ask me what has all this moralizing to do with + women and ships at sea? Nothing at all with them, except that I was a + going to say, that when matters look worst, very often the best is in + store for us, and we should never say strike when there is a timber + together. Now for my story:— + </p> + <p> + "It's about four years ago, I was strolling one evening down the side of + the harbor at Cove, with my hands in my pocket, having nothing to do, nor + no prospect of it, for my last ship had been wrecked off the Bermudas, and + nearly all the crew lost; and somehow, when a man is in misfortune, the + underwriters won't have him at no price. Well, there I was, looking about + me at the craft that lay on every side waiting for a fair wind to run down + channel. All was active and busy; every one getting his vessel ship-shape + and tidy,—tarring, painting, mending sails, stretching new bunting, + and getting in sea-store; boats were plying on every side, signals flying, + guns firing from the men-of-war, and everything was lively as might be,—all + but me. There I was, like an old water-logged timber ship, never moving a + spar, but looking for all the world as though I were a settling fast to go + down stern foremost: may be as how I had no objection to that same; but + that's neither here nor there. Well, I sat down on the fluke of an anchor, + and began a thinking if it wasn't better to go before the mast than live + on that way. Just before me, where I sat down, there was an old schooner + that lay moored in the same place for as long as I could remember. She was + there when I was a boy, and never looked a bit the fresher nor newer as + long as I recollected; her old bluff bows, her high poop, her round stern, + her flush deck, all Dutch-like, I knew them well, and many a time I + delighted to think what queer kind of a chap he was that first set her on + the stocks, and pondered in what trade she ever could have been. All the + sailors about the port used to call her Noah's Ark, and swear she was the + identical craft that he stowed away all the wild beasts in during the + rainy season. Be that as it might, since I fell into misfortune, I got to + feel a liking for the old schooner; she was like an old friend; she never + changed to me, fair weather or foul; there she was, just the same as + thirty years before, when all the world were forgetting and steering wide + away from me. Every morning I used to go down to the harbor and have a + look at her, just to see that all was right and nothing stirred; and if it + blew very hard at night, I'd get up and go down to look how she weathered + it, just as if I was at sea in her. Now and then I'd get some of the + watermen to row me aboard of her, and leave me there for a few hours; when + I used to be quite happy walking the deck, holding the old worm-eaten + wheel, looking out ahead, and going down below, just as though I was in + command of her. Day after day this habit grew on me, and at last my whole + life was spent in watching her and looking after her,—-there was + something so much alike in our fortunes, that I always thought of her. + Like myself, she had had her day of life and activity; we had both braved + the storm and the breeze; her shattered bulwarks and worn cutwater + attested that she had, like myself, not escaped her calamities. We both + had survived our dangers, to be neglected and forgotten, and to lie + rotting on the stream of life till the crumbling hand of Time should break + us up, timber by timber. Is it any wonder if I loved the old craft; nor if + by any chance the idle boys would venture aboard of her to play and amuse + themselves that I hallooed them away; or when a newly-arrived ship, not + caring for the old boat, would run foul of her, and carry away some spar + or piece of running rigging, I would suddenly call out to them to sheer + off and not damage us? By degrees, they came all to notice this; and I + found that they thought me out of my senses, and many a trick was played + off upon old Noah, for that was the name the sailors gave me. + </p> + <p> + "Well, this evening, as I was saying, I sat upon the fluke of the anchor, + waiting for a chance boat to put me aboard. It was past sunset, the tide + was ebbing, and the old craft was surging to the fast current that ran by + with a short, impatient jerk, as though she were well weary, and wished to + be at rest; her loose stays creaked mournfully, and as she yawed over, the + sea ran from many a breach in her worn sides, like blood trickling from a + wound. 'Ay, ay,' thought I, 'the hour is not far off; another stiff gale, + and all that remains of you will be found high and dry upon the shore.' My + heart was very heavy as I thought of this; for in my loneliness, the old + Ark—though that was not her name, as I'll tell you presently—was + all the companion I had. I've heard of a poor prisoner who, for many and + many years, watched a spider that wove his web within his window, and + never lost sight of him from morning till night; and somehow, I can + believe it well. The heart will cling to something, and if it has no + living object to press to, it will find a lifeless one,—it can no + more stand alone than the shrouds can without the mast. The evening wore + on, as I was thinking thus; the moon shone out, but no boat came, and I + was just determining to go home again for the night, when I saw two men + standing on the steps of the wharf below me, and looking straight at the + Ark. Now, I must tell you I always felt uneasy when any one came to look + at her; for I began to fear that some shipowner or other would buy her to + break up, though, except the copper fastenings, there was little of any + value about her. Now, the moment I saw the two figures stop short, and + point to her, I said to myself, 'Ah, my old girl, so they won't even let + the blue water finish you, but they must set their carpenters and dockyard + people to work upon you.' This thought grieved me more and more. Had a + stiff sou'-wester laid her over, I should have felt it more natural, for + her sand was run out; but just as this passed through my mind, I heard a + voice from one of the persons, that I at once knew to be the port + admiral's:— + </p> + <p> + "'Well, Dawkins,' said he to the other, 'if you think she'll hold + together, I'm sure I've no objection. I don't like the job, I confess; but + still the Admiralty must be obeyed.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, my lord,' said the other, 'she's the very thing; she's a + rakish-looking craft, and will do admirably. Any repair we want, a few + days will effect; secrecy is the great thing.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' said the admiral, after a pause, 'as you observed, secrecy is the + great thing.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ho! ho!' thought I, 'there's something in the wind, here;' so I laid + myself out upon the anchor-stock, to listen better, unobserved. + </p> + <p> + "'We must find a crew for her, give her a few carronades, make her as + ship-shape as we can, and if the skipper—' + </p> + <p> + "'Ay, but there is the real difficulty,' said the admiral, hastily; 'where + are we to find a fellow that will suit us? We can't every day find a man + willing to jeopardize himself in such a cause as this, even though the + reward be a great one.' + </p> + <p> + "'Very true, my lord; but I don't think there is any necessity for our + explaining to him the exact nature of the service.' + </p> + <p> + "'Come, come, Dawkins, you can't mean that you'll lead a poor fellow into + such a scrape blindfolded?' + </p> + <p> + "'Why, my lord, you never think it requisite to give a plan of your cruise + to your ship's crew before clearing out of harbor.' + </p> + <p> + "'This may be perfectly just, but I don't like it,' said the admiral. + </p> + <p> + "'In that case, my lord, you are imparting the secrets of the Admiralty to + a party who may betray the whole plot.' + </p> + <p> + "'I wish, with all my soul, they'd given the order to any one else,' said + the admiral, with a sigh; and for a few moments neither spoke a word. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, then, Dawkins, I believe there is nothing for it but what you say; + meanwhile, let the repairs be got in hand, and see after a crew.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, as to that,' said the other, 'there are plenty of scoundrels in the + fleet here fit for nothing else. Any fellow who has been thrice up for + punishment in six months, we'll draft on board of her; the fellows who + have only been once to the gangway, we'll make the officers.' + </p> + <p> + "'A pleasant ship's company,' thought I, 'if the Devil would only take the + command. + </p> + <p> + "'And with a skipper proportionate to their merit,' said Dawkins. + </p> + <p> + "'Begad, I'll wish the French joy of them,' said the admiral. + </p> + <p> + "'Ho, ho!' thought I, 'I've found you out at last; so this is a secret + expedition. I see it all; they're fitting her out as a fire-ship, and + going to send her slap in among the French fleet at Brest. Well,' thought + I, 'even that's better; that, at least, is a glorious end, though the poor + fellows have no chance of escape.' + </p> + <p> + "'Now, then,' said the admiral, 'to-morrow you'll look out for the fellow + to take the command. He must be a smart seaman, a bold fellow, too, + otherwise the ruffianly crew will be too much for him; he may bid high, + we'll come to his price.' + </p> + <p> + "'So you may,' thought I, 'when you're buying his life.' + </p> + <p> + "'I hope sincerely,' continued the admiral, 'that we may light upon some + one without wife or child; I never could forgive myself—' + </p> + <p> + "'Never fear, my lord,' said the other; 'my care shall be to pitch upon + one whose loss no one would feel; some one without friend or home, who, + setting his life for nought, cares less for the gain than the very + recklessness of the adventure.' + </p> + <p> + "'That's me,' said I, springing up from the anchor-stock, and springing + between them; 'I'm that man.' + </p> + <p> + "Had the very Devil himself appeared at the moment, I doubt if they would + have been more scared. The admiral started a pace or two backwards, while + Dawkins, the first surprise over, seized me by the collar, and hold me + fast. + </p> + <p> + "'Who are you, scoundrel, and what brings you here?' said he, in a voice + hoarse with passion. + </p> + <p> + "'I'm old Noah,' said I; for somehow, I had been called by no other name + for so long, I never thought of my real one. + </p> + <p> + "'Noah!' said the admiral,—'Noah! Well, but Noah, what were you + doing here at this time of night?' + </p> + <p> + "'I was a watching the Ark, my lord,' said I, bowing, as I took off my + hat. + </p> + <p> + "'I've heard of this fellow before, my lord,' said Dawkins; 'he's a poor + lunatic that is always wandering about the harbor, and, I believe, has no + harm in him.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, but he has been listening, doubtless, to our conversation,' said + the admiral. 'Eh, have you heard all we have been saying?' + </p> + <p> + "'Every word of it, my lord.' + </p> + <p> + "At this the admiral and Dawkins looked steadfastly at each other for some + minutes, but neither spoke; at last Dawkins said, 'Well, Noah, I've been + told you are a man to be depended on; may we rely upon your not repeating + anything you overheard this evening,—at least, for a year to come?' + </p> + <p> + "'You may,' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'But, Dawkins,' said the admiral, in a half-whisper, 'if the poor fellow + be mad?' + </p> + <p> + "'My lord,' said I, boldly, 'I am not mad. Misfortune and calamity I have + had enough of to make me so; but, thank God, my brain has been tougher + than my poor heart. I was once the part-owner and commander of a goodly + craft, that swept the sea, if not with a broad pennon at her mast-head, + with as light a spirit as ever lived beneath one. I was rich, I had a home + and a child; I am now poor, houseless, childless, friendless, and an + outcast. If in my solitary wretchedness I have loved to look upon that old + bark, it is because its fortune seemed like my own. It had outlived all + that needed or cared for it. For this reason have they thought me mad, + though there are those, and not few either, who can well bear testimony if + stain or reproach lie at my door, and if I can be reproached with aught + save bad luck. I have heard by chance what you have said this night. I + know that you are fitting out a secret expedition; I know its dangers, its + inevitable dangers, and I here offer myself to lead it. I ask no reward; I + look for no price. Alas, who is left to me for whom I could labor now? + Give me but the opportunity to end my clays with honor on board the old + craft, where my heart still clings; give me but that. Well, if you will + not do so much, let me serve among the crew; put me before the mast. My + lord, you'll not refuse this. It is an old man asks; one whose gray hairs + have floated many a year ago before the breeze.' + </p> + <p> + "'My poor fellow, you know not what you ask; this is no common case of + danger.' + </p> + <p> + "'I know it all, my lord; I have heard it all.' + </p> + <p> + "'Dawkins, what is to be done here?' inquired the admiral. + </p> + <p> + "'I say, friend,' inquired Dawkins, laying his hand upon my arm, 'what is + your real name? Are you he who commanded the "Dwarf" privateer in the Isle + of France?' + </p> + <p> + "'The same.' + </p> + <p> + "'Then you are known to Lord Collingwood?' + </p> + <p> + "'He knows me well, and can speak to my character.' + </p> + <p> + "'What he says of himself is all true, my lord.' + </p> + <p> + "'True,' said I, 'true! You did not doubt it, did you?' + </p> + <p> + "'We,' said the admiral, 'must speak together again. Be here to-morrow + night at this hour; keep your own counsel of what has passed, and now + good-night.' So saying, the admiral took Dawkins by the arm and returned + slowly towards the town, leaving me where I stood, meditating on this + singular meeting and its possible consequences. + </p> + <p> + "The whole of the following day was passed by me in a state of feverish + excitement which I cannot describe; this strange adventure breaking in so + suddenly upon the dull monotony of my daily existence had so aroused and + stimulated me that I could neither rest nor eat. How I longed for night to + come; for sometimes, as the day wore later, I began to fear that the whole + scene of my meeting with the admiral had been merely some excited dream of + a tortured and fretted mind; and as I stood examining the ground where I + believed the interview to have occurred, I endeavored to recall the + position of different objects as they stood around, to corroborate my own + failing remembrance. + </p> + <p> + "At last the evening closed in; but unlike the preceding one, the sky was + covered with masses of dark and watery cloud that drifted hurriedly + across; the air felt heavy and thick, and unnaturally still and calm; the + water of the harbor looked of a dull, leaden hue, and all the vessels + seemed larger than they were, and stood out from the landscape more + clearly than usual; now and then a low rumbling noise was heard, somewhat + alike in sound, but far too faint for distant thunder, while occasionally + the boats and smaller craft rocked to and fro, as though some ground swell + stirred them without breaking the languid surface of the sea above. + </p> + <p> + "A few drops of thick, heavy rain fell just as the darkness came on, and + then all felt still and calm as before. I sat upon the anchor-stock, my + eyes fixed upon the old Ark, until gradually her outline grew fainter and + fainter against the dark sky, and her black hull could scarcely be + distinguished from the water beneath. I felt that I was looking towards + her; for long after I had lost sight of the tall mast and high-pitched + bowsprit, I feared to turn away my head lest I should lose the place where + she lay. + </p> + <p> + "The time went slowly on, and although in reality I had not been long + there, I felt as if years themselves had passed over my head. Since I had + come there my mind brooded over all the misfortunes of my life; as I + contrasted its outset, bright with hope and rich in promise, with the sad + reality, my heart grew heavy and my chest heaved painfully. So sunk was I + in my reflections, so lost in thought, that I never knew that the storm + had broken loose, and that the heavy rain was falling in torrents. The + very ground, parched with long drought, smoked as it pattered upon it; + while the low, wailing cry of the sea-gull, mingled with the deep growl of + far-off thunder, told that the night was a fearful one for those at sea. + Wet through and shivering, I sat still, now listening amidst the noise of + the hurricane and the creaking of the cordage for any footstep to + approach, and now relapsing back into half-despairing dread that my heated + brain alone had conjured up the scene of the day before. Such were my + dreary reflections when a loud crash aboard the schooner told me that some + old spar had given way. I strained my eyes through the dark to see what + had happened, but in vain; the black vapor, thick with falling rain, + obscured everything, and all was hid from view. I could hear that she + worked violently as the waves beat against her worn sides, and that her + iron cable creaked as she pitched to the breaking sea. The wind was + momentarily increasing, and I began to fear lest I should have taken my + last look at the old craft, when my attention was called off by hearing a + loud voice cry out, 'Halloo there! Where are you?' + </p> + <p> + "'Ay, ay, sir, I'm here.' In a moment the admiral and his friend were + beside me. + </p> + <p> + "'What a night!' exclaimed the admiral, as he shook the rain from the + heavy boat-cloak and cowered in beneath some tall blocks of granite near. + 'I began half to hope that you might not have been here, my poor fellow,' + said the admiral; 'it's a dreadful time for one so poorly clad for a + storm. I say, Dawkins, let him have a pull at your flask.' The brandy + rallied me a little, and I felt that it cheered my drooping courage. + </p> + <p> + "'This is not a time nor is it a place for much parley,' said the admiral, + 'so that we must even make short work of it. Since we met here last night + I have satisfied myself that you are to be trusted, that your character + and reputation have nothing heavier against them than misfortune, which + certainly, if I have been rightly informed, has been largely dealt out to + you. Now, then, I am willing to accept of your offer of service if you are + still of the same mind as when you made it, and if you are willing to + undertake what we have to do without any question and inquiry as to points + on which we must not and dare not inform you. Whatever you may have + overheard last night may or may not have put you in possession of our + secret. If the former, your determination can be made at once; if the + latter, you have only to decide whether you are ready to go blindfolded in + the business.' + </p> + <p> + "'I am ready, my lord,' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'You perhaps are then aware what is the nature of the service?' + </p> + <p> + "'I know it not,' said I. 'All that I heard, sir, leads me to suppose it + one of danger, but that's all.' + </p> + <p> + "'I think, my lord,' said Dawkins, 'that no more need now be said. Cupples + is ready to engage, we are equally so to accept; the thing is pressing. + When can you sail?' + </p> + <p> + "'To-night,' said I, 'if you will.' + </p> + <p> + "'Really, Dawkins,' said the admiral, 'I don't see why—' + </p> + <p> + '"My lord, I beg of you,' said the other, interrupting, 'let me now + complete the arrangement. This is the plan,' said he, turning towards me + as he spoke: 'As soon as that old craft can be got ready for sea, or some + other if she be not worth, it, you will sail from this port with a strong + crew, well armed and supplied with ammunition. Your destination is Malta, + your object to deliver to the admiral stationed there the despatches with + which you will be entrusted; they contain information of immense + importance, which for certain reasons cannot be sent through a ship of + war, but must be forwarded by a vessel that may not attract peculiar + notice. If you be attacked, your orders are to resist; if you be taken, on + no account destroy the papers, for the French vessel can scarcely escape + capture from our frigates, and it is of great consequence these papers + should remain. Such is a brief sketch of our plan; the details can be made + known to you hereafter.' + </p> + <p> + "'I am quite ready, my lord. I ask for no terms; I make no stipulations. + If the result be favorable it will be time enough to speak of that. When + am I to sail?' + </p> + <p> + "As I spoke, the admiral turned suddenly round and said something in a + whisper to Dawkins, who appeared to overrule it, whatever it might be, and + finally brought him over to his own opinion. + </p> + <p> + "'Come, Cupples,' said Dawkins, 'the affair is now settled; to-morrow a + boat will be in waiting for you opposite Spike Island to convey you on + board the "Semiramis," where every step in the whole business shall be + explained to you; meanwhile you have only to keep your own counsel and + trust the secret to no one.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, Cupples,' said the admiral, 'we rely upon you for that, so + good-night.' As he spoke he placed within my hands a crumpled note for ten + pounds, and squeezing my fingers, departed. + </p> + <p> + "My yarn is spinning out to a far greater length than I intended, so I'll + try and shorten it a bit. The next day I went aboard the 'Semiramis,' + where, when I appeared upon the quarter-deck, I found myself an object of + some interest. The report that I was the man about to command the 'Brian,'—that + was the real name of the old craft,—had caused some curiosity among + the officers, and they all spoke to me with great courtesy. After waiting + a short time I was ordered to go below, where the admiral, his + flag-captain, Dawkins, and the others were seated. They repeated at + greater length the conversation of the night before, and finally decided + that I was to sail in three weeks; for although the old schooner was sadly + damaged, they had lost no time, but had her already high in dock, with two + hundred ship-carpenters at work upon her. + </p> + <p> + "I do not shorten sail here to tell you what reports were circulated about + Cove as to my extraordinary change in circumstances, nor how I bore my + altered fortunes. It is enough if I say that in less than three weeks I + weighed anchor and stood out to sea one beautiful morning in autumn, and + set out upon my expedition. + </p> + <p> + "I have already told you something of the craft. Let me complete the + picture by informing you that before twenty-four hours passed over I + discovered that so ungainly, so awkward, so unmanageable a vessel never + put to sea. In light winds she scarcely stirred or moved, as if she were + waterlogged; if it came to blow upon the quarter, she fell off from her + helm at a fearful rate; in wearing, she endangered every spar she had; and + when you put her in stays, when half round she would fall back and nearly + carry away every stitch of canvas with the shock. If the ship was bad, the + crew was ten times worse. What Dawkins said turned out to be literally + true. Every ill-conducted, disorderly fellow who had been up the gangway + once a week or so, every unreclaimed landsman of bad character and no + seamanship, was sent on board of us: and in fact, except that there was + scarcely any discipline and no restraint, we appeared like a floating + penitentiary of convicted felons. + </p> + <p> + So long as we ran down channel with a slack sea and fair wind, so long all + went on tolerably well; to be sure they only kept watch when they were + tired below, when they came up, reeled about the deck, did all just as + they pleased, and treated me with no manner of respect. After some vain + efforts to repress their excesses,—vain, for I had but one to second + me,—I appeared to take no notice of their misconduct, and contented + myself with waiting for the time when, my dreary voyage over, I should + quit the command and part company with such associates forever. At last, + however, it came on to blow, and the night we passed the Lizard was indeed + a fearful one. As morning broke, a sea running mountains high, a wind + strong from the northwest, was hurrying the old craft along at a rate I + believed impossible. I shall not stop to recount the frightful scenes of + anarchy, confusion, drunkenness, and insubordination which our crew + exhibited,—the recollection is too bad already, and I would spare + you and myself the recital; but on the fourth day from the setting in of + the gale, as we entered the Bay of Biscay, some one aloft descried a + strange sail to windward bearing down as if in pursuit of us. Scarcely did + the news reach the deck when, bad as it was before, matters became now ten + times worse, some resolving to give themselves up if the chase happened to + be French, and vowing that before surrendering the spirit-room should be + forced, and every man let drink as he pleased. Others proposed if there + were anything like equality in the force, to attack, and convert the + captured vessel, if they succeeded, into a slaver, and sail at once for + Africa. Some were for blowing up the old 'Brian' with all on board; and in + fact every counsel that drunkenness, insanity, and crime combined could + suggest was offered and descanted on. Meanwhile the chase gained rapidly + upon us, and before noon we discovered her to be a French letter-of-marque + with four guns and a long brass swivel upon the poop deck. As for us, + every sheet of canvas we could crowd was crammed on, but in vain. And as + we labored through the heavy sea, our riotous crew grew every moment + worse, and sitting down sulkily in groups upon the deck, declared that, + come what might, they would neither work the ship nor fight her; that they + had been sent to sea in a rotten craft merely to effect their destruction; + and that they cared little for the disgrace of a flag they detested. Half + furious with the taunting sarcasm I heard on every side, and nearly mad + from passion, and bewildered, my first impulse was to run among them with + my drawn cutlass, and ere I fell their victim, take heavy vengeance upon + the ringleaders, when suddenly a sharp booming noise came thundering + along, and a round shot went flying over our heads. + </p> + <p> + "'Down with the ensign; strike at once!' cried eight or ten voices + together, as the ball whizzed through the rigging. Anticipating this, and + resolving, whatever might happen, to fight her to the last, I had made the + mate, a staunch-hearted, resolute fellow, to make fast the signal sailyard + aloft, so that it was impossible for any one on deck to lower the bunting. + Bang! went another gun; and before the smoke cleared away, a third, which, + truer in its aim than the rest, went clean through the lower part of our + mainsail. + </p> + <p> + "'Steady, then, boys, and clear for action,' said the mate. + </p> + <p> + 'She's a French smuggling craft that will sheer off when we show fight, so + that we must not fire a shot till she comes alongside.' + </p> + <p> + "'And harkee, lads,' said I, taking up the tone of encouragement he spoke + with, 'if we take her, I promise to claim nothing of the prize. Whatever + we capture you shall divide among yourselves.' + </p> + <p> + "'It's very easy to divide what we never had,' said one; 'Nearly as easy + as to give it,' cried another; 'I'll never light match or draw cutlass in + the cause,' said a third. + </p> + <p> + "'Surrender!' 'Strike the flag!' 'Down with the colors!' roared several + voices together. + </p> + <p> + "By this time the Frenchman was close up, and ranging his long gun to + sweep our decks; his crew were quite perceptible,—about twenty + bronzed, stout-looking follows, stripped to the waist, and carrying + pistols in broad flat belts slung over the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "'Come, my lads,' said I, raising my voice, as I drew a pistol from my + side and cocked it, 'our time is short now; I may as well tell you that + the first shot that strikes us amidship blows up the whole craft and every + man on board. We are nothing less than a fireship, destined for Brest + harbor to blow up the French fleet. If you are willing to make an effort + for your lives, follow me!' + </p> + <p> + "The men looked aghast. Whatever recklessness crime and drunkenness had + given them, the awful feeling of inevitable death at once repelled. Short + as was the time for reflection, they felt that there were many + circumstances to encourage the assertion,—the nature of the vessel, + her riotous, disorderly crew, the secret nature of the service, all + confirmed it,—and they answered with a shout of despairing + vengeance, 'We'll board her; lead us on!' As the cry rose up, the long + swivel from the chase rang sharply in our ears, and a tremendous discharge + of grape flew through our rigging. None of our men, however, fell; and + animated now with the desire for battle, they sprang to the binnacle, and + seized their arms. + </p> + <p> + "In an instant the whole deck became a scene of excited bustle; and + scarcely was the ammunition dealt out, and the boarding party drawn up, + when the Frenchman broached to and lashed his bowsprit to our own. + </p> + <p> + "One terrific yell burst from our fellows as they sprang from the rigging + and the poop upon the astonished Frenchmen, who thought that the victory + was already their own; with death and ruin behind, their only hope before, + they dashed forward like madmen to the fray. + </p> + <p> + "The conflict was bloody and terrific, though not a long one. Nearly equal + in number, but far superior in personal strength, and stimulated by their + sense of danger, our fellows rushed onward, carrying all before them to + the quarter-deck. Here the Frenchmen rallied, and for some minutes had + rather the advantage, until the mate, turning one of their guns against + them, prepared to sweep them down in a mass. Then it was that they ceased + their fire and cried out for quarter,—all save their captain, a + short, thick-set fellow, with a grizzly beard and mustache, who, seeing + his men fall back, turned on them one glance of scowling indignation, and + rushing forward, clove our boatswain to the deck with one blow. Before the + example could have been followed, he lay a bloody corpse upon the deck; + while our people, roused to madness by the loss of a favorite among the + men, dashed impetuously forward, and dealing death on every side, left not + one man living among their unresisting enemies. My story is soon told now. + We brought our prize safe into Malta, which we reached in five days. In + less than a week our men were drafted into different men-of-war on the + station. I was appointed a warrant officer in the 'Sheerwater,' forty-four + guns; and as the admiral opened the despatch, the only words he spoke + puzzled me for many a day after. + </p> + <p> + "'You have accomplished your orders too well,' said he; 'that privateer is + but a poor compensation for the whole French navy.'" + </p> + <p> + "Well," inquired Power, "and did you never hear the meaning of the words?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said he; "many years after I found out that our despatches were + false ones, intended to have fallen into the hands of the French and + mislead them as to Lord Nelson's fleet, which at that time was cruising to + the southward to catch them. This, of course, explained what fate was + destined for us,—a French prison, if not death; and after all, + either was fully good enough for the crew that sailed in the old 'Brian.'" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. + </h2> + <p> + THE LAND. + </p> + <p> + It was late when we separated for the night, and the morning was already + far advanced ere I awoke; the monotonous tramp overhead showed me that the + others were stirring, and I gently moved the shutter of the narrow window + beside me to look out. + </p> + <p> + The sea, slightly rippled upon its surface, shone like a plate of fretted + gold,—not a wave, not a breaker appeared; but the rushing sound + close by showed that we were moving fast through the water. + </p> + <p> + "Always calm hereabouts," said a gruff voice on deck, which I soon + recognized as the skipper's; "no sea whatever." + </p> + <p> + "I can make nothing of it," cried out Power, from the forepart of the + vessel. "It appears to me all cloud." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, sir, believe me; it's no fog-bank, that large dark mass to + leeward there,—that's Cintra." + </p> + <p> + "Land!" cried I, springing up, and rushing upon deck; "where, Skipper,—where + is the land?" + </p> + <p> + "I say, Charley," said Power, "I hope you mean to adopt a little more + clothing on reaching Lisbon; for though the climate is a warm one—" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, O'Malley," said the major, "the Portuguese will only be + flattered by the attention, if you land as you are." + </p> + <p> + "Why, how so?" + </p> + <p> + "Surely, you remember what the niggers said when they saw the 79th + Highlanders landing at St. Lucie. They had never seen a Scotch regiment + before, and were consequently somewhat puzzled at the costume; till at + last, one more cunning than the rest explained it by saying: 'They are in + such a hurry to kill the poor black men that they came away without their + breeches.'" + </p> + <p> + "Now, what say you?" cried the skipper, as he pointed with his telescope + to a dark-blue mass in the distance; "see there!" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, true enough; that's Cintra!" + </p> + <p> + "Then we shall probably be in the Tagus River before morning?" + </p> + <p> + "Before midnight, if the wind holds," said the skipper. We breakfasted on + deck beneath an awning. The vessel scarcely seemed to move as she cut her + way through the calm water. + </p> + <p> + The misty outline of the coast grew gradually more defined, and at length + the blue mountains could be seen; at first but dimly, but as the day wore + on, their many-colored hues shone forth, and patches of green verdure, + dotted with sheep or sheltered by dark foliage, met the eye. The bulwarks + were crowded with anxious faces; each looked pointedly towards the shore, + and many a stout heart beat high, as the land drew near, fated to cover + with its earth more than one among us. + </p> + <p> + "And that's Portingale, Mister Charles," said a voice behind me. I turned + and saw my man Mike, as with anxious joy, he fixed his eyes upon the + shore. + </p> + <p> + "They tell me it's a beautiful place, with wine for nothing and spirits + for less. Isn't it a pity they won't be raisonable and make peace with + us?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, my good fellow, we are excellent friends; it's the French who want + to beat us all." + </p> + <p> + "Upon my conscience, that's not right. There's an ould saying in + Connaught, 'It's not fair for one to fall upon twenty.' Sergeant Haggarty + says that I'll see none of the divarsion at all." + </p> + <p> + "I don't well understand—" + </p> + <p> + "He does be telling me that, as I'm only your footboy, he'll send me away + to the rear, where there's nothing but wounded and wagons and women." + </p> + <p> + "I believe the sergeant is right there; but after all, Mike, it's a safe + place." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then, musha for the safety! I don't think much of it. Sure, they + might circumvint us. And av it wasn't displazing to you, I'd rather list." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I've no objection, Mickey. Would you like to join my regiment?" + </p> + <p> + "By coorse, your honor. I'd like to be near yourself; bekase, too, if + anything happens to you,—the Lord be betune us and harm," here he + crossed himself piously,—"sure, I'd like to be able to tell the + master how you died; and sure, there's Mr. Considine—God pardon him! + He'll be beating my brains out av I couldn't explain it all." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mike, I'll speak to some of my friends here about you, and we'll + settle it all properly. Here's the doctor." + </p> + <p> + "Arrah, Mr. Charles, don't mind him. He's a poor crayture entirely. Devil + a thing he knows." + </p> + <p> + "Why, what do you mean, man? He's physician to the forces." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, be-gorra, and so he may be!" said Mike, with a toss of his head. + "Those army docthers isn't worth their salt. It's thruth I'm telling you. + Sure, didn't he come to see me when I was sick below in the hould? + </p> + <p> + "'How do you feel?' says he. + </p> + <p> + "'Terribly dhry in the mouth,' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'But your bones,' says he; 'how's them?' + </p> + <p> + "'As if cripples was kicking me,' says I. + </p> + <p> + "Well, with that he wint away, and brought back two powders. + </p> + <p> + "'Take them,' says he, 'and you'll be cured in no time.' + </p> + <p> + "'What's them?' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'They're ematics,' says he. + </p> + <p> + "'Blood and ages!' says I, 'are they?' + </p> + <p> + "'Devil a lie,' says he; 'take them immediately.' + </p> + <p> + "And I tuk them; and would you believe me, Mister Charles?—it's + thruth I'm telling you,—devil a one o' them would stay on my + stomach. So you see what a docther he is!" + </p> + <p> + I could not help smiling at Mike's ideas of medicine, as I turned away to + talk to the major, who was busily engaged beside me. His occupation + consisted in furbishing up a very tarnished and faded uniform, whose white + seams and threadbare lace betokened many years of service. + </p> + <p> + "Getting up our traps, you see, O'Malley," said he, as he looked with no + small pride at the faded glories of his old vestment. "Astonish them at + Lisbon, we flatter ourselves. I say, Power, what a bad style of dress + they've got into latterly, with their tight waist and strapped trousers; + nothing free, nothing easy, nothing <i>dégagé</i> about it. When in a + campaign, a man ought to be able to stow prog for twenty-four hours about + his person, and no one the wiser. A very good rule, I assure you, though + it sometimes leads to awkward results. At Vimeira, I got into a sad scrape + that way. Old Sir Harry, that commanded there, sent for the sick return. I + was at dinner when the orderly came, so I packed up the eatables about me, + and rode off. Just, however, as I came up to the quarters, my horse + stumbled and threw me slap on my head. + </p> + <p> + "'Is he killed?' said Sir Harry. + </p> + <p> + "'Only stunned, your Excellency,' said some one. + </p> + <p> + "'Then he'll come to, I suppose. Look for the papers in his pocket.' + </p> + <p> + "So they turned me on my back, and plunged a hand into my side-pocket; + but, the devil take it! they pulled out a roast hen. Well, the laugh was + scarcely over at this, when another fellow dived into my coat behind, and + lugged out three sausages; and so they went on, till the ground was + covered with ham, pigeon-pie, veal, kidney, and potatoes; and the only + thing like a paper was a mess-roll of the 4th, with a droll song about Sir + Harry written in pencil on the back of it. Devil of a bad affair for me! I + was nearly broke for it; but they only reprimanded me a little, and I was + afterwards attached to the victualling department." + </p> + <p> + What an anxious thing is the last day of a voyage! How slowly creep the + hours, teeming with memories of the past and expectations of the future! + </p> + <p> + Every plan, every well-devised expedient to cheat the long and weary days + is at once abandoned; the chess-board and the new novel are alike + forgotten, and the very quarter-deck walk, with its merry gossip and + careless chit-chat, becomes distasteful. One blue and misty mountain, one + faint outline of the far-off shore, has dispelled all thought of these; + and with straining eye and anxious heart, we watch for land. + </p> + <p> + As the day wears on apace, the excitement increases; the faint and shadowy + forms of distant objects grow gradually clearer. Where before some tall + and misty mountain peak was seen, we now descry patches of deepest blue + and sombre olive; the mellow corn and the waving woods, the village spire + and the lowly cot, come out of the landscape; and like some + well-remembered voice, they speak of home. The objects we have seen, the + sounds we have heard a hundred times before without interest, become to us + now things that stir the heart. + </p> + <p> + For a time the bright glare of the noonday sun dazzles the view and + renders indistinct the prospect; but as evening falls, once more is all + fair and bright and rich before us. Rocked by the long and rolling swell, + I lay beside the bowsprit, watching the shore-birds that came to rest upon + the rigging, or following some long and tangled seaweed as it floated by; + my thoughts now wandering back to the brown hills and the broad river of + my early home, now straying off in dreary fancies of the future. + </p> + <p> + How flat and unprofitable does all ambition seem at such moments as these; + how valueless, how poor, in our estimation, those worldly distinctions we + have so often longed and thirsted for, as with lowly heart and simple + spirit we watch each humble cottage, weaving to ourselves some story of + its inmates as we pass! + </p> + <p> + The night at length closed in, but it was a bright and starry one, lending + to the landscape a hue of sombre shadow, while the outlines of the objects + were still sharp and distinct as before. One solitary star twinkled near + the horizon. I watched it as, at intervals disappearing, it would again + shine out, marking the calm sea with a tall pillar of light. + </p> + <p> + "Come down, Mr. O'Malley," cried the skipper's well-known voice,—"come + down below and join us in a parting glass; that's the Lisbon light to + leeward, and before two hours we drop our anchor in the Tagus." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. + </h2> + <p> + MAJOR MONSOON. + </p> + <p> + Of my travelling companions I have already told my readers something. + Power is now an old acquaintance; to Sparks I have already presented them; + of the adjutant they are not entirely ignorant; and it therefore only + remains for me to introduce to their notice Major Monsoon. I should have + some scruple for the digression which this occasions in my narrative, were + it not that with the worthy major I was destined to meet subsequently; and + indeed served under his orders for some months in the Peninsula. When + Major Monsoon had entered the army or in what precise capacity, I never + yet met the man who could tell. There were traditionary accounts of his + having served in the East Indies and in Canada in times long past. His own + peculiar reminiscences extended to nearly every regiment in the service, + "horse, foot, and dragoons." There was not a clime he had not basked in; + not an engagement he had not witnessed. His memory, or, if you will, his + invention, was never at fault; and from the siege of Seringapatam to the + battle of Corunna he was perfect. Besides this, he possessed a mind + retentive of even the most trifling details of his profession,—from + the formation of a regiment to the introduction of a new button, from the + laying down of a parallel to the price of a camp-kettle, he knew it all. + To be sure, he had served in the commissary-general's department for a + number of years, and nothing instils such habits as this. + </p> + <p> + "The commissaries are to the army what the special pleaders are to the + bar," observed my friend Power,—"dry dogs, not over creditable on + the whole, but devilish useful." + </p> + <p> + The major had begun life a two-bottle man; but by a studious cultivation + of his natural gifts, and a steady determination to succeed, he had, at + the time I knew him, attained to his fifth. It need not be wondered at, + then, that his countenance bore some traces of his habits. It was of a + deep sunset-purple, which, becoming tropical, at the tip of the nose + verged almost upon a plum-color; his mouth was large, thick-lipped, and + good-humored; his voice rich, mellow, and racy, and contributed, with the + aid of a certain dry, chuckling laugh, greatly to increase the effect of + the stories which he was ever ready to recount; and as they most + frequently bore in some degree against some of what he called his little + failings, they were ever well received, no man being so popular with the + world as he who flatters its vanity at his own expense. To do this the + major was ever ready, but at no time more so than when the evening wore + late, and the last bottle of his series seemed to imply that any caution + regarding the nature of his communication was perfectly unnecessary. + Indeed, from the commencement of his evening to the close, he seemed to + pass through a number of mental changes, all in a manner preparing him for + this final consummation, when he confessed anything and everything; and so + well regulated had those stages become, that a friend dropping in upon him + suddenly could at once pronounce from the tone of his conversation on what + precise bottle the major was then engaged. + </p> + <p> + Thus, in the outset he was gastronomic,—discussed the dinner from + the soup to the Stilton; criticised the cutlets; pronounced upon the + merits of the mutton; and threw out certain vague hints that he would one + day astonish the world by a little volume upon cookery. + </p> + <p> + With bottle No. 2 he took leave of the <i>cuisine</i>, and opened his + battery upon the wine. Bordeaux, Burgundy, hock, and hermitage, all passed + in review before him,—their flavor discussed, their treatment + descanted upon, their virtues extolled; from humble port to imperial + tokay, he was thoroughly conversant with all, and not a vintage escaped as + to when the sun had suffered eclipse, or when a comet had wagged his tail + over it. + </p> + <p> + With No. 3 he became pipeclay,—talked army list and eighteen + manoeuvres, lamented the various changes in equipments which modern + innovation had introduced, and feared the loss of pigtails might sap the + military spirit of the nation. + </p> + <p> + With No. 4 his anecdotic powers came into play,—he recounted various + incidents of the war with his own individual adventures and experience, + told with an honest <i>naïveté</i>, that proved personal vanity; indeed, + self-respect never marred the interest of the narrative, besides, as he + had ever regarded a campaign something in the light of a foray, and + esteemed war as little else than a pillage excursion, his sentiments were + singularly amusing. + </p> + <p> + With his last bottle, those feelings that seemed inevitably connected with + whatever is last appeared to steal over him,—a tinge of sadness for + pleasures fast passing and nearly passed, a kind of retrospective glance + at the fallacy of all our earthly enjoyments, insensibly suggesting moral + and edifying reflections, led him by degrees to confess that he was not + quite satisfied with himself, though "not very bad for a commissary;" and + finally, as the decanter waxed low, he would interlard his meditations by + passages of Scripture, singularly perverted by his misconception from + their true meaning, and alternately throwing out prospects of censure or + approval. Such was Major Monsoon; and to conclude in his own words this + brief sketch, he "would have been an excellent officer if Providence had + not made him such a confounded, drunken, old scoundrel." + </p> + <p> + "Now, then, for the King of Spain's story. Out with it, old boy; we are + all good men and true here," cried Power, as we slowly came along upon the + tide up the Tagus, "so you've nothing to fear." + </p> + <p> + "Upon my life," replied the major, "I don't half like the tone of our + conversation. There is a certain freedom young men affect now a-days + regarding morals that is not at all to my taste. When I was five or six + and twenty—" + </p> + <p> + "You were the greatest scamp in the service," cried Power. + </p> + <p> + "Fie, fie, Fred. If I was a little wild or so,"—here the major's + eyes twinkled maliciously,—"it was the ladies that spoiled me; I was + always something of a favorite, just like our friend Sparks there. Not + that we fared very much alike in our little adventures; for somehow, I + believe I was generally in fault in most of mine, as many a good man and + many an excellent man has been before." Here his voice dropped into a + moralizing key, as he added, "David, you know, didn't behave well to old + Uriah. Upon my life he did not, and he was a very respectable man." + </p> + <p> + "The King of Spain's sherry! the sherry!" cried I, fearing that the + major's digression might lose us a good story. + </p> + <p> + "You shall not have a drop of it," replied the major. + </p> + <p> + "But the story, Major, the story!" + </p> + <p> + "Nor the story, either." + </p> + <p> + "What," said Power, "will you break faith with us?" + </p> + <p> + "There's none to be kept with reprobates like you. Fill my glass." + </p> + <p> + "Hold there! stop!" cried Power. "Not a spoonful till he redeems his + pledge." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, if you must have a story,—for most assuredly I must + drink,—I have no objection to give you a leaf from my early + reminiscences; and in compliment to Sparks there, my tale shall be of + love." + </p> + <p> + "I dinna like to lose the king's story. I hae my thoughts it was na a bad + ane." + </p> + <p> + "Nor I neither, Doctor; but—" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, you shall have that too, the first night we meet in a + bivouac, and as I fear the time may not be very far distant, don't be + impatient; besides a love-story—" + </p> + <p> + "Quite true," said Power, "a love-story claims precedence; <i>place aux + dames</i>. There's a bumper for you, old wickedness; so go along." + </p> + <p> + The major cleared off his glass, refilled it, sipped twice, and ogled it + as though he would have no peculiar objection to sip once more, took a + long pinch of snuff from a box nearly as long as, and something the shape + of a child's coffin, looked around to see that we were all attention, and + thus began:— + </p> + <p> + "When I have been in a moralizing mood, as I very frequently am about this + hour in the morning, I have often felt surprised by what little, trivial, + and insignificant circumstances our lot in life seems to be cast; I mean + especially as regards the fair sex. You are prospering, as it were, + to-day; to-morrow a new cut of your whiskers, a novel tie of your cravat, + mars your destiny and spoils your future, <i>varium et mutabile</i>, as + Horace has it. On the other hand, some equally slight circumstance will do + what all your ingenuity may have failed to effect. I knew a fellow who + married the greatest fortune in Bath, from the mere habit he had of + squeezing one's hand. The lady in question thought it particular, looked + conscious, and all that; he followed up the blow; and, in a word, they + were married in a week. So a friend of mine, who could not help winking + his left eye, once opened a flirtation with a lively widow which cost him + a special license and a settlement. In fact you are never safe. They are + like the guerillas, and they pick you off when you least expect it, and + when you think there is nothing to fear. Therefore, as young fellows + beginning life, I would caution you. On this head you can never be too + circumspect. Do you know, I was once nearly caught by so slight a habit as + sitting thus, with my legs across." + </p> + <p> + Here the major rested his right foot on his left knee, in illustration, + and continued:— + </p> + <p> + "We were quartered in Jamaica. I had not long joined, and was about as raw + a young gentleman as you could see; the only very clear ideas in my head + being that we were monstrous fine fellows in the 50th, and that the + planters' daughters were deplorably in love with us. Not that I was much + wrong on either side. For brandy-and-water, sangaree, Manilla cigars, and + the ladies of color, I'd have backed the corps against the service. Proof + was, of eighteen only two ever left the island; for what with the + seductions of the coffee plantations, the sugar canes, the new rum, the + brown skins, the rainy season, and the yellow fever, most of us settled + there." + </p> + <p> + "It's very hard to leave the West Indies if once you've been quartered + there." + </p> + <p> + "So I have heard," said Power. + </p> + <p> + "In time, if you don't knock under to the climate, you become soon totally + unfit for living anywhere else. Preserved ginger, yams, flannel jackets, + and grog won't bear exportation; and the free-and-easy chuck under the + chin, cherishing, waist-pressing kind of way we get with the ladies would + be quite misunderstood in less favored regions, and lead to very + unpleasant consequences." + </p> + <p> + "It is a curious fact how much climate has to do with love-making. In our + cold country the progress is lamentably slow. Fogs, east winds, sleet, + storms, and cutting March weather nip many a budding flirtation; whereas + warm, sunny days and bright moonlight nights, with genial air and balmy + zephyrs, open the heart like the cup of a camelia, and let us drink in the + soft dew of—" + </p> + <p> + "Devilish poetical, that," said Power, evolving a long blue line of smoke + from the corner of his mouth. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it, though?" said the major, smiling graciously. "'Pon my life, I + thought so myself. Where was I?" + </p> + <p> + "Out of my latitude altogether," said the poor skipper, who often found it + hard to follow the thread of a story. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I remember. I was remarking that sangaree and calipash, mangoes and + guava jelly, dispose the heart to love, and so they do. I was not more + than six weeks in Jamaica when I felt it myself. Now, it was a very + dangerous symptom, if you had it strong in you, for this reason. Our + colonel, the most cross-grained old crabstick that ever breathed, happened + himself to be taken in when young, and resolving, like the fox who lost + his tail and said it was not the fashion to wear one, to pretend he did + the thing for fun, determined to make every fellow marry upon the + slightest provocation. Begad, you might as well enter a powder magazine + with a branch of candles in your hand, as go into society in the island + with a leaning towards the fair sex. Very hard this was for me + particularly; for like poor Sparks there, my weakness was ever for the + petticoats. I had, besides, no petty, contemptible prejudices as to + nation, habits, language, color, or complexion; black, brown, or fair, + from the Muscovite to the Malabar, from the voluptuous <i>embonpoint</i> + of the adjutant's widow,—don't be angry old boy,—to the fairy + form of Isabella herself, I loved them all round. But were I to give a + preference anywhere I should certainly do so to the West Indians, if it + were only for the sake of the planters' daughters. I say it fearlessly, + these colonies are the brightest jewels in the crown. Let's drink their + health, for I'm as husky as a lime-kiln." + </p> + <p> + This ceremony being performed with suitable enthusiasm, the major cried + out, "Another cheer for Polly Hackett, the sweetest girl in Jamaica. By + Jove, Power, if you only saw her as I did five and forty years ago, with + eyes black as jet, twinkling, ogling, leering, teasing, and imploring, all + at once, do you mind, and a mouthful of downright pearls pouting and + smiling at you, why, man, you'd have proposed for her in the first + half-hour, and shot yourself the next, when she refused you. She was, + indeed, a perfect little beauty, <i>rayther</i> dark, to be sure,—a + little upon the rosewood tinge, but beautifully polished, and a very nice + piece of furniture for a cottage <i>orné</i>, as the French call it. Alas, + alas, how these vanities do catch hold of us! My recollections have made + me quite feverish and thirsty. Is there any cold punch in the bowl? Thank + you, O'Malley, that will do,—merely to touch my lips. Well, well, + it's all past and gone now; but I was very fond of Tolly Hackett, and she + was of me. We used to take our little evening walks together through the + coffee plantation: very romantic little strolls they were, she in white + muslin with a blue sash and blue shoes; I in a flannel jacket and + trousers, straw hat and cravat, a Virginia cigar as long as a + walking-stick in my mouth, puffing and courting between times; then we'd + take a turn to the refining-house, look in at the big boilers, quiz the + niggers, and come back to Twangberry Moss to supper, where old Hackett, + the father, sported a glorious table at eleven o'clock. Great feeding it + was; you were always sure of a preserved monkey, a baked land-crab, or + some such delicacy. And such Madeira; it makes me dry to think of it. + </p> + <p> + "Talk of West India slavery, indeed. It's the only land of liberty. There + is nothing to compare with the perfect free-and-easy, + devil-may-care-kind-of-a-take-yourself way that every one has there. If it + would be any peculiar comfort for you to sit in the saddle of mutton, and + put your legs in a soup tureen at dinner, there would be found very few to + object to it. There is no nonsense of any kind about etiquette. You eat, + drink, and are merry, or, if you prefer, are sad; just as you please. You + may wear uniform, or you may not, it's your own affair; and consequently, + it may be imagined how insensibly such privileges gain upon one, and how + very reluctant we become ever to resign or abandon them. + </p> + <p> + "I was the man to appreciate it all. The whole course of proceeding seemed + to have been invented for my peculiar convenience, and not a man in the + island enjoyed a more luxurious existence than myself, not knowing all the + while how dearly I was destined to pay for my little comforts. Among my + plenary after-dinner indulgences I had contracted an inveterate habit of + sitting cross-legged, as I showed you. Now, this was become a perfect + necessity of existence to me. I could have dispensed with cheese, with my + glass of port, my pickled mango, my olive, my anchovy toast, my nutshell + of curaçoa, but not my favorite lounge. You may smile; but I've read of a + man who could never dance except in a room with an old hair-brush. Now, + I'm certain my stomach would not digest if my legs were perpendicular. I + don't mean to defend the thing. The attitude was not graceful, it was not + imposing; but it suited me somehow, and I liked it. + </p> + <p> + "From what I have already mentioned, you may suppose that West India + habits exercised but little control over my favorite practice, which I + indulged in every evening of my life. Well, one day old Hackett gave us a + great blow-out,—a dinner of two-and-twenty souls; six days' notice; + turtle from St. Lucie, guinea-fowl, claret of the year forty, Madeira <i>à + discrétion</i>, and all that. Very well done the whole thing; nothing + wrong, nothing wanting. As for me, I was in great feather. I took Polly in + to dinner, greatly to the discomfiture of old Belson, our major, who was + making up in that quarter; for you must know, she was an only daughter, + and had a very nice thing of it in molasses and niggers. The papa + preferred the major, but Polly looked sweetly upon me. Well, down we went, + and really a most excellent feed we had. Now, I must mention here that + Polly had a favorite Blenheim spaniel the old fellow detested; it was + always tripping him up and snarling at him,—for it was, except to + herself, a beast of rather vicious inclinations. With a true Jamaica + taste, it was her pleasure to bring the animal always into the + dinner-room, where, if papa discovered him, there was sure to be a row. + Servants sent in one direction to hunt him out, others endeavoring to hide + him, and so on; in fact, a tremendous hubbub always followed his + introduction and accompanied his exit, upon which occasions I invariably + exercised my gallantry by protecting the beast, although I hated him like + the devil all the time. + </p> + <p> + "To return to our dinner. After two mortal hours of hard eating, the pace + began to slacken, and as evening closed in, a sense of peaceful repose + seemed to descend upon our labors. Pastels shed an aromatic vapor through + the room. The well-iced decanters went with measured pace along; + conversation, subdued to the meridian of after-dinner comfort, just + murmured; the open <i>jalousies</i> displayed upon the broad veranda the + orange-tree in full blossom, slightly stirring with the cool sea-breeze." + </p> + <p> + "And the piece of white muslin beside you, what of her?" + </p> + <p> + "Looked twenty times more bewitching than ever. Well, it was just the hour + when, opening the last two buttons of your white waistcoat (remember we + were in Jamaica), you stretch your legs to the full extent, throw your arm + carelessly over the back of your chair, look contemplatively towards the + ceiling, and wonder, within yourself, why it is not all 'after dinner' in + this same world of ours. Such, at least, were my reflections as I assumed + my attitude of supreme comfort, and inwardly ejaculated a health to Sneyd + and Barton. Just at this moment I heard Polly's voice gently whisper,— + </p> + <p> + "'Isn't he a love? Isn't he a darling?' + </p> + <p> + "'Zounds!' thought I, as a pang of jealousy shot through my heart, 'is it + the major she means?' For old Belson, with his bag wig and rouged cheeks, + was seated on the other side of her. + </p> + <p> + "'What a dear thing it is!' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + "'Worse and worse,' said I; 'it must be him.' + </p> + <p> + "'I do so love his muzzy face.' + </p> + <p> + "'It is him!' said I, throwing off a bumper, and almost boiling over with + passion at the moment. + </p> + <p> + "'I wish I could take one look at him,' said she, laying down her head as + she spoke. + </p> + <p> + "The major whispered something in her ear, to which she replied,— + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, I dare not; papa will see me at once.' + </p> + <p> + "'Don't be afraid, Madam,' said I, fiercely; 'your father perfectly + approves of your taste.' + </p> + <p> + "'Are you sure of it?' said she, giving me such a look. + </p> + <p> + "'I know it,' said I, struggling violently with my agitation. + </p> + <p> + "The major leaned over as if to touch her hand beneath the cloth. I almost + sprang from my chair, when Polly, in her sweetest accents, said,— + </p> + <p> + "'You must be patient, dear thing, or you may be found out, and then there + will be such a piece of work. Though I'm sure, Major, you would not betray + me.' The major smiled till he cracked the paint upon his cheeks. 'And I am + sure that Mr. Monsoon—' + </p> + <p> + "'You may rely upon me,' said I, half sneeringly. + </p> + <p> + "The major and I exchanged glances of defiance, while Polly continued,— + </p> + <p> + "'Now, come, don't be restless. You are very comfortable there. Isn't he, + Major?' The major smiled again more graciously than before, as he added,— + </p> + <p> + "'May I take a look?' + </p> + <p> + "'Just one peep, then, no more!' said she, coquettishly; 'poor dear Wowski + is so timid.' + </p> + <p> + "Scarcely had these words borne balm and comfort to my heart,—for I + now knew that to the dog, and not to my rival, were all the flattering + expressions applied,—when a slight scream from Polly, and a + tremendous oath from the major, raised me from my dream of happiness. + </p> + <p> + "'Take your foot down, sir. Mr. Monsoon, how could you do so?' cried + Polly. + </p> + <p> + "'What the devil, sir, do you mean?' shouted the major. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, I shall die of shame,' sobbed she. + </p> + <p> + "'I'll shoot him like a riddle,' muttered old Belson. + </p> + <p> + "By this time the whole table had got at the story, and such peals of + laughter, mingled with suggestions for my personal maltreatment, I never + heard. All my attempts at explanation were in vain. I was not listened to, + much less believed; and the old colonel finished the scene by ordering me + to my quarters, in a voice I shall never forget, the whole room being, at + the time I made my exit, one scene of tumultuous laughter from one end to + the other. Jamaica after this became too hot for me. The story was + repeated on every side; for, it seems, I had been sitting with my foot on + Polly's lap; but so occupied was I with my jealous vigilance of the major + I was not aware of the fact until she herself discovered it. + </p> + <p> + "I need not say how the following morning brought with it every possible + offer of <i>amende</i> upon my part; anything from a written apology to a + proposition to marry the lady I was ready for, and how the matter might + have ended I know not; for in the middle of the negotiations, we were + ordered off to Halifax where, be assured, I abandoned my Oriental attitude + for many a long day after." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. + </h2> + <p> + THE LANDING. + </p> + <p> + What a contrast to the dull monotony of our life at sea did the scene + present which awaited us on landing in Lisbon. The whole quay was crowded + with hundreds of people eagerly watching the vessel which bore from her + mast the broad ensign of Britain. Dark-featured, swarthy, mustached faces, + with red caps rakishly set on one side, mingled with the Saxon faces and + fair-haired natives of our own country. Men-of-war boats plied unceasingly + to and fro across the tranquil river, some slender reefer in the + stern-sheets, while behind him trailed the red pennon of some "tall + admiral." + </p> + <p> + The din and clamor of a mighty city mingled with the far-off sounds of + military music; and in the vistas of the opening street, masses of troops + might be seen in marching order; and all betokened the near approach of + war. + </p> + <p> + Our anchor had scarcely been dropped, when an eight-oar gig, with a + midshipman steering, came alongside. + </p> + <p> + "Ship ahoy, there! You've troops on board?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, sir." + </p> + <p> + Before the answer could be spoken, he was on the deck. + </p> + <p> + "May I ask," said he, touching his cap slightly, "who is the officer in + command of the detachment?" + </p> + <p> + "Captain Power; very much at your service," said Fred, returning the + salute. + </p> + <p> + "Rear-Admiral Sir Edward Douglas requests that you will do him the favor + to come on board immediately, and bring your despatches with you." + </p> + <p> + "I'm quite ready," said Power, as he placed his papers in his sabretasche; + "but first tell us what's doing here. Anything new lately?" + </p> + <p> + "I have heard nothing, except of some affair with the Portuguese,—they've + been drubbed again; but our people have not been engaged. I say, we had + better get under way; there's our first lieutenant with his telescope up; + he's looking straight at us. So, come along. Good-evening, gentlemen." And + in another moment the sharp craft was cutting the clear water, while Power + gayly waved us a good-by. + </p> + <p> + "Who's for shore?" said the skipper, as half-a-dozen boats swarmed around + the side, or held on by their boat-hooks to the rigging. + </p> + <p> + "Who is not?" said Monsoon, who now appeared in his old blue frock covered + with tarnished braiding, and a cocked hat that might have roofed a pagoda. + "Who is not, my old boy? Is not every man among us delighted with the + prospect of fresh prog, cool wine, and a bed somewhat longer than four + feet six? I say, O'Malley! Sparks! Where's the adjutant? Ah, there he is! + We'll not mind the doctor,—he's a very jovial little fellow, but a + damned bore, <i>entre nous</i>; and we'll have a cosy little supper at the + Rue di Toledo. I know the place well. Whew, now! Get away, boy. Sit + steady, Sparks; she's only a cockleshell. There; that's the Plaza de la + Regna,—there, to the left. There's the great cathedral,—you + can't see it now. Another seventy-four! Why there's a whole fleet here! I + wish old Power joy of his afternoon with old Douglas." + </p> + <p> + "Do you know him then, Major?" + </p> + <p> + "Do I?—I should rather think I do. He was going to put me in irons + here in this river once. A great shame it was; but I'll tell you the story + another time. There, gently now; that's it. Thank God! once more upon + land. How I do hate a ship; upon my life, a sauce-boat is the only boat + endurable in this world." + </p> + <p> + We edged our way with difficulty through the dense crowd, and at last + reached the Plaza. Here the numbers were still greater, but of a different + class: several pretty and well-dressed women, with their dark eyes + twinkling above their black mantillas as they held them across their + faces, watched with an intense curiosity one of the streets that opened + upon the square. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments the band of a regiment was heard, and very shortly after + the regular tramp of troops followed, as the Eighty-seventh marched into + the Plaza, and formed a line. + </p> + <p> + The music ceased; the drums rolled along the line; and the next moment all + was still. It was really an inspiriting sight to one whose heart was + interested in the career, to see those gallant fellows, as, with their + bronzed faces and stalwart frames, they stood motionless as a rock. As I + continued to look, the band marched into the middle of the square, and + struck up, "Garryowen." Scarcely was the first part played, when a + tremendous cheer burst from the troop-ship in the river. The welcome notes + had reached the poor fellows there; the well-known sounds that told of + home and country met their ears; and the loud cry of recognition bespoke + their hearts' fulness. + </p> + <p> + "There they go. Your wild countrymen have heard their <i>Ranz des vaches</i>, + it seems. Lord! how they frightened the poor Portuguese; look how they're + running!" + </p> + <p> + Such was actually the case. The loud cheer uttered from the river was + taken up by others straggling on shore, and one universal shout betokened + that fully one-third of the red-coats around came from the dear island, + and in their enthusiasm had terrified the natives to no small extent. + </p> + <p> + "Is not that Ferguson there!" cried the major, as an officer passed us + with his arm in a sling. "I say, Joe—Ferguson! oh, knew it was!" + </p> + <p> + "Monsoon, my hearty, how goes it?—only just arrived, I see. + Delighted to meet you out here once more. Why, we've been as dull as a + veteran battalion without you. These your friends? Pray present me." The + ceremony of introduction over, the major invited Ferguson to join our + party at supper. "No, not to-night, Major," said he, "you must be my + guests this evening. My quarters are not five minutes' walk from this; I + shall not promise you very luxurious fare." + </p> + <p> + "A carbonade with olives, a roast duck, a bowl of bishop, and, if you + will, a few bottles of Burgundy," said the major; "don't put yourself out + for us,—soldier's fare, eh?" + </p> + <p> + I could not help smiling at the <i>naïve</i> notion of simplicity so + cunningly suggested by old Monsoon. As I followed the party through the + streets, my step was light, my heart not less so; for what sensations are + more delightful than those of landing after a voyage? The escape from the + durance vile of shipboard, with its monotonous days and dreary nights, its + ill-regulated appointments, its cramped accommodation, its uncertain + duration, its eternal round of unchanging amusements, for the freedom of + the shore, with a land breeze, and a firm footing to tread upon; and + certainly, not least of all, the sight of that brightest part of creation, + whose soft eyes and tight ankles are, perhaps, the greatest of all + imaginable pleasures to him who has been the dweller on blue water for + several weeks long. + </p> + <p> + "Here we are," cried out Ferguson, as we stopped at the door of a large + and handsome house. We follow up a spacious stair into an ample room, + sparingly, but not uncomfortably furnished: plans of sieges, maps of the + seat of war, pistols, sabres, and belts decorated the white walls, and a + few books and a stray army list betokened the habits of the occupant. + </p> + <p> + While Ferguson disappeared to make some preparations for supper, Monsoon + commenced a congratulation to the party upon the good fortune that had + befallen them. "Capital fellow is Joe; never without something good, and a + rare one to pass the bottle. Oh, here he comes. Be alive there, Sparks, + take a corner of the cloth; how deliciously juicy that ham looks. Pass the + Madeira down there; what's under that cover,—stewed kidneys?" While + Monsoon went on thus we took our places at the table, and set to with an + appetite which only a newly-landed traveller ever knows. + </p> + <p> + "Another spoonful of the gravy? Thank you. And so they say we've not been + faring over well latterly?" said the major. + </p> + <p> + "Not a word of truth in the report. Our people have not been engaged. The + only thing lately was a smart brush we had at the Tamega. Poor Patrick, a + countryman of ours, and myself were serving with the Portuguese brigade, + when Laborde drove us back upon the town and actually routed us. The + Portuguese general, caring little for anything save his own safety, was + making at once for the mountains when Patrick called upon his battalion to + face about and charge; and nobly they did it, too. Down they came upon the + advancing masses of the French, and literally hurled them back upon the + main body. The other regiments, seeing this gallant stand, wheeled about + and poured in a volley, and then, fixing bayonets, stormed a little mount + beside the hedge, which commanded the whole suburb of Villa Real. The + French, who soon recovered their order, now prepared for a second attack, + and came on in two dense columns, when Patrick, who had little confidence + in the steadiness of his people for any lengthened resistance, resolved + upon once more charging with the bayonet. The order was scarcely given + when the French were upon us, their flank defended by some of La + Houssaye's heavy dragoons. For an instant the conflict was doubtful, until + poor Patrick fell mortally wounded upon the parapet; when the men, no + longer hearing his bold cheer, nor seeing his noble figure in the advance, + turned and fled, pell-mell, back upon the town. As for me, blocked up + amidst the mass, I was cut down from the shoulder to the elbow by a young + fellow of about sixteen, who galloped about like a schoolboy on a holiday. + The wound was only dangerous from the loss of blood, and so I contrived to + reach Amacante without much difficulty; from whence, with three or four + others, I was ordered here until fit for service." + </p> + <p> + "But what news from our own head-quarters?" inquired I. + </p> + <p> + "All imaginable kind of rumors are afloat. Some say that Craddock is + retiring; others, that a part of the army is in motion upon Caldas." + </p> + <p> + "Then we are not going to have a very long sojourn here, after all, eh, + Major? Donna Maria de Tormes will be inconsolable. By-the-bye, their house + is just opposite us. Have you never heard Monsoon mention his friends + there?" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, Joe, how can you be so foolish?" + </p> + <p> + "But, Major, my dear friend, what signifies your modesty? There is not a + man in the service does not know it, save those in the last gazette." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, Joe, I am very angry with you." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, by Jove! I must tell it, myself; though, faith, lads, you + lose not a little for want of Monsoon's tact in the narrative." + </p> + <p> + "Anything is better that trusting to such a biographer," cried the major; + "so here goes:— + </p> + <p> + "When I was acting commissary-general to the Portuguese forces some few + years ago, I obtained great experience of the habits of the people; for + though naturally of an unsuspecting temperament myself, I generally + contrive to pick out the little foibles of my associates, even upon a + short acquaintance. Now, my appointment pleased me very much on this + score,—it gave me little opportunities of examining the world. 'The + greatest study of mankind is man,'—Sparks would say woman, but no + matter. + </p> + <p> + "Now, I soon discovered that our ancient and very excellent allies, the + Portuguese, with a beautiful climate, delicious wines, and very delightful + wives and daughters, were the most infernal rogues and scoundrels ever met + with. 'Make yourself thoroughly acquainted with the leading features of + the natives,' said old Sir Harry to me in a despatch from head-quarters; + and, faith, it was not difficult,—such open, palpable, undisguised + rascals never were heard of. I thought I knew a thing or two myself, when + I landed; but, Lord love you! I was a babe, I was an infant in swaddling + clothes, compared with them; and they humbugged me,—ay, <i>me!</i>—till + I began to suspect that I was only walking in my sleep. + </p> + <p> + "'Why, Monsoon,' said the general, 'they told me you were a sharp fellow, + and yet the people here seem to work round you every day. This will never + do. You must brighten up a little or I shall be obliged to send you back.' + </p> + <p> + "'General,' said I, 'they used to call me no fool in England; but, + somehow, here—' + </p> + <p> + "'I understand,' said he; 'you don't know the Portuguese; there's but one + way with them,—strike quickly, and strike home. Never give them time + for roguery,—for if they have a moment's reflection, they'll cheat + the devil himself; but when you see the plot working, come slap down and + decide the thing your own way.' + </p> + <p> + "Well, now, there never was anything so true as this advice, and for the + eighteen months I acted upon it, I never knew it to fail. + </p> + <p> + "'I want a thousand measures of wheat.' + </p> + <p> + "'Senhor Excellenza, the crops have been miserably deficient, and——' + </p> + <p> + "'Sergeant-major,' I would say, 'these poor people have no corn; it's a + wine country,—let them make up the rations that way.' + </p> + <p> + "The wheat came in that evening. + </p> + <p> + "'One hundred and twenty bullocks wanted for the reserve.' + </p> + <p> + "'The cattle are all up the mountains.' + </p> + <p> + "'Let the alcalde catch them before night or I'll catch <i>him</i>.' + </p> + <p> + "Lord bless you! I had beef enough to feed the Peninsula. And in this way, + while the forces were eating short allowance and half rations elsewhere, + our brigade were plump as aldermen. + </p> + <p> + "When we lay in Andalusia this was easy enough. What a country, to be + sure! Such vineyards, such gardens, such delicious valleys, waving with + corn and fat with olives; actually, it seemed a kind of dispensation of + Providence to make war in. There was everything you could desire; and + then, the people, like all your wealthy ones, were so timid, and so easily + frightened, you could get what you pleased out of them by a little terror. + My scouts managed this very well. + </p> + <p> + "'He is coming,' they would say, 'after to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Madre de Dios!</i>' + </p> + <p> + "'I hope he won't burn the village.' + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Questos infernales Ingleses!</i> how wicked they are.' + </p> + <p> + "'You'd better try what a sack of moidores or doubloons might do with him; + he may refuse them, but make the effort.' + </p> + <p> + "Ha!" said the major, with a long-drawn sigh, "those were pleasant times; + alas, that they should ever come to an end! Well, among the old hidalgos I + met there was one Don Emanuel Selvio de Tormes, an awful old miser, rich + as Croesus, and suspicious as the arch-fiend himself. Lord, how I melted + him down! I quartered two squadrons of horse and a troop of flying + artillery upon him. How the fellows did eat! Such a consumption of wines + was never heard of; and as they began to slacken a little, I took care to + replace them by fresh arrivals,—fellows from the mountains, <i>caçadores</i> + they call them. At last, my friend Don Emanuel could stand it no longer, + and he sent me a diplomatic envoy to negotiate terms, which, upon the + whole, I must say, were fair enough; and in a few days after, the <i>caçadores</i> + were withdrawn, and I took up my quarters at the château. I have had + various chances and changes in this wicked world, but I am free to confess + that I never passed a more agreeable time than the seven weeks I spent + there. Don Emanuel, when properly managed, became a very pleasant little + fellow; Donna Maria, his wife, was a sweet creature. You need not be + winking that way. Upon my life she was: rather fat, to be sure, and her + age something verging upon the fifties; but she had such eyes, black as + sloes, and luscious as ripe grapes; and she was always smiling and ogling, + and looking so sweet. Confound me, if I think she wasn't the most + enchanting being in this world, with about ten thousand pounds' worth of + jewels upon her fingers and in her ears. I have her before me at this + instant, as she used to sit in the little arbor in the garden, with a + Manilla cigar in her mouth, and a little brandy-and-water—quite + weak, you know—beside her. + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, General,' she used to say—she always called me general—'what + a glorious career yours is! A soldier is <i>indeed</i> a man.' + </p> + <p> + "Then she would look at poor Emanuel, who used to sit in a corner, holding + his hand to his face, for hours, calculating interest and cent per cent, + till he fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + "Now, he labored under a very singular malady,—not that I ever knew + it at the time,—a kind of luxation of the lower jaw, which, when it + came on, happened somehow to press upon some vital nerve or other, and + left him perfectly paralyzed till it was restored to its proper place. In + fact, during the time the agony lasted, he was like one in a trance; for + though he could see and hear, he could neither speak nor move, and looked + as if he had done with both for many a day to come. + </p> + <p> + "Well, as I was saying, I knew nothing of all this till a slight + circumstance made it known to me. I was seated one evening in the little + arbor I mentioned, with Donna Maria. There was a little table before us + covered with wines and fruits, a dish of olives, some Castile oranges, and + a fresh pine. I remember it well: my eye roved over the little dessert set + out in old-fashioned, rich silver dishes, then turned towards the lady + herself, with rings and brooches, earrings and chains enough to reward one + for sacking a town; and I said to myself, 'Monsoon, Monsoon, this is + better than long marches in the Pyrenees, with a cork-tree for a + bed-curtain, and wet grass for a mattress. How pleasantly one might jog on + in this world with this little country-house for his abode, and Donna + Maria for a companion!' + </p> + <p> + "I tasted the port; it was delicious. Now, I knew very little Portuguese, + but I made some effort to ask if there was much of it in the cellar. + </p> + <p> + "She smiled, and said, 'Oh, yes.' + </p> + <p> + "'What a luxurious life one might lead here!' thought I; 'and after all, + perhaps Providence might remove Don Emanuel.' + </p> + <p> + "I finished the bottle as I thus meditated. The next was, if possible, + more crusty. + </p> + <p> + "'This is a delicious retreat,' said I, soliloquizing. + </p> + <p> + "Donna Maria seemed to know what was passing in my mind, for she smiled, + too. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' said I, in broken Portuguese, 'one ought to be very happy here, + Donna Maria.' + </p> + <p> + "She blushed, and I continued:— + </p> + <p> + "'What can one want for more in this life? All the charms that rendered + Paradise what it was'—I took her hand here—'and made Adam + blessed.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, General!' said she, with a sigh, 'you are such a flatterer.' + </p> + <p> + "'Who could flatter,' said I, with enthusiasm, 'when there are not words + enough to express what he feels?' This was true, for my Portuguese was + fast failing me, 'But if I ever was happy, it is now.' + </p> + <p> + "I took another pull at the port. + </p> + <p> + "'If I only thought,' said I, 'that my presence here was not thought + unwelcome—' + </p> + <p> + "'Fie, General,' said she, 'how could you say such a thing?' + </p> + <p> + "'If I only thought I was not hated,' said I, tremblingly. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh!' said she, again. + </p> + <p> + "'Despised.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh!' + </p> + <p> + "'Loathed.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0331.jpg" alt="Major Monsoon and Donna Maria. " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "She pressed my hand, I kissed hers; she hurriedly snatched it from me, + and pointed towards a lime-tree near, beneath which, in the cool enjoyment + of his cigar, sat the spare and detested figure of Don Emanuel. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' thought I, 'there he is,—the only bar to my good fortune; + were it not for him, I should not be long before I became possessor of + this excellent old château, with a most indiscretionary power over the + cellar. Don Mauricius Monsoon would speedily assume his place among the + grandees of Portugal.' + </p> + <p> + "I know not how long my revery lasted, nor, indeed, how the evening + passed; but I remember well the moon was up, and a sky, bright with a + thousand stars was shining, as I sat beside the fair Donna Maria, + endeavoring, with such Portuguese as it had pleased fate to bestow on me, + to instruct her touching my warlike services and deeds of arms. The fourth + bottle of port was ebbing beneath my eloquence, as responsively her heart + beat, when I heard a slight rustle in the branches near. I looked, and, + Heavens, what a sight did I behold! There was little Don Emanuel stretched + upon the grass with his mouth wide open, his face pale as death, his arms + stretched out at either side, and his legs stiffened straight out. I ran + over and asked if he were ill, but no answer came. I lifted up an arm, but + it fell heavily upon the ground as I let it go; the leg did likewise. I + touched his nose; it was cold. + </p> + <p> + "'Hollo,' thought I, 'is it so? This comes of mixing water with your + sherry. I saw where it would end.' + </p> + <p> + "Now, upon my life! I felt sorry for the little fellow; but somehow, one + gets so familiarized with this sort of thing in a campaign that one only + half feels in a case like this. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' said I, 'man is but grass; but I for one must make hay when the + sun shines. Now for the Donna Maria,'—for the poor thing was asleep + in the arbor all this while. + </p> + <p> + "'Donna,' said I, shaking her by the elbow,—'Donna, don't be shocked + at what I'm going to say.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, General,' said she, with a sigh, 'say no more; I must not listen to + you.' + </p> + <p> + "'You don't know that,' said I, with a knowing look,—'you don't know + that.' + </p> + <p> + "'Why, what can you mean?' + </p> + <p> + "'The little fellow is done for.' For the port was working strong now, and + destroyed all my fine sensibility. 'Yes, Donna,' said I, 'you are free,'—here + I threw myself upon my knees,—'free to make me the happiest of + commissaries and the jolliest grandee of Portugal that ever—' + </p> + <p> + "'But Don Emanuel?' + </p> + <p> + "'Run out, dry, empty,' inverting a finished decanter to typify my words + as I spoke. + </p> + <p> + "'He is not dead?' said she, with a scream. + </p> + <p> + "'Even so,' said I, with a hiccough! 'ordered for service in a better + world, where there are neither inspections nor arrears.' + </p> + <p> + "Before the words were well out, she sprang from the bench and rushed over + to the spot where the little don lay. What she said or did I know not, but + the next moment he sat bolt upright on the grass, and as he held his jaw + with one hand and supported himself on the other, vented such a torrent of + abuse and insult at me, that, for want of Portuguese enough to reply, I + rejoined in English, in which I swore pretty roundly for five minutes. + Meanwhile the donna had summoned the servants, who removed Don Emanuel to + the house, where on my return I found my luggage displayed before the + door, with a civil hint to deploy in orderly time and take ground + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + "In a few days, however, his anger cooled down, and I received a polite + note from Donna Maria, that the don at length began to understand the + joke, and begged that I would return to the château, and that he would + expect me at dinner the same day." + </p> + <p> + "With which, of course, you complied?" + </p> + <p> + "Which of course I did. Forgive your enemies, my dear boy,—it is + only Christian-like; and really, we lived very happily ever after. The + donna was a mighty clever woman, and a dear good soul besides." + </p> + <p> + It was late when the major concluded his story; so after wishing Ferguson + a good-night, we took our leave, and retired for the night to our + quarters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII + </h2> + <p> + LISBON. + </p> + <p> + The tramp of horses' feet and the sound of voices beneath my window roused + me from a deep sleep. I sprang up and drew aside the curtain. What a + strange confusion beset me as I looked forth! Before me lay a broad and + tranquil river whose opposite shore, deeply wooded and studded with villas + and cottages, rose abruptly from the water's edge; vessels of war lay + tranquilly in the stream, their pennants trailing in the tide. The loud + boom of a morning gun rolled along the surface, awaking a hundred echoes + as it passed, and the lazy smoke rested for some minutes on the glassy + water as it blended with the thin air of the morning. + </p> + <p> + "Where am I?" was my first question to myself, as I continued to look from + side to side, unable to collect my scattered senses. + </p> + <p> + One word sufficed to recall me to myself, as I heard Power's voice, from + without, call out, "Charley! O'Malley, I say! Come down here!" + </p> + <p> + I hurriedly threw on my clothes and went to the door. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Charley, I've been put in harness rather sooner than I expected. + Here's old Douglas has been sitting up all night writing despatches; and I + must hasten on to headquarters without a moment's delay. There's work + before us, that's certain; but when, where, and how, of that I know + nothing. You may expect the route every moment; the French are still + advancing. Meanwhile I have a couple of commissions for you to execute. + First, here's a packet for Hammersley; you are sure to meet him with the + regiment in a day or two. I have some scruples about asking you this; but, + confound it! you're too sensible a fellow to care—" Here he + hesitated; and as I colored to the eyes, for some minutes he seemed + uncertain how to proceed. At length, recovering himself, he went on: "Now + for the other. This is a most loving epistle from a poor devil of a + midshipman, written last night by a tallow candle, in the cock-pit, + containing vows of eternal adoration and a lock of hair. I promised + faithfully to deliver it myself; for the 'Thunderer' sails for Gibraltar + next tide, and he cannot go ashore for an instant. However, as Sir + Arthur's billet may be of more importance than the reefer's, I must + intrust its safe keeping to your hands. Now, then, don't look so devilish + sleepy, but seem to understand what I am saying. This is the address: 'La + Senhora Inez da Silviero, Rua Nuova, opposite the barber's.' You'll not + neglect it. So now, my dear boy, till our next meeting, <i>adios!</i>" + </p> + <p> + "Stop! For Heaven's sake, not so fast, I pray! Where's the street?" + </p> + <p> + "The Rua Nuova. Remember Figaro, my boy. <i>Cinque perruche</i>." + </p> + <p> + "But what am I to do?" + </p> + <p> + "To do! What a question! Anything; everything. Be a good diplomate. Speak + of the torturing agony of the lover, for which I can vouch. The boy is + only fifteen. Swear that he is to return in a month, first lieutenant of + the 'Thunder Bomb,' with intentions that even Madame Dalrymple would + approve." + </p> + <p> + "What nonsense," said I, blushing to the eyes. + </p> + <p> + "And if that suffice not, I know of but one resource." + </p> + <p> + "Which is?" + </p> + <p> + "Make love to her yourself. Ay, even so. Don't look so confoundedly + vinegar; the girl, I hear, is a devilish pretty one, the house pleasant, + and I sincerely wish I could exchange duties with you, leaving you to make + your bows to his Excellency the C. O. F., and myself free to make mine to + La Senhora. And now, push along, old red cap." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he made a significant cut of his whip at the Portuguese guide, + and in another moment was out of sight. + </p> + <p> + My first thought was one of regret at Power's departure. For some time + past we had been inseparable companions; and notwithstanding the reckless + and wild gayety of his conduct, I had ever found him ready to assist me in + every difficulty, and that with an address and dexterity a more + calculating adviser might not have possessed. I was now utterly alone; for + though Monsoon and the adjutant were still in Lisbon, as was also Sparks, + I never could make intimates of them. + </p> + <p> + I ate my breakfast with a heavy heart, my solitary position again + suggesting thoughts of home and kindred. Just at this moment my eyes fell + upon the packet destined for Hammersley; I took it up and weighed it in my + hand. "Alas!" thought I, "how much of my destiny may lie within that + envelope! How fatally may my after-life be influenced by it!" It felt + heavy as though there was something besides letters. True, too true; there + was a picture, Lucy's portrait! The cold drops of perspiration stood upon + my forehead as my fingers traced the outline of a miniature-case in the + parcel. I became deadly weak, and sank, half-fainting, upon a chair. And + such is the end of my first dream of happiness! How have I duped, how have + I deceived myself! For, alas, though Lucy had never responded to my + proffered vows of affection, yet had I ever nurtured in my heart a secret + hope that I was not altogether uncared for. Every look she had given me, + every word she had spoken, the tone of her voice, her step, her every + gesture, were before me, all confirming my delusion, and yet,—I + could bear no more, and burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + The loud call of a cavalry trumpet aroused me. + </p> + <p> + How long I had passed in this state of despondency I knew not; but it was + long past noon when I rallied myself. My charger was already awaiting me; + and a second blast of the trumpet told that the inspection in the Plaza + was about to commence. + </p> + <p> + As I continued to dress, I gradually rallied from my depressing thoughts; + and ere I belted my sabretasche, the current of my ideas had turned from + their train of sadness to one of hardihood and daring. Lucy Dashwood had + treated me like a wilful schoolboy. Mayhap, I may prove myself as gallant + a soldier as even him she has preferred before me. + </p> + <p> + A third sound of the trumpet cut short my reflections, and I sprang into + the saddle, and hastened towards the Plaza. As I dashed along the streets, + my horse, maddened with the impulse that stirred my own heart, curvetted + and plunged unceasingly. As I reached the Plaza, the crowd became dense, + and I was obliged to pull up. The sound of the music, the parade, the + tramp of the infantry, and the neighing of the horses, were, however, too + much for my mettlesome steed, and he became nearly unmanageable; he + plunged fearfully, and twice reared as though he would have fallen back. + As I scattered the foot passengers right and left with terror, my eye fell + upon one lovely girl, who, tearing herself from her companion, rushed + wildly towards an open doorway for shelter; suddenly, however, changing + her intention, she came forward a few paces, and then, as if overcome by + fear, stood stock-still, her hands clasped upon her bosom, her eyes + upturned, her features deadly pale, while her knees seemed bending beneath + her. Never did I behold a more beautiful object. Her dark hair had fallen + loose upon her shoulder, and she stood the very <i>idéal</i> of the + "Madonna Supplicating." My glance was short as a lightning flash; for the + same instant my horse swerved, and dashed forward right at the place where + she was standing. One terrific cry rose from the crowd, who saw her + danger. Beside her stood a muleteer who had drawn up his mule and cart + close beside the footway for safety; she made one effort to reach it, but + her outstretched arms alone moved, and paralyzed by terror, she sank + motionless upon the pavement. There was but one course open to me now; so + collecting myself for the effort, I threw my horse upon his haunches, and + then, dashing the spurs into his flanks, breasted him at the mule cart. + With one spring he rose, and cleared it at a bound, while the very air + rang with the acclamations of the multitude, and a thousand bravos saluted + me as I alighted upon the opposite side. + </p> + <p> + "Well done, O'Malley!" sang out the little adjutant, as I flew past and + pulled up in the middle of the Plaza. + </p> + <p> + "Something devilish like Galway in that leap," said a very musical voice + beside me; and at the same instant a tall, soldier-like man, in an undress + dragoon frock, touched his cap, and said, "A 14th man, I perceive, sir. + May I introduce myself? Major O'Shaughnessy." + </p> + <p> + I bowed, and shook the major's proffered hand, while he continued,— + </p> + <p> + "Old Monsoon mentioned your name to us this morning. You came out + together, if I mistake not?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but somehow, I've missed the major since my landing." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you'll see him presently; he'll be on parade. By-the-bye, he wishes + particularly to meet you. We dine to-day at the 'Quai de Soderi,' and if + you're not engaged—Yes, this is the person," said he, turning at the + moment towards a servant, who, with a card in his hand, seemed to search + for some one in the crowd. + </p> + <p> + The man approached, and handed it to me. + </p> + <p> + "What can this mean?" said I. "Don Emanuel de Blacas y Silviero, Rua + Nuova." + </p> + <p> + "Why, that's the great Portuguese contractor, the intendant of half the + army, the richest fellow in Lisbon. Have you known him long?" + </p> + <p> + "Never heard of him till now." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, you're in luck! No man gives such dinners; he has such a cellar! + I'll wager a fifty it was his daughter you took in the flying leap a while + ago. I hear she is a beautiful creature." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," thought I, "that must be it; and yet, strange enough, I think the + name and address are familiar to me." + </p> + <p> + "Ten to one, you've heard Monsoon speak of him; he's most intimate there. + But here comes the major." + </p> + <p> + And as he spoke, the illustrious commissary came forward holding a vast + bundle of papers in one hand, and his snuff-box in the other, followed by + a long string of clerks, contractors, assistant-surgeons, paymasters, + etc., all eagerly pressing forward to be heard. + </p> + <p> + "It's quite impossible; I can't do it to-day. Victualling and physicking + are very good things, but must be done in season. I have been up all night + at the accounts,—haven't I, O'Malley?" here he winked at me most + significantly; "and then I have the forage and stoppage fund to look + through ['we dine at six, sharp,' said he, <i>sotto voce</i>], which will + leave me without one minute unoccupied for the next twenty-four hours. + Look to your toggery this evening; I've something in my eye for you, + O'Malley." + </p> + <p> + "Officers unattached to their several corps will fall into the middle of + the Plaza," said a deep voice among the crowd; and in obedience to the + order I rode forward and placed myself with a number of others, apparently + newly joined, in the open square. A short, gray-haired old colonel, with a + dark, eagle look, proceeded to inspect us, reading from a paper as he came + along,— + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Hepton, 6th Foot; commission bearing date 11th January; drilled, + proceed to Ovar, and join his regiment. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Gronow, Fusilier Guards, remains with the depot. + </p> + <p> + "Captain Mortimer, 1st Dragoons, appointed aide-de-camp to the general + commanding the cavalry brigade. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Sparks,—where is Mr. Sparks? Mr. Sparks absent from parade; + make a note of it. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley, 14th Light Dragoons. Mr. O'Malley,—oh, I remember! I + have received a letter from Sir George Dashwood concerning you. You will + hold yourself in readiness to march. Your friends desire that before you + may obtain any staff appointment, you should have the opportunity of + seeing some service. Am I to understand such is your wish?" + </p> + <p> + "Most certainly." + </p> + <p> + "May I have the pleasure of your company at dinner to-day?" + </p> + <p> + "I regret that I have already accepted an invitation to dine with Major + Monsoon." + </p> + <p> + "With Major Monsoon? Ah, indeed! Perhaps it might be as well I should + mention,—but no matter. I wish you good-morning." + </p> + <p> + So saying, the little colonel rode off, leaving me to suppose that my + dinner engagement had not raised me in his estimation, though why, I could + not exactly determine. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE RUA NUOVA. + </p> + <p> + Our dinner was a long and uninteresting one, and as I found that the major + was likely to prefer his seat as chairman of the party to the seductions + of ladies' society, I took the first opportunity of escaping and left the + room. + </p> + <p> + It was a rich moonlight night as I found myself in the street. My way, + which led along the banks of the Tagus, was almost as light as in daytime, + and crowded with walking parties, who sauntered carelessly along in the + enjoyment of the cool, refreshing night-air. On inquiring, I discovered + that the Rua Nuova was at the extremity of the city; but as the road led + along by the river I did not regret the distance, but walked on with + increasing pleasure at the charms of so heavenly a climate and country. + </p> + <p> + After three quarters of an hour's walk, the streets became by degrees less + and less crowded. A solitary party passed me now and then; the buzz of + distant voices succeeded to the gay laughter and merry tones of the + passing groups, and at length my own footsteps alone awoke the echoes + along the deserted pathway. I stopped every now and then to gaze upon the + tranquil river, whose eddies were circling in the pale silver of the + moonlight. I listened with attentive ear as the night breeze wafted to me + the far-off sounds of a guitar, and the deep tones of some lover's + serenade; while again the tender warbling of the nightingale came borne + across the stream on a wind rich with the odor of the orange-tree. + </p> + <p> + As thus I lingered on my way the time stole on, and it was near midnight + ere I had roused myself from the revery surrounding objects had thrown + about me. I stopped suddenly, and for some minutes I struggled with myself + to discover if I was really awake. As I walked along, lost in my + reflections, I had entered a little garden beside the river. Fragrant + plants and lovely flowers bloomed on every side; the orange, the camelia, + the cactus, and the rich laurel of Portugal were blending their green and + golden hues around me, while the very air was filled with delicious music. + "Was it a dream? Could such ecstasy be real?" I asked myself, as the rich + notes swelled upwards in their strength, and sank in soft cadence to tones + of melting harmony; now bursting forth in the full force of gladness, the + voices blended together in one stream of mellow music, and suddenly + ceasing, the soft but thrilling shake of a female voice rose upon the air, + and in its plaintive beauty stirred the very heart. The proud tramp of + martial music succeeded to the low wailing cry of agony; then came the + crash of battle, the clang of steel; the thunder of the fight rolled on in + all its majesty, increasing in its maddening excitement till it ended in + one loud shout of victory. + </p> + <p> + All was still; not a breath moved, not a leaf stirred, and again was I + relapsing into my dreamy scepticism, when again the notes swelled upwards + in concert. But now their accents were changed, and in low, subdued tones, + faintly and slowly uttered, the prayer of thanksgiving rose to Heaven and + spoke their gratefulness. I almost fell upon my knees, and already the + tears filled my eyes as I drank in the sounds. My heart was full to + bursting, and even now as I write it my pulse throbs as I remember the + hymn of the Abencerrages. + </p> + <p> + When I rallied from my trance of excited pleasure, my first thought was, + where was I, and how came I there? Before I could resolve my doubts upon + the question, my attention was turned in another direction, for close + beside me the branches moved forward, and a pair of arms were thrown + around my neck, while a delicious voice cried out in an accent of + childish, delight, "<i>Trovado!</i>" At the same instant a lovely head + sank upon my shoulder, covering it with tresses of long brown hair. The + arms pressed me still more closely, till I felt her very heart beating + against my side. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mio fradre</i>," said a soft, trembling voice, as her fingers played + in my hair and patted my temples. + </p> + <p> + What a situation mine! I well knew that some mistaken identity had been + the cause, but still I could not repress my inclination to return the + embrace, as I pressed my lips upon the fair forehead that leaned upon my + bosom; at the same moment she threw back her head, as if to look me more + fully in the face. One glance sufficed; blushing deeply over her cheeks + and neck, she sprang from my arms, and uttering a faint cry, staggered + against a tree. In an instant I saw it was the lovely girl I had met in + the morning; and without losing a second I poured out apologies for my + intrusion with all the eloquence I was master of, till she suddenly + interrupted me by asking if I spoke French. Scarcely had I recommenced my + excuses in that language, when a third party appeared upon the stage. This + was a short, elderly man, in a green uniform, with several decorations + upon his breast, and a cocked hat with a most flowing plume in his right + hand. + </p> + <p> + "May I beg to know whom I have the honor of receiving?" inquired he, in + very excellent English, as he advanced with a look of very ceremonious and + distant politeness. + </p> + <p> + I immediately explained that, presuming upon the card which his servant + had presented me, I had resolved on paying my respects when a mistake had + led me accidentally into his garden. + </p> + <p> + My apologies had not come to an end when he folded me in his arms and + overwhelmed me with thanks, at the same time saying a few words in + Portuguese to his daughter. She stooped down, and taking my hand gently + within her own, touched it with her lips. + </p> + <p> + This piece of touching courtesy,—which I afterwards found meant + little or nothing,—affected me deeply at the time, and I felt the + blood rush to my face and forehead, half in pride, half in a sense of + shame. My confusion was, however, of short duration; for taking my arm, + the old gentleman led me along a few paces, and turning round a small + clump of olives, entered a little summer-house. Here a considerable party + were assembled, which for their picturesque effect could scarcely have + been better managed on the stage. + </p> + <p> + Beneath the mild lustre of a large lamp of stained glass, half hid in the + overhanging boughs, was spread a table covered with vessels of gold and + silver plate of gorgeous richness; drinking cups and goblets of antique + pattern shone among cups of Sèvres china or Venetian glass; delicious + fruit, looking a thousand times more tempting for being contained in + baskets of silver foliage, peeped from amidst a profusion of fresh + flowers, whose odor was continually shed around by a slight <i>jet d'eau</i> + that played among the leaves. Around upon the grass, seated upon cushions + or reclining on Genoa carpets, were several beautiful girls in most + becoming costumes, their dark locks and darker eyes speaking of "the soft + South," while their expressive gestures and animated looks betokened a + race whose temperament is glowing as their clime. There were several men + also, the greater number of whom appeared in uniform,—bronzed, + soldier-like fellows, who had the jaunty air and easy carriage of their + calling,—among whom was one Englishman, or at least so I guessed + from his wearing the uniform of a heavy dragoon regiment. + </p> + <p> + "This is my daughter's <i>fête</i>," said Don Emanuel, as he ushered me + into the assembly,—"her birthday; a sad day it might have been for + us had it not been for your courage and forethought." So saying, he + commenced a recital of my adventure to the bystanders, who overwhelmed me + with civil speeches and a shower of soft looks that completed the + fascination of the fairy scene. Meanwhile the fair Inez had made room for + me beside her, and I found myself at once the lion of the party, each + vying with her neighbor who should show me most attention, La Senhora + herself directing her conversation exclusively to me,—a circumstance + which, considering the awkwardness of our first meeting, I felt no small + surprise at, and which led me, somewhat maliciously I confess, to make a + half allusion to it, feeling some interest in ascertaining for whom the + flattering reception was really intended. + </p> + <p> + "I thought you were Charles," said she, blushing, in answer to my + question. + </p> + <p> + "And you are right," said I; "I am Charles." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, but I meant <i>my</i> Charles." + </p> + <p> + There was something of touching softness in the tone of these few words + that made me half wish I were <i>her</i> Charles. Whether my look evinced + as much or not, I cannot tell, but she speedily added,— + </p> + <p> + "He is my brother; he is a captain in the caçadores, and I expected him + here this evening. Some one saw a figure pass the gate and conceal himself + in the trees, and I was sure it was he." + </p> + <p> + "What a disappointment!" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; was it not?" said she, hurriedly; and then, as if remembering how + ungracious was the speech, she blushed more deeply and hung down her head. + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment, as I looked up, I caught the eye of the English + officer fixed steadfastly upon me. He was a tall, fine-looking fellow, of + about two or three and thirty, with marked and handsome features, which, + however, conveyed an expression of something sneering and sinister that + struck me the moment I saw him. His glass was fixed in his eye, and I + perceived that he regarded us both with a look of no common interest. My + attention did not, however, dwell long upon the circumstance, for Don + Emanuel, coming behind my shoulder, asked me if I would not take out his + daughter in the bolero they were just forming. + </p> + <p> + To my shame I was obliged to confess that I had not even seen the dance; + and while I continued to express my resolve to correct the errors of my + education, the Englishman came up and asked the senhora to be his partner. + This put the very keystone upon my annoyance, and I half turned angrily + away from the spot, when I heard her decline his invitation, and avow her + determination not to dance. + </p> + <p> + There was something which pleased me so much at this refusal, that I could + not help turning upon her a look of most grateful acknowledgment; but as I + did so, I once more encountered the gaze of the Englishman, whose knitted + brows and compressed lips were bent upon me in a manner there was no + mistaking. This was neither the fitting time nor place to seek any + explanation of the circumstance, so, wisely resolving to wait a better + occasion, I turned away and resumed my attentions towards my fair + companion. + </p> + <p> + "Then you don't care for the bolero?" said I, as she reseated herself upon + the grass. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I delight in it!" said she, enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + "But you refused to dance?" + </p> + <p> + She hesitated, blushed, tried to mutter something, and was silent. + </p> + <p> + "I had determined to learn it," said I, half jestingly; "but if you will + not dance with me—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; that I will,—indeed I will." + </p> + <p> + "But you declined my countryman. Is it because he is inexpert?" + </p> + <p> + The senhora hesitated, looked confused for some minutes; at length, + coloring slightly, she said: "I have already made one rude speech to you + this evening; I fear lest I should make a second. Tell me, is Captain + Trevyllian your friend?" + </p> + <p> + "If you mean that gentleman yonder, I never saw him before." + </p> + <p> + "Nor heard of him?" + </p> + <p> + "Nor that either. We are total strangers to each other." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, I may confess it. I do not like him. My father prefers him to + any one else, invites him here daily, and, in fact, instals him as his + first favorite. But still, I cannot like him; and yet I have done my best + to do so." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" said I, pointedly. "What are his chief demerits? Is he not + agreeable? Is he not clever?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, on the contrary, most agreeable, fascinating, I should say, in + conversation; has travelled, seen a great deal of the world, is very + accomplished, and has distinguished himself on several occasions. He + wears, as you see, a Portuguese order." + </p> + <p> + "And with all that—" + </p> + <p> + "And with all that, I cannot bear him. He is a duellist, a notorious + duellist. My brother, too, knows more of him, and avoids him. But let us + not speak further. I see his eyes are again fixed on us; and somehow, I + fear him, without well knowing wherefore." + </p> + <p> + A movement among the party, shawls and mantillas were sought for on all + sides; and the preparations for leave-taking appeared general. Before, + however, I had time to express my thanks for my hospitable reception, the + guests had assembled in a circle around the senhora, and toasting her with + a parting bumper, they commenced in concert a little Portuguese song of + farewell, each verse concluding with a good-night, which, as they + separated and held their way homewards, might now and then be heard rising + upon the breeze and wafting their last thoughts back to her. The + concluding verse, which struck me much, I have essayed to translate. It + ran somehow thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The morning breezes chill + Now close our joyous scene, + And yet we linger still, + Where we've so happy been. + How blest were it to live + With hearts like ours so light, + And only part to give + One long and last good-night! + Good-night!" +</pre> + <p> + With many an invitation to renew my visit, most kindly preferred by Don + Emanuel and warmly seconded by his daughter, I, too, wished my good-night + and turned my steps homeward. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX + </h2> + <p> + THE VILLA. + </p> + <p> + The first object which presented itself to my eye the next morning was the + midshipman's packet intrusted to my care by Power. I turned it over to + read the address more carefully, and what was my surprise to find that the + name was that of my fair friend Donna Inez. + </p> + <p> + "This certainly thickens the plot," thought I. "And so I have now fallen + upon the real Simon Pure, and the reefer has had the good fortune to + distance the dragoon. Well, thus far, I cannot say that I regret it. Now, + however, for the parade, and then for the villa." + </p> + <p> + "I say, O'Malley," cried out Monsoon, as I appeared on the Plaza, "I have + accepted an invitation for you to-day. We dine across the river. Be at my + quarters a little before six, and we'll go together." + </p> + <p> + I should rather have declined the invitation; but not well knowing why, + and having no ready excuse, acceded, and promised to be punctual. + </p> + <p> + "You were at Don Emanuel's last night. I heard of you!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I spent a most delightful evening." + </p> + <p> + "That's your ground, my boy. A million of moidores, and such a campagna in + Valencia. A better thing than the Dalrymple affair. Don't blush. I know it + all. But stay; here they come." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the general commanding, with a numerous staff, rode forward. + As they passed, I recognized a face which I had certainly seen before, and + in a moment remembered it was that of the dragoon of the evening before. + He passed quite close, and fixing his eyes steadfastly on me, evinced no + sign of recognition. + </p> + <p> + The parade lasted above two hours; and it was with a feeling of impatience + I mounted a fresh horse to canter out to the villa. When I arrived, the + servant informed me that Don Emanuel was in the city, but that the senhora + was in the garden, offering, at the same time, to escort me. Declining + this honor, I intrusted my horse to his keeping and took my way towards + the arbor where last I had seen her. + </p> + <p> + I had not walked many paces, when the sound of a guitar struck on my ear. + I listened. It was the senhora's voice. She was singing a Venetian + canzonetta in a low, soft, warbling tone, as one lost in a revery; as + though the music was a mere accompaniment to some pleasant thought. I + peeped through the dense leaves, and there she sat upon a low garden seat, + an open book on the rustic table before her, beside her, embroidery, which + seemed only lately abandoned. As I looked, she placed her guitar upon the + ground and began to play with a small spaniel that seemed to have waited + with impatience for some testimony of favor. A moment more, and she grew + weary of this; then, heaving a long but gentle sigh, leaned back upon her + chair and seemed lost in thought. I now had ample time to regard her, and + certainly never beheld anything more lovely. There was a character of + classic beauty, and her brow, though fair and ample, was still strongly + marked upon the temples; the eyes, being deep and squarely set, imparted a + look of intensity to her features which their own softness subdued; while + the short upper lip, which trembled with every passing thought, spoke of a + nature tender and impressionable, and yet impassioned. Her foot and ankle + peeped from beneath her dark robe, and certainly nothing could be more + faultless; while her hand, fair as marble, blue-veined and dimpled, played + amidst the long tresses of her hair, that, as if in the wantonness of + beauty, fell carelessly upon her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + It was some time before I could tear myself away from the fascination of + so much beauty, and it needed no common effort to leave the spot. As I + made a short <i>détour</i> in the garden before approaching the arbor, she + saw me as I came forward, and kissing her hand gayly, made room for me + beside her. + </p> + <p> + "I have been fortunate in finding you alone, Senhora," said I, as I seated + myself by her side, "for I am the bearer of a letter to you. How far it + may interest you, I know not, but to the writer's feelings I am bound to + testify." + </p> + <p> + "A letter to me? You jest, surely?" + </p> + <p> + "That I am in earnest, this will show," said I, producing the packet. + </p> + <p> + She took it from my hands, turned it about and about, examined the seal; + while, half doubtingly, she said:— + </p> + <p> + "The name is mine; but still—" + </p> + <p> + "You fear to open it; is it not so? But after all, you need not be + surprised if it's from Howard; that's his name, I think." + </p> + <p> + "Howard! from little Howard!" exclaimed she, enthusiastically; and tearing + open the letter, she pressed it to her lips, her eyes sparkling with + pleasure and her cheek glowing as she read. I watched her as she ran + rapidly over the lines; and I confess that, more than once, a pang of + discontent shot through my heart that the midshipman's letter could call + up such interest,—not that I was in love with her myself, but yet, I + know not how it was, I had fancied her affections unengaged; and without + asking myself wherefore, I wished as much. + </p> + <p> + "Poor dear boy!" said she, as she came to the end. How these few and + simple words sank into my heart, as I remembered how they had once been + uttered to myself, and in perhaps no very dissimilar circumstances. + </p> + <p> + "But where is the souvenir he speaks of?" said she. + </p> + <p> + "The souvenir. I'm not aware—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I hope you've not lost the lock of hair he sent me!" I was quite + dumfounded at this, and could not remember whether I had received it from + Power or not, so answered, at random,— + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I must have left it on my table." + </p> + <p> + "Promise me, then, to bring it to-morrow with you?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," said I, with something of pique in my manner. "If I find such + a means of making my visit an agreeable one, I shall certainly not omit + it." + </p> + <p> + "You are quite right," said she, either not noticing or not caring for the + tone of my reply. "You will, indeed, be a welcome messenger. Do you know, + he was one of my lovers?" + </p> + <p> + "One of them, indeed! Then pray how many do you number at this moment?" + </p> + <p> + "What a question; as if I could possibly count them! Besides, there are so + many absent,—some on leave, some deserters, perhaps,—that I + might be reckoning among my troops, but who, possibly, form part of the + forces of the enemy. Do you know little Howard?" + </p> + <p> + "I cannot say that we are personally acquainted, but I am enabled through + the medium of a friend to say that his sentiments are not strange to me. + Besides, I have really pledged myself to support the prayer of his + petition." + </p> + <p> + "How very good of you! For which reason you've forgotten, if not lost, the + lock of hair." + </p> + <p> + "That you shall have to-morrow," said I, pressing my hand solemnly to my + heart. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, don't forget it. But hush; here comes Captain Trevyllian. So + you say Lisbon really pleases you?" said she, in a tone of voice totally + changed, as the dragoon of the preceding evening approached. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley, Captain Trevyllian." + </p> + <p> + We bowed stiffly and haughtily to each other, as two men salute who are + unavoidably obliged to bow, with every wish on either side to avoid + acquaintance. So, at least, I construed his bow; so I certainly intended + my own. + </p> + <p> + It requires no common tact to give conversation the appearance of + unconstraint and ease when it is evident that each person opposite is + laboring under excited feelings; so that, notwithstanding the senhora's + efforts to engage our attention by the commonplaces of the day, we + remained almost silent, and after a few observations of no interest, took + our several leaves. Here again a new source of awkwardness arose; for as + we walked together towards the house, where our horses stood, neither + party seemed disposed to speak. + </p> + <p> + "You are probably returning to Lisbon?" said he, coldly. + </p> + <p> + I assented by a bow; upon which, drawing his bridle within his arm, he + bowed once more, and turned away in an opposite direction; while I, glad + to be relieved of an unsought-for companionship, returned alone to the + town. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL + </h2> + <p> + THE DINNER. + </p> + <p> + It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party. + Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I + cared least for,—a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, + punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and + unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member + of his family. The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, + Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted. As + is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din + and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor + of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified. As for me, my + evil destiny would have it that I was placed exactly opposite Trevyllian, + with whom upon more than one occasion I happened to differ in opinion, and + the question was in itself some trivial and unimportant one; yet the tone + which he assumed, and of which, I too could not divest myself in reply, + boded anything rather than an amicable feeling between us. The noise and + turmoil about prevented the others remarking the circumstance; but I could + perceive in his manner what I deemed a studied determination to promote a + quarrel, while I felt within myself a most unchristian-like desire to + indulge his fancy. + </p> + <p> + "Worse fellows at passing the bottle than Trevyllian and O'Malley there I + have rarely sojourned with," cried the major; "look if they haven't got + eight decanters between them, and here we are in a state of African + thirst." + </p> + <p> + "How can you expect him to think of thirst when such perfumed billets as + that come showering upon him?" said the adjutant, alluding to a + rose-colored epistle a servant had placed within my hands. + </p> + <p> + "Eight miles of a stone-wall country in fifteen minutes,—devil a lie + in it!" said O'Shaughnessy, striking the table with, his clinched fist; + "show me the man would deny it." + </p> + <p> + "Why, my dear fellow—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't be dearing me. Is it 'no' you'll be saying me?" + </p> + <p> + "Listen, now; there's O'Reilly, there—" + </p> + <p> + "Where is he?" + </p> + <p> + "He's under the table." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it's the same thing. His mother had a fox—bad luck to you, + don't scald me with the jug—his mother had a fox-cover in + Shinrohan." + </p> + <p> + When O'Shaughnessy had got thus far in his narrative, I had the + opportunity of opening my note, which merely contained the following + words: "Come to the ball at the Casino, and bring the Cadeau you + promised." + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely read this over once, when a roar of laughter at something + said attracted my attention. I looked up, and perceived Trevyllian's eyes + bent upon me with the fierceness of a tiger; the veins in his forehead + were swollen and distorted, and the whole expression of his face betokened + rage and passion. Resolved no longer to submit to such evident + determination to insult, I was rising from my place at table, when, as if + anticipating my intention, he pushed back his chair and left the room. + Fearful of attracting attention by immediately following him, I affected + to join in the conversation around me, while my temples throbbed, and my + hands tingled with impatience to get away. + </p> + <p> + "Poor McManus," said O'Shaughnessy, "rest his soul! he'd have puzzled the + bench of bishops for hard words. Upon my conscience, I believe he spent + his mornings looking for them in the Old Testament. Sure ye might have + heard what happened to him at Banagher, when he commanded the Kilkennys,—ye + never heard the story? Well, then, ye shall. Push the sherry along first, + though,—old Monsoon there always keeps it lingering beside his left + arm. + </p> + <p> + "Well, when Peter was lieutenant-colonel of the Kilkennys,—who, I + may remark, <i>en passant</i>, as the French say, were the + neediest-looking devils in the whole service,—he never let them + alone from morning till night, drilling and pipe-claying and polishing + them up. 'Nothing will make soldiers of you,' said Peter, 'but, by the + rock of Cashel! I'll keep you as clean as a new musket!' Now, poor Peter + himself was not a very warlike figure,—he measured five feet one in + his tallest boots; but certainly if Nature denied him length of stature, + she compensated for it in another way, by giving him a taste of the + longest words in the language. An extra syllable or so in a word was + always a strong recommendation; and whenever he could not find one to his + mind, he'd take some quaint, outlandish one that more than once led to + very awkward results. Well, the regiment was one day drawn up for parade + in the town of Banagher, and as M'Manus came down the lines he stopped + opposite one of the men whose face, hands, and accoutrements exhibited a + most woeful contempt of his orders. The fellow looked more like a + turf-stack than a light-company man. + </p> + <p> + "'Stand out, sir!' cried M'Manus, in a boiling passion. 'Sergeant O'Toole, + inspect this individual.' Now, the sergeant was rather a favorite with + Mac; for he always pretended to understand his phraseology, and in + consequence was pronounced by the colonel a very superior man for his + station in life. 'Sergeant,' said he, 'we shall make an exemplary + illustration of our system here.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, sir,' said the sergeant, sorely puzzled at the meaning of what he + spoke. + </p> + <p> + "'Bear him to the Shannon, and lave him there.' This he said in a kind of + Coriolanus tone, with a toss of his head and a wave of his right arm,—signs, + whenever he made them, incontestibly showing that further parley was out + of the question, and that he had summed up and charged the jury for good + and all. + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Lave</i> him in the river?' said O'Toole, his eyes starting from the + sockets, and his whole face working in strong anxiety; 'is it <i>lave</i> + him in the river yer honor means?' + </p> + <p> + "'I have spoken,' said the little man, bending an ominous frown upon the + sergeant, which, whatever construction he may have put upon his words, + there was no mistaking. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, well, av it's God's will he's drowned, it will not be on my head,' + says O'Toole, as he marched the fellow away between two rank and file. + </p> + <p> + "The parade was nearly over, when Mac happened to see the sergeant coming + up all splashed with water and looking quite tired. + </p> + <p> + "'Have you obeyed my orders?' said he. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, yer honor; and tough work we had of it, for he struggled hard.' + </p> + <p> + "'And where is he now?' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, troth, he's there safe. Divil a fear he'll get out.' + </p> + <p> + "'Where?' said Mac. + </p> + <p> + "'In the river, yer honor.' + </p> + <p> + "'What have you done, you scoundrel?' + </p> + <p> + "'Didn't I do as you bid me?' says he; 'didn't I throw him in and <i>lave</i> + [leave] him there?' + </p> + <p> + "And faith so they did; and if he wasn't a good swimmer and got over to + Moystown, there's little doubt but he'd have been drowned, and all because + Peter McManus could not express himself like a Christian." + </p> + <p> + In the laughter which followed O'Shaughnessy's story I took the + opportunity of making my escape from the party, and succeeded in gaining + the street unobserved. Though the note I had just read was not signed, I + had no doubt from whom it came; so I hastened at once to my quarters, to + make search for the lock of Ned Howard's hair to which the senhora + alluded. What was my mortification, however, to discover that no such + thing could be found anywhere. I searched all my drawers; I tossed about + my papers and letters; I hunted every likely, every unlikely spot I could + think of, but in vain,—now cursing my carelessness for having lost + it, now swearing most solemnly to myself that I never could have received + it. What was to be done? It was already late; my only thought was how to + replace it. If I only knew the color, any other lock of hair would, + doubtless, do just as well. The chances were, as Howard was young and an + Englishman, that his hair was light; light-brown, probably, something like + my own. Of course it was; why didn't that thought occur to me before? How + stupid I was. So saying, I seized a pair of scissors, and cut a long lock + beside my temple; this in a calm moment I might have hesitated about. + "Yes," thought I, "she'll never discover the cheat; and besides, I do + feel,—I know not exactly why,—rather gratified to think that I + shall have left this <i>souvenir</i> behind me, even though it call up + other recollections than of me." So thinking, I wrapped my cloak about me + and hastened towards the Casino. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. + </h2> + <p> + THE ROUTE. + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely gone a hundred yards from my quarters when a great tramp of + horses' feet attracted my attention. I stopped to listen, and soon heard + the jingle of dragoon accoutrements, as the noise came near. The night was + dark but perfectly still; and before I stood many minutes I heard the + tones of a voice which I well knew could belong to but one, and that Fred + Power. + </p> + <p> + "Fred Power!" said I, shouting at the same time at the top of my voice,—"Power!" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Charley, is that you? Come along to the adjutant-general's quarters. + I'm charged with some important despatches, and can't stop till I've + delivered them. Come along, I've glorious news for you!" So saying, he + dashed spurs to his horse, and followed by two mounted dragoons, galloped + past. Power's few and hurried words had so excited my curiosity that I + turned at once to follow him, questioning myself, as I walked along, to + what he could possibly allude. He knew of my attachment to Lucy Dashwood,—could + he mean anything of her? But what could I expect there; by what flattery + could I picture to myself any chance of success in that quarter; and yet, + what other news could I care for or value than what bore upon her fate + upon whom my own depended? Thus ruminating, I reached the door of the + spacious building in which the adjutant-general had taken up his abode, + and soon found myself among a crowd of persons whom the rumor of some + important event had assembled there, though no one could tell what had + occurred. Before many minutes the door opened, and Power came out; bowing + hurriedly to a few, and whispering a word or two as he passed down the + steps, he seized me by the arm and led me across the street. "Charley," + said he, "the curtain's rising; the piece is about to begin; a new + commander-in-chief is sent out,—Sir Arthur Wellesley, my boy, the + finest fellow in England is to lead us on, and we march to-morrow. There's + news for you!" A raw boy, unread, uninformed as I was, I knew but little + of his career whose name had even then shed such lustre upon our army; but + the buoyant tone of Power as he spoke, the kindling energy of his voice + roused me, and I felt every inch a soldier. As I grasped his hand in + delightful enthusiasm I lost all memory of my disappointment, and in the + beating throb that shook my head; I felt how deeply slept the ardor of + military glory that first led me from my home to see a battle-field. + </p> + <p> + "There goes the news!" said Frederick, pointing as he spoke to a rocket + that shot up into the sky, and as it broke into ten thousand stars, + illuminated the broad stream where the ships of war lay darkly resting. In + another moment the whole air shone with similar fires, while the deep roll + of the drum sounded along the silent streets, and the city so lately sunk + in sleep became, as if by magic, thronged with crowds of people; the sharp + clang of the cavalry trumpet blended with the gay carol of the + light-infantry bugle, and the heavy tramp of the march was heard in the + distance. All was excitement, all bustle; but in the joyous tone of every + voice was spoken the longing anxiety to meet the enemy. The gay, reckless + tone of an Irish song would occasionally reach us, as some Connaught + Ranger or some 78th man passed, his knapsack on his back; or the low + monotonous pibroch of the Highlander, swelling into a war-cry, as some + kilted corps drew up their ranks together. We turned to regain our + quarters, when at the corner of a street we came suddenly upon a merry + party seated around a table before a little inn; a large street lamp, + unhung for the occasion, had been placed in the midst of them, and showed + us the figures of several soldiers in undress; at the end, and raised a + little above his compeers, sat one whom, by the unfair proportion he + assumed of the conversation, not less than by the musical intonation of + his voice, I soon recognized as my man, Mickey Free. + </p> + <p> + "I'll be hanged if that's not your fellow there, Charley," said Power, as + he came to a dead stop a few yards off. "What an impertinent varlet he is; + only to think of him there, presiding among a set of fellows that have + fought all the battles in the Peninsular war. At this moment I'll be + hanged if he is not going to sing." + </p> + <p> + Here a tremendous thumping upon the table announced the fact, and after a + few preliminary observations from Mike, illustrative of his respect to the + service in which he had so often distinguished himself, he began, to the + air of the "Young May Moon," a ditty of which I only recollect the + following verses:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The pickets are fast retreating, boys, + The last tattoo is beating, boys, + So let every man + Finish his can, + And drink to our next merry meeting, boys. + + The colonel so gayly prancing, boys, + Has a wonderful trick of advancing, boys, + When he sings out so large, + 'Fix bayonets and charge!' + He sets all the Frenchmen a-dancing, boys. + + Let Mounseer look ever so big, my boys, + Who cares for fighting a fig, my boys? + When we play 'Garryowen,' + He'd rather go home; + For somehow, he's no taste for a jig, my boys." +</pre> + <p> + This admirable lyric seemed to have perfect success, if one were only to + judge from the thundering of voices, hands, and drinking vessels which + followed; while a venerable, gray-haired sergeant rose to propose Mr. + Free's health, and speedy promotion to him. + </p> + <p> + We stood for several minutes in admiration of the party, when the loud + roll of the drums beating to arms awakened us to the thought that our + moments were numbered. + </p> + <p> + "Good-night, Charley!" said Power, as he shook my hand warmly, + "good-night! It will be your last night under a curtain for some months to + come; make the most of it. Adieu!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, we parted; he to his quarters, and I to all the confusion of my + baggage, which lay in most admired disorder about my room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. + </h2> + <p> + THE FAREWELL. + </p> + <p> + The preparations for the march occupied me till near morning; and, indeed, + had I been disposed to sleep, the din and clamor of the world without + would have totally prevented it. Before daybreak the advanced guard was + already in motion, and some squadrons of heavy cavalry had begun their + march. + </p> + <p> + I looked around my now dismantled room as one does usually for the last + time ere leaving, and bethought me if I had not forgotten anything. + Apparently all was remembered; but stay,—what is this? To be sure, + how forgetful I had become! It was the packet I destined for Donna Inez, + and which, in the confusion of the night before, I had omitted to bring to + the Casino. + </p> + <p> + I immediately despatched Mike to the commissary with my luggage and orders + to ascertain when we were expected to march. He soon returned with the + intelligence that our corps was not to move before noon, so that I had yet + some hours to spare and make my adieux to the senhora. + </p> + <p> + I cannot exactly explain the reason, but I certainly did bestow a more + than common attention upon my toilet that morning. The senhora was nothing + to me. It is true she had, as she lately most candidly informed me, a + score of admirers, among whom I was not even reckoned; she was evidently a + coquette whose greatest pleasure was to sport and amuse herself with the + passions she excited in others. And even if she were not,—if her + heart were to be won to-morrow,—what claim, what right, had I to + seek it? My affections were already pledged; promised, it is true, to one + who gave nothing in return, and who, perhaps, even loved another. Ah, + there was the rub; that one confounded suspicion, lurking in the rear, + chilled my courage and wounded my spirit. + </p> + <p> + If there be anything more disheartening to an Irishman, in his little <i>affaires + de coeur</i>, than another, it is the sense of rivalry. The obstinacy of + fathers, the ill-will of mothers, the coldness, the indifference of the + lovely object herself,—obstacles though they be,—he has tact, + spirit, and perseverance to overcome them. But when a more successful + candidate for the fair presents himself; when the eye that remains + downcast at <i>his</i> suit, lights up with animation at <i>another's</i> + coming; when the features whose cold and chilling apathy to him have + blended in one smile of welcome to another,—it is all up with him; + he sees the game lost, and throws his cards upon the table. And yet, why + is this? Why is it that he whose birthright it would seem to be sanguine + when others despond, to be confident when all else are hopeless,—should + find his courage fail him here? The reason is simply—But, in good + sooth, I am ashamed to confess it! + </p> + <p> + Having jogged on so far with my reader, in all the sober seriousness which + the matter-of-fact material of these memoirs demands, I fear lest a + seeming paradox may cause me to lose my good name for veracity; and that + while merely maintaining a national trait of my country, I may appear to + be asserting some unheard-of and absurd proposition,—so far have + mere vulgar prejudices gone to sap our character as a people. + </p> + <p> + The reason, then, is this,—for I have gone too far to retreat,—the + Irishman is essentially bashful. Well, laugh if you wish, for I conclude + that, by this time, you have given way to a most immoderate excess of + risibility; but still, when you have perfectly recovered your composure, I + beg to repeat,—the Irishman is essentially a bashful man! + </p> + <p> + Do not for a moment fancy that I would by this imply that in any new or + unexpected situation, that from any unforeseen conjuncture of events, the + Irishman would feel confused or abashed, more than any other,—far + from it. The cold and habitual reserve of the Englishman, the studied + caution of the North Tweeder himself, would exhibit far stronger evidences + of awkwardness in such circumstances as these. But on the other hand, when + measuring his capacity, his means of success, his probabilities of being + preferred, with those of the natives of any other country, I back the + Irishman against the world for distrust of his own powers, for an + under-estimate of his real merits,—in one word, for his bashfulness. + But let us return to Donna Inez. + </p> + <p> + As I rode up to the villa, I found the family assembled at breakfast. + Several officers were also present, among whom I was not sorry to + recognize my friend Monsoon. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Charley!" cried he, as I seated myself beside him, "what a pity all + our fun is so soon to have an end! Here's this confounded Soult won't be + quiet and peaceable; but he must march upon Oporto, and Heaven knows where + besides, just as we were really beginning to enjoy life! I had got such a + contract for blankets! And now they've ordered me to join Beresford's + corps in the mountains; and you," here he dropped his voice,—"and + you were getting on so devilish well in this quarter; upon my life, I + think you'd have carried the day. Old Don Emanuel—you know he's a + friend of mine—likes you very much. And then, there's Sparks—" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, Major, what of him? I have not seen him for some days." + </p> + <p> + "Why, they've been frightening the poor devil out of his life, + O'Shaughnessy and a set of them. They tried him by court-martial + yesterday, and sentenced him to mount guard with a wooden sword and a + shooting jacket, which he did. Old Colbourne, it seems, saw him; and + faith, there would be the devil to pay if the route had not come! Some of + them would certainly have got a long leave to see their friends." + </p> + <p> + "Why is not the senhora here, Major? I don't see her at table." + </p> + <p> + "A cold, a sore throat, a wet-feet affair of last night, I believe. Pass + that cold pie down here. Sherry, if you please. You didn't see Power + to-day?" + </p> + <p> + "No: we parted late last night; I have not been to bed." + </p> + <p> + "Very bad preparation for a march; take some burned brandy in your + coffee." + </p> + <p> + "Then you don't think the senhora will appear?" + </p> + <p> + "Very unlikely. But stay, you know her room,—the small drawing-room + that looks out upon the flower-garden; she usually passes the morning + there. Leap the little wooden paling round the corner, and the chances are + ten to one you find her." + </p> + <p> + I saw from the occupied air of Don Antonio that there was little fear of + interruption on his part; so taking an early moment to escape unobserved, + I rose and left the room. When I sprang over the oak fence, I found myself + in a delicious little garden, where roses, grown to a height never seen in + our colder climate, formed a deep bower of rich blossom. + </p> + <p> + The major was right. The senhora was in the room, and in one moment I was + beside her. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing but my fears of not bidding you farewell could palliate my thus + intruding, Donna Inez; but as we are ordered away—" + </p> + <p> + "When? Not so soon, surely?" + </p> + <p> + "Even so; to-day, this very hour. But you see that even in the hurry of + departure, I have not forgotten my trust; this is the packet I promised + you." + </p> + <p> + So saying, I placed the paper with the lock of hair within her hand, and + bending downwards, pressed my lips upon her taper fingers. She hurriedly + snatched her hand away, and tearing open the enclosure, took out the lock. + She looked steadily for a moment at it, then at me, and again at it, and + at length, bursting into a fit of laughing, threw herself upon a chair in + a very ecstasy of mirth. + </p> + <p> + "Why, you don't mean to impose this auburn ringlet upon me for one of poor + Howard's jetty curls? What downright folly to think of it! And then, with + how little taste the deception was practised,—upon your very + temples, too! One comfort is, you are utterly spoiled by it." + </p> + <p> + Here she again relapsed into a fit of laughter, leaving me perfectly + puzzled what to think of her, as she resumed:— + </p> + <p> + "Well, tell me now, am I to reckon this as a pledge of your own + allegiance, or am I still to believe it to be Edward Howard's? Speak, and + truly." + </p> + <p> + "Of my own, most certainly," said I, "if it will be accepted." + </p> + <p> + "Why, after such treachery, perhaps it ought not; but still, as you have + already done yourself such injury, and look so very silly, withal—" + </p> + <p> + "That you are even resolved to give me cause to look more so," added I. + </p> + <p> + "Exactly," said she, "for here, now, I reinstate you among my true and + faithful admirers. Kneel down, Sir Knight—in token of which you will + wear this scarf—" + </p> + <p> + A sudden start which the donna gave at these words brought me to my feet. + She was pale as death and trembling. + </p> + <p> + "What means this?" said I. "What has happened?" + </p> + <p> + She pointed with her finger towards the garden; but though her lips moved, + no voice came forth. I sprang through the open window; I rushed into the + copse, the only one which might afford concealment for a figure, but no + one was there. After a few minutes' vain endeavor to discover any trace of + an intruder, I returned to the chamber. The donna was there still, but how + changed; her gayety and animation were gone, her pale cheek and trembling + lip bespoke fear and suffering, and her cold hand lay heavily beside her. + </p> + <p> + "I thought—perhaps it was merely fancy—but I thought I saw + Trevyllian beside the window." + </p> + <p> + "Impossible!" said I. "I have searched every walk and alley. It was + nothing but imagination,—believe me, no more. There, be assured; + think no more of it." + </p> + <p> + While I endeavored thus to reassure her, I was very far from feeling + perfectly at ease myself; the whole bearing and conduct of this man had + inspired me with a growing dislike of him, and I felt already + half-convinced that he had established himself as a spy upon my actions. + </p> + <p> + "Then you really believe I was mistaken?" said the donna, as she placed + her hand within mine. + </p> + <p> + "Of course I do; but speak no more of it. You must not forget how few my + moments are here. Already I have heard the tramp of horses without. Ah! + there they are. In a moment more I shall be missed; so, once more, fairest + Inez—Nay, I beg pardon if I have dared to call you thus; but think, + if it be the first it may also be the last time I shall ever speak it." + </p> + <p> + Her head gently drooped, as I said these words, till it sank upon my + shoulder, her long and heavy hair falling upon my neck and across my + bosom. I felt her heart almost beat against my side; I muttered some + words, I know not what; I felt them like a prayer; I pressed her cold + forehead to my lips, rushed from the room, cleared the fence at a spring, + and was far upon the road to Lisbon ere I could sufficiently collect my + senses to know whither I was going. Of little else was I conscious; my + mind was full to bursting; and in the confusion of my excited brain, + fiction and reality were so inextricably mingled as to defy every endeavor + at discrimination. But little time had I for reflection. As I reached the + city, the brigade to which I was attached was already under arms, and Mike + impatiently waiting my arrival with the horses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXLIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE MARCH. + </p> + <p> + What a strange spectacle did the road to Oliveira present upon the morning + of the 7th of May! A hurried or incautious observer might, at first sight, + have pronounced the long line of troops which wended their way through the + valley as the remains of a broken and routed army, had not the ardent + expression and bright eye that beamed on every side assured him that men + who looked thus could not be beaten ones. Horse, foot, baggage, artillery, + dismounted dragoons, even the pale and scarcely recovered inhabitants of + the hospital, might have been seen hurrying on; for the order, "Forward!" + had been given at Lisbon, and those whose wounds did not permit their + joining, were more pitied for their loss than its cause. More than one + officer was seen at the head of his troop with an arm in a sling, or a + bandaged forehead; while among the men similar evidences of devotion were + not unfrequent. As for me, long years and many reverses have not + obliterated, scarcely blunted, the impression that sight made on me. The + splendid spectacle of a review had often excited and delighted me, but + here there was the glorious reality of war,—the bronzed faces, the + worn uniforms, the well-tattered flags, the roll of the heavy guns + mingling with the wild pibroch of the Highlander, or scarcely less wild + recklessness of the Irish quick-step; while the long line of cavalry, + their helmets and accoutrements shining in the morning sun, brought back + one's boyish dreams of joust and tournament, and made the heart beat high + with chivalrous enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said I, half aloud, "this is indeed a realization of what I longed + and thirsted for," the clang of the music and the tramp of the cavalry + responding to my throbbing pulses as we moved along. + </p> + <p> + "Close up, there; trot!" cried out a deep and manly voice; and immediately + a general officer rode by, followed by an aide-de-camp. + </p> + <p> + "There goes Cotton," said Power. "You may feel easy in your mind now, + Charley; there's some work before us." + </p> + <p> + "You have not heard our destination?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing is known for certain yet. The report goes, that Soult is + advancing upon Oporto; and the chances are, Sir Arthur intends to hasten + on to its relief. Our fellows are at Ovar, with General Murray." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Charley, old Monsoon is in a devil of a flurry. He expected to + have been peaceably settled down in Lisbon for the next six months, and he + has received orders to set out for Beresford's headquarters immediately; + and from what I hear, they have no idle time." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Sparks, how goes it, man? Better fun this than the cook's galley, + eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, do you know, these hurried movements put me out confoundedly. I + found Lisbon very interesting,—the little I could see of it last + night." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, my dear fellow, think of the lovely Andalusian lasses with their + brown transparent skins and liquid eyes. Why, you'd have been over head + and ears in love in twenty-four hours more, had we stayed." + </p> + <p> + "Are they really so pretty?" + </p> + <p> + "Pretty! downright lovely, man. Why, they have a way of looking at you, + over their fans,—just one glance, short and fleeting, but so + melting, by Jove—Then their walk,—if it be not profane to call + that springing, elastic gesture by such a name,—why, it's regular + witchcraft. Sparks, my man, I tremble for you. Do you know, by-the-bye, + that same pace of theirs is a devilish hard thing to learn. I never could + come it; and yet, somehow, I was formerly rather a crack fellow at a + ballet. Old Alberto used to select me for a <i>pas de zéphyr</i> among a + host; but there's a kind of a hop and a slide and a spring,—in fact + you must have been wearing petticoats for eighteen years, and have an + Andalusian instep and an india-rubber sole to your foot, or it's no use + trying it. How I used to make them laugh at the old San Josef convent, + formerly, by my efforts in the cause!" + </p> + <p> + "Why, how did it ever occur to you to practise it?" + </p> + <p> + "Many a man's legs have saved his head, Charley, and I put it to mine to + do a similar office for me." + </p> + <p> + "True; but I never heard of a man that performed a <i>pas seul</i> before + the enemy." + </p> + <p> + "Not exactly; but still you're not very wide of the mark. If you'll only + wait till we reach Pontalegue, I'll tell you the story; not that it's + worth the delay, but talking at this brisk pace I don't admire." + </p> + <p> + "You leave a detachment here, Captain Power," said an aide-de-camp, riding + hastily up; "and General Cotton requests you will send a subaltern and two + sergeants forward towards Berar to reconnoitre the pass. Franchesca's + cavalry are reported in that quarter." So speaking, he dashed spurs to his + horse, and was out of sight in an instant. + </p> + <p> + Power, at the same moment, wheeled to the rear, from which he returned in + an instant, accompanied by three well-mounted light dragoons. "Sparks," + said he, "now for an occasion of distinguishing yourself. You heard the + order, lose no time; and as your horse is an able one, and fresh, lose not + a second, but forward." + </p> + <p> + No sooner was Sparks despatched on what it was evident he felt to be + anything but a pleasant duty, than I turned towards Power, and said, with + some tinge of disappointment in the tone, "Well, if you really felt there + was anything worth doing there, I flattered myself that—" + </p> + <p> + "Speak out man. That I should have sent you, eh? Is it not so?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, you've hit it." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Charley, my peace is easily made on this head. Why, I selected + Sparks simply to spare you one of the most unpleasant duties that can be + imposed upon a man; a duty which, let him discharge it to the uttermost, + will never be acknowledged, and the slightest failure in which will be + remembered for many a day against him, besides the pleasant and very + probable prospect of being selected as a bull's eye for a French rifle, or + carried off a prisoner; eh, Charley? There's no glory in that, devil a ray + of it! Come, come, old fellow, Fred Power's not the man to keep his friend + out of the <i>mêlée</i>, if only anything can be made by being in it. Poor + Sparks, I'd swear, is as little satisfied with the arrangement as + yourself, if one knew but all." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Power," said a tall, dashing-looking man of about five-and-forty, + with a Portuguese order on his breast,—"I say, Power, dine with us + at the halt." + </p> + <p> + "With pleasure, if I may bring my young friend here." + </p> + <p> + "Of course; pray introduce us." + </p> + <p> + "Major Hixley, Mr. O'Malley,—a 14th man, Hixley." + </p> + <p> + "Delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr. O'Malley. Knew a famous fellow + in Ireland of your name, a certain Godfrey O'Malley, member for some + county or other." + </p> + <p> + "My uncle," said I, blushing deeply, with a pleasurable feeling at even + this slight praise of my oldest friend. + </p> + <p> + "Your uncle! give me your hand. By Jove, his nephew has a right to good + treatment at my hands; he saved my life in the year '98. And how is old + Godfrey?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite well, when I left him some months ago; a little gout, now and + then." + </p> + <p> + "To be sure he has, no man deserves it better; but it's a gentlemanlike + gout that merely jogs his memory in the morning of the good wine he has + drank over night. By-the-bye, what became of a friend of his, a devilish + eccentric fellow who held a command in the Austrian service?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Considine, the count?" + </p> + <p> + "The same." + </p> + <p> + "As eccentric as ever; I left him on a visit with my uncle. And Boyle,—did + you know Sir Harry Boyle?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure I did; shall I ever forget him, and his capital blunders, that + kept me laughing the whole time I spent in Ireland? I was in the house + when he concluded a panegyric upon a friend, by calling him, 'the father + to the poor, and uncle to Lord Donoughmore.'" + </p> + <p> + "He was the only man who could render by a bull what it was impossible to + convey more correctly," said Power. + </p> + <p> + "You've heard of his duel with Dick Toler?" + </p> + <p> + "Never; let's hear it." + </p> + <p> + "It was a bull from beginning to end. Boyle took it into his head that + Dick was a person with whom he had a serious row in Cork. Dick, on the + other hand, mistook Boyle for old Caples, whom he had been pursuing with + horse-whipping intentions for some months. They met in Kildare Street + Club, and very little colloquy satisfied them that they were right in + their conjectures, each party being so eagerly ready to meet the views of + the other. It never was a difficult matter to find a friend in Dublin; and + to do them justice, Irish seconds, generally speaking, are perfectly free + from any imputation upon the score of mere delay. No men have less + impertinent curiosity as to the cause of the quarrel; wisely supposing + that the principals know their own affairs best, they cautiously abstain + from indulging any prying spirit, but proceed to discharge their functions + as best they may. Accordingly, Sir Harry and Dick were 'set up,' as the + phrase is, at twelve paces, and to use Boyle's own words, for I have heard + him relate the story,— + </p> + <p> + "We blazed away, sir, for three rounds. I put two in his hat and one in + his neckcloth; his shots went all through the skirt of my coat. + </p> + <p> + "'We'll spend the day here,' says Considine, 'at this rate. Couldn't you + put them closer?' + </p> + <p> + "'And give us a little more time in the word,' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'Exactly,' said Dick. + </p> + <p> + "Well, they moved us forward two paces, and set to loading the pistols + again. + </p> + <p> + "By this time we were so near that we had full opportunity to scan each + other's faces. Well, sir, I stared at him, and he at me. + </p> + <p> + "'What!' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'Eh!' said he. + </p> + <p> + "'How's this?' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'You're not Billy Caples?' said he. + </p> + <p> + "'Devil a bit!' said I, 'nor I don't think you are Archy Devine;' and + faith, sir, so it appeared, we were fighting away all the morning for + nothing; for, somehow, it turned out <i>it was neither of us!</i>" + </p> + <p> + What amused me most in this anecdote was the hearing it at such a time and + place. That poor Sir Harry's eccentricities should turn up for discussion + on a march in Portugal was singular enough; but after all, life is full of + such incongruous accidents. I remember once supping with King Calzoo on + the Blue Mountains, in Jamaica. By way of entertaining his guests, some + English officers, he ordered one of his suite to sing. We were of course + pleased at the opportunity of hearing an Indian war-chant, with a skull + and thigh-bone accompaniment; but what was our astonishment to hear the + Indian,—a ferocious-looking dog, with an awful scalp-lock, and two + streaks of red paint across his chest,—clear his voice well for a + few seconds, and then begin, without discomposing a muscle of his gravity, + "The Laird of Cockpen!" I need not say that the "Great Raccoon" was a + Dumfries man who had quitted Scotland forty years before, and with + characteristic prosperity had attained his present rank in a foreign + service. + </p> + <p> + "Halt! halt!" cried a deep-toned, manly voice in the leading column, and + the word was repeated from mouth to mouth to the rear. + </p> + <p> + We dismounted, and picketing our horses beneath the broad-leaved foliage + of the cork-trees, stretched ourselves out at full length upon the grass, + while our messmen prepared the dinner. Our party at first consisted of + Hixley, Power, the adjutant, and myself; but our number was soon increased + by three officers of the 6th Foot, about to join their regiment. + </p> + <p> + "Barring the ladies, God bless them!" said Power, "there are no such + picnics as campaigning presents. The charms of scenery are greatly + enhanced by their coming unexpectedly on you. Your chance good fortune in + the prog has an interest that no ham-and-cold-chicken affair, prepared by + your servants beforehand, and got ready with a degree of fuss and worry + that converts the whole party into an assembly of cooks, can ever afford; + and lastly, the excitement that this same life of ours is never without, + gives a zest—" + </p> + <p> + "There you've hit it," cried Hixley; "it's that same feeling of + uncertainty that those who meet now may ever do so again, full as it is of + sorrowful reflection, that still teaches us, as we become inured to war, + to economize our pleasures, and be happy when we may. Your health, + O'Malley, and your uncle Godfrey's too." + </p> + <p> + "A little more of the pastry." + </p> + <p> + "What a capital guinea fowl this is!" + </p> + <p> + "That's some of old Monsoon's particular port." + </p> + <p> + "Pass it round here. Really this is pleasant." + </p> + <p> + "My blessing on the man who left that vista yonder! See what a glorious + valley stretches out there, undulating in its richness; and look at those + dark trees, where just one streak of soft sunlight is kissing their tops, + giving them one chaste good-night—" + </p> + <p> + "Well done, Power!" + </p> + <p> + "Confound you, you've pulled me short, and I was about becoming downright + pastoral. Apropos of kissing, I understand Sir Arthur won't allow the + convents to be occupied by troops." + </p> + <p> + "And apropos of convents," said I, "let's hear your story; you promised it + a while ago." + </p> + <p> + "My dear Charley, it's far too early in the evening for a story. I should + rather indulge my poetic fancies here, under the shade of melancholy + boughs; and besides, I am not half screwed up yet." + </p> + <p> + "Come, Adjutant, let's have a song." + </p> + <p> + "I'll sing you a Portuguese serenade when the next bottle comes in. What + capital port! Have you much of it?" + </p> + <p> + "Only three dozen. We got it late last night; forged an order from the + commanding officer and sent it up to old Monsoon,—'for hospital + use.' He gave it with a tear in his eye, saying, as the sergeant marched + away, 'Only think of such wine for fellows that may be in the next world + before morning! It's a downright sin!'" + </p> + <p> + "I say, Power, there's something going on there." + </p> + <p> + At this instant the trumpet sounded "boot and saddle," and like one man + the whole mass rose up, when the scene, late so tranquil, became one of + excited bustle and confusion. An aide-de-camp galloped past towards the + river, followed by two orderly sergeants; and the next moment Sparks rode + up, his whole equipment giving evidence of a hurried ride, while his cheek + was deadly pale and haggard. + </p> + <p> + Power presented to him a goblet of sherry, which, having emptied at a + draught, he drew a long breath, and said, "They are coming,—coming + in force!" + </p> + <p> + "Who are coming?" said Power. "Take time, man, and collect yourself." + </p> + <p> + "The French! I saw them a devilish deal closer than I liked. They wounded + one of the orderlies and took the other prisoner." + </p> + <p> + "Forward!" said a hoarse voice in the front. "March! trot!" And before we + could obtain any further information from Sparks, whose faculties seemed + to have received a terrific shock, we were once more in the saddle, and + moving at a brisk pace onward. + </p> + <p> + Sparks had barely time to tell us that a large body of French cavalry + occupied the pass of Berar, when he was sent for by General Cotton to + finish his report. + </p> + <p> + "How frightened the fellow is!" said Hixley. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think the worse of poor Sparks for all that," said Power. "He saw + those fellows for the first time, and no bird's-eye view of them either." + </p> + <p> + "Then we are in for a skirmish, at least," said I. + </p> + <p> + "It would appear not, from that," said Hixley, pointing to the head of the + column, which, leaving the high road upon the left, entered the forest by + a deep cleft that opened upon a valley traversed by a broad river. + </p> + <p> + "That looks very like taking up a position, though," said Power. + </p> + <p> + "Look,—look down yonder!" cried Hixley, pointing to a dip in the + plain beside the river. "Is there not a cavalry picket there?" + </p> + <p> + "Right, by Jove! I say, Fitzroy," said Power to an aide-de-camp as he + passed, "what's going on?" + </p> + <p> + "Soult has carried Oporto," cried he, "and Franchesca's cavalry have + escaped." + </p> + <p> + "And who are these fellows in the valley?" + </p> + <p> + "Our own people coming up." + </p> + <p> + In less than half an hour's brisk trotting we reached the stream, the + banks of which were occupied by two cavalry regiments advancing to the + main army; and what was my delight to find that one of them was our own + corps, the 14th Light Dragoons! + </p> + <p> + "Hurra!" cried Power, waving his cap as he came up. "How are you, + Sedgewick? Baker, my hearty, how goes it? How is Hampton and the colonel?" + </p> + <p> + In an instant we were surrounded by our brother officers, who all shook me + cordially by the hand, and welcomed me to the regiment with most + gratifying warmth. + </p> + <p> + "One of us," said Power, with a knowing look, as he introduced me; and the + freemasonry of these few words secured me a hearty greeting. + </p> + <p> + "Halt! halt! Dismount!" sounded again from front to rear; and in a few + minutes we were once more stretched upon the grass, beneath the deep and + mellow moonlight, while the bright stream ran placidly beside us, + reflecting on its calm surface the varied groups as they lounged or sat + around the blazing fires of the bivouac. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. + </h2> + <p> + THE BIVOUAC. + </p> + <p> + When I contrasted the gay and lively tone of the conversation which ran on + around our bivouac fire, with the dry monotony and prosaic tediousness of + my first military dinner at Cork, I felt how much the spirit and adventure + of a soldier's life can impart of chivalrous enthusiasm to even the + dullest and least susceptible. I saw even many who under common + circumstances, would have possessed no interest nor excited any curiosity, + but now, connected as they were with the great events occurring around + them, absolutely became heroes; and it was with a strange, wild throbbing + of excitement I listened to the details of movements and marches, whose + objects I knew not, but in which the magical words, Corunna, Vimeira, were + mixed up, and gave to the circumstances an interest of the highest + character. How proud, too, I felt to be the companion-in-arms of such + fellows! Here they sat, the tried and proved soldiers of a hundred fights, + treating me as their brother and their equal. Who need wonder if I felt a + sense of excited pleasure? Had I needed such a stimulant, that night + beneath the cork-trees had been enough to arouse a passion for the army in + my heart, and an irrepressible determination to seek for a soldier's + glory. + </p> + <p> + "Fourteenth!" called out a voice from the wood behind; and in a moment + after, the aide-de-camp appeared with a mounted orderly. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel Merivale?" said he, touching his cap to the stalwart, + soldier-like figure before him. + </p> + <p> + The colonel bowed. + </p> + <p> + "Sir Stapleton Cotton desires me to request that at an early hour + to-morrow you will occupy the pass, and cover the march of the troops. It + is his wish that all the reinforcements should arrive at Oporto by noon. I + need scarcely add that we expect to be engaged with the enemy." + </p> + <p> + These few words were spoken hurriedly, and again saluting our party, he + turned his horse's head and continued his way towards the rear. + </p> + <p> + "There's news for you, Charley," said Power, slapping me on the shoulder. + "Lucy Dashwood or Westminster Abbey!" + </p> + <p> + "The regiment was never in finer condition, that's certain," said the + colonel, "and most eager for a brush with the enemy." + </p> + <p> + "How your old friend, the count, would have liked this work!" said Hixley. + "Gallant fellow he was." + </p> + <p> + "Come," cried Power, "here's a fresh bowl coming. Let's drink the ladies, + wherever they be; we most of us have some soft spot on that score." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the adjutant, singing,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Here's to the maiden of blushing fifteen; + Here's to the damsel that's merry; + Here's to the flaunting extravagant quean—" +</pre> + <p> + "And," sang Power, interrupting,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Here's to the 'Widow of Derry.'" +</pre> + <p> + "Come, come, Fred, no more quizzing on that score. It's the only thing + ever gives me a distaste to the service,—the souvenir of that + adventure. When I reflect what I might have been, and think what I am; + when I contrast a Brussels carpet with wet grass, silk hangings with a + canvas tent, Sneyd's claret with ration brandy, and Sir Arthur for a + Commander-in-Chief <i>vice</i> Boggs, a widow—" + </p> + <p> + "Stop there!" cried Hixley. "Without disparaging the fair widow, there's + nothing beats campaigning, after all. Eh, Fred?" + </p> + <p> + "And to prove it," said the colonel, "Power will sing us a song." + </p> + <p> + Power took his pencil from his pocket, and placing the back of a letter + across his shako, commenced inditing his lyric, saying, as he did so, "I'm + your man in five minutes. Just fill my glass in the mean time." + </p> + <p> + "That fellow beats Dibdin hollow," whispered the adjutant. "I'll be hanged + if he'll not knock you off a song like lightning." + </p> + <p> + "I understand," said Hixley, "they have some intention at the Horse Guards + of having all the general orders set to popular tunes, and sung at every + mess in the service. You've heard that, I suppose, Sparks?" + </p> + <p> + "I confess I had not before." + </p> + <p> + "It will certainly come very hard upon the subalterns," continued Hixley, + with much gravity. "They'll have to brush up their <i>sol mi fas</i>. All + the solos are to be their part." + </p> + <p> + "What rhymes with slaughter?" said Power. + </p> + <p> + "Brandy-and-water," said the adjutant. + </p> + <p> + "Now, then," said Power, "are you all ready?" + </p> + <p> + "Ready." + </p> + <p> + "You must chorus, mind; and mark me, take care you give the hip-hip-hurra + well, as that's the whole force of the chant. Take the time from me. Now + for it. Air, 'Garryowen,' with spirit, but not too quick. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Now that we've pledged each eye of blue, + And every maiden fair and true, + And our green island home,—to you + The ocean's wave adorning, + Let's give one Hip-hip-hip-hurra! + And, drink e'en to the coming day, + When, squadron square, + We'll all be there, + To meet the French in the morning. + + "May his bright laurels never fade, + Who leads our fighting fifth brigade, + Those lads so true in heart and blade, + And famed for danger scorning. + So join me in one Hip-hurra! + And drink e'en to the coming day, + When, squadron square, + We'll all be there, + To meet the French in the morning. + + "And when with years and honors crowned, + You sit some homeward hearth around, + And hear no more the stirring sound + That spoke the trumpet's warning, + You'll fill and drink, one Hip-hurra! + And pledge the memory of the day, + When, squadron square, + They all were there, + To meet the French in the morning." +</pre> + <p> + "Gloriously done, Fred!" cried Hixley. "If I ever get my deserts in this + world, I'll make you Laureate to the Forces, with a hogshead of your own + native whiskey for every victory of the army." + </p> + <p> + "A devilish good chant," said Merivale, "but the air surpasses anything I + ever heard,—thoroughly Irish, I take it." + </p> + <p> + "Irish! upon my conscience, I believe you!" shouted O'Shaughnessy, with an + energy of voice and manner that created a hearty laugh on all sides. "It's + few people ever mistook it for a Venetian melody. Hand over the punch,—the + sherry, I mean. When I was in the Clare militia, we always went in to + dinner to 'Tatter Jack Walsh,' a sweet air, and had 'Garryowen' for a + quick-step. Ould M'Manus, when he got the regiment, wanted to change: he + said, they were damned vulgar tunes, and wanted to have 'Rule Britannia,' + or the 'Hundredth Psalm;' but we would not stand it; there would have been + a mutiny in the corps." + </p> + <p> + "The same fellow, wasn't he, that you told the story of, the other + evening, in Lisbon?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "The same. Well, what a character he was! As pompous and conceited a + little fellow as ever you met with; and then, he was so bullied by his + wife, he always came down to revenge it on the regiment. She was a fine, + showy, vulgar woman, with a most cherishing affection for all the good + things in this life, except her husband, whom she certainly held in due + contempt. 'Ye little crayture,' she'd say to him with a sneer, 'it ill + becomes you to drink and sing, and be making a man of yourself. If you + were like O'Shaughnessy there, six foot three in his stockings—'Well, + well, it looks like boasting; but no matter. Here's her health, anyway." + </p> + <p> + "I knew you were tender in that quarter," said Power, "I heard it when + quartered in Limerick." + </p> + <p> + "May be you heard, too, how I paid off Mac, when he came down on a visit + to that county?" + </p> + <p> + "Never: let's hear it now." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, O'Shaughnessy, now's your time; the fire's a good one, the night + fine, and liquor plenty." + </p> + <p> + "I'm <i>convanient</i>," said O'Shaughnessy, as depositing his enormous + legs on each side of the burning fagots, and placing a bottle between his + knees he began his story:— + </p> + <p> + "It was a cold rainy night in January, in the year '98, I took my place in + the Limerick mail, to go down for a few days to the west country. As the + waiter of the Hibernian came to the door with a lantern, I just caught a + glimpse of the other insides; none of whom were known to me, except + Colonel M'Manus, that I met once in a boarding-house in Molcsworth Street. + I did not, at the time, think him a very agreeable companion; but when + morning broke, and we began to pay our respects to each other in the + coach, I leaned over, and said, 'I hope you're well, Colonel M'Manus,' + just by way of civility like. He didn't hear me at first; so that I said + it again, a little louder. + </p> + <p> + "I wish you saw the look he gave me; he drew himself up to the height of + his cotton umbrella, put his chin inside his cravat, pursed up his dry, + shrivelled lips, and with a voice he meant to be awful, replied:— + </p> + <p> + "'You appear to have the advantage of me.' + </p> + <p> + "'Upon my conscience, you're right,' said I, looking down at myself, and + then over at him, at which the other travellers burst out a laughing,—'I + think there's few will dispute that point.' When the laugh was over, I + resumed,—for I was determined not to let him off so easily. 'Sure I + met you at Mrs. Cayle's,' said I; 'and, by the same token, it was a + Friday, I remember it well,—may be you didn't pitch into the salt + cod? I hope it didn't disagree with you?' + </p> + <p> + "'I beg to repeat, sir, that you are under a mistake,' said he. + </p> + <p> + "'May be so, indeed,' said I. 'May be you're not Colonel M'Manus at all; + may be you wasn't in a passion for losing seven-and-sixpence at loo with + Mrs. Moriarty; may be you didn't break the lamp in the hall with your + umbrella, pretending you touched it with your head, and wasn't within + three foot of it; may be Counsellor Brady wasn't going to put you in the + box of the Foundling Hospital, if you wouldn't behave quietly in the + streets—' + </p> + <p> + "Well, with this the others laughed so heartily, that I could not go on; + and the next stage the bold colonel got outside with the guard and never + came in till we reached Limerick. I'll never forget his face, as he got + down at Swinburne's Hotel. 'Good-by, Colonel,' said I; but he wouldn't + take the least notice of my politeness, but with a frown of utter + defiance, he turned on his heel and walked away. + </p> + <p> + "'I haven't done with you yet,' says I; and, faith, I kept my word. + </p> + <p> + "I hadn't gone ten yards down the street, when I met my old friend Darby + O'Grady. + </p> + <p> + "'Shaugh, my boy,' says he,—he called me that way for shortness,—'dine + with me to-day at Mosey's; a green goose and gooseberries; six to a + minute.' + </p> + <p> + "'Who have you?' says I. + </p> + <p> + "'Tom Keane and the Wallers, a counsellor or two, and one M'Manus, from + Dublin.' + </p> + <p> + "'The colonel?' + </p> + <p> + "'The same,' said he. + </p> + <p> + "'I'm there, Darby!' said I; 'but mind, you never saw me before.' + </p> + <p> + "'What?' said he. + </p> + <p> + "'You never set eyes on me before; mind that.' + </p> + <p> + "'I understand,' said Darby, with a wink; and we parted. + </p> + <p> + "I certainly was never very particular about dressing for dinner, but on + this day I spent a considerable time at my toilet; and when I looked in my + glass at its completion, was well satisfied that I had done myself + justice. A waistcoat of brown rabbit-skin with flaps, a red worsted + comforter round my neck, an old gray shooting-jacket with a brown patch on + the arm, corduroys, and leather gaiters, with a tremendous oak cudgel in + my hand, made me a most presentable figure for a dinner party. + </p> + <p> + "'Will I do, Darby?' says I, as he came into my room before dinner. + </p> + <p> + "'If it's for robbing the mail you are,' says he, 'nothing could be + better. Your father wouldn't know you!' + </p> + <p> + "'Would I be the better of a wig?' + </p> + <p> + "'Leave your hair alone,' said he. 'It's painting the lily to alter it.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, God's will be done,' says I, 'so come now.' + </p> + <p> + "Well, just as the clock struck six I saw the colonel coming out of his + room, in a suit of most accurate sable, stockings, and pumps. Down-stairs + he went, and I heard the waiter announce him. + </p> + <p> + "'Now's my time,' thought I, as I followed slowly after. + </p> + <p> + "When I reached the door I heard several voices within, among which I + recognized some ladies. Darby had not told me about them. 'But no matter,' + said I; 'it's all as well;' so I gave a gentle tap at the door with my + knuckles. + </p> + <p> + "'Come in,' said Darby. + </p> + <p> + "I opened the door slowly, and putting in only my head and shoulders took + a cautious look round the room. + </p> + <p> + "'I beg pardon, gentlemen,' said I, 'but I was only looking for one + Colonel M'Manus, and as he is not here—' + </p> + <p> + "'Pray walk in, sir,' said O'Grady, with a polite bow. 'Colonel M'Manus is + here. There's no intrusion whatever. I say, Colonel,' said he turning + round, 'a gentleman here desires to—' + </p> + <p> + "'Never mind it now,' said I, as I stepped cautiously into the room, 'he's + going to dinner; another time will do just as well.' + </p> + <p> + "'Pray come in!' + </p> + <p> + "'I could not think of intruding—' + </p> + <p> + "'I must protest,' said M'Manus, coloring up, 'that I cannot understand + this gentleman's visit.' + </p> + <p> + "'It is a little affair I have to settle with him,' said I, with a fierce + look that I saw produced its effect. + </p> + <p> + "'Then perhaps you would do me the very great favor to join him at + dinner,' said O'Grady. 'Any friend of Colonel M'Manus—' + </p> + <p> + "'You are really too good,' said I; 'but as an utter stranger—' + </p> + <p> + "'Never think of that for a moment. My friend's friend, as the adage + says.' + </p> + <p> + "'Upon my conscience, a good saying,' said I, 'but you see there's another + difficulty. I've ordered a chop and potatoes up in No. 5.' + </p> + <p> + "'Let that be no obstacle,' said O'Grady. 'The waiter shall put it in my + bill; if you will only do me the pleasure.' + </p> + <p> + "'You're a trump,' said I. 'What's your name?' + </p> + <p> + "'O'Grady, at your service.' + </p> + <p> + "'Any relation of the counsellor?' said I. 'They're all one family, the + O'Gradys. I'm Mr. O'Shaughnessy, from Ennis; won't you introduce me to the + ladies?' + </p> + <p> + "While the ceremony of presentation was going on I caught one glance at + M'Manus, and had hard work not to roar out laughing. Such an expression of + surprise, amazement, indignation, rage, and misery never was mixed up in + one face before. Speak he could not; and I saw that, except for myself, he + had neither eyes, ears, nor senses for anything around him. Just at this + moment dinner was announced, and in we went. I never was in such spirits + in my life; the trick upon M'Manus had succeeded perfectly; he believed in + his heart that I had never met O'Grady in my life before, and that upon + the faith of our friendship, I had received my invitation. As for me, I + spared him but little. I kept up a running fire of droll stories, had the + ladies in fits of laughing, made everlasting allusions to the colonel; + and, in a word, ere the soup had disappeared, except himself, the company + was entirely with me. + </p> + <p> + "'O'Grady,' said I, 'forgive the freedom, but I feel as if we were old + acquaintances.' + </p> + <p> + "'As Colonel M'Manus's friend,' said he, 'you can take no liberty here to + which you are not perfectly welcome.' + </p> + <p> + "'Just what I expected,' said I. 'Mac and I,'—I wish you saw his + face when I called him Mac,—'Mac and I were schoolfellows + five-and-thirty years ago; though he forgets me, I don't forget him,—to + be sure it would be hard for me. I'm just thinking of the day Bishop + Oulahan came over to visit the college. Mac was coming in at the door of + the refectory as the bishop was going out. "Take off your caubeen, you + young scoundrel, and kneel down for his reverence to bless you," said one + of the masters, giving his hat a blow at the same moment that sent it + flying to the other end of the room, and with it, about twenty ripe pears + that Mac had just stolen in the orchard, and had in his hat. I wish you + only saw the bishop; and Mac himself, he was a picture. Well, well, you + forget it all now, but I remember it as if it was only yesterday. Any + champagne, Mr. O'Grady? I'm mighty dry.' + </p> + <p> + "'Of course,' said Darby. 'Waiter, some champagne here.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0381.jpg" alt="The Salutation. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "'Ah, it's himself was the boy for every kind of fun and devilment, quiet + and demure as he looks over there. Mac, your health. It's not every day of + the week we get champagne.' + </p> + <p> + "He laid down his knife and fork as I said this; his face and temples grew + deep purple; his eyes started as if they would spring from his head; and + he put both his hands to his forehead, as if trying to assure himself that + it was not some horrid dream. + </p> + <p> + "'A little slice more of the turkey,' said I, 'and then, O'Grady, I'll try + your hock. It's a wine I'm mighty fond of, and so is Mac there. Oh, it's + seldom, to tell you the truth, it troubles us. There, fill up the glass; + that's it. Here now, Darby,—that's your name, I think,—you'll + not think I'm taking a liberty in giving a toast? Here then, I'll give + M'Manus's health, with all the honors; though it's early yet, to be sure, + but we'll do it again, by-and-by, when the whiskey comes. Here's M'Manus's + good health; and though his wife, they say, does not treat him well, and + keeps him down—' + </p> + <p> + "The roar of laughing that interrupted me here was produced by the + expression of poor Mac's face. He had started up from the table, and + leaning with both his hands upon it, stared round upon the company like a + maniac,—his mouth and eyes wide open, and his hair actually + bristling with amazement. Thus he remained for a full minute, gasping like + a fish in a landing-net. It seemed a hard struggle for him to believe he + was not deranged. At last his eyes fell upon me; he uttered a deep groan, + and with a voice tremulous with rage, thundered out,— + </p> + <p> + "'The scoundrel! I never saw him before.' + </p> + <p> + "He rushed from the room, and gained the street. Before our roar of + laughter was over he had secured post-horses, and was galloping towards + Ennis at the top speed of his cattle. + </p> + <p> + "He exchanged at once into the line; but they say that he caught a glimpse + of my name in the army list, and sold out the next morning; be that as it + may, we never met since." + </p> + <p> + I have related O'Shaughnessy's story here, rather from the memory I have + of how we all laughed at it at the time, than from any feeling as to its + real desert; but when I think of the voice, look, accent, and gesture of + the narrator, I can scarcely keep myself from again giving way to + laughter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. + </h2> + <p> + THE DOURO. + </p> + <p> + Never did the morning break more beautifully than on the 12th of May, + 1809. Huge masses of fog-like vapor had succeeded to the starry, cloudless + night, but one by one, they moved onwards towards the sea, disclosing as + they passed long tracts of lovely country, bathed in a rich golden glow. + The broad Douro, with its transparent current, shone out like a + bright-colored ribbon, meandering through the deep garment of fairest + green; the darkly shadowed mountains which closed the background loomed + even larger than they were; while their summits were tipped with the + yellow glory of the morning. The air was calm and still, and the very + smoke that arose from the peasant's cot labored as it ascended through the + perfumed air, and save the ripple of the stream, all was silent as the + grave. + </p> + <p> + The squadron of the 14th, with which I was, had diverged from the road + beside the river, and to obtain a shorter path, had entered the skirts of + a dark pine wood; our pace was a sharp one; an orderly had been already + despatched to hasten our arrival, and we pressed on at a brisk trot. In + less than an hour we reached the verge of the wood, and as we rode out + upon the plain, what a spectacle met our eyes! Before us, in a narrow + valley separated from the river by a low ridge, were picketed three + cavalry regiments; their noiseless gestures and perfect stillness + be-speaking at once that they were intended for a surprise party. Farther + down the stream, and upon the opposite side, rose the massive towers and + tall spires of Oporto, displaying from their summits the broad ensign of + France; while far as the eye could reach, the broad dark masses of troops + might be seen; the intervals between their columns glittering with the + bright equipments of their cavalry, whose steel caps and lances were + sparkling in the sun-beams. The bivouac fires were still smouldering, and + marking where some part of the army had passed the night; for early as it + was, it was evident that their position had been changed; and even now, + the heavy masses of dark infantry might be seen moving from place to + place, while the long line of the road to Vallonga was marked with a vast + cloud of dust. The French drum and the light infantry bugle told, from + time to time, that orders were passing among the troops; while the + glittering uniform of a staff officer, as he galloped from the town, + bespoke the note of preparation. + </p> + <p> + "Dismount! Steady; quietly, my lads," said the colonel, as he alighted + upon the grass. "Let the men have their breakfast." + </p> + <p> + The little amphitheatre we occupied hid us entirely from all observation + on the part of the enemy, but equally so excluded us from perceiving their + movements. It may readily be supposed then, with what impatience we waited + here, while the din and clangor of the French force, as they marched and + countermarched so near us, were clearly audible. The orders were, however, + strict that none should approach the bank of the river, and we lay + anxiously awaiting the moment when this inactivity should cease. More than + one orderly had arrived among us, bearing despatches from headquarters; + but where our main body was, or what the nature of the orders, no one + could guess. As for me, my excitement was at its height, and I could not + speak for the very tension of my nerves. The officers stood in little + groups of two and three, whispering anxiously together; but all I could + collect was, that Soult had already begun his retreat upon Amarante, and + that, with the broad stream of the Douro between us, he defied our + pursuit. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Charley," said Power, laying his arm upon my shoulder, "the French + have given us the slip this time; they are already in march, and even if + we dared force a passage in the face of such an enemy, it seems there is + not a boat to be found. I have just seen Hammersley." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! Where is he?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "He's gone back to Villa de Conde; he asked after you most particularly. + Don't blush, man; I'd rather back your chance than his, notwithstanding + the long letter that Lucy sends him. Poor fellow, he has been badly + wounded, but, it seems, declines going back to England." + </p> + <p> + "Captain Power," said an orderly, touching his cap, "General Murray + desires to see you." + </p> + <p> + Power hastened away, but returned in a few moments. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Charley, there's something in the wind here. I have just been + ordered to try where the stream is fordable. I've mentioned your name to + the general, and I think you'll be sent for soon. Good-by." + </p> + <p> + I buckled on my sword, and looking to my girths, stood watching the groups + around me; when suddenly a dragoon pulled his horse short up, and asked a + man near me if Mr. O'Malley was there. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I am he." + </p> + <p> + "Orders from General Murray, sir," said the man, and rode off at a canter. + </p> + <p> + I opened and saw that the despatch was addressed to Sir Arthur Wellesley, + with the mere words, "With haste!" on the envelope. + </p> + <p> + Now, which way to turn I knew not; so springing into the saddle, I + galloped to where Colonel Merivale was standing talking to the colonel of + a heavy dragoon regiment. + </p> + <p> + "May I ask, sir, by which road I am to proceed with this despatch?" + </p> + <p> + "Along the river, sir," said the heavy ———, a large + dark-browed man, with a most forbidding look. "You'll soon see the troops; + you'd better stir yourself, sir, or Sir Arthur is not very likely to be + pleased with you." + </p> + <p> + Without venturing a reply to what I felt a somewhat unnecessary taunt, I + dashed spurs into my horse, and turned towards the river. I had not gained + the bank above a minute, when the loud ringing of a rifle struck upon my + ear; bang went another, and another. I hurried on, however, at the top of + my speed, thinking only of my mission and its pressing haste. As I turned + an angle of the stream, the vast column of the British came in sight, and + scarcely had my eye rested upon them when my horse staggered forwards, + plunged twice with his head nearly to the earth, and then, rearing madly + up, fell backwards to the ground. Crushed and bruised as I felt by my + fall, I was soon aroused to the necessity of exertion; for as I disengaged + myself from the poor beast, I discovered he had been killed by a bullet in + the counter; and scarcely had I recovered my legs when a shot struck my + shako and grazed my temples. I quickly threw myself to the ground, and + creeping on for some yards, reached at last some rising ground, from which + I rolled gently downwards into a little declivity, sheltered by the bank + from the French fire. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived at headquarters, I was dreadfully fatigued and heated; but + resolving not to rest till I had delivered my despatches, I hastened + towards the convent of La Sierra, where I was told the commander-in-chief + was. + </p> + <p> + As I came into the court of the convent, filled with general officers and + people of the staff, I was turning to ask how I should proceed, when + Hixley caught my eye. + </p> + <p> + "Well, O'Malley, what brings you here?" + </p> + <p> + "Despatches from General Murray." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed; oh, follow me." + </p> + <p> + He hurried me rapidly through the buzzing crowd, and ascending a large + gloomy stair, introduced me into a room, whore about a dozen persons in + uniform were writing at a long deal table. + </p> + <p> + "Captain Gordon," said he, addressing one of them, "despatches requiring + immediate attention have just been brought by this officer." + </p> + <p> + Before the sentence was finished the door opened, and a short, slight man, + in a gray undress coat, with a white cravat and a cocked hat, entered. The + dead silence that ensued was not necessary to assure me that he was one in + authority,—the look of command his bold, stern features presented; + the sharp, piercing eye, the compressed lip, the impressive expression of + the whole face, told plainly that he was one who held equally himself and + others in mastery. + </p> + <p> + "Send General Sherbroke here," said he to an aide-de-camp. "Let the light + brigade march into position;" and then turning suddenly to me, "Whose + despatches are these?" + </p> + <p> + "General Murray's, sir." + </p> + <p> + I needed no more than that look to assure me that this was he of whom I + had heard so much, and of whom the world was still to hear so much more. + </p> + <p> + He opened them quickly, and glancing his eye across the contents, crushed + the paper in his hand. Just as he did so, a spot of blood upon the + envelope attracted his attention. + </p> + <p> + "How's this,—are you wounded?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; my horse was killed—" + </p> + <p> + "Very well, sir; join your brigade. But stay, I shall have orders for you. + Well, Waters, what news?" + </p> + <p> + This question was addressed to an officer in a staff uniform, who entered + at the moment, followed by the short and bulky figure of a monk, his + shaven crown and large cassock strongly contrasting with the gorgeous + glitter of the costumes around him. + </p> + <p> + "I say, who have we here?" + </p> + <p> + "The Prior of Amarante, sir," replied Waters, "who has just come over. We + have already, by his aid, secured three large barges—" + </p> + <p> + "Let the artillery take up position in the convent at once," said Sir + Arthur, interrupting. "The boats will be brought round to the small creek + beneath the orchard. You, sir," turning to me, "will convey to General + Murray—but you appear weak. You, Gordon, will desire Murray to + effect a crossing at Avintas with the Germans and the 14th. Sherbroke's + division will occupy the Villa Nuova. What number of men can that seminary + take?" + </p> + <p> + "From three to four hundred, sir. The padre mentions that all the + vigilance of the enemy is limited to the river below the town." + </p> + <p> + "I perceive it," was the short reply of Sir Arthur, as placing his hands + carelessly behind his back, he walked towards the window, and looked out + upon the river. + </p> + <p> + All was still as death in the chamber; not a lip murmured. The feeling of + respect for him in whose presence we were standing checked every thought + of utterance; while the stupendous gravity of the events before us + engrossed every mind and occupied every heart. I was standing near the + window; the effect of my fall had stunned me for a time, but I was + gradually recovering, and watched with a thrilling heart the scene before + me. Great and absorbing as was my interest in what was passing without, it + was nothing compared with what I felt as I looked at him upon whom our + destiny was then hanging. I had ample time to scan his features and + canvass their every lineament. Never before did I look upon such perfect + impassibility; the cold, determined expression was crossed by no show of + passion or impatience. All was rigid and motionless, and whatever might + have been the workings of the spirit within, certainly no external sign + betrayed them; and yet what a moment for him must that have been! Before + him, separated by a deep and rapid river, lay the conquering legions of + France, led on by one second alone to him whose very name had been the <i>prestige</i> + of victory. Unprovided with every regular means of transport, in the broad + glare of day, in open defiance of their serried ranks and thundering + artillery, he dared the deed. What must have been his confidence in the + soldiers he commanded! What must have been his reliance upon his own + genius! As such thoughts rushed through my mind, the door opened and an + officer entered hastily, and whispering a few words to Colonel Waters, + left the room. + </p> + <p> + "One boat is already brought up to the crossing-place, and entirely + concealed by the wall of the orchard." + </p> + <p> + "Let the men cross," was the brief reply. + </p> + <p> + No other word was spoken as, turning from the window, he closed his + telescope, and followed by all the others, descended to the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + This simple order was enough; an officer with a company of the Buffs + embarked, and thus began the passage of the Douro. + </p> + <p> + So engrossed was I in my vigilant observation of our leader, that I would + gladly have remained at the convent, when I received an order to join my + brigade, to which a detachment of artillery was already proceeding. + </p> + <p> + As I reached Avintas all was in motion. The cavalry was in readiness + beside the river; but as yet no boats had been discovered, and such was + the impatience of the men to cross, it was with difficulty they were + prevented trying the passage by swimming, when suddenly Power appeared + followed by several fishermen. Three or four small skiffs had been found, + half sunk in mud, among the rushes, and with such frail assistance we + commenced to cross. + </p> + <p> + "There will be something to write home to Galway soon, Charley, or I'm + terribly mistaken," said Fred, as he sprang into the boat beside me. "Was + I not a true prophet when I told you 'We'd meet the French in the + morning?'" + </p> + <p> + "They're at it already," said Hixley, as a wreath of blue smoke floated + across the stream below us, and the loud boom of a large gun resounded + through the air. + </p> + <p> + Then came a deafening shout, followed by a rattling volley of small arms, + gradually swelling into a hot sustained fire, through which the cannon + pealed at intervals. Several large meadows lay along the river-side, where + our brigade was drawn up as the detachments landed from the boats; and + here, although nearly a league distant from the town, we now heard the din + and crash of battle, which increased every moment. The cannonade from the + Sierra convent, which at first was merely the fire of single guns, now + thundered away in one long roll, amidst which the sounds of falling walls + and crashing roofs were mingled. It was evident to us, from the continual + fire kept up, that the landing had been effected; while the swelling tide + of musketry told that fresh troops were momentarily coming up. + </p> + <p> + In less than twenty minutes our brigade was formed, and we now only waited + for two light four-pounders to be landed, when an officer galloped up in + haste, and called out,— + </p> + <p> + "The French are in retreat!" and pointing at the same moment to the + Vallonga road, we saw a long line of smoke and dust leading from the town, + through which, as we gazed, the colors of the enemy might be seen as they + defiled, while the unbroken lines of the wagons and heavy baggage proved + that it was no partial movement, but the army itself retreating. + </p> + <p> + "Fourteenth, threes about! close up! trot!" called out the loud and manly + voice of our leader, and the heavy tramp of our squadrons shook the very + ground as we advanced towards the road to Vallonga. + </p> + <p> + As we came on, the scene became one of overwhelming excitement; the masses + of the enemy that poured unceasingly from the town could now be + distinguished more clearly; and amidst all the crash of gun-carriages and + caissons, the voices of the staff officers rose high as they hurried along + the retreating battalions. A troop of flying artillery galloped forth at + top speed, and wheeling their guns into position with the speed of + lightning, prepared, by a flanking fire, to cover the retiring column. The + gunners sprang from their seats, the guns were already unlimbered, when + Sir George Murray, riding up at our left, called out,— + </p> + <p> + "Forward! close up! Charge!" + </p> + <p> + The word was scarcely spoken when the loud cheer answered the welcome + sound, and the same instant the long line of shining helmets passed with + the speed of a whirlwind; the pace increased at every stride, the ranks + grew closer, and like the dread force of some mighty engine we fell upon + the foe. I have felt all the glorious enthusiasm of a fox-hunt, when the + loud cry of the hounds, answered by the cheer of the joyous huntsman, + stirred the very heart within, but never till now did I know how far + higher the excitement reaches, when man to man, sabre to sabre, arm to + arm, we ride forward to the battle-field. On we went, the loud shout of + "Forward!" still ringing in our ears. One broken, irregular discharge from + the French guns shook the head of our advancing column, but stayed us not + as we galloped madly on. + </p> + <p> + I remember no more. The din, the smoke, the crash, the cry for quarter, + mingled with the shout of victory, the flying enemy, the agonizing shrieks + of the wounded,—all are commingled in my mind, but leave no trace of + clearness or connection between them; and it was only when the column + wheeled to reform behind the advancing squadrons, that I awoke from my + trance of maddening excitement, and perceived that we had carried the + position and cut off the guns of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + "Well done, 14th!" said an old gray-headed colonel, as he rode along our + line,—"gallantly done, lads!" The blood trickled from a sabre cut on + his temple, along his cheek, as he spoke; but he either knew it not or + heeded it not. + </p> + <p> + "There go the Germans!" said Power, pointing to the remainder of our + brigade, as they charged furiously upon the French infantry, and rode + them, down in masses. + </p> + <p> + Our guns came up at this time, and a plunging fire was opened upon the + thick and retreating ranks of the enemy. The carnage must have been + terrific, for the long breaches in their lines showed where the squadrons + of the cavalry had passed, or the most destructive tide of the artillery + had swept through them. The speed of the flying columns grew momentarily + more; the road became blocked up, too, by broken carriages and wounded; + and to add to their discomfiture, a damaging fire now opened from the town + upon the retreating column, while the brigade of Guards and the 29th + pressed hotly on their rear. + </p> + <p> + The scene was now beyond anything maddening in its interest. From the + walls of Oporto the English infantry poured forth in pursuit, while the + whole river was covered with boats as they still continued to cross over. + The artillery thundered from the Sierra to protect the landing, for it was + even still contested in places; and the cavalry, charging in flank, swept + the broken ranks and bore down upon the squares. + </p> + <p> + It was now, when the full tide of victory ran highest in our favor, that + we were ordered to retire from the road. Column after column passed before + us, unmolested and unassailed, and not even a cannon-shot arrested their + steps. + </p> + <p> + Some unaccountable timidity of our leader directed this movement; and + while before our very eyes the gallant infantry were charging the retiring + columns, we remained still and inactive. + </p> + <p> + How little did the sense of praise we had already won repay us for the + shame and indignation we experienced at this moment, as with burning check + and compressed lip we watched the retreating files. "What can he mean?" + "Is there not some mistake?" "Are we never to charge?" were the muttered + questions around, as a staff officer galloped up with the order to take + ground still farther back, and nearer to the river. + </p> + <p> + The word was scarcely spoken when a young officer, in the uniform of a + general, dashed impetuously up; he held his plumed cap high above his + head, as he called out, "14th, follow me! Left face! wheel! charge!" + </p> + <p> + So, with the word, we were upon them. The French rear-guard was at this + moment at the narrowest part of the road, which opened by a bridge upon a + large open space; so that, forming with a narrow front and favored by a + declivity in the ground, we actually rode them down. Twice the French + formed, and twice were they broken. Meanwhile the carnage was dreadful on + both sides, our fellows dashing madly forward where the ranks were + thickest, the enemy resisting with the stubborn courage of men fighting + for their last spot of ground. So impetuous was the charge of our + squadrons, that we stopped not till, piercing the dense column of the + retreating mass, we reached the open ground beyond. Here we wheeled and + prepared once more to meet them, when suddenly some squadrons of + cuirassiers debouched from the road, and supported by a field-piece, + showed front against us. This was the moment that the remainder of our + brigade should have come to our aid, but not a man appeared. However, + there was not an instant to be lost; already the plunging fire of the + four-pounder had swept through our files, and every moment increased our + danger. + </p> + <p> + "Once more, my lads, forward!" cried out our gallant leader, Sir Charles + Stewart, as waving his sabre, he dashed into the thickest of the fray. + </p> + <p> + So sudden was our charge that we were upon them before they were prepared. + And here ensued a terrific struggle; for as the cavalry of the enemy gave + way before us, we came upon the close ranks of the infantry at half-pistol + distance, who poured a withering volley into us as we approached. But what + could arrest the sweeping torrent of our brave fellows, though every + moment falling in numbers? + </p> + <p> + Harvey, our major, lost his arm near the shoulder. Scarcely an officer was + not wounded. Power received a deep sabre-cut in the cheek from an + aide-de-camp of General Foy, in return for a wound he gave the general; + while I, in my endeavor to save General Laborde when unhorsed, was cut + down through the helmet, and so stunned that I remembered no more around + me. I kept my saddle, it is true, but I lost every sense of consciousness, + my first glimmering of reason coming to my aid as I lay upon the river + bank and felt my faithful follower Mike bathing my temples with water, as + he kept up a running fire of lamentations for my being <i>murthered</i> so + young. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0393.jpg" alt="The Skirmish. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Are you better, Mister Charles? Spake to me, alanah! Say that you're not + kilt, darling; do now. Oh, wirra! what'll I ever say to the master? and + you doing so beautiful! Wouldn't he give the best baste in his stable to + be looking at you to-day? There, take a sup; it's only water. Bad luck to + them, but it's hard work beatin' them. They 're only gone now. That's + right; now you're coming to." + </p> + <p> + "Where am I, Mike?" + </p> + <p> + "It's here you are, darling, resting yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Charley, my poor fellow, you've got sore bones, too," cried Power, + as, his face swathed in bandages and covered with blood, he lay down on + the grass beside me. "It was a gallant thing while it lasted, but has cost + us dearly. Poor Hixley—" + </p> + <p> + "What of him?" said I, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "Poor fellow, he has seen his last battle-field! He fell across me as we + came out upon the road. I lifted him up in my arms and bore him along + above fifty yards; but he was stone dead. Not a sigh, not a word escaped + him; shot through the forehead." As he spoke, his lips trembled, and his + voice sank to a mere whisper at the last words: "You remember what he said + last night. Poor fellow, he was every inch a soldier." + </p> + <p> + Such was his epitaph. + </p> + <p> + I turned my head towards the scene of our late encounter. Some dismounted + guns and broken wagons alone marked the spot; while far in the distance, + the dust of the retreating columns showed the beaten enemy as they hurried + towards the frontiers of Spain. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. + </h2> + <p> + THE MORNING. + </p> + <p> + There are few sadder things in life than the day after a battle. The + high-beating hope, the bounding spirits, have passed away, and in their + stead comes the depressing reaction by which every overwrought excitement + is followed. With far different eyes do we look upon the compact ranks and + glistening files,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + With helm arrayed, + And lance and blade, + And plume in the gay wind dancing! +</pre> + <p> + and upon the cold and barren heath, whose only memory of the past is the + blood-stained turf, a mangled corpse, the broken gun, the shattered wall, + the well-trodden earth where columns stood, the cut-up ground where + cavalry had charged,—these are the sad relics of all the chivalry of + yesterday. + </p> + <p> + The morning which followed the battle of the Douro was one of the most + beautiful I ever remember. There was that kind of freshness and elasticity + in the air which certain days possess, and communicate by some magic their + properties to ourselves. The thrush was singing gayly out from every grove + and wooded dell; the very river had a sound of gladness as it rippled on + against its sedgy banks; the foliage, too, sparkled in the fresh dew, as + in its robes of holiday, and all looked bright and happy. + </p> + <p> + We were picketed near the river, upon a gently rising ground, from which + the view extended for miles in every direction. Above us, the stream came + winding down amidst broad and fertile fields of tall grass and waving + corn, backed by deep and mellow woods, which were lost to the view upon + the distant hills; below, the river, widening as it went, pursued a + straighter course, or turned with bolder curves, till, passing beneath the + town, it spread into a large sheet of glassy water as it opened to the + sea. The sun was just rising as I looked upon this glorious scene, and + already the tall spires of Oporto were tipped with a bright rosy hue, + while the massive towers and dark walls threw their lengthened shadows far + across the plain. + </p> + <p> + The fires of the bivouac still burned, but all slept around them. Not a + sound was heard save the tramp of a patrol or the short, quick cry of the + sentry. I sat lost in meditation, or rather in that state of dreamy + thoughtfulness in which the past and present are combined, and the absent + are alike before us as are the things we look upon. + </p> + <p> + One moment I felt as though I were describing to my uncle the battle of + the day before, pointing out where we stood, and how we charged; then + again I was at home, beside the broad, bleak Shannon, and the brown hills + of Scariff. I watched with beating heart the tall Sierra, where our path + lay for the future, and then turned my thoughts to him whose name was so + soon to be received in England with a nation's pride and gratitude, and + panted for a soldier's glory. + </p> + <p> + As thus I followed every rising fancy, I heard a step approach; it was a + figure muffled in a cavalry cloak, which I soon perceived to be Power. + </p> + <p> + "Charley!" said he, in a half-whisper, "get up and come with me. You are + aware of the general order, that while in pursuit of an enemy, all + military honors to the dead are forbidden; but we wish to place our poor + comrade in the earth before we leave." + </p> + <p> + I followed down a little path, through a grave of tall beech-trees, that + opened upon a little grassy terrace beside the river. A stunted olive-tree + stood by itself in the midst, and there I found five of our brother + officers standing, wrapped in their wide cloaks. As we pressed each + other's hands, not a word was spoken. Each heart was full; and hard + features that never quailed before the foe were now shaken with the + convulsive spasm of agony or compressed with stern determination to seem + calm. + </p> + <p> + A cavalry helmet and a large blue cloak lay upon the grass. The narrow + grave was already dug beside it; and in the deathlike stillness around, + the service for the dead was read. The last words were over. We stooped + and placed the corpse, wrapped up in the broad mantle, in the earth; we + replaced the mould, and stood silently around the spot. The trumpet of our + regiment at this moment sounded the call; its clear notes rang sharply + through the thin air,—it was the soldier's requiem! and we turned + away without speaking, and returned to our quarters. + </p> + <p> + I had never known poor Hixley till a day or two before; but, somehow, my + grief for him was deep and heartfelt. It was not that his frank and manly + bearing, his bold and military air, had gained upon me. No; these were + indeed qualities to attract and delight me, but he had obtained a stronger + and faster hold upon my affections,—he spoke to me of home. + </p> + <p> + Of all the ties that bind us to the chance acquaintances we meet with in + life, what can equal this one? What a claim upon your love has he who can, + by some passing word, some fast-flitting thought, bring back the days of + your youth! What interest can he not excite by some anecdote of your + boyish days, some well-remembered trait of youthful daring, or early + enterprise! Many a year of sunshine and of storm have passed above my + head; I have not been without my moments of gratified pride and rewarded + ambition; but my heart has never responded so fully, so thankfully, so + proudly to these, such as they were, as to the simple, touching words of + one who knew my early home, and loved its inmates. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Fitzroy, what news?" inquired I, roused from my musing, as an + aide-de-camp galloped up at full speed. + </p> + <p> + "Tell Merivale to get the regiment under arms at once. Sir Arthur + Wellesley will be here in less than half an hour. You may look for the + route immediately. Where are the Germans quartered?" + </p> + <p> + "Lower down; beside that grove of beech-trees, next the river." + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was my reply spoken, when he dashed spurs into his horse, and was + soon out of sight. Meanwhile the plain beneath me presented an animated + and splendid spectacle. The different corps were falling into position to + the enlivening sounds of their quick-step, the trumpets of the cavalry + rang loudly through the valley, and the clatter of sabres and sabretasches + joined with the hollow tramp of the horses, as the squadron came up. + </p> + <p> + I had not a moment to lose; so hastening back to my quarters, I found Mike + waiting with my horse. + </p> + <p> + "Captain Power's before you, sir," said he, "and you'll have to make + haste. The regiments are under arms already." + </p> + <p> + From the little mound where I stood, I could see the long line of cavalry + as they deployed into the plain, followed by the horse artillery, which + brought up the rear. + </p> + <p> + "This looks like a march," thought I, as I pressed forward to join my + companions. + </p> + <p> + I had not advanced above a hundred yards through a narrow ravine when the + measured tread of infantry fell upon my ears. I pulled up to slacken my + pace, just as the head of a column turned round the angle of the road, and + came in view. The tall caps of a grenadier company was the first thing I + beheld, as they came on without roll of drum and sound of fife. I watched + with a soldier's pride the manly bearing and gallant step of the dense + mass as they defiled before me. I was struck no less by them than by a + certain look of a steady but sombre cast which each man wore. + </p> + <p> + "What can this mean?" thought I. + </p> + <p> + My first impression was, that a military execution was about to take + place, the next moment solved my doubt; for as the last files of the + grenadiers wheeled round, a dense mass behind came in sight, whose unarmed + hands, and downcast air, at once bespoke them prisoners-of-war. + </p> + <p> + What a sad sight it was! There was the old and weather-beaten grenadier, + erect in frame and firm in step, his gray mustache scarcely concealing the + scowl that curled his lip, side by side with the young and daring + conscript, even yet a mere boy; their march was regular, their gaze + steadfast,—no look of flinching courage there. On they came, a long + unbroken line. They looked not less proudly than their captors around + them. As I looked with heavy heart upon them, my attention was attracted + to one who marched alone behind the rest. He was a middle-sized but + handsome youth of some eighteen years at most; his light helmet and waving + plume bespoke him a <i>chasseur à cheval</i>, and I could plainly + perceive, in his careless half-saucy air, how indignantly he felt the + position to which the fate of war had reduced him. He caught my eyes fixed + upon him, and for an instant turned upon me a gaze of open and palpable + defiance, drawing himself up to his full height, and crossing his arms + upon his breast; but probably perceiving in my look more of interest than + of triumph, his countenance suddenly changed, a deep blush suffused his + cheek, his eye beamed with a softened and kindly expression, and carrying + his hand to his helmet, he saluted me, saying, in a voice of singular + sweetness,— + </p> + <p> + <i>"Je vous souhaite un meilleur sort, camarade."</i> + </p> + <p> + I bowed, and muttering something in return, was about to make some inquiry + concerning him, when the loud call of the trumpet rang through the valley, + and apprised me that, in my interest for the prisoners, I had forgotten + all else, and was probably incurring censure for my absence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. + </h2> + <p> + THE REVIEW. + </p> + <p> + When I joined the group of my brother officers, who stood gayly chatting + and laughing together before our lines, I was much surprised—nay + almost shocked—to find how little seeming impression had been made + upon them, by the sad duty we had performed that morning. + </p> + <p> + When last we met, each eye was downcast, each heart was full,—sorrow + for him we had lost from among us forever, mingling with the awful sense + of our own uncertain tenure here, had laid its impress on each brow; but + now, scarcely an hour elapsed, and all were cheerful and elated. The last + shovelful of earth upon the grave seemed to have buried both the dead and + the mourning. And such is war, and such the temperament it forms! Events + so strikingly opposite in their character and influences succeed so + rapidly one upon another that the mind is kept in one whirl of excitement, + and at length accustoms itself to change with every phase of + circumstances; and between joy and grief, hope and despondency, enthusiasm + and depression, there is neither breadth nor interval,—they follow + each other as naturally as morning succeeds to night. + </p> + <p> + I had not much time for such reflections; scarcely had I saluted the + officers about me, when the loud prolonged roll of the drums along the + line of infantry in the valley, followed by the sharp clatter of muskets + as they were raised to the shoulder, announced the troops were under arms, + and the review begun. + </p> + <p> + "Have you seen the general order this morning, Power?" inquired an old + officer beside me. + </p> + <p> + "No; they say, however, that ours are mentioned." + </p> + <p> + "Harvey is going on favorably," cried a young cornet, as he galloped up to + our party. + </p> + <p> + "Take ground to the left!" sung out the clear voice of the colonel, as he + rode along in front. "Fourteenth, I am happy to inform you that your + conduct has met approval in the highest quarter. I have just received the + general orders, in which this occurs:— + </p> + <p> + "'THE TIMELY PASSAGE OF THE DOURO, AND SUBSEQUENT MOVEMENTS UPON THE + ENEMY'S FLANK, BY LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SHERBROKE, WITH THE GUARDS AND 29TH + REGIMENT, AND THE BRAVERY OF THE TWO SQUADRONS OF THE 14TH LIGHT DRAGOONS, + UNDER THE COMMAND OF MAJOR HARVEY, AND LED BY THE HONORABLE + BRIGADIER-GENERAL CHARLES STEWART, OBTAINED THE VICTORY'—Mark that, + my lads! obtained the victory—'WHICH HAS CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THE + HONOR OF THE TROOPS ON THIS DAY.'" + </p> + <p> + The words were hardly spoken, when a tremendous cheer burst from the whole + line at once. + </p> + <p> + "Steady, Fourteenth! steady, lads!" said the gallant old colonel, as he + raised his hand gently; "the staff is approaching." + </p> + <p> + At the same moment, the white plumes appeared, rising above the brow of + the hill. On they came, glittering in all the splendor of aignillettes and + orders; all save one. He rode foremost, upon a small, compact, black + horse; his dress, a plain gray frock fastened at the waist by a red sash; + his cocked hat alone bespoke, in its plume, the general officer. He + galloped rapidly on till he came to the centre of the line; then turning + short round, he scanned the ranks from end to end with an eagle glance. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel Merivale, you have made known to your regiment my opinion of + them, as expressed in general orders?" + </p> + <p> + The colonel bowed low in acquiescence. + </p> + <p> + "Fitzroy, you have got the memorandum, I hope?" + </p> + <p> + The aide-de-camp here presented to Sir Arthur a slip of paper, which he + continued to regard attentively for some minutes. + </p> + <p> + "Captain Powel,—Power, I mean. Captain Power!" + </p> + <p> + Power rode out from the line. + </p> + <p> + "Your very distinguished conduct yesterday has been reported to me. I + shall have sincere pleasure in forwarding your name for the vacant + majority. + </p> + <p> + "You have forgotten, Colonel Merivale, to send in the name of the officer + who saved General Laborde's life." + </p> + <p> + "I believe I have mentioned it, Sir Arthur," said the colonel: "Mr. + O'Malley." + </p> + <p> + "True, I beg pardon; so you have—Mr. O'Malley; a very young officer + indeed,—ha, an Irishman! The south of Ireland, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, the west." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes! Well, Mr. O'Malley, you are promoted. You have the lieutenancy + in your own regiment. By-the-bye, Merivale," here his voice changed into a + half-laughing tone, "ere I forget it, pray let me beg of you to look into + this honest fellow's claim; he has given me no peace the entire morning." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, I turned my eyes in the direction he pointed, and to my utter + consternation, beheld my man Mickey Free standing among the staff, the + position he occupied, and the presence he stood in, having no more + perceptible effect upon his nerves than if he were assisting at an Irish + wake; but so completely was I overwhelmed with shame at the moment, that + the staff were already far down the lines ere I recovered my + self-possession, to which, certainly, I was in some degree recalled by + Master Mike's addressing me in a somewhat imploring voice:— + </p> + <p> + "Arrah, spake for me, Master Charles, alanah; sure they might do something + for me now, av it was only to make me a ganger." + </p> + <p> + Mickey's ideas of promotion, thus insinuatingly put forward, threw the + whole party around us into one burst of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "I have him down there," said he, pointing, as he spoke, to a thick grove + of cork-trees at a little distance. + </p> + <p> + "Who have you got there, Mike?" inquired Power. + </p> + <p> + "Devil a one o' me knows his name," replied he; "may be it's Bony + himself." + </p> + <p> + "And how do you know he's there still?" + </p> + <p> + "How do I know, is it? Didn't I tie him last night?" + </p> + <p> + Curiosity to find out what Mickey could possibly allude to, induced Power + and myself to follow him down the slope to the clump of trees I have + mentioned. As we came near, the very distinct denunciations that issued + from the thicket proved pretty clearly the nature of the affair. It was + nothing less than a French officer of cavalry that Mike had unhorsed in + the <i>mêlée</i>, and wishing, probably, to preserve some testimony of his + prowess, had made prisoner, and tied fast to a cork-tree, the preceding + evening. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Sacrebleu!</i>" said the poor Frenchman, as we approached, "<i>ce sont + des sauvages!</i>" + </p> + <p> + "Av it's making your sowl ye are," said Mike, "you're right; for may be + they won't let me keep you alive." + </p> + <p> + Mike's idea of a tame prisoner threw me into a fit of laughing, while + Power asked,— + </p> + <p> + "And what do you want to do with him, Mickey?" + </p> + <p> + "The sorra one o' me knows, for he spakes no dacent tongue. Thighum thu," + said he, addressing the prisoner, with a poke in the ribs at the same + moment. "But sure, Master Charles, he might tache me French." + </p> + <p> + There was something so irresistibly ludicrous in his tone and look as he + said these words, that both Power and myself absolutely roared with + laughter. We began, however, to feel not a little ashamed of our position + in the business, and explained to the Frenchman that our worthy countryman + had but little experience in the usages of war, while we proceeded to + unbind him and liberate him from his miserable bondage. + </p> + <p> + "It's letting him loose, you are, Captain? Master Charles, take care. + Be-gorra, av you had as much trouble in catching him as I had, you'd think + twice about letting him out. Listen to me, now," here he placed his closed + fist within an inch of the poor prisoner's nose,—"listen to me! Av + you say peas, by the morreal, I'll not lave a whole bone in your skin." + </p> + <p> + With some difficulty we persuaded Mike that his conduct, so far from + leading to his promotion, might, if known in another quarter, procure him + an acquaintance with the provost-marshal; a fact which, it was plain to + perceive, gave him but a very poor impression of military gratitude. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, then, if they were in swarms fornent me, devil receave the prisoner + I'll take again!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, he slowly returned to the regiment; while Power and I, having + conducted the Frenchman to the rear, cantered towards the town to learn + the news of the day. + </p> + <p> + The city on that day presented a most singular aspect. The streets, filled + with the town's-people and the soldiery, were decorated with flags and + garlands; the cafés were crowded with merry groups, and the sounds of + music and laughter resounded on all sides. The houses seemed to be quite + inadequate to afford accommodation to the numerous guests; and in + consequence, bullock cars and forage; wagons were converted into temporary + hotels, and many a jovial party were collected in both. Military music, + church bells, drinking choruses, were all commingled in the din and + turmoil; processions in honor of "Our Lady of Succor" were jammed up among + bacchanalian orgies, and their very chant half drowned in the cries of the + wounded as they passed on to the hospitals. With difficulty we pushed our + way through the dense mob, as we turned our steps towards the seminary. We + both felt naturally curious to see the place where our first detachment + landed, and to examine the opportunities of defence it presented. The + building itself was a large and irregular one of an oblong form, + surrounded by a high wall of solid masonry, the only entrance being by a + heavy iron gate. + </p> + <p> + At this spot the battle appeared to have raged with violence; one side of + the massive gate was torn from its hinges and lay flat upon the ground; + the walls were breached in many places; and pieces of torn uniforms, + broken bayonets, and bruised shakos attested that the conflict was a close + one. The seminary itself was in a falling state; the roof, from which + Paget had given his orders, and where he was wounded, had fallen in. The + French cannon had fissured the building from top to bottom, and it seemed + only awaiting the slightest impulse to crumble into ruin. When we regarded + the spot, and examined the narrow doorway which opening upon a flight of a + few steps to the river, admitted our first party, we could not help + feeling struck anew with the gallantry of that mere handful of brave + fellows who thus threw themselves amidst the overwhelming legions of the + enemy, and at once, without waiting for a single reinforcement, opened a + fire upon their ranks. Bold as the enterprise unquestionably was, we still + felt with what consummate judgment it had been planned; a bend of the + river concealed entirely the passage of the troops, the guns of the + Sierras covered their landing and completely swept one approach to the + seminary. The French, being thus obliged to attack by the gate, were + compelled to make a considerable <i>détour</i> before they reached it, all + of which gave time for our divisions to cross; while the brigade of + Guards, under General Sherbroke, profiting by the confusion, passed the + river below the town, and took the enemy unexpectedly in the rear. + </p> + <p> + Brief as was the struggle within the town, it must have been a terrific + one. The artillery were firing at musket range; cavalry and infantry were + fighting hand to hand in narrow streets, a destructive musketry pouring + all the while from windows and house-tops. + </p> + <p> + At the Amarante gate, where the French defiled, the carnage was also + great. Their light artillery unlimbered some guns here to cover the + columns as they deployed, but Murray's cavalry having carried these, the + flank of the infantry became entirely exposed to the galling fire of + small-arms from the seminary, and the far more destructive shower of grape + that poured unceasingly from the Sierra. + </p> + <p> + Our brigade did the rest; and in less than one hour from the landing of + the first man, the French were in full retreat upon Vallonga. + </p> + <p> + "A glorious thing, Charley," said Power, after a pause, "and a proud + souvenir for hereafter." + </p> + <p> + A truth I felt deeply at the time, and one my heart responds to not less + fully as I am writing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE QUARREL. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the 12th, orders were received for the German brigade + and three squadrons of our regiment to pursue the French upon the + Terracinthe road by daybreak on the following morning. + </p> + <p> + I was busily occupied in my preparations for a hurried march when Mike + came up to say that an officer desired to speak with me; and the moment + after Captain Hammersley appeared. A sudden flush colored his pale and + sickly features, as he held out his hand and said,— + </p> + <p> + "I've come to wish you joy, O'Malley. I just this instant heard of your + promotion. I am sincerely glad of it; pray tell me the whole affair." + </p> + <p> + "That is the very thing I am unable to do. I have some very vague, + indistinct remembrance of warding off a sabre-cut from the head of a + wounded and unhorsed officer in the <i>mêlée</i> of yesterday, but more I + know not. In fact, it was my first duty under fire. I've a tolerably clear + recollection of all the events of the morning, but the word 'Charge!' once + given, I remember very little more. But you, where have you been? How have + we not met before?" + </p> + <p> + "I've exchanged into a heavy dragoon regiment, and am now employed upon + the staff." + </p> + <p> + "You are aware that I have letters for you?" + </p> + <p> + "Power hinted, I think, something of the kind. I saw him very hurriedly." + </p> + <p> + These words were spoken with an effort at <i>nonchalance</i> that + evidently cost him much. + </p> + <p> + As for me, my agitation was scarcely less, as fumbling for some seconds in + my portmanteau, I drew forth the long destined packet. As I placed it in + his hands, he grew deadly pale, and a slight spasmodic twitch in his upper + lip bespoke some unnatural struggle. He broke the seal suddenly, and as he + did so, the morocco case of a miniature fell upon the ground; his eyes ran + rapidly across the letter; the livid color of his lips as the blood forced + itself to them added to the corpse-like hue of his countenance. + </p> + <p> + "You, probably, are aware of the contents of this letter, Mr. O'Malley," + said he, in an altered voice, whose tones, half in anger, half in + suppressed irony, cut to my very heart. + </p> + <p> + "I am in complete ignorance of them," said I, calmly. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, sir!" replied he, with a sarcastic curl of his mouth as he spoke. + "Then, perhaps, you will tell me, too, that your very success is a secret + to you—" + </p> + <p> + "I'm really not aware—" + </p> + <p> + "You think, probably, sir, that the pastime is an amusing one, to + interfere where the affections of others are concerned. I've heard of you, + sir. Your conduct at Lisbon is known to me; and though Captain Trevyllian + may bear—" + </p> + <p> + "Stop, Captain Hammersley!" said I, with a tremendous effort to be calm,—"stop! + You have said enough, quite enough, to convince me of what your object was + in seeking me here to-day. You shall not be disappointed. I trust that + assurance will save you from any further display of temper." + </p> + <p> + "I thank you, most humbly I thank you for the quickness of your + apprehension; and I shall now take my leave. Good-evening, Mr. O'Malley. I + wish you much joy; you have my very fullest congratulations upon <i>all</i> + your good fortune." + </p> + <p> + The sneering emphasis the last words were spoken with remained fixed in my + mind long after he took his departure; and, indeed, so completely did the + whole seem like a dream to me that were it not for the fragments of the + miniature that lay upon the ground where he had crushed them with his + heel, I could scarcely credit myself that I was awake. + </p> + <p> + My first impulse was to seek Power, upon whose judgment and discretion I + could with confidence rely. + </p> + <p> + I had not long to wait; for scarcely had I thrown my cloak around me, when + he rode up. He had just seen, Hammersley, and learned something of our + interview. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Charley, my dear fellow, what is this? How have you treated poor + Hammersley?" + </p> + <p> + "Treated <i>him</i>! Say, rather, how has he treated <i>me!</i>" + </p> + <p> + I here entered into a short but accurate account of our meeting, during + which Power listened with great composure; while I could perceive, from + the questions he asked, that some very different impression had been + previously made upon his mind. + </p> + <p> + "And this was all that passed?" + </p> + <p> + "All." + </p> + <p> + "But what of the business at Lisbon?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't understand." + </p> + <p> + "Why, he speaks,—he has heard some foolish account of your having + made some ridiculous speech there about your successful rivalry of him in + Ireland. Lucy Dashwood, I suppose, is referred to. Some one has been + good-natured enough to repeat the thing to him." + </p> + <p> + "But it never occurred. I never did." + </p> + <p> + "Are you sure, Charley?" + </p> + <p> + "I am sure. I know I never did." + </p> + <p> + "The poor fellow! He has been duped. Come, Charley, you must not take it + ill. Poor Hammersley has never recovered a sabre-wound he received some + months since upon the head; his intellect is really affected by it. Leave + it all to me. Promise not to leave your quarters till I return, and I'll + put everything right again." + </p> + <p> + I gave the required pledge; while Power, springing into the saddle, left + me to my own reflections. + </p> + <p> + My frame of mind as Power left me was by no means an enviable one. A + quarrel is rarely a happy incident in a man's life, still less is it so + when the difference arises with one we are disposed to like and respect. + Such was Hammersley. His manly, straightforward character had won my + esteem and regard, and it was with no common scrutiny I taxed my memory to + think what could have given rise to the impression he labored under of my + having injured him. His chance mention of Trevyllian suggested to me some + suspicion that his dislike of me, wherefore arising I knew not, might have + its share in the matter; and in this state of doubt and uncertainty I + paced impatiently up and down, anxiously watching for Power's return in + the hope of at length getting some real insight into the difficulty. + </p> + <p> + My patience was fast ebbing, Power had been absent above an hour, and no + appearance of him could I detect, when suddenly the tramp of a horse came + rapidly up the hill. I looked out and saw a rider coming forward at a very + fast pace. Before I had time for even a guess as to who it was, he drew + up, and I recognized Captain Trevyllian. There was a certain look of easy + impertinence and half-smiling satisfaction about his features I had never + seen before, as he touched his cap in salute, and said,— + </p> + <p> + "May I have the honor of a few words' conversation with you?" + </p> + <p> + I bowed silently, while he dismounted, and passing his bridle beneath his + arm, walked on beside me. + </p> + <p> + "My friend Captain Hammersley has commissioned me to wait upon you about + this unpleasant affair—" + </p> + <p> + "I beg pardon for the interruption, Captain Trevyllian, but as I have yet + to learn to what you or your friend alludes, perhaps it may facilitate + matters if you will explicitly state your meaning." + </p> + <p> + He grew crimson on the cheek as I said this, while, with a voice perfectly + unmoved, he continued,— + </p> + <p> + "I am not sufficiently in my friend's confidence to know the whole of the + affair in question, nor have I his permission to enter into any of it, he + probably presuming, as I certainly did myself, that your sense of honor + would have deemed further parley and discussion both unnecessary and + unseasonable." + </p> + <p> + "In fact, then, if I understand, it is expected that I should meet Captain + Hammersley for some reason unknown—" + </p> + <p> + "He certainly desires a meeting with you," was the dry reply. + </p> + <p> + "And as certainly I shall not give it, before understanding upon what + grounds." + </p> + <p> + "And such I am to report as your answer?" said he, looking at me at the + moment with an expression of ill-repressed triumph as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + There was something in these few words, as well as in the tone in which + they were spoken, that sunk deeply in my heart. Was it that by some trick + of diplomacy he was endeavoring to compromise my honor and character? Was + it possible that my refusal might be construed into any other than the + real cause? I was too young, too inexperienced in the world to decide the + question for myself, and no time was allowed me to seek another's counsel. + What a trying moment was that for me; my temples throbbed, my heart beat + almost audibly, and I stood afraid to speak; dreading on the one hand lest + my compliance might involve me in an act to embitter my life forever, and + fearful on the other, that my refusal might be reported as a trait of + cowardice. + </p> + <p> + He saw, he read my difficulty at a glance, and with a smile of most + supercilious expression, repeated coolly his former question. In an + instant all thought of Hammersley was forgotten. I remembered no more. I + saw him before me, he who had, since my first meeting, continually + contrived to pass some inappreciable slight upon me. My eyes flashed, my + hands tingled with ill-repressed rage, as I said,— + </p> + <p> + "With Captain Hammersley I am conscious of no quarrel, nor have I ever + shown by any act or look an intention to provoke one. Indeed, such + demonstrations are not always successful; there are persons most rigidly + scrupulous for a friend's honor, little disposed to guard their own." + </p> + <p> + "You mistake," said he, interrupting me, as I spoke these words with a + look as insulting as I could make it,—"you mistake. I have sworn a + solemn oath never to <i>send</i> a challenge." + </p> + <p> + The emphasis upon the word "send," explained fully his meaning, when I + said,— + </p> + <p> + "But you will not decline—" + </p> + <p> + "Most certainly not," said he, again interrupting, while with sparkling + eye and elated look he drew himself up to his full height. "Your friend is—" + </p> + <p> + "Captain Power; and yours—" + </p> + <p> + "Sir Harry Beaufort. I may observe that, as the troops are in marching + order, the matter had better not be delayed." + </p> + <p> + "There shall be none on my part." + </p> + <p> + "Nor mine!" said he, as with a low bow and a look of most ineffable + triumph, he sprang into his saddle; then, "<i>Au revoir</i>, Mr. + O'Malley," said he, gathering up his reins. "Beaufort is on the staff, and + quartered at Oporto." So saying, he cantered easily down the slope, and + once more I was alone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX. + </h2> + <p> + THE ROUTE CONTINUED. + </p> + <p> + I was leisurely examining my pistols,—poor Considine's last present + to me on leaving home,—when an orderly sergeant rode up, and + delivered into my hands the following order:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Lieutenant O'Malley will hold himself in immediate readiness to + proceed on a particular service. By order of his Excellency the + Commander of the Forces. + [Signed] S. GORDON, Military Secretary. +</pre> + <p> + "What can this mean?" thought I. "It is not possible that any rumor of my + intended meeting could have got abroad, and that my present destination + could be intended as a punishment?" + </p> + <p> + I walked hurriedly to the door of the little hut which formed my quarters; + below me in the plain, all was activity and preparation, the infantry were + drawn up in marching order, baggage wagons, ordnance stores, and artillery + seemed all in active preparation, and some cavalry squadrons might be + already seen with forage allowances behind the saddle, as if only waiting + the order to set out. I strained my eyes to see if Power was coming, but + no horseman approached in the direction. I stood, and I hesitated whether + I should not rather seek him at once, than continue to wait on in my + present uncertainty; but then, what if I should miss him? And I had + pledged myself to remain till he returned. + </p> + <p> + While I deliberated thus with myself, weighing the various chances for and + against each plan, I saw two mounted officers coming towards me at a brisk + trot. As they came nearer, I recognized one as my colonel, the other was + an officer of the staff. + </p> + <p> + Supposing that their mission had some relation to the order I had so + lately received, and which until now I had forgotten, I hastily returned + and ordered Mike to my presence. + </p> + <p> + "How are the horses, Mike?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Never better, sir. Badger was wounded slightly by a spent shot in the + counter, but he's never the worse this morning, and the black horse is + capering like a filly." + </p> + <p> + "Get ready my pack, feed the cattle, and be prepared to set out at a + moment's warning." + </p> + <p> + "Good advice, O'Malley," said the colonel, as he overheard the last + direction to my servant. "I hope the nags are in condition?" + </p> + <p> + "Why yes, sir, I believe they are." + </p> + <p> + "All the better; you've a sharp ride before you. Meanwhile let me + introduce my friend; Captain Beaumont, Mr. O'Malley. I think we had better + be seated." + </p> + <p> + "These are your instructions, Mr. O'Malley," said Captain Beaumont, + unfolding a map as he spoke. "You will proceed from this with half a troop + of our regiment by forced marches towards the frontier, passing through + the town of Calenco and Guarda and the Estrella pass. On arriving at the + headquarters of the Lusitanian Legion, which you will find there, you are + to put yourself under the orders of Major Monsoon, commanding that force. + Any Portuguese cavalry he may have with him will be attached to yours and + under your command; your rank for the time being that of captain. You + will, as far as possible, acquaint yourself with the habits and + capabilities of the native cavalry, and make such report as you judge + necessary thereupon to his Excellency the commander of the forces. I think + it only fair to add that you are indebted to my friend Colonel Merivale + for the very flattering position thus opened to your skill and + enterprise." + </p> + <p> + "My dear Colonel, let me assure you—" + </p> + <p> + "Not a word, my boy. I knew the thing would suit you, and I am sure I can + count upon your not disappointing my expectations of you. Sir Arthur + perfectly remembers your name. He only asked two questions,— + </p> + <p> + "'Is he well mounted?' + </p> + <p> + "'Admirably,' was my answer. + </p> + <p> + "'Can you depend upon his promptitude?' + </p> + <p> + "'He'll leave in half an hour.' "So you see, O'Malley, I have already + pledged myself for you. And now I must say adieu; the regiments are about + to take up a more advanced position, so good-by. I hope you'll have a + pleasant time of it till we meet again." + </p> + <p> + "It is now twelve o'clock, Mr. O'Malley," said Beaumont; "we may rely upon + your immediate departure. Your written instructions and despatches will be + here within a quarter of an hour." + </p> + <p> + I muttered something,—what, I cannot remember; I bowed my thanks to + my worthy colonel, shook his hand warmly, and saw him ride down the hill + and disappear in the crowd of soldiery beneath, before I could recall my + faculties and think over my situation. + </p> + <p> + Then all at once did the full difficulty of my position break upon me. If + I accepted my present employment I must certainly fail in my engagement to + Trevyllian. But I had already pledged myself to its acceptance. What was + to be done? No time was left for deliberation. The very minutes I should + have spent in preparation were fast passing. Would that Power might + appear! Alas, he came not! My state of doubt and uncertainty increased + every moment; I saw nothing but ruin before me, even at a moment when + fortune promised most fairly for the future, and opened a field of + enterprise my heart had so often and so ardently desired. Nothing was left + me but to hasten to Colonel Merivale and decline my appointment; to do so + was to prejudice my character in his estimation forever, for I dared not + allege my reasons, and in all probability my conduct might require my + leaving the army. + </p> + <p> + "Be it so, then," said I, in an accent of despair; "the die is cast." + </p> + <p> + I ordered my horse round; I wrote a few words to Power to explain my + absence should he come while I was away, and leaped into the saddle. As I + reached the plain my pace became a gallop, and I pressed my horse with all + the impatience my heart was burning with. I dashed along the lines towards + Oporto, neither hearing nor seeing aught around me, when suddenly the + clank of cavalry accoutrements behind induced me to turn my head, and I + perceived an orderly dragoon at full gallop in pursuit. I pulled up till + he came alongside. + </p> + <p> + "Lieutenant O'Malley, sir," said the man, saluting, "these despatches are + for you." + </p> + <p> + I took them hurriedly, and was about to continue my route, when the + attitude of the dragoon arrested my attention. He had reined in his horse + to the side of the narrow causeway, and holding him still and steadily, + sat motionless as a statue. I looked behind and saw the whole staff + approaching at a brisk trot. Before I had a moment for thought they were + beside me. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, O'Malley," cried Merivale, "you have your orders; don't wait; his + Excellency is coming up." + </p> + <p> + "Get along, I advise you," said another, "or you'll catch it, as some of + us have done this morning." + </p> + <p> + "All is right, Charley; you can go in safety," said a whispering voice, as + Power passed in a sharp canter. + </p> + <p> + That one sentence was enough; my heart bounded like a deer, my cheek + beamed with the glow of delighted pleasure, I closed my spurs upon my + gallant gray and dashed across the plain. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived at my quarters the men were drawn up in waiting, and + provided with rations for three days' march; Mike was also prepared for + the road, and nothing more remained to delay me. + </p> + <p> + "Captain Power has been here, sir, and left a note." + </p> + <p> + I took it and thrust it hastily into my sabretasche. I knew from the few + words he had spoken that my present step involved me in no ill + consequences; so giving the word to wheel into column, I rode to the front + and set out upon my march to Alcantara. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L. + </h2> + <p> + THE WATCH-FIRE. + </p> + <p> + There are few things so inspiriting to a young soldier as the being + employed with a separate command; the picket and outpost duty have a charm + for him no other portion of his career possesses. The field seems open for + individual boldness and heroism; success, if obtained, must redound to his + own credit; and what can equal, in its spirit-stirring enthusiasm, that + first moment when we become in any way the arbiter of our own fortunes? + </p> + <p> + Such were my happy thoughts, as with a proud and elated heart I set forth + upon my march. The notice the commander-in-chief had bestowed upon me had + already done much; it had raised me in my own estimation, and implanted + within me a longing desire for further distinction. I thought, too, of + those far, far away, who were yet to hear of my successes. + </p> + <p> + I fancied to myself how they would severally receive the news. My poor + uncle, with tearful eye and quivering lip, was before me, as I saw him + read the despatch, then wipe his glasses, and read on, till at last, with + one long-drawn breath, his manly voice, tremulous with emotion, would + break forth: "My boy! my own Charley!" Then I pictured Considine, with + port erect and stern features, listening silently; not a syllable, not a + motion betraying that he felt interested in my fate, till as if impatient, + at length he would break in: "I knew it,—I said so; and yet you + thought to make him a lawyer!" And then old Sir Harry, his warm heart + glowing with pleasure, and his good-humored face beaming with happiness, + how many a blunder he would make in retailing the news, and how many a + hearty laugh his version of it would give rise to! + </p> + <p> + I passed in review before me the old servants, as they lingered in the + room to hear the story. Poor old Matthew, the butler, fumbling with his + corkscrew to gain a little time; then looking in my uncle's face, half + entreatingly, as he asked: "Any news of Master Charles, sir, from the + wars?" + </p> + <p> + While thus my mind wandered back to the scenes and faces of my early home, + I feared to ask myself how <i>she</i> would feel to whom my heart was now + turning. Too deeply did I know how poor my chances were in that quarter to + nourish hope, and yet I could not bring myself to abandon it altogether. + Hammersley's strange conduct suggested to me that he, at least, could not + be <i>my</i> rival; while I plainly perceived that he regarded me as <i>his</i>. + There was a mystery in all this I could not fathom, and I ardently longed + for my next meeting with Power, to learn the nature of his interview, and + also in what manner the affair had been arranged. + </p> + <p> + Such were my passing thoughts as I pressed forward. My men, picked no less + for themselves than their horses, came rapidly along; and ere evening, we + had accomplished twelve leagues of our journey. + </p> + <p> + The country through which we journeyed, though wild and romantic in its + character, was singularly rich and fertile,—cultivation reaching to + the very summits of the rugged mountains, and patches of wheat and Indian + corn peeping amidst masses of granite rock and tangled brushwood. The vine + and the olive grew wild on every side; while the orange and the arbutus, + loading the air with perfume, were mingled with prickly pear-trees and + variegated hollies. We followed no regular track, but cantered along over + hill and valley, through forest and prairie, now in long file through some + tall field of waving corn, now in open order upon some level plain,—our + Portuguese guide riding a little in advance of us, upon a jet-black mule, + carolling merrily some wild Gallician melody as he went. + </p> + <p> + As the sun was setting, we arrived beside a little stream that flowing + along a rocky bed, skirted a vast forest of tall cork-trees. Here we + called a halt, and picketing our horses, proceeded to make our + arrangements for a bivouac. + </p> + <p> + Never do I remember a more lovely night. The watch-fires sent up a + delicious odor from the perfumed shrubs; while the glassy water reflected + on its still surface the starry sky that, unshadowed and unclouded, + stretched above us. I wrapped myself in my trooper's mantle, and lay down + beneath a tree,—but not to sleep. There was a something so exciting, + and withal so tranquillizing, that I had no thought of slumber, but fell + into a musing revery. There was a character of adventure in my position + that charmed me much. My men were gathered in little groups beside the + fires; some sunk in slumber, others sat smoking silently, or chatting, in + a low undertone, of some bygone scene of battle or bivouac; here and there + were picketed the horses; the heavy panoply and piled carbines flickering + in the red glare of the watch-fires, which ever and anon threw a flitting + glow upon the stern and swarthy faces of my bold troopers. Upon the trees + around, sabres and helmets, holsters and cross-belts, were hung like + armorial bearings in some antique hall, the dark foliage spreading its + heavy shadow around us. Farther off, upon a little rocky ledge, the erect + figure of the sentry, with his short carbine resting in the hollow of his + arm, was seen slowly pacing in measured tread, or standing for a moment + silently, as he looked upon the fair and tranquil sky,—his thoughts + doubtless far, far away, beyond the sea, to some humble home, where,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The hum of the spreading sycamore, + That grew beside his cottage door," +</pre> + <p> + was again in his ears, while the merry laugh of his children stirred his + bold heart. It was a Salvator-Rosa scene, and brought me back in fancy to + the bandit legends I had read in boyhood. By the uncertain light of the + wood embers I endeavored to sketch the group that lay before me. + </p> + <p> + The night wore on. One by one the soldiers stretched themselves to sleep, + and all was still. As the hours rolled by a drowsy feeling crept gradually + over me. I placed my pistols by my side, and having replenished the fire + by some fresh logs, disposed myself comfortably before it. + </p> + <p> + It was during that half-dreamy state that intervenes between waking and + sleep that a rustling sound of the branches behind attracted my attention. + The air was too calm to attribute this to the wind, so I listened for some + minutes; but sleep, too long deferred, was over-powerful, and my head sank + upon my grassy pillow, and I was soon sound asleep. How long I remained + thus, I know not; but I awoke suddenly. I fancied some one had shaken me + rudely by the shoulder; but yet all was tranquil. My men were sleeping + soundly as I saw them last. The fires were becoming low, and a gray streak + in the sky, as well as a sharp cold feeling of the air, betokened the + approach of day. Once more I heaped some dry branches together, and was + again about to stretch myself to rest, when I felt a hand upon my + shoulder. I turned quickly round, and by the imperfect light of the fire, + saw the figure of a man standing motionless beside me; his head was bare, + and his hair fell in long curls upon his shoulders; one hand was pressed + upon his bosom, and with the other he motioned me to silence. My first + impression was that our party were surprised by some French patrol; but as + I looked again, I recognized, to my amazement, that the individual before + me was the young French officer I had seen that morning a prisoner beside + the Douro. + </p> + <p> + "How came you here?" said I, in a low voice, to him in French. + </p> + <p> + "Escaped; one of my own men threw himself between me and the sentry; I + swam the Douro, received a musket-ball through my arm, lost my shako, and + here I am!" + </p> + <p> + "You are aware you are again a prisoner?" + </p> + <p> + "If you desire it, of course I am," said he, in a voice full of feeling + that made my very heart creep. "I thought you were a party of Lorge's + Dragoons, scouring the country for forage; tracked you the entire day, and + have only now come up with you." + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow, who had neither eaten nor drunk since daybreak, wounded + and footsore, had accomplished twelve leagues of a march only once more to + fall into the hands of his enemies. His years could scarcely have numbered + nineteen; his countenance was singularly prepossessing; and though + bleeding and torn, with tattered uniform, and without a covering to his + head, there was no mistaking for a moment that he was of gentle blood. + Noiselessly and cautiously I made him sit down beside the fire, while I + spread before him the sparing remnant of my last night's supper, and + shared my solitary bottle of sherry with him. + </p> + <p> + From the moment he spoke, I never entertained a thought of making him a + prisoner; but as I knew not how far I was culpable in permitting, if not + actually facilitating, his escape, I resolved to keep the circumstance a + secret from my party, and if possible, get him away before daybreak. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did he learn my intentions regarding him, than in an instant all + memory of his past misfortune, all thoughts of his present destitute + condition, seemed to have fled; and while I dressed his wound and bound up + his shattered arm, he chattered away as unconcernedly about the past and + the future as though seated beside the fire of his own bivouac, and + surrounded by his own brother officers. + </p> + <p> + "You took us by surprise the other day," said he. "Our marshal looked for + the attack from the mouth of the river; we received information that your + ships were expected there. In any case, our retreat was an orderly one, + and must have been effected with slight loss." + </p> + <p> + I smiled at the self-complacency of this reasoning, but did not contradict + him. + </p> + <p> + "Your loss must indeed have been great; your men crossed under the fire of + a whole battery." + </p> + <p> + "Not exactly," said I; "our first party were quietly stationed in Oporto + before you knew anything about it." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Ah, sacré Dieu!</i> Treachery!" cried he, striking his forehead with + his clinched fist. + </p> + <p> + "Not so; mere daring,—nothing more. But come, tell me something of + your own adventures. How were you taken?" + </p> + <p> + "Simply thus,—I was sent to the rear with orders to the artillery to + cut their traces, and leave the guns; and when coming back, my horse grew + tired in the heavy ground, and I was spurring him to the utmost, when one + of your heavy dragoons—an officer, too—dashed at me, and + actually rode me down, horse and all. I lay for some time bruised by the + fall, when an infantry soldier passing by seized me by the collar, and + brought me to the rear. No matter, however, here I am now. You will not + give me up; and perhaps I may one day live to repay the kindness." + </p> + <p> + "You have not long joined?" + </p> + <p> + "It was my first battle; my epaulettes were very smart things yesterday, + though they do look a little <i>passés</i> to-day. You are advancing, I + suppose?" + </p> + <p> + I smiled without answering this question. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, I see you don't wish to speak. Never mind, your discretion is thrown + away upon me; for if I rejoined my regiment to-morrow, I should have + forgotten all you told me,—all but your great kindness." These last + words he spoke, bowing slightly his head, and coloring as he said them. + </p> + <p> + "You are a dragoon, I think?" said I, endeavoring to change the topic. + </p> + <p> + "I was, two days ago, <i>chasseur à cheval</i>, a sous-lieutenant, in the + regiment of my father, the General St. Croix." + </p> + <p> + "The name is familiar to me," I replied, "and I am sincerely happy to be + in a position to serve the son of so distinguished an officer." + </p> + <p> + "The son of so distinguished an officer is most deeply obliged, but wishes + with all his heart and soul he had never sought glory under such very + excellent auspices. You look surprised, <i>mon cher</i>; but let me tell + you, my military ardor is considerably abated in the last three days. + Hunger, thirst, imprisonment, and this"—lifting his wounded limb as + he spoke—"are sharp lessons in so short a campaign, and for one too, + whose life hitherto had much more of ease than adventure to boast of. + Shall I tell you how I became a soldier?" + </p> + <p> + "By all means; give me your glass first; and now, with a fresh log to the + fire, I'm your man." + </p> + <p> + "But stay; before I begin, look to this." + </p> + <p> + The blood was flowing rapidly from his wound, which with some difficulty I + succeeded in stanching. He drank off his wine hastily, held out his glass + to be refilled, and then began his story. + </p> + <p> + "You have never seen the Emperor?" + </p> + <p> + "Never." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Sacrebleu!</i> What a man he is! I'd rather stand under the fire of + your grenadiers, than meet his eye. When in a passion, he does not say + much, it is true; but what he does, comes with a kind of hissing, rushing + sound, while the very fire seems to kindle in his look. I have him before + me this instant, and though you will confess that my present condition has + nothing very pleasing in it, I should be sorry indeed to change it for the + last time I stood in his presence. + </p> + <p> + "Two months ago I sported the gay light-blue and silver of a page to the + Emperor, and certainly, what with balls, <i>bonbons</i>, flirtation, + gossip, and champagne suppers, led a very gay, reckless, and indolent life + of it. Somehow,—I may tell you more accurately at another period, if + we ever meet,—I got myself into disgrace, and as a punishment, was + ordered to absent myself from the Tuileries, and retire for some weeks to + Fontainebleau. Siberia to a Russian would scarcely be a heavier infliction + than was this banishment to me. There was no court, no levee, no military + parade, no ball, no opera. A small household of the Emperor's chosen + servants quietly kept house there. The gloomy walls re-echoed to no music; + the dark alleys of the dreary garden seemed the very impersonation of + solitude and decay. Nothing broke the dull monotony of the tiresome day, + except when occasionally, near sunset, the clash of the guard would be + heard turning out, and the clank of presenting arms, followed by the roll + of a heavy carriage into the gloomy courtyard. One lamp, shining like a + star, in a small chamber on the second floor, would remain till near four, + sometimes five o'clock in the morning. The same sounds of the guard and + the same dull roll of the carriage would break the stillness of the early + morning; and the Emperor—for it was he—would be on his road + back to Paris. + </p> + <p> + "We never saw him,—I say we, for like myself some half-dozen others + were also there, expiating their follies by a life of cheerless <i>ennui</i>. + </p> + <p> + "It was upon a calm evening in April, we sat together chatting over the + various misdeeds which had consigned us to exile, when some one proposed, + by way of passing the time, that we should visit the small flower-garden + that was parted off from the rest, and reserved for the Emperor alone. It + was already beyond the hour he usually came; besides that, even should he + arrive, there was abundant time to get back before he could possibly reach + it. The garden we had often seen, but there was something in the fact that + our going there was a transgression that so pleased us all that we agreed + at once and set forth. For above an hour we loitered about the lonely and + deserted walks, where already the Emperor's foot-tracks had worn a marked + pathway, when we grew weary and were about to return, just as one of the + party suggested, half in ridicule of the sanctity of the spot, that we + should have a game of leap-frog ere we left it. The idea pleased us and + was at once adopted. Our plan was this,—each person stationed + himself in some by-walk or alley, and waited till the other, whose turn it + was, came and leaped over him; so that, besides the activity displayed, + there was a knowledge of the <i>locale</i> necessary; for to any one + passed over a forfeit was to be paid. Our game began at once, and + certainly I doubt if ever those green alleys and shady groves rang to such + hearty laughter. Here would be seen a couple rolling over together on the + grass; there some luckless wight counting out his pocket-money to pay his + penalty. The hours passed quietly over, and the moon rose, and at last it + came to my turn to make the tour of the garden. As I was supposed to know + all its intricacies better than the rest, a longer time was given for them + to conceal themselves; at length the word was given, and I started. + </p> + <p> + "Anxious to acquit myself well, I hurried along at top speed, but guess my + surprise to discover that nowhere could I find one of my companions. Down + one walk I scampered, up another, across a third, but all was still and + silent; not a sound, not a breath, could I detect. There was still one + part of the garden unexplored; it was a small open space before a little + pond which usually contained the gold fish the Emperor was so fond of. + Thither I bent my steps, and had not gone far when in the pale moonlight I + saw, at length, one of my companions waiting patiently for my coming, his + head bent forward and his shoulders rounded. Anxious to repay him for my + own disappointment, I crept silently forward on tiptoe till quite near + him, when, rushing madly on, I sprang upon his back; just, however, as I + rose to leap over, he raised his head, and, staggered by the impulse of my + spring, he was thrown forward, and after an ineffectual effort to keep his + legs fell flat upon his face in the grass. Bursting with laughter, I fell + over him on the ground, and was turning to assist him, when suddenly he + sprang upon his feet, and—horror of horrors!—it was Napoleon + himself; his usually pale features were purple with rage, but not a word, + not a syllable escaped him. + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Qui êtes vous</i>?' said he, at length. + </p> + <p> + "'St. Croix, Sire,' said I, still kneeling before him, while my very heart + leaped into my mouth. + </p> + <p> + "'St. Croix! <i>toujours</i> St. Croix! Come here; approach me,' cried he, + in a voice of stifled passion. + </p> + <p> + "I rose; but before I could take a step forward he sprang at me, and + tearing off my epaulettes trampled them beneath his feet, and then he + shouted out, rather than spoke, the word '<i>Allez!</i>' + </p> + <p> + "I did not wait for a second intimation, but clearing the paling at a + spring, was many a mile from Fontainebleau before daybreak." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI. + </h2> + <p> + THE MARCH. + </p> + <p> + Twice the <i>réveil</i> sounded; the horses champed impatiently their + heavy bits; my men stood waiting for the order to mount, ere I could + arouse myself from the deep sleep I had fallen into. The young Frenchman + and his story were in my dreams, and when I awoke, his figure, as he lay + sleeping beside the wood embers, was the first object I perceived. There + he lay, to all seeming as forgetful of his fate as though he still + inhabited the gorgeous halls and gilded saloons of the Tuileries; his pale + and handsome features wore even a placid smile as, doubtless, some dream + of other days flitted across him; his long hair waved in luxurious curls + upon his neck, and his light-brown mustache, slightly curled at the top, + gave to his mild and youthful features an air of saucy <i>fierté</i> that + heightened their effect. A narrow blue ribbon which he wore round his + throat gently peeped from his open bosom. I could not resist the curiosity + I felt to see what it meant, and drawing it softly forth, I perceived that + a small miniature was attached to it. It was beautifully painted, and + surrounded with brilliants of some value. One glance showed me,—for + I had seen more than one engraving before of her,—that it was the + portrait of the Empress Josephine. Poor boy! he doubtless was a favorite + at court; indeed, everything in his air and manner bespoke him such. I + gently replaced the precious locket and turned from the spot to think over + what was best to be done for him. Knowing the vindictive feeling of the + Portuguese towards their invaders, I feared to take Pietro, our guide, + into my confidence. I accordingly summoned my man Mike to my aid, who, + with all his country's readiness, soon found out an expedient. It was to + pretend to Pietro that the prisoner was merely an English officer who had + made his escape from the French army, in which, against his will, he had + been serving for some time. + </p> + <p> + This plan succeeded perfectly; and when St. Croix, mounted upon one of my + led horses, set out upon his march beside me, none was more profuse of his + attentions than the dark-brown guide whose hatred of a Frenchman was + beyond belief. + </p> + <p> + By thus giving him safe conduct through Portugal, I knew that when we + reached the frontier he could easily manage to come up with some part of + Marshal Victor's force, the advanced guard of which lay on the left bank + of the Tagus. + </p> + <p> + To me the companionship was the greatest boon; the gay and buoyant spirit + that no reverse of fortune, no untoward event, could subdue, lightened + many an hour of the journey; and though at times the gasconading tone of + the Frenchman would peep through, there was still such a fund of + good-tempered raillery in all he said that it was impossible to feel angry + with him. His implicit faith in the Emperor's invincibility also amused + me. Of the unbounded confidence of the nation in general, and the army + particularly, in Napoleon, I had till then no conception. It was not that + in the profound skill and immense resources of the general they trusted, + but they actually regarded him as one placed above all the common + accidents of fortune, and revered him as something more than human. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Il viendra et puis</i>—" was the continued exclamation of the + young Frenchman. Any notion of our successfully resisting the overwhelming + might of the Emperor, he would have laughed to scorn, and so I let him go + on prophesying our future misfortunes till the time when, driven back upon + Lisbon, we should be compelled to evacuate the Peninsula, and under favor + of a convention be permitted to return to England. All this was + sufficiently ridiculous, coming from a youth of nineteen, wounded, in + misery, a prisoner; but further experience of his nation has shown me that + St. Croix was not the exception, but the rule. The conviction in the + ultimate success of their army, whatever be the merely momentary mishap, + is the one present thought of a Frenchman; a victory with them is a + conquest; a defeat,—if they are by any chance driven to acknowledge + one,—a <i>fatalité</i>. + </p> + <p> + I was too young a man, and still more, too young a soldier, to bear with + this absurd affectation of superiority as I ought, and consequently was + glad to wander, whenever I could, from the contested point of our national + superiority to other topics. St. Croix, although young, had seen much of + the world as a page in the splendid court of the Tuileries; the scenes + passing before his eyes were calculated to make a strong impression; and + by many an anecdote of his former life, he lightened the road as we passed + along. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0427.jpg" alt="A Touch at Leap-frog With Napoleon. " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "You promised, by-the-bye, to tell me of your banishment. How did that + occur, St. Croix?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Ah, par Dieu!</i> that was an unfortunate affair for me; then began + all my mishaps. But for that, I should never have been sent to + Fontainebleau; never have played leap-frog with the Emperor; never have + been sent a soldier into Spain. True," said he, laughing, "I should never + have had the happiness of your acquaintance. But still, I'd much rather + have met you first in the Place des Victoires than in the Estrella + Mountains." + </p> + <p> + "Who knows?" said I; "perhaps your good genius prevailed in all this." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," said he, interrupting me; "that's exactly what the Empress + said,—she was my godmother,—'Jules will be a <i>Maréchal de + France yet</i>.' But certainly, it must be confessed, I have made a bad + beginning. However, you wish to hear of my disgrace at court. <i>Allans + donc</i>. But had we not better wait for a halt?" + </p> + <p> + "Agreed," said I; "and so let us now press forward." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII. + </h2> + <p> + THE PAGE. + </p> + <p> + Under the deep shade of some tall trees, sheltered from the noonday sun, + we lay down to rest ourselves and enjoy a most patriarchal dinner,—some + dry biscuits, a few bunches of grapes, and a little weak wine, savoring + more of the borachio-skin than the vine-juice, were all we boasted; yet + they were not ungrateful at such a time and place. + </p> + <p> + "Whose health did you pledge then?" inquired St. Croix, with a + half-malicious smile, as I raised the glass silently to my lips. + </p> + <p> + I blushed deeply, and looked confused. + </p> + <p> + "<i>A ses beux yeux!</i> whoever she be," said he, gayly tossing off his + wine; "and now, if you feel disposed, I'll tell you my story. In good + truth, it is not worth relating, but it may serve to set you asleep, at + all events. + </p> + <p> + "I have already told you I was a page. Alas, the impressions you may feel + of that functionary, from having seen Cherubino, give but a faint notion + of him when pertaining to the household of the Emperor Napoleon. + </p> + <p> + "The <i>farfallone amoroso</i> basked in the soft smiles and sunny looks + of the Countess Almaviva; we met but the cold, impassive look of + Talleyrand, the piercing and penetrating stare of Savary, or the ambiguous + smile, half menace, half mockery, of Monsieur Fouché. While on service, + our days were passed in the antechamber, beside the <i>salle d'audience</i> + of the Emperor, reclining against the closed door, watching attentively + for the gentle tinkle of the little bell which summoned us to open for the + exit of some haughty diplomate, or the <i>entrée</i> of some redoubted + general. Thus passed we the weary hours; the illustrious visitors by whom + we were surrounded had no novelty, consequently no attraction for us, and + the names already historical were but household words with us. + </p> + <p> + "We often remarked, too, the proud and distant bearing the Emperor assumed + towards those of his generals who had been his former companions-in-arms. + Whatever familiarity or freedom may have existed in the campaign or in the + battle-field, the air of the Tuileries certainly chilled it. I have often + heard that the ceremonious observances and rigid etiquette of the old + Bourbon court were far preferable to the stern reserve and unbending + stiffness of the imperial one. + </p> + <p> + "The antechamber is but the reflection of the reception-room; and whatever + be the whims, the caprices, the littleness of the Great Man, they are + speedily assumed by his inferiors, and the dark temper of one casts a + lowering shadow on every menial by whom he is surrounded. + </p> + <p> + "As for us, we were certainly not long in catching somewhat of the spirit + of the Emperor; and I doubt much if the impertinence of the waiting-room + was not more dreaded and detested than the abrupt speech and searching + look of Napoleon himself. + </p> + <p> + "What a malicious pleasure have I not felt in arresting the step of M. de + Talleyrand, as he approached the Emperor's closet! With what easy + insolence have I lisped out, 'Pardon, Monsieur, but his Majesty cannot + receive you,' or 'Monsieur le Due, his Majesty has given no orders for + your admission.' How amusing it was to watch the baffled look of each, as + he retired once more to his place among the crowd, the wily diplomate + covering his chagrin with a practised smile, while the stern marshal would + blush to his very eyes with indignation! This was the great pleasure our + position afforded us, and with a boyish spirit of mischief, we cultivated + it to perfection, and became at last the very horror and detestation of + all who frequented the levees; and the ambassador whose fearless voice was + heard among the councils of kings became soft and conciliating in his + approaches to us; and the hardy general who would have charged upon a + brigade of artillery was timid as a girl in addressing us a mere question. + </p> + <p> + "Among the amiable class thus characterized I was most conspicuous, + preserving cautiously a tone of civility that left nothing openly to + complain of. I assumed an indifference and impartiality of manner that no + exigency of affairs, no pressing haste, could discompose or disturb; and + my bow of recognition to Soult or Massena was as coolly measured as my + monosyllabic answer was accurately conned over. + </p> + <p> + "Upon ordinary occasions the Emperor at the close of each person's + audience rang his little bell for the admission of the next in order as + they arrived in the waiting-room; yet when anything important was under + consideration, a list was given us in the morning of the names to be + presented in rotation, which no casual circumstance was ever suffered to + interfere with. + </p> + <p> + "It is now about four months since, one fine morning, such a list was + placed within my hands. His Majesty was just then occupied with an inquiry + into the naval force of the kingdom; and as I cast my eyes carelessly over + the names, I read little else than Vice-Admiral So-and-so, Commander + Such-a-one, and Chef d'Escardron Such-another, and the levee presented + accordingly, instead of its usual brilliant array of gorgeous uniform and + aiguilletted marshals, the simple blue-and-gold of the naval service. + </p> + <p> + "The marine was not in high favor with the Emperor; and truly, my + reception of these unfrequent visitors was anything but flattering. The + early part of the morning was, as usual, occupied by the audience of the + Minister of Police, and the Duc de Bassano, who evidently, from the length + of time they remained, had matter of importance to communicate. Meanwhile + the antechamber filled rapidly, and before noon was actually crowded. It + was just at this moment that the folding-door slowly opened, and a figure + entered, such as I had never before seen in our brilliant saloon. He was a + man of five or six and fifty, short, thickset, and strongly built, with a + bronzed and weather-beaten face, and a broad open forehead deeply scarred + with a sabre-cut; a shaggy gray mustache curled over and concealed his + mouth, while eyebrows of the same color shaded his dark and piercing eyes. + His dress was a coarse cut of blue cloth such as the fishermen wear in + Bretagne, fastened at the waist by a broad belt of black leather, from + which hung a short-bladed cutlass; his loose trousers, of the same + material, were turned up at the ankles to show a pair of strong legs + coarsely cased in blue stockings and thick-soled shoes. A broad-leaved + oil-skin hat was held in one hand, and the other stuck carelessly in his + pocket, as he entered. He came in with a careless air, and familiarly + saluting one or two officers in the room, he sat himself down near the + door, appearing lost in his own reflections. + </p> + <p> + "'Who can you be, my worthy friend?' was my question to myself as I + surveyed this singular apparition. At the same time, casting my eyes down + the list, I perceived that several pilots of the coast of Havre, Calais, + and Boulogne had been summoned to Paris to give some information upon the + soundings and depth of water along the shore. + </p> + <p> + "'Ha,' thought I, 'I have it. The good man has mistaken his place, and + instead of remaining without, has walked boldly forward to the + antechamber.' + </p> + <p> + "There was something so strange and so original in the grim look of the + old fellow, as he sat there alone, that I suffered him to remain quietly + in his delusion, rather than order him back to the waiting-room without; + besides, I perceived that a kind of sensation was created among the others + by his appearance there, which amused me greatly. + </p> + <p> + "As the day wore on, the officers formed into little groups of three or + four, chatting together in an undertone,—all save the old pilot. He + had taken a huge tobacco-box from his capacious breast-pocket, and + inserting an immense piece of the bitter weed in his mouth, began to chew + it as leisurely as though he were walking the quarter-deck. The cool <i>insouciance</i> + of such a proceeding amused me much, and I resolved to draw him out a + little. His strong, broad Breton features, his deep voice, his dry, blunt + manner, were all in admirable keeping with his exterior. + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Par Dieu</i>, my lad,' said he, after chatting some time, 'had you + not better tell the Emperor that I am waiting? It's now past noon, and I + must eat something.' + </p> + <p> + "'Have a little patience,' said I; 'his Majesty is going to invite you to + dinner.' + </p> + <p> + "'Be it so,' said he, gravely; 'provided the hour be an early one, I'm his + man.' + </p> + <p> + "With difficulty did I keep down my laughter as he said this, and + continued. + </p> + <p> + "'So you know the Emperor already, it seems?' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, that I do! I remember him when he was no higher than yourself.' + </p> + <p> + "'How delighted he'll be to find you here! I hope you have brought up some + of your family with you, as the Emperor would be so flattered by it?' + </p> + <p> + "'No, I've left them at home. This place don't suit us over well. We have + plenty to do besides spending our time and money among all you fine folks + here.' + </p> + <p> + "'And not a bad life of it, either,' added I, 'fishing for cod and + herrings,—stripping a wreck now and then.' + </p> + <p> + "He stared at me, as I said this, like a tiger on the spring, but spoke + not a word. + </p> + <p> + "'And how many young sea-wolves may you have in your den at home?' + </p> + <p> + "'Six; and all of them able to carry you with one hand, at arm's length.' + </p> + <p> + "'I have no doubt. I shall certainly not test their ability. But you + yourself,—how do you like the capital?' + </p> + <p> + "'Not over well; and I'll tell you why—' + </p> + <p> + "As he said this the door of the audience-chamber opened, and the Emperor + appeared. His eyes flashed fire as he looked hurriedly around the room. + </p> + <p> + "'Who is in waiting here?'" + </p> + <p> + "'I am, please your Majesty,' said I, bowing deeply, as I started from my + seat. + </p> + <p> + "'And where is the Admiral Truguet? Why was he not admitted?' + </p> + <p> + "'Not present, your Majesty,' said I, trembling with fear. + </p> + <p> + "'Hold there, young fellow; not so fast. Here he is.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, Truguet, <i>mon ami!</i>' cried the Emperor, placing both hands on + the old fellow's shoulders, 'how long have you been in waiting?' + </p> + <p> + "'Two hours and a half,' said he, producing in evidence a watch like a + saucer. + </p> + <p> + "'What, two hours and a half, and I not know it!' + </p> + <p> + "'No matter; I am always happy to serve your Majesty. But if that fine + fellow had not told me that you were going to ask me to dinner—' + </p> + <p> + "'He! He said so, did he?' said Napoleon, turning on me a glance like a + wild beast. 'Yes, Truguet, so I am; you shall dine with me to-day. And + you, sir,' said he, dropping his voice to a whisper, as he came closer + towards me,—'and you have dared to speak thus? Call in a guard + there. Capitaine, put this person under arrest; he is disgraced. He is no + longer page of the palace. Out of my presence! away, sir!' + </p> + <p> + "The room wheeled round; my legs tottered; my senses reeled; and I saw no + more. + </p> + <p> + "Three weeks' bread and water in St. Pélagie, however, brought me to my + recollection; and at last my kind, my more than kind friend, the Empress, + obtained my pardon, and sent me to Fontainebleau, till the Emperor should + forget all about it. How I contrived again to refresh his memory I have + already told you; and certainly you will acknowledge that I have not been + fortunate in my interviews with Napoleon." + </p> + <p> + I am conscious how much St. Croix's story loses in my telling. The simple + expressions, the grace of the narrative, were its charm: and these, alas! + I can neither translate nor imitate, no more than I can convey the strange + mixture of deep feeling and levity, shrewdness and simplicity, that + constituted the manner of the narrator. + </p> + <p> + With many a story of his courtly career he amused me as we trotted along; + when, towards nightfall of the third day, a peasant informed us that a + body of French cavalry occupied the convent of San Cristoval, about three + leagues off. The opportunity of his return to his own army pleased him far + less than I expected. He heard, without any show of satisfaction, that the + time of his liberation had arrived; and when the moment of leave-taking + drew near, he became deeply affected. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Eh, bien</i>, Charles," said he, smiling sadly through his dimmed and + tearful eyes. "You've been a kind friend to me. Is the time never to come + when I can repay you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes; we'll meet again, be assured of it. Meanwhile there is one way + you can more than repay anything I have done for you." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, name it at once!" + </p> + <p> + "Many a brave fellow of ours is now, and doubtless many more will be, + prisoners with your army in this war. Whenever, therefore, your lot brings + you in contact with such—" + </p> + <p> + "They shall be my brothers," said he, springing towards me and throwing + his arms round my neck. "Adieu, adieu!" With that he rushed from the spot, + and before I could speak again, was mounted upon the peasant's horse and + waving his hand to me in farewell. + </p> + <p> + I looked after him as he rode at a fast gallop down the slope of the green + mountain, the noise of the horse's feet echoing along the silent plain. I + turned at length to leave the spot, and then perceived for the first time + that when taking his farewell of me he had hung around my neck his + miniature of the Empress. Poor boy! How sorrowful I felt thus to rob him + of what he had held so dear! How gladly would I have overtaken him to + restore it! It was the only keepsake he possessed; and knowing that I + would not accept it if offered, he took this way of compelling me to keep + it. + </p> + <p> + Through the long hours of the summer's night I thought of him; and when at + last I slept, towards morning, my first thought on waking was of the + solitary day before me. The miles no longer slipped imperceptibly along; + no longer did the noon and night seem fast to follow. Alas, that one + should grow old! The very sorrows of our early years have something soft + and touching in them. Arising less from deep wrong than slight mischances, + the grief they cause comes ever with an alloy of pleasant thoughts, + telling of the tender past, and amidst the tears called up, forming some + bright rainbow of future hope. + </p> + <p> + Poor St. Croix had already won greatly upon me, and I felt lonely and + desolate when he departed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII. + </h2> + <p> + ALVAS. + </p> + <p> + Nothing of incident marked our farther progress towards the frontier of + Spain, and at length we reached the small town of Alvas. It was past + sunset as we arrived, and instead of the usual quiet and repose of a + little village, we found the streets crowded with people, on horseback and + on foot; mules, bullocks, carts, and wagons blocked up the way, and the + oaths of the drivers and the screaming of women and children resounded on + all sides. + </p> + <p> + With what little Spanish I possessed I questioned some of those near me, + and learned, in reply, that a dreadful engagement had taken place that day + between the advanced guard of the French, under Victor, and the Lusitanian + legion; that the Portuguese troops had been beaten and completely routed, + losing all their artillery and baggage; that the French were rapidly + advancing, and expected hourly to arrive at Alvas, in consequence of which + the terror-stricken inhabitants were packing up their possessions and + hurrying away. + </p> + <p> + Here, then, was a point of considerable difficulty for me at once. My + instructions had never provided for such a conjuncture, and I was totally + unable to determine what was best to be done; both my men and their horses + were completely tired by a march of fourteen leagues, and had a pressing + need of some rest; on every side of me the preparations for flight were + proceeding with all the speed that fear inspires; and to my urgent request + for some information as to food and shelter, I could obtain no other reply + than muttered menaces of the fate before me if I remained, and exaggerated + accounts of French cruelty. + </p> + <p> + Amidst all this bustle and confusion a tremendous fall of heavy rain set + in, which at once determined me, come what might, to house my party, and + provide forage for our horses. + </p> + <p> + As we pushed our way slowly through the encumbered streets, looking on + every side for some appearance of a village inn, a tremendous shout rose + in our rear, and a rush of the people towards us induced us to suppose + that the French were upon us. For some minutes the din and uproar were + terrific,—the clatter of horses' feet, the braying of trumpets, the + yelling of the mob, all mingling in one frightful concert. + </p> + <p> + I formed my men in close column, and waited steadily for the attack, + resolving, if possible, to charge through the advancing files,—any + retreat through the crowded and blocked-up thoroughfares being totally out + of the question. The rain was falling in such torrents that nothing could + be seen a few yards off, when suddenly a pause of a few seconds occurred, + and from the clash of accoutrements, and the hoarse tones of a loud voice, + I judged that the body of men before us were forming for attack. + </p> + <p> + Resolving, therefore, to take them by surprise, I gave the word to charge, + and spurring our jaded cattle, onward we dashed. The mob fled right and + left from us as we came on; and through the dense mist we could just + perceive a body of cavalry before us. + </p> + <p> + In an instant we were among them; down they went on every side, men and + horses rolling pell-mell over each other; not a blow, not a shot striking + us as we pressed on. Never did I witness such total consternation; some + threw themselves from their horses, and fled towards the houses; others + turned and tried to fall back, but the increasing pressure from behind + held them, and finally succeeded in blocking us up among them. + </p> + <p> + It was just at this critical moment that a sudden gleam of light from a + window fell upon the disordered mass, and to my astonishment, I need not + say to my delight, I perceived that they were Portuguese troops. Before I + had well time to halt my party, my convictions were pretty well + strengthened by hearing a well-known voice in the rear of the mass call + out,— + </p> + <p> + "Charge, ye devils! charge, will ye? Illustrious Hidalgos! cut them down; + <i>los infidelos, sacrificados los!</i> Scatter them like chaff!" + </p> + <p> + One roar of laughter was my only answer to this energetic appeal for my + destruction, and the moment after the dry features and pleasant face of + old Monsoon beamed on me by the light of a pine-torch he carried in his + right hand. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0438.jpg" alt="Major Monsoon Trying to Charge. " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Are they prisoners? Have they surrendered?" inquired he, riding up. "It + is well for them; we'd have made mince-meat of them otherwise; now they + shall be well treated, and ransomed if they prefer." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Gracios excellenze!</i>" said I, in a feigned voice. + </p> + <p> + "Give up your sword," said the major, in an undertone. + </p> + <p> + "You behaved gallantly, but you fought against invincibles. Lord love + them! but they are the most terrified invincibles." + </p> + <p> + I nearly burst aloud at this. + </p> + <p> + "It was a close thing which of us ran first," muttered the major, as he + turned to give some directions to an aide-de-camp. "Ask them who they + are," said he, in Spanish. + </p> + <p> + By this time I came close alongside of him, and placing my mouth close to + his ear, holloed out,— + </p> + <p> + "Monsoon, old fellow, how goes the King of Spain's sherry?" + </p> + <p> + "Eh, what! Why, upon my life, and so it is,—Charley, my boy, so it's + you, is it? Egad, how good; and we were so near being the death of you! My + poor fellow, how came you here?" + </p> + <p> + A few words of explanation sufficed to inform the major why we were there, + and still more to comfort him with the assurance that he had not been + charging the general's staff, and the conmander-in-chief himself. + </p> + <p> + "Upon my life, you gave me a great start; though as long as I thought you + were French, it was very well." + </p> + <p> + "True, Major, but certainly the invincibles were merciful as they were + strong." + </p> + <p> + "They were tired, Charley, nothing more; why, lad, we've been fighting + since daybreak,—beat Victor at six o'clock, drove him back behind + the Tagus; took a cold dinner, and had at him again in the afternoon. Lord + love you! we've immortalized ourselves. But you must never speak of this + little business here; it tells devilish ill for the discipline of your + fellows, upon my life it does." + </p> + <p> + This was rather an original turn to give the transaction, but I did not + oppose; and thus chatting, we entered the little inn, where, confidence + once restored, some semblance of comfort already appeared. + </p> + <p> + "And so you're come to reinforce us?" said Monsoon; "there was never + anything more opportune,—though we surprised ourselves today with + valor, I don't think we could persevere." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Major, the appointment gave me sincere pleasure; I greatly desired + to see a little service under your orders. Shall I present you with my + despatches?" + </p> + <p> + "Not now, Charley,—not now, my lad. Supper is the first thing at + this moment; besides, now that you remind me, I must send off a despatch + myself, Upon my life, it's a great piece of fortune that you're here; you + shall be secretary at war, and write it for me. Here now—how lucky + that I thought of it, to be sure! And it was just a mere chance; one has + so many things—" Muttering such broken, disjointed sentences, the + major opened a large portfolio with writing materials, which he displayed + before me as he rubbed his hands with satisfaction, and said, "Write away, + lad." + </p> + <p> + "But, my dear Major, you forget; I was not in the action. You must + describe; I can only follow you." + </p> + <p> + "Begin then thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + HEADQUARTERS, ALVAS, JUNE 26. + YOUR EXCELLENCY,—Having learned from Don Alphonzo Xaviero + da Minto, an officer upon my personal staff— +</pre> + <p> + "Luckily sober at that moment—" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + That the advanced guard of the eighth corps of the French + army— +</pre> + <p> + "Stay, though, was it the eighth? Upon my life, I'm not quite clear as to + that; blot the word a little and go on—" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + That the—corps, under Marshal Victor, had commenced a forward + movement towards Alcantara, I immediately ordered a flank + movement of the light infantry regiment to cover the bridge over the + Tagus. After breakfast— +</pre> + <p> + "I'm afraid, Major, that is not precise enough." + </p> + <p> + "Well—" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + About eleven o'clock, the French skirmishers attacked, and drove + in our pickets that were posted in front of our position, and following + rapidly up with cavalry, they took a few prisoners, and killed old + Alphonzo,—he ran like a man, they say, but they caught him in + the rear. +</pre> + <p> + "You needn't put that in, if you don't like." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I now directed a charge of the cavalry brigade, under Don + Asturias Y'Hajos, that cut them up in fine style. Our artillery, + posted on the heights, mowing away at their columns like fun. + + Victor didn't like this, and got into a wood, when we all went + to dinner; it was about two o'clock then. + + After dinner, the Portuguese light corps, under Silva da Onorha, + having made an attack upon, the enemy's left, without my orders, + got devilish well trounced, and served them right; but coming up + to their assistance, with the heavy brigade of guns, and the cavalry, + we drove back the French, and took several prisoners, none of whom + we put to death. +</pre> + <p> + "Dash that—Sir Arthur likes respect for the usages of war. Lord, how + dry I'm getting!" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The French were soon seen to retire their heavy guns, and + speedily afterwards retreated. We pursued them for some time, but + they showed fight; and as it was getting dark, I drew off my forces, + and came here to supper. Your Excellency will perceive, by the + enclosed return, that our loss has been considerable. + + I send this despatch by Don Emanuel Forgales, whose services— +</pre> + <p> + "I back him for mutton hash with onions against the whole regiment—" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —have been of the most distinguished nature, and beg to recommend + him to your Excellency's favor. + + I have the honor, etc. +</pre> + <p> + "Is it finished, Charley? Egad, I'm glad of it, for here comes supper." + </p> + <p> + The door opened as he spoke, and displayed a tempting tray of smoking + viands, flanked by several bottles,—an officer of the major's staff + accompanied it, and showed, by his attentions to the etiquette of the + table and the proper arrangement of the meal, that his functions in his + superior's household were more than military. + </p> + <p> + We were speedily joined by two others in rich uniform, whose names I now + forget, but to whom the major presented me in all form,—introducing + me, as well as I could interpret his Spanish, as his most illustrious ally + and friend Don Carlos O'Malley. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV. + </h2> + <p> + THE SUPPER. + </p> + <p> + I have often partaken of more luxurious cookery and rarer wines; but never + do I remember enjoying a more welcome supper than on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + Our Portuguese guests left us soon, and the major and myself were once + more tête-a-tête beside a cheerful fire; a well-chosen array of bottles + guaranteeing that for some time at least no necessity of leave-taking + should arise from any deficiency of wine. + </p> + <p> + "That sherry is very near the thing, Charley; a little, a very little + sharp, but the after-taste perfect. And now, my boy, how have you been + doing since we parted?" + </p> + <p> + "Not so badly, Major. I have already got a step in promotion. The affair + at the Douro gave me a lieutenancy." + </p> + <p> + "I wish you joy with all my heart. I'll call you captain always while + you're with me. Upon my life I will. Why, man, they style me your + Excellency here. Bless your heart, we are great folk among the Portuguese, + and no bad service, after all." + </p> + <p> + "I should think not, Major. You seem to have always made a good thing of + it." + </p> + <p> + "No, Charley; no, my boy. They overlook us greatly in general orders and + despatches. Had the brilliant action of to-day been fought by the British—But + no matter, they may behave well in England, after all; and when I'm called + to the Upper House as Baron Monsoon of the Tagus,—is that better + than Lord Alcantara?" + </p> + <p> + "I prefer the latter." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, I'll have it. Lord! what a treaty I'll move for with + Portugal, to let us have wine cheap. Wine, you know, as David says, gives + us a pleasant countenance; and oil,—I forget what oil does. Pass + over the decanter. And how is Sir Arthur, Charley? A fine fellow, but + sadly deficient in the knowledge of supplies. Never would have made any + character in the commissariat. Bless your heart, he pays for everything + here as if he were in Cheapside." + </p> + <p> + "How absurd, to be sure!" + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it, though? That was not my way, when I was commissary-general + about a year or two ago. To be sure, how I did puzzle them! They tried to + audit my accounts, and what do you think I did? I brought them in three + thousand pounds in my debt. They never tried on that game any more. 'No, + no,' said the Junta, 'Beresford and Monsoon are great men, and must be + treated with respect!' Do you think we'd let them search our pockets? But + the rogues doubled on us after all; they sent us to the northward,—a + poor country—" + </p> + <p> + "So that, except a little commonplace pillage of the convents and + nunneries, you had little or nothing?" + </p> + <p> + "Exactly so; and then I got a great shock about that time that affected my + spirits for a considerable while." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, Major, some illness?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I was quite well; but—Lord, how thirsty it makes me to think of + it; my throat is absolutely parched—I was near being hanged!" + </p> + <p> + "Hanged!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Upon my life it's true,—very horrible, ain't it? It had a + great effect upon my nervous system; and they never thought of any little + pension to me as a recompense for my sufferings." + </p> + <p> + "And who was barbarous enough to think of such a thing, Major?" + </p> + <p> + "Sir Arthur Wellesley himself,—none other, Charley?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it was a mistake, Major, or a joke." + </p> + <p> + "It was devilish near being a practical one, though. I'll tell you how it + occurred. After the battle of Vimeira, the brigade to which I was attached + had their headquarters at San Pietro, a large convent where all the church + plate for miles around was stored up for safety. A sergeant's guard was + accordingly stationed over the refectory, and every precaution taken to + prevent pillage, Sir Arthur himself having given particular orders on the + subject. Well, somehow,—I never could find out how,—but in + leaving the place, all the wagons of our brigade had got some trifling + articles of small value scattered, as it might be, among their stores,—gold + cups, silver candlesticks, Virgin Marys, ivory crucifixes, saints' eyes + set in topazes, and martyrs' toes in silver filagree, and a hundred other + similar things. + </p> + <p> + "One of these confounded bullock-cars broke down just at the angle of the + road where the commander-in-chief was standing with his staff to watch the + troops defile, and out rolled, among bread rations and salt beef, a whole + avalanche of precious relics and church ornaments. Every one stood aghast! + Never was there such a misfortune. No one endeavored to repair the mishap, + but all looked on in terrified amazement as to what was to follow. + </p> + <p> + "'Who has the command of this detachment?' shouted out Sir Arthur, in a + voice that made more than one of us tremble. + </p> + <p> + "'Monsoon, your Excellency,—Major Monsoon, of the Portuguese + brigade.' + </p> + <p> + "'The d—d old rogue, I know him!' Upon my life that's what he said. + 'Hang him up on the spot,' pointing with his finger as he spoke; 'we shall + see if this practice cannot be put a stop to.' And with these words he + rode leisurely away, as if he had been merely ordering dinner for a small + party. + </p> + <p> + "When I came up to the place the halberts were fixed, and Gronow, with a + company of the Fusiliers, under arms beside them. + </p> + <p> + "'Devilish sorry for it, Major,' said he; 'It's confoundedly unpleasant; + but can't be helped. We've got orders to see you hanged.' + </p> + <p> + "Faith, it was just so he said it, tapping his snuff-box as he spoke, and + looking carelessly about him. Now, had it not been for the fixed halberts + and the provost-marshal, I'd not have believed him; but one glance at + them, and another at the bullock-cart with all the holy images, told me at + once what had happened. + </p> + <p> + "'He only means to frighten me a little? Isn't that all, Gronow?' cried I, + in a supplicating voice. + </p> + <p> + "'Very possibly, Major,' said he; 'but I must execute my orders.' + </p> + <p> + "'You'll surely not—' Before I could finish, up came Dan Mackinnon, + cantering smartly. + </p> + <p> + "'Going to hang old Monsoon, eh, Gronow? What fun!' + </p> + <p> + "'Ain't it, though,' said I, half blubbering. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, if you're a good Catholic, you may have your choice of a saint, + for, by Jupiter, there's a strong muster of them here.' This cruel + allusion was made in reference to the gold and silver effigies that lay + scattered about the highway. + </p> + <p> + "'Dan,' said I, in a whisper, 'intercede for me. Do, like a good, kind + fellow. You have influence with Sir Arthur.' + </p> + <p> + "'You old sinner,' said he, 'it's useless.' + </p> + <p> + "'Dan, I'll forgive you the fifteen pounds.' + </p> + <p> + "'That you owe <i>me</i>,' said Dan, laughing. + </p> + <p> + "'Who'll ever be the father to you I have been? Who'll mix your punch with + burned Madeira, when I'm gone?' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, really, I am sorry for you, Monsoon. I say, Gronow, don't tuck him + up for a few minutes; I'll speak for the old villain, and if I succeed, + I'll wave my handkerchief.' + </p> + <p> + "Well, away went Dan at a full gallop. Gronow sat down on a bank, and I + fidgeted about in no very enviable frame of mind, the confounded + provost-marshal eying me all the while. + </p> + <p> + "'I can only give you five minutes more, Major,' said Gronow, placing his + watch beside him on the grass. I tried to pray a little, and said three or + four of Solomon's proverbs, when he again called out: 'There, you see it + won't do! Sir Arthur is shaking his head.' + </p> + <p> + "'What's that waving yonder?' + </p> + <p> + "'The colors of the 6th Foot. Come, Major, off with your stock.' + </p> + <p> + "'Where is Dan now; what is he doing?'—for I could see nothing + myself. + </p> + <p> + "'He's riding beside Sir Arthur. They all seem laughing.' + </p> + <p> + "'God forgive them! what an awful retrospect this will prove to some of + them.' + </p> + <p> + "'Time's up!' said Gronow, jumping up, and replacing his watch in his + pocket. + </p> + <p> + "'Provost-Marshal, be quick now—' + </p> + <p> + "'Eh! what's that?—there, I see it waving! There's a shout too!' + </p> + <p> + "'Ay, by Jove! so it is; well, you're saved this time, Major; that's the + signal.' + </p> + <p> + "So saying, Gronow formed his fellows in line and resumed his march quite + coolly, leaving me alone on the roadside to meditate over martial law and + my pernicious taste for relics. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Charley, this gave me a great shock, and I think, too, it must have + had a great effect upon Sir Arthur himself; but, upon my life, he has + wonderful nerves. I met him one day afterwards at dinner in Lisbon; he + looked at me very hard for a few seconds: 'Eh, Monsoon! Major Monsoon, I + think?' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, your Excellency,' said I, briefly; thinking how painful it must be + for him to meet me. + </p> + <p> + "'Thought I had hanged you,—know I intended it,—no matter. A + glass of wine with you?' + </p> + <p> + "Upon my life, that was all; how easily some people can forgive + themselves! But Charley, my hearty, we are getting on slowly with the + tipple; are they all empty? So they are! Let us make a sortie on the + cellar; bring a candle with you, and come along." + </p> + <p> + We had scarcely proceeded a few steps from the door, when a most + vociferous sound of mirth, arising from a neighboring apartment, arrested + our progress. + </p> + <p> + "Are the dons so convivial, Major?" said I, as a hearty burst of laughter + broke forth at the moment. + </p> + <p> + "Upon my life, they surprise me; I begin to fear they have taken some of + our wine." + </p> + <p> + We now perceived that the sounds of merriment came from the kitchen, which + opened upon a little courtyard. Into this we crept stealthily, and + approaching noiselessly to the window, obtained a peep at the scene + within. + </p> + <p> + Around a blazing fire, over which hung by a chain a massive iron pot, sat + a goodly party of some half-dozen people. One group lay in dark shadow; + but the others were brilliantly lighted up by the cheerful blaze, and + showed us a portly Dominican friar, with a beard down to his waist, a + buxom, dark-eyed girl of some eighteen years, and between the two, most + comfortably leaning back, with an arm round each, no less a person than my + trusty man Mickey Free. + </p> + <p> + It was evident, from the alternate motion of his head, that his attentions + were evenly divided between the church and the fair sex; although, to + confess the truth, they seemed much more favorably received by the latter + than the former,—a brown earthen flagon appearing to absorb all the + worthy monk's thoughts that he could spare from the contemplation of + heavenly objects. + </p> + <p> + "Mary, my darlin,' don't be looking at me that way, through the corner of + your eye; I know you're fond of me,—but the girls always was. You + think I'm joking, but troth I wouldn't say a lie before the holy man + beside me; sure I wouldn't, Father?" + </p> + <p> + The friar grunted out something in reply, not very unlike, in sound at + least, a hearty anathema. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then, isn't it yourself has the illigant time of it, Father dear!" + said he, tapping him familiarly upon his ample paunch, "and nothing to + trouble you; the best of divarsion wherever you go, and whether it's + Badahos or Ballykilruddery, it's all one; the women is fond of ye. Father + Murphy, the coadjutor in Scariff, was just such another as yourself, and + he'd coax the birds off the trees with the tongue of him. Give us a pull + at the pipkin before it's all gone, and I'll give you a chant." + </p> + <p> + With this he seized the jar, and drained it to the bottom; the smack of + his lips as he concluded, and the disappointed look of the friar as he + peered into the vessel, throwing the others, once more, into a loud burst + of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "And now, your rev'rance, a good chorus is all I'll ask, and you'll not + refuse it for the honor of the church." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he turned a look of most droll expression upon the monk, and + began the following ditty, to the air of "Saint Patrick was a Gentleman":— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + What an illegant life a friar leads, + With a fat round paunch before him! + He mutters a prayer and counts his beads, + And all the women adore him. + It's little he's troubled to work or think, + Wherever devotion leads him; + A "pater" pays for his dinner and drink, + For the Church—good luck to her!—feeds him. + + From the cow in the field to the pig in the sty, + From the maid to the lady in satin, + They tremble wherever he turns an eye. + He can talk to the Devil in Latin! + He's mighty severe to the ugly and ould, + And curses like mad when he's near 'em; + But one beautiful trait of him I've been tould, + The innocent craytures don't fear him. + + It's little for spirits or ghosts he cares; + For 'tis true as the world supposes, + With an Ave he'd make them march down-stairs, + Av they dared to show their noses. + The Devil himself's afraid, 'tis said, + And dares not to deride him; + For "angels make each night his bed, + And then—lie down beside him." +</pre> + <p> + A perfect burst of laughter from Monsoon prevented my hearing how Mike's + minstrelsy succeeded within doors; but when I looked again, I found that + the friar had decamped, leaving the field open to his rival,—a + circumstance, I could plainly perceive, not disliked by either party. + </p> + <p> + "Come back, Charley, that villain of yours has given me the cramp, + standing here on the cold pavement. We'll have a little warm posset,—very + small and thin, as they say in Tom Jones,—and then to bed." + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the abstemious intentions of the major, it was daybreak + ere we separated, and neither party in a condition for performing upon the + tight-rope. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LV. + </h2> + <p> + THE LEGION. + </p> + <p> + My services while with the Legion were of no very distinguished character, + and require no lengthened chronicle. Their great feat of arms, the repulse + of an advanced guard of Victor's corps, had taken place the very morning I + had joined them, and the ensuing month was passed in soft repose upon + their laurels. + </p> + <p> + For the first few days, indeed, a multiplicity of cares beset the worthy + major. There was a despatch to be written to Beresford, another to the + Supreme Junta, a letter to Wilson, at that time with the corps of + observation to the eastward. There were some wounded to be looked after, a + speech to be made to the conquering heroes themselves, and lastly, a few + prisoners were taken, whose fate seemed certainly to partake of the most + uncertain of war's proverbial chances. + </p> + <p> + The despatches gave little trouble; with some very slight alterations, the + great original, already sent forward to Sir Arthur, served as a basis for + the rest. The wounded were forwarded to Alcantara, with a medical staff; + to whom Monsoon, at parting, pleasantly hinted that he expected to see all + the sick at their duty by an early day, or he would be compelled to report + the doctors. The speech, which was intended as a kind of general order, he + deferred for some favorable afternoon when he could get up his Portuguese; + and lastly, came the prisoners, by far the most difficult of all his + cares. As for the few common soldiers taken, they gave him little + uneasiness,—as Sir John has it, they were "mortal men, and food for + powder;" but there was a staff-officer among them, aiguilletted and + epauletted. The very decorations he wore were no common temptation. Now, + the major deliberated a long time with himself, whether the usages of + modern war might not admit of the ancient, time-honored practice of + ransom. The battle, save in glory, had been singularly unproductive: + plunder there was none; the few ammunition-wagons and gun-carriages were + worth little or nothing; so that, save the prisoners, nothing remained. It + was late in the evening—the mellow hour of the major's meditations—when + he ventured to open his heart to me upon the matter. + </p> + <p> + "I was just thinking, Charley, how very superior they were in olden times + to us moderns, in many matters, and nothing more than in their treatment + of prisoners. They never took them away from their friends and country; + they always ransomed them,—if they had wherewithal to pay their way. + So good-natured!—upon my life it was a most excellent custom! They + took any little valuables they found about them, and then put them up at + auction. Moses and Eleazar, a priest, we are told, took every piece of + gold, and their wrought jewels,—meaning their watches, and + ear-rings. You needn't laugh, they all wore ear-rings, those fellows did. + Now, why shouldn't I profit by their good example? I have taken Agag, the + King of the Amalekites,—no, but upon my life, I have got a French + major, and I'd let him go for fifty doubloons." + </p> + <p> + It was not without much laughing, and some eloquence, that I could + persuade Monsoon that Sir Arthur's military notions might not accept of + even the authority of Moses; and as our headquarters were at no great + distance, the danger of such a step as he meditated was too considerable + at such a moment. + </p> + <p> + As for ourselves, no fatiguing drills, no harassing field-days, and no + provoking inspections interfered with the easy current of our lives. + Foraging parties there were, it was true, and some occasional outpost duty + was performed. But the officers for both were selected with a tact that + proved the major's appreciation of character; for while the gay, joyous + fellow that sung a jovial song and loved his <i>liquor</i> was certain of + being entertained at headquarters, the less-gifted and less-congenial + spirit had the happiness of scouring the country for forage, and + presenting himself as a target to a French rifle. + </p> + <p> + My own endeavors to fulfil my instructions met with but little + encouragement or support; and although I labored hard at my task, I must + confess that the soil was a most ungrateful one. The cavalry were, it is + true, composed mostly of young fellows well-appointed, and in most cases + well-mounted; but a more disorderly, careless, undisciplined set of + good-humored fellows never formed a corps in the world. + </p> + <p> + Monsoon's opinions were felt in every branch of the service, from the + adjutant to the drumboy,—the same reckless, indolent, plunder-loving + spirit prevailed everywhere. And although under fire they showed no lack + of gallantry or courage, the moment of danger passed, discipline departed + with it, and their only conception of benefiting by a victory consisted in + the amount of pillage that resulted from it. + </p> + <p> + From time to time the rumors of great events reached us. We heard that + Soult, having succeeded in re-organizing his beaten army, was, in + conjunction with Ney's corps, returning from the north; that the marshals + were consolidating their forces in the neighborhood of Talavera; and that + King Joseph himself, at the head of a large army, had marched for Madrid. + </p> + <p> + Menacing as such an aspect of affairs was, it had little disturbed the + major's equanimity; and when our advanced posts reported daily the + intelligence that the French were in retreat, he cared little with what + object of concentrating they retired, provided the interval between us + grew gradually wider. His speculations upon the future were singularly + prophetic. "You'll see, Charley, what will happen; old Cuesta will pursue + them, and get thrashed. The English will come up, and perhaps get thrashed + too; but we, God bless us! are only a small force, partially organized and + ill to depend on,—we'll go up the mountains till all is over!" Thus + did the major's discretion not only extend to the avoidance of danger, but + he actually disqualified himself from even making its acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile our operations consisted in making easy marches to Almarez, + halting wherever the commissariat reported a well-stocked cellar or + well-furnished hen-roost, taking the primrose path in life, and being, in + words of the major, "contented and grateful, even amidst great perils!" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVI. + </h2> + <p> + THE DEPARTURE. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 10th July a despatch reached us announcing that Sir + Arthur Wellesley had taken up his headquarters at Placentia for the + purpose of communicating with Cuesta, then at Casa del Puerto; and + ordering me immediately to repair to the Spanish headquarters and await + Sir Arthur's arrival, to make my report upon the effective state of our + corps. As for me, I was heartily tired of the inaction of my present life, + and much as I relished the eccentricities of my friend the major, longed + ardently for a different sphere of action. + </p> + <p> + Not so Monsoon; the prospect of active employment and the thoughts of + being left once more alone, for his Portuguese staff afforded him little + society, depressed him greatly; and as the hour of my departure drew near, + he appeared lower in spirits than I had ever seen him. + </p> + <p> + "I shall be very lonely without you, Charley," said he, with a sigh, as we + sat the last evening together beside our cheerful wood fire. "I have + little intercourse with the dons; for my Portuguese is none of the best, + and only comes when the evening is far advanced; and besides, the + villains, I fear, may remember the sherry affair. Two of my present staff + were with me then." + </p> + <p> + "Is that the story Power so often alluded to, Major; the King of Spain's—" + </p> + <p> + "There, Charley, hush; be cautious, my boy. I'd rather not speak about + that till we get among our own fellows." + </p> + <p> + "Just as you like, Major; but, do you know, I have a strong curiosity to + hear the narrative." + </p> + <p> + "If I'm not mistaken, there is some one listening at the door,—gently; + that's it, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "No, we are perfectly alone; the night's early; who knows when we shall + have as quiet an hour again together? Let me hear it, by all means." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I don't care; the thing, Heaven knows! is tolerably well known; so + if you'll amuse yourself making a devil of the turkey's legs there, I'll + tell you the story. It's very short, Charley, and there's no moral; so + you're not likely to repeat it." + </p> + <p> + So saying, the major filled up his glass, drew a little closer to the + fire, and began:— + </p> + <p> + "When the French troops, under Laborde, were marching, upon Alcobaca, in + concert with Loison's corps, I was ordered to convey a very valuable + present of sherry the Duo d'Albu-querque was making to the Supreme Junta,—no + less than ten hogsheads of the best sherry the royal cellars of Madrid had + formerly contained. + </p> + <p> + "It was stored in the San Vincente convent; and the Junta, knowing a + little about monkish tastes and the wants of the Church, prudently thought + it would be quite as well at Lisbon. I was accordingly ordered, with a + sufficient force, to provide for its safe conduct and secure arrival, and + set out upon my march one lovely morning in April with my precious convoy. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know, I never could understand, why temptations are thrown in our + way in this life, except for the pleasure of yielding to them. As for me, + I'm a stoic when there's nothing to be had; but let me get a scent of a + well-kept haunch, the odor of a wine-bin once in my nose, I forget + everything except appropriation. That bone smells deliciously, Charley; a + little garlic would improve it vastly. + </p> + <p> + "Our road lay through cross-paths and mountain tracts, for the French were + scouring the country on every side, and my fellows, only twenty + altogether, trembled at the very name of them; so that our only chance was + to avoid falling in with any forage parties. We journeyed along for + several days, rarely making more than a few leagues between sunrise and + sunset, a scout always in advance to assure us that all was safe. The road + was a lonesome one and the way weary, for I had no one to speak to or + converse with, so I fell into a kind of musing fit about the old wine in + the great brown casks. I thought on its luscious flavor, its rich straw + tint, its oily look as it flowed into the glass, the mellow after-taste + warming the heart as it went down, and I absolutely thought I could smell + it through the wood. + </p> + <p> + "How I longed to broach one of them, if it were only to see if my dreams + about it were correct. 'May be it's brown sherry,' thought I, 'and I am + all wrong.' This was a very distressing reflection. I mentioned it to the + Portuguese intendant, who travelled with us as a kind of supercargo; but + the villain only grinned and said something about the Junta and the + galleys for life, so I did not recur to it afterwards. Well, it was upon + the third evening of our march that the scout reported that at Merida, + about a league distant, he had fallen in with an English cavalry regiment, + who were on their march to the northern provinces, and remaining that + night in the village. As soon, therefore, as I had made all my + arrangements for the night, I took a fresh horse and cantered over to have + a look at my countrymen, and hear the news. When I arrived, it was a dark + night, but I was not long in finding out our fellows. They were the 11th + Light Dragoons, commanded by my old friend Bowes, and with as jolly a mess + as any in the service. + </p> + <p> + "Before half an hour's time I was in the midst of them, hearing all about + the campaign, and telling them in return about my convoy, dilating upon + the qualities of the wine as if I had been drinking it every day at + dinner. + </p> + <p> + "We had a very mellow night of it; and before four o'clock the senior + major and four captains were under the table, and all the subs, in a state + unprovided for by the articles of war. So I thought I'd be going, and + wishing the sober ones a good-by, set out on my road to join my own party. + </p> + <p> + "I had not gone above a hundred yards when I heard some one running after, + and calling out my name. + </p> + <p> + "'I say, Monsoon; Major, confound you, pull up.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, what's the matter? Has any more lush turned up?' inquired I, for + we had drank the tap dry when I left. + </p> + <p> + "'Not a drop, old fellow!' said he; 'but I was thinking of what you've + been saying about that sherry.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well! What then?' + </p> + <p> + "'Why, I want to know how we could get a taste of it?' + </p> + <p> + "'You'd better get elected one of the Cortes,' said I, laughing; 'for it + doesn't seem likely you'll do so in any other way.' + </p> + <p> + "'I'm not so sure of that,' said he, smiling. 'What road do you travel + to-morrow?' + </p> + <p> + "'By Cavalhos and Reina.' + </p> + <p> + "'Whereabouts may you happen to be towards sunset?' + </p> + <p> + "'I fear we shall be in the mountains,' said I, with a knowing look, + 'where ambuscades and surprise parties would be highly dangerous.' + </p> + <p> + "'And your party consists of—' + </p> + <p> + "'About twenty Portuguese, all ready to run at the first shot.' + </p> + <p> + "'I'll do it, Monsoon; I'll be hanged if I don't.' + </p> + <p> + "'But, Tom,' said I, 'don't make any blunder; only blank cartridge, my + boy.' + </p> + <p> + "'Honor bright!' cried he. 'Your fellows are armed of course?' + </p> + <p> + "'Never think of that; they may shoot each other in the confusion. But if + you only make plenty of noise coming on, they'll never wait for you.' + </p> + <p> + "'What capital fellows they must be!' + </p> + <p> + "'Crack troops, Tom; so don't hurt them. And now, good-night.' + </p> + <p> + "As I cantered off, I began to think over O'Flaherty's idea; and upon my + life, I didn't half like it. He was a reckless, devil-may-care fellow; and + it was just as likely he would really put his scheme into practice. + </p> + <p> + "When morning broke, however, we got under way again, and I amused myself + all the forenoon in detailing stories of French cruelty; so that before we + had marched ten miles, there was not a man among us not ready to run at + the slightest sound of attack on any side. As evening was falling we + reached Morento, a little mountain pass which follows the course of a + small river, and where, in many places, the mule carts had barely space + enough to pass between the cliffs and the stream. 'What a place for Tom + O'Flaherty and his foragers!' thought I, as we entered the little mountain + gorge; but all was silent as the grave,—except the tramp of our + party, not a sound was heard. There was something solemn and still in the + great brown mountain, rising like vast walls on either side, with a narrow + streak of gray sky at top and in the dark, sluggish stream, that seemed to + awe us, and no one spoke. The muleteer ceased his merry song, and did not + crack or flourish his long whip as before, but chid his beasts in a + half-muttered voice, and urged them faster, to reach the village before + nightfall. + </p> + <p> + "Egad, somehow I felt uncommonly uncomfortable; I could not divest my mind + of the impression that some disaster was impending, and I wished + O'Flaherty and his project in a very warm climate. 'He'll attack us,' + thought I, 'where we can't run; fair play forever. But if they are not + able to get away, even the militia will fight.' However, the evening crept + on, and no sign of his coming appeared on any side; and to my sincere + satisfaction, I could see, about half a league distant, the twinkling + light of the little village where we were to halt for the night. It was + just at this time that a scout I had sent out some few hundred yards in + advance came galloping up, almost breathless. + </p> + <p> + "'The French, Captain; the French are upon us!' said he, with a face like + a ghost. + </p> + <p> + "'Whew! Which way? How many?' said I, not at all sure that he might not be + telling the truth. + </p> + <p> + "'Coming in force!' said the fellow. 'Dragoons! By this road!' + </p> + <p> + "'Dragoons? By this road?' repeated every man of the party, looking at + each other like men sentenced to be hanged. + </p> + <p> + "Scarcely had they spoken when we heard the distant noise of cavalry + advancing at a brisk trot. Lord, what a scene ensued! The soldiers ran + hither and thither like frightened sheep; some pulled out crucifixes and + began to say their prayers; others fired off their muskets in a panic; the + mule-drivers cut their traces, and endeavored to get away by riding; and + the intendant took to his heels, screaming out to us, as he went, to fight + manfully to the last, and that he'd report us favorably to the Junta. + </p> + <p> + "Just at this moment the dragoons came in sight; they came galloping up, + shouting like madmen. One look was enough for my fellows; they sprang to + their legs from their devotions, fired a volley straight at the new moon, + and ran like men. + </p> + <p> + "I was knocked down in the rush. As I regained my legs, Tom O'Flaherty was + standing beside me, laughing like mad. + </p> + <p> + "'Eh, Monsoon! I've kept my word, old fellow! What legs they have! We + shall make no prisoners, that's certain. Now, lads, here it is! Put the + horses to, here. We shall take but one, Monsoon; so that your gallant + defence of the rest will please the Junta. Good-night, good-night! I will + drink your health every night these two months.' + </p> + <p> + "So saying, Tom sprang to his saddle; and in less time than I've been + telling it, the whole was over and I sitting by myself in the gray + moonlight, meditating on all I saw, and now and then shouting for my + Portuguese friends to come back again. They came in time, by twos and + threes; and at last the whole party re-assembled, and we set forth again, + every man, from the intendant to the drummer, lauding my valor, and saying + that Don Monsoon was a match for the Cid." + </p> + <p> + "And how did the Junta behave?" + </p> + <p> + "Like trumps, Charley. Made me a Knight of Battalha, and kissed me on both + cheeks, having sent twelve dozen of the rescued wine to my quarters, as a + small testimony of their esteem. I have laughed very often at it since. + But hush, Charley? What's that I hear without there?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it's my fellow Mike. He asked my leave to entertain his friends + before parting, and I perceive he is delighting them with a song." + </p> + <p> + "But what a confounded air it is! Are the words Hebrew?" + </p> + <p> + "Irish, Major; most classical Irish, too, I'll be bound!" + </p> + <p> + "Irish! I've heard most tongues, but that certainly surprises me. Call him + in, Charley, and let us have the canticle." + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes more, Mr. Free appeared in a state of very satisfactory + elevation, his eyebrows alternately rising and falling, his mouth a little + drawn to one side, and a side motion in his knee-joints that might puzzle + a physiologist to account for. + </p> + <p> + "A sweet little song of yours, Mike," said the major; "a very sweet thing + indeed. Wet your lips, Mickey." + </p> + <p> + "Long life to your honor and Master Charles there, too, and them that + belongs to both of yez. May a gooseberry skin make a nightcap for the man + would harm either of ye." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Mike. And now about that song." + </p> + <p> + "It's the ouldest tune ever was sung," said Mike, with a hiccough, + "barring Adam had a taste for music; but the words—the poethry—is + not so ould." + </p> + <p> + "And how comes that?" + </p> + <p> + "The poethry, ye see, was put to it by one of my ancesthors,—he was + a great inventhor in times past, and made beautiful songs,—and ye'd + never guess what it's all about." + </p> + <p> + "Love, mayhap?" quoth Monsoon. + </p> + <p> + "Sorra taste of kissing from beginning to end." + </p> + <p> + "A drinking song?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Whiskey is never mentioned." + </p> + <p> + "Fighting is the only other national pastime. It must be in praise of + sudden death?" + </p> + <p> + "You're out again; but sure you'd never guess it," said Mike. "Well, ye + see, here's what it is. It's the praise and glory of ould Ireland in the + great days that's gone, when we were all Phenayceans and Armenians, and + when we worked all manner of beautiful contrivances in gold and silver,—bracelets + and collars and teapots, elegant to look at,—and read Roosian and + Latin, and played the harp and the barrel-organ, and eat and drank of the + best, for nothing but asking." + </p> + <p> + "Blessed times, upon my life!" quoth the major; "I wish we had them back + again." + </p> + <p> + "There's more of your mind," said Mike, steadying himself. "My ancesthors + was great people in them days; and sure it isn't in my present situation + I'd be av we had them back again,—sorra bit, faith! It isn't, 'Come + here, Mickey, bad luck to you, Mike!' or, 'That blackguard, Mickey Free!' + people'd be calling me. But no matter; here's your health again, Major + Monsoon—" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind vain regrets, Mike. Let us hear your song; the major has taken + a great fancy to it." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then, it's joking you are, Mister Charles," said Mike, affecting an + air of most bashful coyness. + </p> + <p> + "By no means; we want to hear you sing it." + </p> + <p> + "To be sure we do. Sing it by all means; never be ashamed. King David was + very fond of singing,—upon my life he was." + </p> + <p> + "But you'd never understand a word of it, sir." + </p> + <p> + "No matter; we know what it's about. That's the way with the Legion; they + don't know much English, but they generally guess what I'm at." + </p> + <p> + This argument seemed to satisfy all Mike's remaining scruples; so placing + himself in an attitude of considerable pretension as to grace, he began, + with a voice of no very measured compass, an air of which neither by name + nor otherwise can I give any conception; my principal amusement being + derived from a tol-de-rol chorus of the major, which concluded each verse, + and indeed in a lower key accompanied the singer throughout. + </p> + <p> + Since that I have succeeded in obtaining a free-and-easy translation of + the lyric; but in my anxiety to preserve the metre and something of the + spirit of the original, I have made several blunders and many + anachronisms. Mr. Free, however, pronounces my version a good one, and the + world must take his word till some more worthy translator shall have + consigned it to immortal verse. + </p> + <p> + With this apology, therefore, I present Mr. Free's song: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + AIR,—<i>Na Guilloch y' Goulen</i>. + + Oh, once we were illigint people, + Though we now live in cabins of mud; + And the land that ye see from the steeple + Belonged to us all from the Flood. + My father was then King of Connaught, + My grand-aunt Viceroy of Tralee; + But the Sassenach came, and signs on it, + The devil an acre have we. + + The least of us then were all earls, + And jewels we wore without name; + We drank punch out of rubies and pearls,— + Mr. Petrie can tell you the same. + But except some turf mould and potatoes, + There's nothing our own we can call; + And the English,—bad luck to them!—hate us, + Because we've more fun than them all! + + My grand-aunt was niece to Saint Kevin, + That's the reason my name's Mickey Free! + Priest's nieces,—but sure he's in heaven, + And his failins is nothin' to me. + And we still might get on without doctors, + If they'd let the ould Island alone; + And if purple-men, priests, and tithe-proctors + Were crammed down the great gun of Athlone. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0016" id="linkimage-0016"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0460.jpg" alt="Mr. Free's Song. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + As Mike's melody proceeded, the major's thorough bass waxed beautifully + less,—now and then, it's true, roused by some momentary strain, it + swelled upwards in full chorus, but gradually these passing flights grew + rarer, and finally all ceased, save a long, low, droning sound, like the + expiring sigh of a wearied bagpipe. His fingers still continued + mechanically to beat time upon the table, and still his head nodded + sympathetically to the music; his eyelids closed in sleep; and as the last + verse concluded, a full-drawn snore announced that Monsoon, if not in the + land of dreams, was at least in a happy oblivion of all terrestrial + concerns, and caring as little for the woes of green Erin and the altered + fortunes of the Free family as any Saxon that ever oppressed them. + </p> + <p> + There he sat, the finished decanter and empty goblet testifying that his + labors had only ceased from the pressure of necessity; but the broken, + half-uttered words that fell from his lips evinced that he reposed on the + last bottle of the series. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, thin, he's a fine ould gentleman!" said Mike, after a pause of some + minutes, during which he had been contemplating the major with all the + critical acumen Chantrey or Canova would have bestowed upon an antique + statue,—"a fine ould gentleman, every inch of him; and it's the + master would like to have him up at the Castle." + </p> + <p> + "Quite true, Mike; but let us not forget the road. Look to the cattle, and + be ready to start within an hour." + </p> + <p> + When he left the room for this purpose I endeavored to shake the major + into momentary consciousness ere we parted. + </p> + <p> + "Major, Major," said I, "time is up. I must start." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it's all true, your Excellency: they pillaged a little; and if they + did change their facings, there was a great temptation. All the red velvet + they found in the churches—" + </p> + <p> + "Good-by, old fellow, good-by!" + </p> + <p> + "Stand at ease!" + </p> + <p> + "Can't, unfortunately, yet awhile; so farewell. I'll make a capital report + of the Legion to Sir Arthur; shall I add anything particularly from + yourself?" + </p> + <p> + This, and the shake that accompanied it, aroused him. He started up, and + looked about him for a few seconds. + </p> + <p> + "Eh, Charley! You didn't say Sir Arthur was here, did you?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Major; don't be frightened; he's many a league off. I asked if you + had anything to say when I met him?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, Charley! Tell him we're capital troops in our own little way in + the mountains; would never do in pitched battles,—skirmishing's our + forte; and for cutting off stragglers, or sacking a town, back them at any + odds." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes, I know all that; you've nothing more?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing," said he, once more closing his eyes and crossing his hands + before him, while his lips continued to mutter on,—"nothing more, + except you may say from me,—he knows me, Sir Arthur does. Tell him + to guard himself from intemperance; a fine fellow if he wouldn't drink." + </p> + <p> + "You horrid old humbug, what nonsense are you muttering there?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes; Solomon says, 'Who hath red eyes and carbuncles?' they that mix + their lush. Pure <i>Sneyd</i> never injured any one. Tell him so from me,—it's + an old man's advice, and I have drunk some hogsheads of it." + </p> + <p> + With these words he ceased to speak, while his head, falling gently + forward upon his chest, proclaimed him sound asleep. + </p> + <p> + "Adieu, then, for the last time," said I, slapping him gently on the + shoulder. "And now for the road." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVII. + </h2> + <p> + CUESTA. + </p> + <p> + The second day of our journey was drawing to a close as we came in view of + the Spanish army. + </p> + <p> + The position they occupied was an undulating plain beside the Teitar + River; the country presented no striking feature of picturesque beauty, + but the scene before us needed no such aid to make it one of the most + interesting kind. From the little mountain path we travelled we beheld + beneath a force of thirty thousand men drawn up in battle array, dense + columns of infantry alternating with squadrons of horse or dark masses of + artillery dotted the wide plain, the bright steel glittering in the rich + sunset of a July evening when not a breath of air was stirring; the very + banners hung down listlessly, and not a sound broke the solemn stillness + of the hour. All was silent. So impressive and so strange was the + spectacle of a vast army thus resting mutely under arms, that I reined in + my horse, and almost doubted the reality of the scene as I gazed upon it. + The dark shadows of the tall mountain were falling across the valley, and + a starry sky was already replacing the ruddy glow of sunset as we reached + the plain; but still no change took place in the position of the Spanish + army. + </p> + <p> + "Who goes there?" cried a hoarse voice, as we issued from the mountain + gorge, and in a moment we found ourselves surrounded by an outpost party. + Having explained, as well as I was able, who I was, and for what reason I + was there, I proceeded to accompany the officer towards the camp. + </p> + <p> + On my way thither I learned the reason of the singular display of troops + which had been so puzzling to me. From an early hour of that day Sir + Arthur Wellesley's arrival had been expected, and old Cuesta had drawn up + his men for inspection, and remained thus for several hours patiently + awaiting his coming; he himself, overwhelmed with years and infirmity, + sitting upon his horse the entire time. + </p> + <p> + As it was not necessary that I should be presented to the general, my + report being for the ear of Sir Arthur himself, I willingly availed myself + of the hospitality proffered by a Spanish officer of cavalry; and having + provided for the comforts of my tired cattle and taken a hasty supper, + issued forth to look at the troops, which, although it was now growing + late, were still in the same attitude. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had I been half an hour thus occupied, when the stillness of the + scene was suddenly interrupted by the loud report of a large gun, + immediately followed by a long roll of musketry, while at the same moment + the bands of the different regiments struck up, and as if by magic a blaze + of red light streamed across the dark ranks. This was effected by pine + torches held aloft at intervals, throwing a lurid glare upon the grim and + swarthy features of the Spaniards, whose brown uniforms and slouching hats + presented a most picturesque effect as the red light fell upon them. + </p> + <p> + The swell of the thundering cannon grew louder and nearer,—the + shouldering of muskets, the clash of sabres, and the hoarse roll of the + drum, mingling in one common din. I at once guessed that Sir Arthur had + arrived, and as I turned the flank of a battalion I saw the staff + approaching. Nothing can be conceived more striking than their advance. In + the front rode old Cuesta himself, clad in the costume of a past century, + his slashed doublet and trunk hose reminding one of a more chivalrous + period, his heavy, unwieldy figure looming from side to side, and + threatening at each moment to fall from his saddle. On each side of him + walked two figures gorgeously dressed, whose duty appeared to be to + sustain the chief in his seat. At his side rode a far different figure. + Mounted upon a slight-made, active thorough-bred, whose drawn flanks + bespoke a long and weary journey, sat Sir Arthur Wellesley, a plain blue + frock and gray trousers being his unpretending costume; but the eagle + glance which he threw around on every side, the quick motion of his hand + as he pointed hither and thither among the dense battalions, bespoke him + every inch a soldier. Behind them came a brilliant staff, glittering in + aiguillettes and golden trappings, among whom I recognized some + well-remembered faces,—our gallant leader at the Douro, Sir Charles + Stewart, among the number. + </p> + <p> + As they passed the spot where I was standing, the torch of a foot soldier + behind me flared suddenly up and threw a strong flash upon the party. + Cuesta's horse grew frightened, and plunged so fearfully for a minute that + the poor old man could scarcely keep his seat. A smile shot across Sir + Arthur's features at the moment, but the next instant he was grave and + steadfast as before. + </p> + <p> + A wretched hovel, thatched and in ruins, formed the headquarters of the + Spanish army, and thither the staff now bent their steps,—a supper + being provided there for our commander-in-chief and the officers of his + suite. Although not of the privileged party, I lingered round the spot for + some time, anxiously expecting to find some friend or acquaintance who + might tell me the news of our people, and what events had occurred in my + absence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE LETTER. + </p> + <p> + The hours passed slowly over, and I at length grew weary of waiting. For + some time I had amused myself with observing the slouching gait and + unsoldier-like air of the Spaniards as they lounged carelessly about, + looking in dress, gesture, and appointment, far move like a guerilla than + a regular force. Then again, the strange contrast of the miserable hut + with falling chimney and ruined walls, to the glitter of the mounted guard + of honor who sat motionless beside it, served to pass the time; but as the + night was already far advanced, I turned towards my quarters, hoping that + the next morning might gratify my curiosity about my friends. + </p> + <p> + Beside the tent where I was billeted, I found Mike in waiting, who, the + moment he saw me, came hastily forward with a letter in his hand. An + officer of Sir Arthur's staff had left it while I was absent, desiring + Mike on no account to omit its delivery the first instant he met me. The + hand—not a very legible one—was perfectly unknown to me, and + the appearance of the billet such as betrayed no over-scrupulous care in + the writer. + </p> + <p> + I trimmed my lamp leisurely, threw a fresh log upon the fire, disposed + myself completely at full length beside it, and then proceeded to form + acquaintance with my unknown correspondent. I will not attempt any + description of the feelings which gradually filled me as I read on; the + letter itself will suggest them to those who know my story. It ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + PLACENTIA, July 8, 1809. + DEAR O'MALLEY,—Although I'd rather march to Lisbon barefoot + than write three lines, Fred Power insists upon my turning scribe, + as he has a notion you'll be up at Cuesta's headquarters about this + time. You're in a nice scrape, devil a lie in it! Here has Fred + been fighting that fellow Trevyllian for you,—all because you would + not have patience and fight him yourself the morning you left the + Douro,—so much for haste! Let it be a lesson to you for life. + + Poor Fred got the ball in his hip, and the devil a one of the doctors + can find it. But he's getting better any way, and going to Lisbon + for change of air. Meanwhile, since Power's been wounded, Trevyllian's + speaking very hardly of you, and they all say here you must + come back—no matter how—and put matters to rights. Fred has + placed the thing in my hands, and I'm thinking we'd better call out + the "heavies" by turns,—for most of them stand by Trevyllian. + Maurice Quill and myself sat up considering it last night; but, + somehow, we don't clearly remember to-day a beautiful plan we hit + upon. However, we'll have at it again this evening. Meanwhile, + come over here, and let us be doing something. We hear that old + Monsoon has blown up a town, a bridge, and a big convent. They + must have been hiding the plunder very closely, or he'd never have + been reduced to such extremities. We'll have a brush with the + French soon. + Yours most eagerly, + D. O'SHAUGHNESSY. +</pre> + <p> + My first thought, as I ran my eye over these lines, was to seek for + Power's note, written on the morning we parted. I opened it, and to my + horror found that it only related to my quarrel with Hammersley. My + meeting with Trevyllian had been during Fred's absence, and when he + assured me that all was satisfactorily arranged, and a full explanation + tendered, that nothing interfered with my departure,—I utterly + forgot that he was only aware of one half my troubles, and in the haste + and bustle of my departure, had not a moment left me to collect myself and + think calmly on the matter. The two letters lay before me, and as I + thought over the stain upon my character thus unwittingly incurred; the + blast I had thrown upon my reputation; the wound of my poor friend, who + exposed himself for my sake,—I grew sick at heart, and the bitter + tears of agony burst from my eyes. + </p> + <p> + That weary night passed slowly over; the blight of all my prospects, when + they seemed fairest and brightest, presented itself to me in a hundred + shapes; and when, overcome by fatigue and exhaustion, I closed my eyes to + sleep, it was only to follow up in my dreams my waking thoughts. Morning + came at length; but its bright sunshine and balmy air brought no comfort + to me. I absolutely dreaded to meet my brother officers; I felt that in + such a position as I stood, no half or partial explanation could suffice + to set me right in their estimation; and yet, what opportunity had I for + aught else? Irresolute how to act, I sat leaning my head upon my hands, + when I heard a footstep approach; I looked up and saw before me no other + than my poor friend Sparks, from whom I had been separated so long. Any + other adviser at such a moment would, I acknowledge, have been as welcome; + for the poor fellow knew but little of the world, and still less of the + service. However, one glance convinced me that his heart at least was + true; and I shook his outstretched hand with delight. In a few words he + informed me that Merivale had secretly commissioned him to come over in + the hope of meeting me; that although all the 14th men were persuaded that + I was not to blame in what had occurred,—yet that reports so + injurious had gone abroad, so many partial and imperfect statements were + circulated, that nothing but my return to headquarters would avail, and + that I must not lose a moment in having Trevyllian out, with whom all the + misrepresentation had originated. + </p> + <p> + "This, of course," said Sparks, "is to be a secret; Merivale, being our + colonel—" + </p> + <p> + "Of course," said I, "he cannot countenance, much less counsel, such a + proceeding; Now, then, for the road." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but you cannot leave before making your report. Gordon expects to + see you at eleven; he told me so last night." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot help it; I shall not wait; my mind is made up. My career here + matters but little in comparison with this horrid charge. I shall be + broke, but I shall be avenged." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, O'Malley; you are in our hands now, and you must be guided. + You <i>shall</i> wait; you shall see Gordon. Half an hour will make your + report, and I have relays of horses along the road, and we shall reach + Placentia by nightfall." + </p> + <p> + There was a tone of firmness in this, so unlike anything I ever looked for + in the speaker, and withal so much of foresight and precaution, that I + could scarcely credit my senses as he spoke. Having at length agreed to + his proposal, Sparks left me to think over my return of the Legion, + promising that immediately after my interview with the military secretary, + we should start together for headquarters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIX. + </h2> + <p> + MAJOR O'SHAUGHNESSY. + </p> + <p> + "This is Major O'Shaughnessy's quarters, sir," said a sergeant, as he + stopped short at the door of a small, low house in the midst of an olive + plantation; an Irish wolf-dog—the well-known companion of the major—lay + stretched across the entrance, watching with eager and bloodshot eyes the + process of cutting up a bullock, which two soldiers in undress jackets + were performing within a few yards of the spot. + </p> + <p> + Stepping cautiously across the savage-looking sentinel, I entered the + little hall, and finding no one near, passed into a small room, the door + of which lay half open. + </p> + <p> + A very palpable odor of cigars and brandy proclaimed, even without his + presence, that this was O'Shaughnessy's sitting-room; so I sat myself down + upon an old-fashioned sofa to wait patiently for his return, which I heard + would be immediately after the evening parade. Sparks had become knocked + up during our ride, so that for the last three leagues I was alone, and + like most men in such circumstances, pressed on only the harder. + Completely worn out for want of rest, I had scarcely placed myself on the + sofa when I fell sound asleep. When I awoke, all was dark around me, save + the faint flickerings of the wood embers on the hearth, and for some + moments I could not remember where I was; but by degrees recollection + came, and as I thought over my position and its possible consequences, I + was again nearly dropping to sleep, when the door suddenly opened, and a + heavy step sounded on the floor. + </p> + <p> + I lay still and spoke not, as a large figure in a cloak approached the + fire-place, and stooping down endeavored to light a candle at the fast + expiring fire. + </p> + <p> + I had little difficulty in detecting the major even by the half-light; a + muttered execration upon the candle, given with an energy that only an + Irishman ever bestows upon slight matters, soon satisfied me on this head. + </p> + <p> + "May the Devil fly away with the commissary and the chandler to the + forces! Ah, you've lit at last!" + </p> + <p> + With these words he stood up, and his eyes falling on me at the moment, he + sprang a yard or two backwards, exclaiming as he did so, "The blessed + Virgin be near us, what's this?" a most energetic crossing of himself + accompanying his words. My pale and haggard face, thus suddenly presented, + having suggested to the worthy major the impression of a supernatural + visitor, a hearty burst of laughter, which I could not resist, was my only + answer; and the next moment O'Shaughnessy was wrenching my hand in a grasp + like a steel vice. + </p> + <p> + "Upon my conscience, I thought it was your ghost; and if you kept quiet a + little longer, I was going to promise you Christian burial, and as many + Masses for your soul as my uncle the bishop could say between this and + Easter. How are you, my boy? A little thin, and something paler, I think, + than when you left us." + </p> + <p> + Having assured him that fatigue and hunger were in a great measure the + cause of my sickly looks, the major proceeded to place before me the <i>débris</i> + of his day's dinner, with a sufficiency of bottles to satisfy a + mess-table, keeping up as he went a running fire of conversation. + </p> + <p> + "I'm as glad as if the Lord took the senior major, to see you here this + night. With the blessing of Providence we'll shoot Trevyllian in the + morning, and any more of the heavies that like it. You are an ill-treated + man, that's what it is, and Dan O'Shaughnessy says it. Help yourself, my + boy; crusty old port in that bottle as ever you touched your lips to. + Power's getting all right; it was contract powder, warranted not to kill. + Bad luck to the commissaries once more! With such ammunition Sir Arthur + does right to trust most to the bayonet. And how is Monsoon, the old + rogue?" + </p> + <p> + "Gloriously, living in the midst of wine and olives." + </p> + <p> + "No fear of him, the old sinner; but he is a fine fellow, after all. + Charley, you are eating nothing, boy." + </p> + <p> + "To tell you the truth, I'm far more anxious to talk with you at this + moment than aught else." + </p> + <p> + "So you shall: the night's young. Meanwhile, I had better not delay + matters. You want to have Trevyllian out,—is not that so?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course; you are aware how it happened?" + </p> + <p> + "I know everything. Go on with your supper, and don't mind me; I'll be + back in twenty minutes or less." + </p> + <p> + Without waiting for any reply, he threw his cloak around him, and strode + out of the room. Once more I was alone; but already my frame of mind was + altered,—the cheering tone of my reckless, gallant countryman had + raised my spirits, and I felt animated by his very manner. + </p> + <p> + An hour elapsed before the major returned; and when he did come, his + appearance and gestures bespoke anger and disappointment. He threw himself + hurriedly into a seat, and for some minutes never spoke. + </p> + <p> + "The world's beautifully changed, anyhow, since I began it, O'Malley,—when + you thanked a man civilly that asked you to fight him! The Devil take the + cowards, say I." + </p> + <p> + "What has happened? Tell me, I beseech you?" + </p> + <p> + "He won't fight," said the major, blurting out the words as if they would + choke him. + </p> + <p> + "He'll not fight! And why?" + </p> + <p> + The major was silent. He seemed confused and embarrassed. He turned from + the fire to the table, from the table to the fire, poured out a glass of + wine, drank it hastily off, and springing from his chair, paced the room + with long, impatient strides. + </p> + <p> + "My dear O'Shaughnessy, explain, I beg of you. Does he refuse to meet me + for any reason—" + </p> + <p> + "He does," said the major, turning on me a look of deep feeling as he + spoke; "and he does it to ruin you, my boy. But as sure as my name is Dan, + he'll fail this time. He was sitting with his friend Beaufort when I + reached his quarters, and received me with all the ceremonious politeness + he well knows how to assume. I told him in a few words the object of my + visit; upon which Trevyllian, standing up, referred me to his friend for a + reply, and left the room. I thought that all was right, and sat down to + discuss, as I believed, preliminaries, when the cool puppy, with his back + to the fire, carelessly lisped out, 'It can't be, Major; your friend is + too late.' + </p> + <p> + "'Too late? too late?' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, precisely so; not up to time. The affair should have come off some + weeks since. We won't meet him now.' + </p> + <p> + "'This is really your answer?' + </p> + <p> + "'This is really my answer; and not only so, but the decision of our + mess.' + </p> + <p> + "What I said after this <i>he</i> may remember; devil take me if <i>I</i> + can. But I have a vague recollection of saying something that the + aforesaid mess will never petition the Horse Guards to put on their + regimental colors; and here I am—" + </p> + <p> + With these words the major gulped down a full goblet of wine, and once + more resumed his walk through the room. I shall not attempt to record the + feelings which agitated me during the major's recital. In one rapid glance + I saw the aim of my vindictive enemy. My honor, not my life, was the + object he sought for; and ten thousand times more than ever did I pant for + the opportunity to confront him in a deadly combat. + </p> + <p> + "Charley," said O'Shaughnessy, at length, placing his hand upon my + shoulder, "you must get to bed now. Nothing more can be done to-night in + any way. Be assured of one thing, my boy,—I'll not desert you; and + if that assurance can give you a sound sleep, you'll not need a lullaby." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LX. + </h2> + <p> + PRELIMINARIES. + </p> + <p> + I awoke refreshed on the following morning, and came down to breakfast + with a lighter heart than I had even hoped for. A secret feeling that all + would go well had somehow taken possession of me, and I longed for + O'Shaughnessy's coming, trusting that he might be able to confirm my + hopes. His servant informed me that the major had been absent since + daybreak, and left orders that he was not to be waited for at breakfast. + </p> + <p> + I was not destined, however, to pass a solitary time in his absence, for + every moment brought some new arrival to visit me; and during the morning + the colonel and every officer of the regiment not on actual duty came + over. I soon learned that the feeling respecting Trevyllian's conduct was + one of unmixed condemnation among my own corps, but that a kind of party + spirit which had subsisted for some months between the regiment he + belonged to and the 14th had given a graver character to the affair, and + induced many men to take up his views of the transaction; and although I + heard of none who attributed my absence to any dislike to a meeting, yet + there were several who conceived that, by my going at the time, I had + forfeited all claim to satisfaction at his hands. + </p> + <p> + "Now that Merivale is gone," said an officer to me as the colonel left the + room, "I may confess to you that he sees nothing to blame in your conduct + throughout; and even had you been aware of how matters were circumstanced, + your duty was too imperative to have preferred your personal consideration + to it." + </p> + <p> + "Does any one know where Conyers is?" said Baker. + </p> + <p> + "The story goes that Conyers can assist us here. Conyers is at Zaza la + Mayor, with the 28th; but what can he do?" + </p> + <p> + "That I'm not able to tell you; but I know O'Shaughnessy heard something + at parade this morning, and has set off in search of him on every side." + </p> + <p> + "Was Conyers ever out with Trevyllian?" + </p> + <p> + "Not as a principal, I believe. The report is, however, that he knows more + about him than other people, as Tom certainly does of everybody." + </p> + <p> + "It is rather a new thing for Trevyllian to refuse a meeting. They say, + O'Malley, he has heard of your shooting." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," said another; "he cares very little for any man's pistol. If the + story be true, he fires a second or two before his adversary; at least, it + was in that way he killed Carysfort." + </p> + <p> + "Here comes the great O'Shaughnessy!" cried some one at the window; and + the next moment the heavy gallop of a horse was heard along the causeway. + In an instant we all rushed to the door to receive him. + </p> + <p> + "It's all right, lads!" cried he, as he came up. "We have him this time!" + </p> + <p> + "How?" "When?" "Why?" "In what way have you managed?" fell from a dozen + voices, as the major elbowed his way through the crowd to the + sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + "In the first place," said O'Shanghnessy, drawing a long breath, "I have + promised secrecy as to the steps of this transaction; secondly, if I + hadn't, it would puzzle me to break it, for I'll be hanged if I know more + than yourselves. Tom Conyers wrote me a few lines for Trevyllian, and + Trevyllian pledges himself to meet our friend; and that's all we need know + or care for." + </p> + <p> + "Then you have seen Trevyllian this morning?" + </p> + <p> + "No; Beaufort met me at the village. But even now it seems this affair is + never to come off. Trevyllian has been sent with a forage party towards + Lesco. However, that can't be a long absence. But, for Heaven's sake, let + me have some breakfast!" + </p> + <p> + While O'Shaughnessy proceeded to attack the viands before him, the others + chatted about in little groups; but all wore the pleased and happy looks + of men who had rescued their friend from a menaced danger. As for myself, + my heart swelled with gratitude to the kind fellows around me. + </p> + <p> + "How has Conyers assisted us at this juncture?" was my first question to + O'Shaughnessy, when we were once more alone. + </p> + <p> + "I am not at liberty to speak on that subject, Charley. But be satisfied + the reasons for which Trevyllian meets you are fair and honorable." + </p> + <p> + "I am content." + </p> + <p> + "The only thing now to be done is to have the meeting as soon as + possible." + </p> + <p> + "We are all agreed upon that point," said I; "and the more so as the + matter had better be decided before Sir Arthur's return." + </p> + <p> + "Quite true. And now, O'Malley, you had better join your people as soon as + may be, and it will put a stop to all talking about the matter." + </p> + <p> + The advice was good, and I lost no time in complying with it; and when I + joined the regiment that day at mess, it was with a light heart and a + cheerful spirit, for come what might of the affair, of one thing I was + certain,—my character was now put above any reach of aspersion, and + my reputation beyond attack. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXI. + </h2> + <p> + ALL RIGHT. + </p> + <p> + Some days after coming back to headquarters, I was returning from a visit + I had been making to a friend at one of the outposts, when an officer whom + I knew slightly overtook me and informed me that Major O'Shaughnessy had + been to my quarters in search of me, and had sent persons in different + directions to find me. + </p> + <p> + Suspecting the object of the major's haste, I hurried on at once, and as I + rode up to the spot, found him in the midst of a group of officers, + engaged, to all appearance, in most eager conversation. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, here he comes!" cried he, as I cantered up. "Come, my boy, doff the + blue frock as soon as you can, and turn out in your best-fitting black. + Everything has been settled for this evening at seven o'clock, and we have + no time to lose." + </p> + <p> + "I understand you," said I, "and shall not keep you waiting." So saying, I + sprang from my saddle and hastened to my quarters. As I entered the room I + was followed by O'Shaughnessy, who closed the door after him as he came + in, and having turned the key in it, sat down beside the table, and + folding his arms, seemed buried in reflection. As I proceeded with my + toilet he returned no answers to the numerous questions I put to him, + either as to the time of Trevyllian's return, the place of the meeting, or + any other part of the transaction. His attention seemed to wander far from + all around and about him; and as he muttered indistinctly to himself, the + few words I could catch bore not in the remotest degree upon the matter + before us. + </p> + <p> + "I have written a letter or two here, Major," said I, opening my + writing-desk. "In case anything happens, you will look to a few things I + have mentioned here. Somehow, I could not write to poor Fred Power; but + you must tell him from me that his noble conduct towards me was the last + thing I spoke of." + </p> + <p> + "What confounded nonsense you are talking!" said O'Shaughnessy, springing + from his seat and crossing the room with tremendous strides, "croaking + away there as if the bullet was in your thorax. Hang it, man, bear up!" + </p> + <p> + "But, Major, my dear friend, what the deuce are you thinking of? The few + things I mentioned—" + </p> + <p> + "The devil! you are not going over it all again, are you?" said he, in a + voice of no measured tone. + </p> + <p> + I now began to feel irritated in turn, and really looked at him for some + seconds in considerable amazement. That he should have mistaken, the + directions I was giving him and attributed them to any cowardice was too + insulting a thought to bear; and yet how otherwise was I to understand the + very coarse style of his interruption? + </p> + <p> + At length my temper got the victory, and with a voice of most measured + calmness, I said, "Major O'Shaughnessy, I am grateful, most deeply + grateful, for the part you have acted towards me in this difficult + business; at the same time, as you now appear to disapprove of my conduct + and bearing, when I am most firmly determined to alter nothing, I shall + beg to relieve you of the unpleasant office of my friend." + </p> + <p> + "Heaven grant that you could do so!" said he, interrupting me, while his + clasped hands and eager look attested the vehemence of the wish. He paused + for a moment, then, springing from his chair, rushed towards me, and threw + his arms around me. "No, my boy, I can't do it,—I can't do it. I + have tried to bully myself into insensibility for this evening's work,—I + have endeavored to be rude to you, that you might insult me, and steel my + heart against what might happen; but it won't do, Charley, it won't do." + </p> + <p> + With these words the big tears rolled down his stern cheeks, and his voice + became thick with emotion. + </p> + <p> + "But for me, all this need not have happened. I know it; I feel it. I + hurried on this meeting; your character stood fair and unblemished without + that,—at least they tell me so now; and I still have to assure you—" + </p> + <p> + "Come, my dear, kind friend, don't give way in this fashion. You have + stood manfully by me through every step of the road; don't desert me on + the threshold of—" + </p> + <p> + "The grave, O'Malley?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't think so, Major; but see, half-past six! Look to these pistols + for me. Are they likely to object to hair-triggers?" + </p> + <p> + A knocking at the door turned off our attention, and the next moment + Baker's voice was heard. + </p> + <p> + "O'Malley, you'll be close run for time; the meeting-place is full three + miles from this." + </p> + <p> + I seized the key and opened the door. At the same instant, O'Shaughnessy + rose and turned towards the window, holding one of the pistols in his + hand. + </p> + <p> + "Look at that, Baker,—what a sweet tool it is!" said he, in a voice + that actually made me start. Not a trace of his late excitement remained; + his usually dry, half-humorous manner had returned, and his droll features + were as full of their own easy, devil-may-care fun as ever. + </p> + <p> + "Here comes the drag," said Baker. "We can drive nearly all the way, + unless you prefer riding." + </p> + <p> + "Of course not. Keep your hand steady, Charley, and if you don't bring him + down with that saw-handle, you're not your uncle's nephew." + </p> + <p> + With these words we mounted into the tax-cart, and set off for the + meeting-place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXII. + </h2> + <p> + THE DUEL. + </p> + <p> + A small and narrow ravine between the two furze-covered dells led to the + open space where the meeting had been arranged for. As we reached this, + therefore, we were obliged to descend from the drag, and proceed the + remainder of the way afoot. We had not gone many yards when a step was + heard approaching, and the next moment Beaufort appeared. His usually easy + and <i>dégagé</i> air was certainly tinged with somewhat of constraint; + and though his soft voice and half smile were as perfect as ever, a + slightly flurried expression about the lip, and a quick and nervous motion + of his eyebrow, bespoke a heart not completely at ease. He lifted his + foraging cap most ceremoniously to salute us as we came up, and casting an + anxious look to see if any others were following, stood quite still. + </p> + <p> + "I think it right to mention, Major O'Shaughnessy," said he, in a voice of + most dulcet sweetness, "that I am the only friend of Captain Trevyllian on + the ground; and though I have not the slightest objection to Captain Baker + being present, I hope you will see the propriety of limiting the witnesses + to the three persons now here." + </p> + <p> + "Upon my conscience, as far as I am concerned, or my friend either, we are + perfectly indifferent if we fight before three or three thousand. In + Ireland we rather like a crowd." + </p> + <p> + "Of course, then, as you see no objection to my proposition, I may count + upon your co-operation in the event of any intrusion,—I mean, that + while we, upon our sides, will not permit any of our friends to come + forward, you will equally exert yourself with yours." + </p> + <p> + "Here we are, Baker and myself, neither more nor less. We expect no one, + and want no one; so that I humbly conceive all the preliminaries you are + talking of will never be required." + </p> + <p> + Beaufort tried to smile, and bit his lips, while a small red spot upon his + cheek spoke that some deeper feeling of irritation than the mere careless + manner of the major could account for, still rankled in his bosom. We now + walked on without speaking, except when occasionally some passing + observation of Beaufort upon the fineness of the evening, or the rugged + nature of the road, broke the silence. As we emerged from the little + mountain pass into the open meadow land, the tall and soldier-like figure + of Trevyllian was the first object that presented itself. He was standing + beside a little stone cross that stood above a holy well, and seemed + occupied in deciphering the inscription. He turned at the noise of our + approach, and calmly waited our coming. His eye glanced quickly from the + features of O'Shaughnessy to those of Baker; but seeming rapidly reassured + as he walked forward, his face at once recovered its usual severity and + its cold, impassive look of sternness. + </p> + <p> + "All right!" said Beaufort, in a whisper the tones of which I overheard, + as he drew near to his friend. Trevyllian smiled in return, but did not + speak. During the few moments which passed in conversation between the + seconds, I turned from the spot with Baker, and had scarcely time to + address a question to him, when O'Shaughnessy called out, "Hollo, Baker!—come + here a moment!" The three seemed now in eager discussion for some minutes, + when Baker walked towards Trevyllian, and saying something, appeared to + wait for his reply. This being obtained, he joined the others, and the + moment afterwards came to where I was standing. "You are to toss for first + shot, O'Malley. O'Shaughnessy has made that proposition, and the others + agree that with two crack marksmen, it is perhaps the fairest way. I + suppose you have no objection?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course, I shall make none. Whatever O'Shaughnessy decides for me I am + ready to abide by." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, as to the distance?" said Beaufort, loud enough to be heard + by me where I was standing. O'Shaughnessy's reply I could not catch, but + it was evident, from the tone of both parties, that some difference + existed on the point. + </p> + <p> + "Captain Baker shall decide between us," said Beaufort, at length, and + they all walked away to some distance. During all the while I could + perceive that Trevyllian's uneasiness and impatience seemed extreme; he + looked from the speakers to the little mountain pass, and strained his + eyes in every direction. It was clear that he dreaded some interruption. + At last, unable any longer to control his feelings, he called out, + "Beaufort, I say, what the devil are we waiting for now?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing at present," said Beaufort, as he came forward with a dollar in + his hand. "Come, Major O'Shaughnessy, you shall call for your friend." + </p> + <p> + He pitched the piece of money as he spoke high into the air, and watched + it as it fell on the soft grass beneath. + </p> + <p> + "Head! for a thousand," cried O'Shaughnessy, running over and stooping + down; "and head it is!" + </p> + <p> + "You've won the first shot," whispered Baker; "for Heaven's sake be cool!" + </p> + <p> + Beaufort grew deadly pale as he bent over the crownpiece, and seemed + scarcely to have courage to look his friend in his face. Not so + Trevyllian; he pulled off his gloves without the slightest semblance of + emotion, buttoned up his well-fitting black frock to the throat, and + throwing a rapid glance around, seemed only eager to begin the combat. + </p> + <p> + "Fifteen paces, and the words, 'One, two!'" + </p> + <p> + "Exactly. My cane shall mark the spot." + </p> + <p> + "Devilish long paces you make them," said O'Shaughnessy, who did not seem + to approve of the distance. "They have some confounded advantage in this, + depend upon it," said the major, in a whisper to Baker. + </p> + <p> + "Are you ready?" inquired Beaufort. + </p> + <p> + "Ready,—quite ready!" + </p> + <p> + "Take your ground, then!" + </p> + <p> + As Trevyllian moved forward to his place, he muttered something to his + friend. I did not hear the first part, but the latter words which met me + were ominous enough: "For as I intend to shoot him, 'tis just as well as + it is." + </p> + <p> + Whether this was meant to be overheard and intimidate me I knew not; but + its effect proved directly opposite. My firm resolution to hit my + antagonist was now confirmed, and no compunctious visitings unnerved my + arm. As we took our places some little delay again took place, the flint + of my pistol having fallen; and thus we remained full ten or twelve + seconds steadily regarding each other. At length O'Shaughnessy came + forward, and putting my weapon in my hand, whispered low, "Remember, you + have but one chance." + </p> + <p> + "You are both ready?" cried Beaufort. + </p> + <p> + "Ready!" + </p> + <p> + "Then: One, two—" + </p> + <p> + The last word was lost in the report of my pistol, which went off at the + instant. For a second the flash and smoke obstructed my view; but the + moment after I saw Trevyllian stretched upon the ground, with his friend + kneeling beside him. My first impulse was to rush over, for now all + feeling of enmity was buried in most heartfelt anxiety for his fate; but + as I was stepping forward, O'Shaughnessy called out, "Stand fast, boy, + he's only wounded!" and the same moment he rose slowly from the ground, + with the assistance of his friend, and looked with the same wild gaze + around him. Such a look! I shall never forget it; there was that intense + expression of searching anxiety, as if he sought to trace the outlines of + some visionary spirit as it receded before him. Quickly reassured, as it + seemed, by the glance he threw on all sides, his countenance lighted up, + not with pleasure, but with a fiendish expression of revengeful triumph, + which even his voice evinced as he called out: "It's my turn now." + </p> + <p> + I felt the words in their full force, as I stood silently awaiting my + death wound. The pause was a long one. Twice did he interrupt his friend, + as he was about to give the word, by an expression of suffering, pressing + his hand upon his side, and seeming to writhe with torture; and yet this + was mere counterfeit. + </p> + <p> + O'Shaughnessy was now coming forward to interfere and prevent these + interruptions, when Trevyllian called out in a firm tone, "I'm ready!" At + the words, "One, two!" the pistol slowly rose; his dark eye measured me + coolly, steadily; his lip curled; and just as I felt that my last moment + of life had arrived, a heavy sound of a horse galloping along the rocky + causeway seemed to take off his attention. His frame trembled, his hand + shook, and jerking upwards his weapon, the ball passed high above my head. + </p> + <p> + "You bear me witness I fired in the air," said Trevyllian, while the large + drops of perspiration rolled from his forehead, and his features worked as + if in a fit. + </p> + <p> + "You saw it, sir; and you, Beaufort, my friend, you also. Speak! Why will + you not speak?" + </p> + <p> + "Be calm, Trevyllian; be calm, for Heaven's sake! What's the matter with + you?" + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0017" id="linkimage-0017"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0484.jpg" alt="The Coat of Mail. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "The affair is then ended," said Baker, "and most happily so. You are, I + hope, not dangerously wounded." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, Trevyllian's features grew deadly livid; his half-open mouth + quivered slightly, his eyes became fixed, and his arm dropped heavily + beside him, and with a low moan he fell fainting to the ground. + </p> + <p> + As we bent over him I now perceived that another person had joined our + party; he was a short, determined-looking man of about forty, with black + eyes and aquiline features. Before I had time to guess who it might be, I + heard O'Shaughnessy address him as Colonel Conyers. + </p> + <p> + "He is dying!" said Beaufort, still stooping over his friend, whose cold + hand he grasped within his own. "Poor, poor fellow!" + </p> + <p> + "He fired in the air," said Baker, as he spoke in reply to a question from + Conyers. + </p> + <p> + What he answered I heard not, but Baker rejoined,— + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I am certain of it. We all saw it." + </p> + <p> + "Had you not better examine his wounds?" said Conyers, in a tone of + sarcastic irony I could almost have struck him for. "Is your friend not + hit? Perhaps he is bleeding?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said O'Shaughnessy, "let us look to the poor fellow now." So + saying, with Beaufort's aid he unbuttoned his frock and succeeded in + opening his waistcoat. There was no trace of blood anywhere, and the idea + of internal hemorrhage at once occurred to us, when Conyers, stooping + down, pushed me aside, saying at the same time,— + </p> + <p> + "Your fears for his safety need not distress you much,—look here!" + As he spoke he tore open his shirt, and disclosed to our almost doubting + senses a vest of chain-mail armor fitting close next the skin and + completely pistol-proof. + </p> + <p> + I cannot describe the effect this sight produced upon us. Beaufort sprang + to his feet with a bound as he screamed out, rather than spoke, "No man + believes me to have been aware—" + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Beaufort, your reputation is very far removed from such a stain," + said Conyers. + </p> + <p> + O'Shaughnessy was perfectly speechless. He looked from one to the other, + as though some unexplained mystery still remained, and only seemed + restored to any sense of consciousness as Baker said, "I can feel no pulse + at his wrist,—his heart, too, does not beat." + </p> + <p> + Conyers placed his hand upon his bosom, then felt along his throat, lifted + up an arm, and letting it fall heavily upon the ground, he muttered, "He + is dead!" + </p> + <p> + It was true. No wound had pierced him,—the pistol bullet was found + within his clothes. Some tremendous conflict of the spirit within had + snapped the cords of life, and the strong man had perished in his agony. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIII. + </h2> + <p> + NEWS FROM GALWAY. + </p> + <p> + I have but a vague and most imperfect recollection of the events which + followed this dreadful scene; for some days my faculties seemed stunned + and paralyzed, and my thoughts clung to the minute detail of the ground,—the + persons about, the mountain path, and most of all the half-stifled cry + that spoke the broken heart,—with a tenacity that verged upon + madness. + </p> + <p> + A court-martial was appointed to inquire into the affair; and although I + have been since told that my deportment was calm, and my answers were firm + and collected, yet I remember nothing of the proceedings. + </p> + <p> + The inquiry, through a feeling of delicacy for the friends of him who was + no more, was made as brief and as private as possible. Beaufort proved the + facts which exonerated me from any imputation in the matter; and upon the + same day the court delivered the decision: "That Lieutenant O'Malley was + not guilty of the charges preferred against him, and that he should be + released from arrest, and join his regiment." + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more kind and considerate than the conduct of my brother + officers,—a hundred little plans and devices for making me forget + the late unhappy event were suggested and practised,—and I look back + to that melancholy period, marked as it was by the saddest circumstance of + my life, as one in which I received more of truly friendly companionship + than even my palmiest days of prosperity boasted. + </p> + <p> + While, therefore, I deeply felt the good part my friends were performing + towards me, I was still totally unsuited to join in the happy current of + their daily pleasures and amusements. The gay and unreflecting character + of O'Shaughnessy, the careless merriment of my brother officers, jarred + upon my nerves, and rendered me irritable and excited; and I sought in + lonely rides and unfrequented walks, the peace of spirit that calm + reflection and a firm purpose for the future rarely fail to lead to. + </p> + <p> + There is in deep sorrow a touch of the prophetic. It is at seasons when + the heart is bowed down with grief, and the spirit wasted with suffering, + that the veil which conceals the future seems to be removed, and a glance, + short and fleeting as the lightning flash, is permitted us into the gloomy + valley before us. + </p> + <p> + Misfortunes, too, come not singly,—the seared heart is not suffered + to heal from one affliction ere another succeeds it; and this anticipation + of the coming evil is, perhaps, one of the most poignant features of + grief,—the ever-watchful apprehension, the ever-rising question, + "What next?" is a torture that never sleeps. + </p> + <p> + This was the frame of my mind for several days after I returned to my + duty,—a morbid sense of some threatened danger being my last thought + at night and my first on awakening. I had not heard from home since my + arrival in the Peninsula; a thousand vague fancies haunted me now that + some brooding misfortune awaited me. My poor uncle never left my thoughts. + Was he well; was he happy? Was he, as he ever used to be, surrounded by + the friends he loved,—the old familiar faces around the hospitable + hearth his kindliness had hallowed in my memory as something sacred? Oh, + could I but see his manly smile, or hear his voice! Could I but feel his + hand upon my head, as he was wont to press it, while words of comfort fell + from his lips, and sunk into my heart! + </p> + <p> + Such were my thoughts one morning as I sauntered, unaccompanied, from my + quarters. I had not gone far, when my attention was aroused by the noise + of a mule-cart, whose jingling bells and clattering timbers announced its + approach by the road I was walking. Another turn of the way brought it + into view; and I saw from the gay costume of the driver, as well as a + small orange flag which decorated the conveyance, that it was the + mail-cart with letters from Lisbon. + </p> + <p> + Full as my mind was with thoughts of home, I turned hastily back, and + retraced my steps towards the camp. When I reached the adjutant-general's + quarters, I found a considerable number of officers assembled; the report + that the post had come was a rumor of interest to all, and accordingly, + every moment brought fresh arrivals, pouring in from all sides, and + eagerly inquiring, "If the bags had been opened?" The scene of riot, + confusion, and excitement, when that event did take place, exceeded all + belief, each man reading his letter half aloud, as if his private affairs + and domestic concerns must interest his neighbors, amidst a volley of + exclamations of surprise, pleasure, or occasional anger, as the + intelligence severally suggested,—the disappointed expectants + cursing their idle correspondents, bemoaning their fate about remittances + that never arrived, or drafts never honored; while here and there some + public benefactor, with an outspread "Times" or "Chronicle," was retailing + the narrative of our own exploits in the Peninsula or the more novel + changes in the world of politics since we left England. A cross-fire of + news and London gossip ringing on every side made up a perfect Babel most + difficult to form an idea of. The jargon partook of every accent and + intonation the empire boasts of; and from the sharp precision of the North + Tweeder to the broad doric of Kerry, every portion, almost every county, + of Great Britain had its representative. Here was a Scotch paymaster, in a + lugubrious tone, detailing to his friend the apparently not over-welcome + news that Mistress M'Elwain had just been safely delivered of twins, + which, with their mother, were doing as well as possible. Here an eager + Irishman, turning over the pages rather than reading his letter, while he + exclaimed to his friend,— + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the devil a rap she's sent me. The old story about runaway tenants + and distress notices,—sorrow else tenants seem to do in Ireland than + run away every half-year." + </p> + <p> + A little apart some sentimental-looking cockney was devouring a very + crossed epistle which he pressed to his lips whenever any one looked at + him; while a host of others satisfied themselves by reading in a kind of + buzzing undertone, every now and then interrupting themselves with some + broken exclamation as commentary,—such as, "Of course she will!" + "Never knew him better!" "That's the girl for my money!" "Fifty per cent, + the devil!" and so on. At last I was beginning to weary of the scene, and + finding that there appeared to be nothing for me, was turning to leave the + place, when I saw a group of two or three endeavoring to spell out the + address of a letter. + </p> + <p> + "That's an Irish post-mark, I'll swear," said one; "but who can make + anything of the name? It's devilish like Otaheite, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "I wish my tailor wrote as illegibly," said another; "I'd keep up a most + animated correspondence with him." + </p> + <p> + "Here, O'Shaughnessy, you know something of savage life,—spell us + this word here." + </p> + <p> + "Show it here. What nonsense, it's as plain as the nose on my face: + 'Master Charles O'Malley, in foreign parts!'" + </p> + <p> + A roar of laughter followed this announcement, which, at any other time, + perhaps, I should have joined in, but which now grated sadly on my ruffled + feelings. + </p> + <p> + "Here, Charley, this is for you," said the major; and added in a whisper,—"and + upon my conscience, between ourselves, your friend, whoever he is, has a + strong action against his writing-master,—devil such a fist ever I + looked at!" + </p> + <p> + One glance satisfied me as to my correspondent. It was from Father Rush, + my old tutor. I hurried eagerly from the spot, and regaining my quarters, + locked the door, and with a beating heart broke the seal and began, as + well as I was able, to decipher his letter. The hand was cramped and + stiffened with age, and the bold, upright letters were gnarled and twisted + like a rustic fence, and demanded great patience and much time in + unravelling. It ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE PRIORY, Lady-day, 1809. + MY DEAR MASTER CHARLES,—Your uncle's feet are so big and + so uneasy that he can't write, and I am obliged to take up the pen + myself, to tell you how we are doing here since you left us. And, + first of all, the master lost the lawsuit in Dublin, all for the want + of a Galway jury,—but they don't go up to town for strong reasons + they had; and the Curranolick property is gone to Ned M'Manus, + and may the devil do him good with it! Peggy Maher left this on + Tuesday; she was complaining of a weakness; she's gone to consult + the doctors. I'm sorry for poor Peggy. + + Owen M'Neil beat the Slatterys out of Portunma on Saturday, + and Jem, they say, is fractured. I trust it's true, for he never was + good, root nor branch, and we've strong reasons to suspect him for + drawing the river with a net at night. Sir Harry Boyle sprained his + wrist, breaking open his bed-room, that he locked when he was inside. + The count and the master were laughing all the evening at + him. Matters are going very hard in the country,—the people paying + their rents regularly, and not caring half as much as they used + about the real gentry and the old families. + + We kept your birthday at the Castle in great style,—had the + militia band from the town, and all the tenants. Mr. James Daly + danced with your old friend Mary Green, and sang a beautiful song, + and was going to raise the devil, but I interfered; he burned down + half the blue drawing-room the last night with his tricks,—not that + your uncle cares, God preserve him to us! it's little anything like + that would fret him. The count quarrelled with a young gentleman + in the course of the evening, but found out he was only an attorney + from Dublin, so he didn't shoot him; but he was ducked in the pond + by the people, and your uncle says he hopes they have a true copy of + him at home, as they'll never know the original. + + Peter died soon after you went away, but Tim hunts the dogs + just as well. They had a beautiful run last Wednesday, and the + Lord [2] sent for him and gave him a five-pound note; but he says + he'd rather see yourself back again than twice as much. They + killed near the big turnip-field, and all went down to see where you + leaped Badger over the sunk fence,—they call it "Hammersley's + Nose" ever since. Bodkin was at Ballinasloe the last fair, limping + about with a stick; he's twice as quiet as he used to be, and never + beat any one since that morning. + + Nellie Guire, at the cross-roads, wants to send you four pair of + stockings she knitted for you, and I have a keg of potteen of Barney's + own making this two months, not knowing how to send it. May be + Sir Arthur himself would like a taste,—he's an Irishman himself, + and one we're proud of, too! The Maynooth chaps are flying all + about the country, and making us all uncomfortable,—God's will be + done, but we used to think ourselves good enough! Your foster-sister, + Kitty Doolan, had a fine boy; it's to be called after you, and + your uncle's to give a christening. He bids me tell you to draw + on him when you want money, and that there's £400 ready for you + now somewhere in Dublin,—I forget the name, and as he's asleep, I + don't like asking him. There was a droll devil down here in the + summer that knew you well,—a Mr. Webber. The master treated + him like the Lord Lieutenant, had dinner parties for him, and + gave him Oliver Cromwell to ride over to Meelish. He is expected + again for the cock-shooting, for the master likes him greatly. I'm + done at last, for my paper is finished and the candle just out; so with + every good wish and every good thought, remember your own old + friend,— + PETER RUSH. + P.S. It's Smart and Sykes, Fleet Street, has the money. + Father O'Shaughnessey, of Ennis, bids me ask if you ever met his + nephew. If you do, make him sing "Larry M'Hale." I hear it's a + treat. + + How is Mickey Free going on? There are three decent young + women in the parish he promised to marry, and I suppose he's pursuing + the same game with the Portuguese. But he was never + remarkable for minding his duties. Tell him I am keeping my eye + on him. + P. R. +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote:2 To excuse Father Rush for any apparent impiety, I must add + that, by "the Lord," he means "Lord Clanricarde."] + </p> + <p> + Here concluded this long epistle; and though there were many parts I could + not help smiling at, yet upon the whole I felt sad and dispirited. What I + had long foreseen and anticipated was gradually accomplishing,—the + wreck of an old and honored house, the fall of a name once the watch-word + for all that was benevolent and hospitable in the land. The termination of + the lawsuit I knew must have been a heavy blow to my poor uncle, who, + every consideration of money apart, felt in a legal combat all the + enthusiasm and excitement of a personal conflict. With him there was less + a question of to whom the broad acres reverted, so much as whether that + "scoundrel Tom Basset, the attorney at Athlone, should triumph over us;" + or "M'Manus live in the house as master where his father had officiated as + butler." It was at this his Irish pride took offence; and straitened + circumstances and narrowed fortunes bore little upon him in comparison + with this feeling. + </p> + <p> + I could see, too, that with breaking fortunes, bad health was making heavy + inroads upon him; and while, with the reckless desperation of ruin, he + still kept open house, I could picture to myself his cheerful eye and + handsome smile but ill concealing the slow but certain march of a broken + heart. + </p> + <p> + My position was doubly painful: for any advice, had I been calculated to + give it, would have seemed an act of indelicate interference from one who + was to benefit by his own counsel; and although I had been reared and + educated as my uncle's heir, I had no title nor pretension to succeed him + other than his kind feelings respecting me. I could, therefore, only look + on in silence, and watch the painful progress of our downfall without + power to arrest it. + </p> + <p> + These were sad thoughts, and came when my heart was already bowed down + with its affliction. That my poor uncle might be spared the misery which + sooner or later seemed inevitable, was now my only wish; that he might go + down to the grave without the embittering feelings which a ruined fortune + and a fallen house bring home to the heart, was all my prayer. Let him but + close his eyes in the old wainscoted bed-room, beneath the old roof where + his fathers and grand-fathers have done so for centuries. Let the faithful + followers he has known since his childhood stand round his bed; while his + fast-failing sight recognizes each old and well-remembered object, and the + same bell which rang its farewell to the spirit of his ancestors toll for + him, the last of his race. And as for me, there was the wide world before + me, and a narrow resting-place would suffice for a soldier's sepulchre. + </p> + <p> + As the mail-cart was returning the next day to Lisbon, I immediately sat + down and replied to the worthy Father's letter, speaking as encouragingly + as I could of my own prospects. I dwelt much upon what was nearest my + heart, and begged of the good priest to watch over my uncle's health, to + cheer his spirits and support his courage; and that I trusted the day was + not far distant when I should be once more among them, with many a story + of fray and battle-field to enliven their firesides. Pressing him to write + frequently to me, I closed my hurried letter; and having despatched it, + sat sorrowfully down to muse over my fortunes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIV. + </h2> + <p> + AN ADVENTURE WITH SIR ARTHUR. + </p> + <p> + The events of the last few days had impressed me with a weight of years. + The awful circumstances of that evening lay heavily at my heart; and + though guiltless of Trevyllian's blood, the reproach that conscience ever + carries when one has been involved in a death-scene never left my + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + For some time previously I had been depressed and dis-spirited, and the + awful shock I had sustained broke my nerve and unmanned me greatly. + </p> + <p> + There are times when our sorrows tinge all the colorings of our thoughts, + and one pervading hue of melancholy spreads like a pall upon what we have + of fairest and brightest on earth. So was it now: I had lost hope and + ambition; a sad feeling that my career was destined to misfortune and + mishap gained hourly upon me; and all the bright aspirations of a + soldier's glory, all my enthusiasm for the pomp and circumstance of + glorious war, fell coldly upon my heart, and I looked upon the chivalry of + a soldier's life as the empty pageant of a dream. + </p> + <p> + In this sad frame of mind, I avoided all intercourse with my brother + officers; their gay and joyous spirits only jarred upon my brooding + thoughts, and feigning illness, I kept almost entirely to my quarters. + </p> + <p> + The inactivity of our present life weighed also heavily upon me. The + stirring events of a campaign—the march, the bivouac, the picket—call + forth a certain physical exertion that never fails to react upon the + torpid mind. + </p> + <p> + Forgetting all around me, I thought of home; I thought of those whose + hearts I felt were now turning towards me, and considered within myself + how I could have exchanged the home, the days of peaceful happiness there, + for the life of misery and disappointment I now endured. + </p> + <p> + A brooding melancholy gained daily more and more upon me. A wish, to + return to Ireland, a vague and indistinct feeling that my career was not + destined for aught of great and good crept upon me, and I longed to sink + into oblivion, forgotten and forgot. + </p> + <p> + I record this painful feeling here, while it is still a painful memory, as + one of the dark shadows that cross the bright sky of our happiest days. + </p> + <p> + Happy, indeed, are they, as we look back to them and remember the times we + have pronounced ourselves "the most miserable of mankind." This, somehow, + is a confession we never make later on in life, when real troubles and + true afflictions assail us. Whether we call in more philosophy to our aid, + or that our senses become less acute and discerning, I'm sure I know not. + </p> + <p> + As for me, I confess by far the greater portion of my sorrows seemed to + come in that budding period of existence when life is ever fairest and + most captivating. Not, perhaps, that the fact was really so, but the + spoiled and humored child, whose caprices were a law, felt heavily the + threatening difficulties of his first voyage; while as he continued to + sail over the ocean of life, he braved the storm and the squall, and felt + only gratitude for the favoring breeze that wafted him upon his course. + </p> + <p> + What an admirable remedy for misanthropy is the being placed in a + subordinate condition in life! Had I, at the period that I write, been Sir + Arthur Wellesley; had I even been Marshal Beresford,—to all + certainty I'd have played the very devil with his Majesty's forces; I'd + have brought my rascals to where they'd have been well-peppered, that's + certain. + </p> + <p> + But as, luckily for the sake of humanity in general and the well-being of + the service in particular, I was merely Lieutenant O'Malley, 14th Light + Dragoons, the case was very different. With what heavy censure did I + condemn the commander of the forces in my own mind for his want of daring + and enterprise! Whole nights did I pass in endeavoring to account for his + inactivity and lethargy. Why he did not <i>seriatim</i> fall upon Soult, + Ney, and Victor, annihilate the French forces, and sack Madrid, I looked + upon as little less than a riddle; and yet there he waited, drilling, + exercising, and foraging, as if he were at Hounslow. Now most fortunately + here again I was not Sir Arthur. + </p> + <p> + Something in this frame of mind, I was taking one evening a solitary ride + some miles from the camp. Without noticing the circumstance, I had entered + a little mountain tract, when, the ground being broken and uneven, I + dismounted and proceeded a-foot, with the bridle within my arm. I had not + gone far when the clatter of a horse's hoofs came rapidly towards me, and + though there was something startling in the pace over such a piece of + road, I never lifted my eyes as the horseman came up, but continued my + slow progress onwards, my head sunk upon my bosom. + </p> + <p> + "Hallo, sir!" cried a sharp voice, whose tones seemed, somehow, not heard + for the first time. I looked up, saw a slight figure closely buttoned up + in a blue horseman's cloak, the collar of which almost entirely hid his + features; he wore a plain, cocked hat without a feather, and was mounted + upon a sharp, wiry-looking hack. + </p> + <p> + "Hallo, sir! What regiment do you belong to?" + </p> + <p> + As I had nothing of the soldier about me, save a blue foraging cap, to + denote my corps, the tone of the demand was little calculated to elicit a + very polished reply; but preferring, as most impertinent, to make no + answer, I passed on without speaking. + </p> + <p> + "Did you hear, sir?" cried the same voice, in a still louder key. "What's + your regiment?" + </p> + <p> + I now turned round, resolved to question the other in turn; when, to my + inexpressible shame and confusion, he had lowered the collar of his cloak, + and I saw the features of Sir Arthur Wellesley. + </p> + <p> + "Fourteenth Light Dragoons, sir," said I, blushing as I spoke. + </p> + <p> + "Have you not read the general order, sir? Why have you left the camp?" + </p> + <p> + Now, I had not read a general order nor even heard one for above a + fortnight. So I stammered out some bungling answer. + </p> + <p> + "To your quarters, sir, and report yourself under arrest. What's your + name?" + </p> + <p> + "Lieutenant O'Malley, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir, your passion for rambling shall be indulged. You shall be sent + to the rear with despatches; and as the army is in advance, probably the + lesson may be serviceable." So saying, he pressed spurs to his horse, and + was out of sight in a moment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXV. + </h2> + <p> + TALAVERA. + </p> + <p> + Having been despatched to the rear with orders for General Crawfurd, I did + not reach Talavera till the morning of the 28th. Two days' hard fighting + had left the contending armies still face to face, and without any decided + advantage on either side. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived upon the battle-field, the combat of the morning was over. + It was then ten o'clock, and the troops were at breakfast, if the few + ounces of wheat sparingly dealt out among them could be dignified by that + name. All was, however, life and animation on every side; the merry laugh, + the passing jest, the careless look, bespoke the free and daring character + of the soldiery, as they sat in groups upon the grass; and except when a + fatigue party passed by, bearing some wounded comrade to the rear, no + touch of seriousness rested upon their hardy features. The morning was + indeed a glorious one; a sky of unclouded blue stretched above a landscape + unsurpassed in loveliness. Far to the right rolled on in placid stream the + broad Tagus, bathing in its eddies the very walls of Talavera, the ground + from which, to our position, gently undulated across a plain of most + fertile richness and terminated on our extreme left in a bold height, + protected in front by a ravine, and flanked by a deep and rugged valley. + </p> + <p> + The Spaniards occupied the right of the line, connecting with our troops + at a rising ground, upon which a strong redoubt had been hastily thrown + up. The fourth division and the Guards were stationed here, next to whom + came Cameron's brigade and the Germans, Mackenzie and Hill holding the + extreme left of all, which might be called the key of our position. In the + valley beneath the latter were picketed three cavalry regiments, among + which I was not long in detecting my gallant friends of the Twenty-third. + </p> + <p> + As I rode rapidly past, saluting some old familiar face at each moment, I + could not help feeling struck at the evidence of the desperate battle that + so lately had raged there. The whole surface of the hill was one mass of + dead and dying, the bearskin of the French grenadier lying side by side + with the tartan of the Highlander. Deep furrows in the soil showed the + track of the furious cannonade, and the terrible evidences of a bayonet + charge were written in the mangled corpses around. + </p> + <p> + The fight had been maintained without any intermission from daybreak till + near nine o'clock that morning, and the slaughter on both sides was + dreadful. The mounds of fresh earth on every side told of the soldier's + sepulchre; and the unceasing tramp of the pioneers struck sadly upon the + ear, as the groans of the wounded blended with the funeral sounds around + them. + </p> + <p> + In front were drawn up the dark legions of France,—massive columns + of infantry, with dense bodies of artillery alternating along the line. + They, too, occupied a gently rising ground, the valley between the two + armies being crossed half way by a little rivulet; and here, during the + sultry heat of the morning, the troops on both sides met and mingled to + quench their thirst ere the trumpet again called them to the slaughter. + </p> + <p> + In a small ravine near the centre of our line were drawn up Cotton's + brigade, of whom the Fusiliers formed a part. Directly in front of this + were Campbell's brigade, to the left of which, upon a gentle slope, the + staff were now assembled. Thither, accordingly, I bent my steps, and as I + came up the little scarp, found myself among the generals of division, + hastily summoned by Sir Arthur to deliberate upon a forward movement. The + council lasted scarcely a quarter of an hour, and when I presented myself + to deliver my report, all the dispositions for the battle had been decided + upon, and the commander of the forces, seated upon the grass at his + breakfast, looked by far the most unconcerned and uninterested man I had + seen that morning. + </p> + <p> + He turned his head rapidly as I came up, and before the aide-de-camp could + announce me, called out:— + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir, what news of the reinforcements?" + </p> + <p> + "They cannot reach Talavera before to-morrow, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Then, before that, we shall not want them. That will do, sir." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he resumed his breakfast, and I retired, more than ever struck + with the surprising coolness of the man upon whom no disappointment seemed + to have the slightest influence. + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely rejoined my regiment, and was giving an account to my + brother officers of my journey, when an aide-de-camp came galloping at + full speed down the line, and communicating with the several commanding + officers as he passed. + </p> + <p> + What might be the nature of the orders we could not guess at; for no word + to fall in followed, and yet it was evident something of importance was at + hand. Upon the hill where the staff were assembled no unusual bustle + appeared; and we could see the bay cob of Sir Arthur still being led up + and down by the groom, with a dragoon's mantle thrown over him. The + soldiers, overcome by the heat and fatigue of the morning, lay stretched + around upon the grass, and everything bespoke a period of rest and + refreshment. + </p> + <p> + "We are going to advance, depend upon it!" said a young officer beside me; + "the repulse of this morning has been a smart lesson to the French, and + Sir Arthur won't leave them without impressing it upon them." + </p> + <p> + "Hark, what's that?" cried Baker; "listen!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, a strain of most delicious music came wafted across the + plain. It was from the band of a French regiment, and mellowed by the + distance, it seemed in the calm stillness of the morning air like + something less of earth than heaven. As we listened, the notes swelled + upwards yet fuller; and one by one the different bands seemed to join, + till at last the whole air seemed full of the rich flood of melody. + </p> + <p> + We could now perceive the stragglers were rapidly falling back, while high + above all other sounds the clanging notes of the trumpet were heard along + the line. The hoarse drum now beat to arms; and soon after a brilliant + staff rode slowly from between two dense bodies of infantry, and advancing + some distance into the plain, seemed to reconnoitre us. A cloud of Polish + cavalry, distinguished by their long lances and floating banners, loitered + in their rear. + </p> + <p> + We had not time for further observation, when the drums on our side beat + to arms, and the hoarse cry, "Fall in,—fall in there, lads!" + resounded along the line. + </p> + <p> + It was now one o'clock, and before half an hour the troops had resumed the + position of the morning, and stood silent and anxious spectators of the + scene before them. + </p> + <p> + Upon the table-land to the rear of the French position, we could descry + the gorgeous tent of King Joseph, around which a large and + splendidly-accoutred staff were seen standing. Here, too, the bustle and + excitement seemed considerable, for to this point the dark masses of the + infantry seemed converging from the extreme right; and here we could + perceive the royal guards and the reserve now forming in column of attack. + </p> + <p> + From the crest of the hill down to the very valley, the dark, dense ranks + extended, the flanks protected by a powerful artillery and deep masses of + heavy cavalry. It was evident that the attack was not to commence on our + side, and the greatest and most intense anxiety pervaded us as to what + part of our line was first to be assailed. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Sir Arthur Wellesley, who from the height had been patiently + observing the field of battle, despatched an aide-de-camp at full gallop + towards Campbell's brigade, posted directly in advance of us. As he passed + swiftly along, he called out, "You're in for it, Fourteenth; you'll have + to open the ball to-day." + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the words spoken, when a signal gun from the French boomed + heavily through the still air. The last echo was growing fainter, and the + heavy smoke breaking into mist, when the most deafening thunder ever my + ears heard came pealing around us; eighty pieces of artillery had opened + upon us, sending a very tempest of balls upon our line, while midst the + smoke and dust we could see the light troops advancing at a run, followed + by the broad and massive columns in all the terror and majesty of war. + </p> + <p> + "What a splendid attack! How gallantly they come on!" cried an old veteran + officer beside me, forgetting all rivalry in his noble admiration of our + enemy. + </p> + <p> + The intervening space was soon passed, and the tirailleurs falling back as + the columns came on, the towering masses bore down upon Campbell's + division with a loud cry of defiance. Silently and steadily the English + infantry awaited the attack, and returning the fire with one withering + volley, were ordered to charge. Scarcely were the bayonets lowered, when + the head of the advancing column broke and fled, while Mackenzie's + brigade, overlapping the flank, pushed boldly forward, and a scene of + frightful carnage followed; for a moment a hand-to-hand combat was + sustained, but the unbroken files and impregnable bayonets of the English + conquered, and the French fled, leaving six guns behind them. + </p> + <p> + The gallant enemy were troops of tried and proved courage, and scarcely + had they retreated when they again formed; but just as they prepared to + come forward, a tremendous shower of grape opened upon them from our + batteries, while a cloud of Spanish horse assailed them in flank and + nearly cut them in pieces. + </p> + <p> + While this was passing on the right, a tremendous attack menaced the hill + upon which our left was posted. Two powerful columns of French infantry, + supported by some regiments of light cavalry, came steadily forward to the + attack; Anson's brigade were ordered to charge. + </p> + <p> + Away they went at top speed, but had not gone above a hundred yards when + they were suddenly arrested by a deep chasm; here the German hussars + pulled short up, but the Twenty-third dashing impetuously forward; a scene + of terrific carnage ensued, men and horses rolling indiscriminately + together under a withering fire from the French squares. Even here, + however, British valor quailed not, for Major Francis Ponsonby, forming + all who came up, rode boldly upon a brigade of French chasseurs in the + rear. Victor, who from the first had watched the movement, at once + despatched a lancer regiment against them, and then these brave fellows + were absolutely cut to atoms, the few who escaped having passed through + the French columns and reached Bassecour's Spanish division on the far + right. + </p> + <p> + During this time the hill was again assailed, and even more desperately + than before; while Victor himself led on the fourth corps to an attack + upon our right and centre. + </p> + <p> + The Guards waited without flinching the impetuous rush of the advancing + columns, and when at length within a short distance, dashed forward with + the bayonet, driving everything before them. The French fell back upon + their sustaining masses, and rallying in an instant, again came forward, + supported by a tremendous fire from their batteries. The Guards drew back, + and the German Legion, suddenly thrown into confusion, began to retire in + disorder. This was the most critical moment of the day, for although + successful upon the extreme right and left of our line, our centre was + absolutely broken. Just at this moment Gordon rode up to our brigade; his + face was pale, and his look flurried and excited. + </p> + <p> + "The Forty-eighth are coming; here they are,—support them, + Fourteenth." + </p> + <p> + These few words were all he spoke; and the next moment the measured tread + of a column was heard behind us. On they came like one man, their compact + and dense formation looking like some massive wall; wheeling by companies, + they suffered the Guards and Germans to retire behind them, and then, + reforming into line, they rushed forward with the bayonet. Our artillery + opened with a deafening thunder behind them, and then we were ordered to + charge. + </p> + <p> + We came on at a trot; the Guards, who had now recovered their formation, + cheered us as we proceeded. The smoke of the cannonade obscured everything + until we had advanced some distance, but just as we emerged beyond the + line of the gallant Forty-eighth, the splendid panorama of the + battle-field broke suddenly upon us. + </p> + <p> + "Charge, forward!" cried the hoarse voice of our colonel; and we were upon + them. The French infantry, already broken by the withering musketry of our + people, gave way before us, and unable to form a square, retired fighting + but in confusion, and with tremendous loss, to their position. One + glorious cheer, from left to right of our line, proclaimed the victory, + while a deafening discharge of artillery from the French replied to this + defiance, and the battle was over. Had the Spanish army been capable of a + forward movement, our successes at this moment would have been, much more + considerable; but they did not dare to change their position, and the + repulse of our enemy was destined to be all our glory. The French, + however, suffered much more severely than we did; and retiring during the + night, fell back behind the Alberche, leaving us the victory and the + battle-field. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVI. + </h2> + <p> + NIGHT AFTER TALAVERA. + </p> + <p> + The night which followed the battle was a sad one. Through the darkness, + and under a fast-falling rain, the hours were spent in searching for our + wounded comrades amidst the heap of slain upon the field; and tho + glimmering of the lanterns, as they flickered far and near across the wide + plain, bespoke the track of the fatigue parties in their mournful round; + while the groans of the wounded rose amidst the silence with an accent of + heart-rending anguish; so true was it, as our great commander said, "There + is nothing more sad than a victory, except a defeat." + </p> + <p> + Around our bivouac fires, the feeling of sorrowful depression was also + evident. We had gained a great victory, it was true: we had beaten the + far-famed legions of France upon a ground of their own choosing, led by + the most celebrated of their marshals and under the eyes of the Emperor's + own brother; but still we felt all the hazardous daring of our position, + and had no confidence whatever in the courage or discipline of our allies; + and we saw that in the very <i>mêlée</i> of the battle the efforts of the + enemy were directed almost exclusively against our line, so confidently + did they undervalue the efforts of the Spanish troops. Morning broke at + length, and scarcely was the heavy mist clearing away before the red + sunlight, when the sounds of fife and drum were heard from a distant part + of the field. The notes swelled or sank as the breeze rose or fell, and + many a conjecture was hazarded as to their meaning, for no object was well + visible for more than a few hundred yards off; gradually, however, they + grew nearer and nearer, and at length, as the air cleared, and the hazy + vapor evaporated, the bright scarlet uniform of a British regiment was + seen advancing at a quick-step. + </p> + <p> + As they came nearer, the well-known march of the gallant 43d was + recognized by some of our people, and immediately the rumor fled like + lightning: "It is Crawfurd's brigade!" and so it was; the noble fellow had + marched his division the unparalleled distance of sixty English miles in + twenty-seven hours. Over a burning sandy soil, exposed to a raging sun, + without rations, almost without water, these gallant troops pressed on in + the unwearied hope of sharing the glory of the battle-field. One + tremendous cheer welcomed the head of the column as they marched past, and + continued till the last file had deployed before us. + </p> + <p> + As these splendid regiments moved by we could not help feeling what signal + service they might have rendered us but a few hours before. Their + soldier-like bearing, their high and effective state of discipline, their + well-known reputation, were in every mouth; and I scarcely think that any + corps who stood the brunt of the mighty battle were the subject of more + encomium than the brave fellows who had just joined us. + </p> + <p> + The mournful duties of the night were soon forgotten in the gay and + buoyant sounds on every side. Congratulations, shaking of hands, kind + inquiries, went round; and as we looked to the hilly ground where so + lately were drawn up in battle array the dark columns of our enemy, and + where not one sentinel now remained, the proud feeling of our victory came + home to our hearts with the ever-thrilling thought, "What will they say at + home?" + </p> + <p> + I was standing amidst a group of my brother officers, when I received an + order from the colonel to ride down to Talavera for the return of our + wounded, as the arrival of the commander-in-chief was momentarily looked + for. I threw myself upon my horse, and setting out at a brisk pace, soon + reached the gates. + </p> + <p> + On entering the town, I was obliged to dismount and proceed on foot. The + streets were completely filled with people, treading their way among + wagons, forage carts, and sick-litters. Here was a booth filled with all + imaginable wares for sale; there was a temporary gin-shop established + beneath a broken baggage-wagon; here might be seen a merry party throwing + dice for a turkey or a kid; there, a wounded man, with bloodless cheek and + tottering step, inquiring the road to the hospital. The accents of agony + mingled with the drunken chorus, and the sharp crack of the + provost-marshal's whip was heard above the boisterous revelling of the + debauchee. All was confusion, bustle, and excitement. The staff officer, + with his flowing plume and glittering epaulettes, wended his way on foot, + amidst the din and bustle, unnoticed and uncared for; while the little + drummer amused an admiring audience of simple country-folk by some + wondrous tale of the great victory. + </p> + <p> + My passage through this dense mass was necessarily a slow one. No one made + way for another; discipline for the time was at an end, and with it all + respect for rank or position. It was what nothing of mere vicissitude in + the fortune of war can equal,—the wild orgies of an army the day + after a battle. + </p> + <p> + On turning the corner of a narrow street, my attention was attracted by a + crowd which, gathered round a small fountain, seemed, as well as I could + perceive, to witness some proceeding with a more than ordinary interest. + Exclamations in Portuguese, expressive of surprise and admiration, wore + mingled with English oaths and Irish ejaculations, while high above all + rose other sounds,—the cries of some one in pain and suffering; + forcing my way through the dense group, I at length reached the interior + of the crowd when, to my astonishment, I perceived a short, fat, + punchy-looking man, stripped of his coat and waist-coat, and with his + shirt-sleeves rolled up to his shoulder, busily employed in operating upon + a wounded soldier. Amputation knives, tourniquets, bandages, and all other + imaginable instruments for giving or alleviating torture were strewed + about him, and from the arrangement and preparation, it was clear that he + had pitched upon this spot as an hospital for his patients. While he + continued to perform his functions with a singular speed and dexterity, he + never for a moment ceased 'a running fire of small talk, now addressed to + the patient in particular, now to the crowd at large, sometimes a + soliloquy to himself, and not unfrequently, abstractedly, upon things in + general. These little specimens of oratory, delivered in such a place at + such a time, and, not least of all, in the richest imaginable Cork accent, + were sufficient to arrest my steps, and I stopped for some time to observe + him. + </p> + <p> + The patient, who was a large, powerfully-built fellow, had been wounded in + both legs by the explosion of a shell, but yet not so severely as to + require amputation. + </p> + <p> + "Does that plaze you, then?" said the doctor, as he applied some powerful + caustic to a wounded vessel; "there's no satisfying the like of you. Quite + warm and comfortable ye'll be this morning after that. I saw the same + shell coming, and I called out to Maurice Blake, 'By your leave, Maurice, + let that fellow pass, he's in a hurry!' and faith, I said to myself, + 'there's more where you came from,—you're not an only child, and I + never liked the family.' What are ye grinning for, ye brown thieves?" This + was addressed to the Portuguese. "There, now, keep the limb quiet and + easy. Upon my conscience, if that shell fell into ould Lundy Foot's shop + this morning, there'd be plenty of sneezing in Sacksville Street. Who's + next?" said he, looking round with an expression that seemed to threaten + that if no wounded man was ready he was quite prepared to carve out a + patient for himself. Not exactly relishing the invitation in the searching + that accompanied it, I backed my way through the crowd, and continued my + path towards the hospital. + </p> + <p> + Here the scene which presented itself was shocking beyond belief,—frightful + and ghastly wounds from shells and cannon-shot were seen on all sides, + every imaginable species of suffering that man is capable of was presented + to view; while amidst the dead and dying, operations the most painful were + proceeding with a haste and bustle that plainly showed how many more + waited their turn for similar offices. The stairs were blocked up with + fresh arrivals of wounded men, and even upon the corridors and + landing-places the sick were strewn on all sides. + </p> + <p> + I hurried to that part of the building where my own people were, and soon + learned that our loss was confined to about fourteen wounded; five of them + were officers. But fortunately, we lost not a man of our gallant fellows, + and Talavera brought us no mourning for a comrade to damp the exultation + we felt in our victory. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVII. + </h2> + <p> + THE OUTPOST. + </p> + <p> + During the three days which succeeded the battle, all things remained as + they were before. The enemy had gradually withdrawn all his forces, and + our most advanced pickets never came in sight of a French detachment. + Still, although we had gained a great victory, our situation was anything + but flattering. The most strenuous exertions of the commissariat were + barely sufficient to provision the troops; and we had even already but too + much experience of how little trust or reliance could be reposed in the + most lavish promises of our allies. It was true, our spirits failed us + not; but it was rather from an implicit and never-failing confidence in + the resources of our great leader, than that any among us could see his + way through the dense cloud of difficulty and danger that seemed to + envelop us on every side. + </p> + <p> + To add to the pressing emergency of our position, we learned on the + evening of the 31st that Soult was advancing from the north, and at the + head of fourteen thousand chosen troops in full march upon Placentia; thus + threatening our rear, at the very moment too, when any further advance was + evidently impossible. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 1st of August, I was ordered, with a small party, to + push forward in the direction of the Alberche, upon the left bank of which + it was reported that the French were again concentrating their forces, and + if possible, to obtain information of their future movements. Meanwhile + the army was about to fall back upon Oropesa, there to await Soult's + advance, and if necessary, to give him battle; Cuesta engaging with his + Spaniards to secure Talavera, with its stores and hospitals, against any + present movement from Victor. + </p> + <p> + After a hearty breakfast, and a kind "Good-by!" from my brother officers, + I set out. My road along the Tagus, for several miles of the way, was a + narrow path scarped from the rocky ledge of the river, shaded by rich + olive plantations that throw a friendly shade over us during the noonday + heat. + </p> + <p> + We travelled along silently, sparing our cattle from time to time, but + endeavoring ere nightfall to reach Torrijos, in which village we had heard + several French soldiers were in hospital. Our information leading us to + believe them very inadequately guarded, we hoped to make some prisoners, + from whom the information we sought could in all likelihood be obtained. + More than once during the day our road was crossed by parties similar to + our own, sent forward to reconnoitre; and towards evening a party of the + 23d Light Dragoons, returning towards Talavera, informed us that the + French had retired from Torrijos, which was now occupied by an English + detachment under my old friend O'Shaughnessy. + </p> + <p> + I need not say with what pleasure I heard this piece of news, and eagerly + pressed forward, preferring the warm shelter and hospitable board the + major was certain of possessing, to the cold blast and dripping grass of a + bivouac. Night, however, fell fast; darkness, without an intervening + twilight, set in, and we lost our way. A bleak table-land with here and + there a stunted, leafless tree was all that we could discern by the pale + light of a new moon. An apparently interminable heath uncrossed by path or + foot-track was before us, and our jaded cattle seemed to feel the dreary + uncertainty of the prospect as sensitively as ourselves,—stumbling + and over-reaching at every step. + </p> + <p> + Cursing my ill-luck for such a misadventure, and once more picturing to my + mind the bright blazing hearth and smoking supper I had hoped to partake + of, I called a halt, and prepared to pass the night. My decision was + hastened by finding myself suddenly in a little grove of pine-trees whose + shelter was not to be despised; besides that, our bivouac fires were now + sure of being supplied. + </p> + <p> + It was fortunate the night was fine, though dark. In a calm, still + atmosphere, when not a leaf moved nor a branch stirred, we picketed our + tired horses, and shaking out their forage, heaped up in the midst a + blazing fire of the fir-tree. Our humble supper was produced, and even + with the still lingering revery of the major and his happier destiny, I + began to feel comfortable. + </p> + <p> + My troopers, who probably had not been flattering their imaginations with + such <i>gourmand</i> reflections and views, sat happily around their + cheerful blaze, chatting over the great battle they had so lately + witnessed, and mingling their stories of some comrade's prowess with + sorrows for the dead and proud hopes for the future. In the midst, upon + his knees beside the flame, was Mike, disputing, detailing, guessing, and + occasionally inventing,—all his arguments only tending to one view + of the late victory: "That it was the Lord's mercy the most of the 48th + was Irish, or we wouldn't be sitting there now!" + </p> + <p> + Despite Mr. Free's conversational gifts, however, his audience one by one + dropped off in sleep, leaving him sole monarch of the watch-fire, and—what + he thought more of—a small brass kettle nearly full of + brandy-and-water. This latter, I perceived, he produced when all was + tranquil, and seemed, as he cast a furtive glance around, to assure + himself that he was the only company present. + </p> + <p> + Lying some yards off, I watched him for about an hour, as he sat rubbing + his hands before the blaze, or lifting the little vessel to his lips; his + droll features ever and anon seeming acted upon by some passing dream of + former devilment, as he smiled and muttered some sentences in an + under-voice. Sleep at length overpowered me; but my last waking thoughts + were haunted with a singular ditty by which Mike accompanied himself as he + kept burnishing the buttons of my jacket before the fire, now and then + interrupting the melody by a recourse to the copper. + </p> + <p> + "Well, well; you're clean enough now, and sure it's little good + brightening you up, when you'll be as bad to-morrow. Like his father's + son, devil a lie in it! Nothing would serve him but his best blue jacket + to fight in, as if the French was particular what they killed us in. + Pleasant trade, upon my conscience! Well, never mind. That's beautiful <i>sperets</i>, + anyhow. Your health, Mickey Free; it's yourself that stands to me. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "It's little for glory I care; + Sure ambition is only a fable; + I'd as soon be myself as Lord Mayor, + With lashings of drink on the table. + I like to lie down in the sun + And <i>drame</i>, when my <i>faytures</i> is scorchin' + That when I'm too <i>ould</i> for more fun, + Why, I'll marry a wife with a fortune. + + "And in winter, with bacon and eggs, + And a place, at the turf-fire basking, + Sip my punch as I roasted my legs, + Oh, the devil a more I'd be asking! + For I haven't a <i>janius</i> for work,— + It was never the gift of the Bradies,— + But I'd make a most <i>illigant</i> Turk, + For I'm fond of tobacco and ladies." +</pre> + <p> + This confounded <i>refrain</i> kept ringing through my dream, and "tobacco + and ladies" mingled with my thoughts of storm and battle-field long after + their very gifted author had composed himself to slumber. + </p> + <p> + Sleep, and sound sleep, came at length, and many hours elapsed ere I + awoke. When I did so, my fire was reduced to its last embers. Mike, like + the others, had sunk in slumber, and midst the gray dawn that precedes the + morning, I could just perceive the dark shadows of my troopers as they lay + in groups around. + </p> + <p> + The fatigues of the previous day had so completely overcome me, that it + was with difficulty I could arouse myself so far as to heap fresh logs + upon the fire. This I did with my eyes half closed, and in that listless, + dreamy state which seems the twilight of sleep. + </p> + <p> + I managed so much, however, and was returning to my couch beneath a tree, + when suddenly an object presented itself to my eyes that absolutely rooted + me to the spot. At about twenty or thirty yards distant, where but the + moment before the long line of horizon terminated the view, there now + stood a huge figure of some ten or twelve feet in height,—two heads, + which surmounted this colossal personage, moved alternately from side to + side, while several arms waved loosely to and fro in the most strange and + uncouth manner. My first impression was that a dream had conjured up this + distorted image; but when I had assured myself by repeated pinchings and + shakings that I was really awake, still it remained there. I was never + much given to believe in ghosts; but even had I been so, this strange + apparition must have puzzled me as much as ever, for it could not have + been the representative of anything I ever heard of before. + </p> + <p> + A vague suspicion that some French trickery was concerned, induced me to + challenge it in French; so, without advancing a step, I halloed out, "<i>Qui + va là</i>?" + </p> + <p> + My voice aroused a sleeping soldier, who, springing up beside me, had his + carbine at the cock; while, equally thunderstruck with myself, he gazed at + the monster. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Qui va là</i>?" shouted I again, and no answer was returned, when + suddenly the huge object wheeled rapidly around, and without waiting for + any further parley, made for the thicket. + </p> + <p> + The tramp of a horse's feet now assured me as to the nature of at least + part of the spectacle, when click went the trigger behind me, and the + trooper's ball rushed whistling through the brushwood. In a moment the + whole party were up and stirring. + </p> + <p> + "This way, lads!" cried I, as drawing my sabre, I dashed into the pine + wood. + </p> + <p> + For a few moments all was dark as midnight; but as we proceeded farther, + we came out upon a little open space which commanded the plain beneath for + a great extent. + </p> + <p> + "There it goes!" said one of the men, pointing to a narrow, beaten path, + in which the tall figure moved at a slow and stately pace, while still the + same wild gestures of heads and limbs continued. + </p> + <p> + "Don't fire, men! don't fire!" I cried, "but follow me," as I set forward + as hard as I could. + </p> + <p> + As we neared it, the frantic gesticulations grew more and more remarkable, + while some stray words, which we half caught, sounded like English in our + ears. We were now within pistol-shot distance, when suddenly the horse—for + that much at least we were assured of—stumbled and fell forward, + precipitating the remainder of the object headlong into the road. + </p> + <p> + In a second we were upon the spot, when the first sounds which greeted me + were the following, uttered in an accent by no means new to me:— + </p> + <p> + "Oh, blessed Virgin! Wasn't it yourself that threw me in the mud, or my + nose was done for? Shaugh, Shaugh, my boy, since we are taken, tip them + the blarney, and say we're generals of division!" + </p> + <p> + I need not say with what a burst of laughter I received this very original + declaration. + </p> + <p> + "I ought to know that laugh," cried a voice I at once knew to be my friend + O'Shaughnessy's. "Are you Charles O'Malley, by any chance in life?" + </p> + <p> + "The same, Major, and delighted to meet you; though, faith, we were near + giving you a rather warm reception. What, in the Devil's name, did you + represent, just now?" + </p> + <p> + "Ask Maurice, there, bad luck to him. I wish the Devil had him when he + persuaded me into it." + </p> + <p> + "Introduce me to your friend," replied the other, rubbing his shins as he + spoke. "Mr. O'Mealey,"—so he called me,—"I think. Happy to + meet you; my mother was a Ryan of Killdooley, married to a first cousin of + your father's before she took Mr. Quill, my respected progenitor. I'm Dr. + Quill of the 48th, more commonly called Maurice Quill. Tear and ages! how + sore my back is! It was all the fault of the baste, Mr. O'Mealey. We set + out in search of you this morning, to bring you back with us to Torrijos, + but we fell in with a very pleasant funeral at Barcaventer, and joined + them. They invited us, I may say, to spend the day; and a very jovial day + it was. I was the chief mourner, and carried a very big candle through the + village, in consideration of as fine a meat-pie, and as much lush as my + grief permitted me to indulge in afterwards. But, my dear sir, when it was + all finished, we found ourselves nine miles from our quarters; and as + neither of us were in a very befitting condition for pedestrian exercise, + we stole one of the leaders out of the hearse,—velvet, plumes, and + all,—and set off home. + </p> + <p> + "When we came upon your party we were not over clear whether you were + English, Portuguese, or French, and that was the reason I called out to + you, 'God save all here!' in Irish. Your polite answer was a shot, which + struck the old horse in the knee, and although we wheeled about in + double-quick, we never could get him out of his professional habits on the + road. He had a strong notion he was engaged in another funeral,—as + he was very likely to be,—and the devil a bit faster than a dead + march could we get him to, with all our thrashing. Orderly time for men in + a hurry, with a whole platoon blazing away behind them! But long life to + the cavalry, they never hit anything!" + </p> + <p> + While he continued to run on in this manner, we reached our watch-fire, + when what was my surprise to discover, in my newly-made acquaintance, the + worthy doctor I had seen a day or two before operating at the fountain at + Talavera. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mr. O'Mealey," said he, as he seated himself before the blaze, + "What is the state of the larder? Anything savory,—anything + drink-inspiring to be had?" + </p> + <p> + "I fear, Doctor, my fare is of the very humblest; still—" + </p> + <p> + "What are the fluids, Charley?" cried the major; "the cruel performance I + have been enacting on that cursed beast has left me in a fever." + </p> + <p> + "This was a pigeon-pie, formerly," said Dr. Quill, investigating the + ruined walls of a pasty; "and,—but come, here's a duck; and if my + nose deceive me not, a very tolerable ham. Peter—Larry—Patsy—What's + the name of your familiar there?" + </p> + <p> + "Mickey—Mickey Tree." + </p> + <p> + "Mickey Free, then; come here, avick! Devise a little drink, my son,—none + of the weakest—no lemon—-hot! You understand, hot! That chap + has an eye for punch; there's no mistaking an Irish fellow, Nature has + endowed them richly,—fine features and a beautiful absorbent system! + That's the gift! Just look at him, blowing up the fire,—isn't he a + picture? Well, O'Mealey, I was fretting that we hadn't you up at Torrijos; + we were enjoying life very respectably,—we established a little + system of small tithes upon fowl, sheep, pigs' heads, and wine skins that + throve remarkably for the time. Here's the lush! Put it down there, + Mickey, in the middle; that's right. Your health, Shaugh. O'Mealey, here's + a troop to you; and in the mean time I'll give you a chant:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Come, ye jovial souls, don't over the bowl be sleeping, + Nor let the grog go round like a cripple creeping; + If your care comes, up, in the liquor sink it, + Pass along the lush, I'm the boy can drink it. + Isn't that so, Mrs. Mary Callaghan? + Isn't that so, Mrs. Mary Callaghan?' +</pre> + <p> + "Shaugh, my hearty, this begins to feel comfortable." + </p> + <p> + "Your man, O'Mealey, has a most judicious notion of punch for a small + party; and though one has prejudices about a table, chairs, and that sort + of thing, take my word for it, it's better than fighting the French, any + day." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Charley, it certainly did look quite awkward enough the other day + towards three o'clock, when the Legion fell back before that French + column, and broke the Guards behind them." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, you're quite right; but I think every one felt that the confusion + was but momentary,—the gallant Forty-eighth was up in an instant." + </p> + <p> + "Faith, I can answer for their alacrity!" said the doctor "I was making my + way to the rear with all convenient despatch, when an aide-de-camp called + out,— + </p> + <p> + "'Cavalry coming! Take care, Forty-eighth!' + </p> + <p> + "'Left face, wheel! Fall in there, fall in there!' I heard on every side, + and soon found myself standing in a square, with Sir Arthur himself and + Hill and the rest of them all around me. + </p> + <p> + "'Steady, men! Steady, now!' said Hill, as he rode around the ranks, while + we saw an awful column of cuirassiers forming on the rising ground to our + left. + </p> + <p> + "'Here they come!' said Sir Arthur, as the French came powdering along, + making the very earth tremble beneath them. + </p> + <p> + "My first thought was, 'The devils are mad, and they'll ride down into us, + before they know they're kilt!' And sure enough, smash into our first rank + they pitched, sabring and cutting all before them; when at last the word + 'Fire!' was given, and the whole head of the column broke like a shell, + and rolled horse over man on the earth. + </p> + <p> + "'Very well done! very well, indeed!' said Sir Arthur, turning as coolly + round to me as if he was asking for more gravy. + </p> + <p> + "'Mighty well done!' said I, in reply; and resolving not to be outdone in + coolness, I pulled out my snuff-box and offered him a pinch, saying, 'The + real thing, Sir Arthur; our own countryman,—blackguard.' + </p> + <p> + "He gave a little grim kind of a smile, took a pinch, and then called out,— + </p> + <p> + "'Let Sherbroke advance!' while turning again towards me, he said, 'Where + are your people, Colonel?' + </p> + <p> + "'Colonel!' thought I; 'is it possible he's going to promote me?' But + before I could answer, he was talking to another. Meanwhile Hill came up, + and looking at me steadily, burst out with,— + </p> + <p> + "'Why the devil are you here, sir? Why ain't you at the rear?' + </p> + <p> + "'Upon my conscience,' said I, 'that's the very thing I'm puzzling myself + about this minute! But if you think it's pride in me, you're greatly + mistaken, for I'd rather the greatest scoundrel in Dublin was kicking me + down Sackville Street, than be here now!' + </p> + <p> + "You'd think it was fun I was making, if you heard how they all laughed, + Hill and Cameron and the others louder than any. + </p> + <p> + "'Who is he?' said Sir Arthur, quickly. + </p> + <p> + "'Dr. Quill, surgeon of the Thirty-third, where I exchanged, to be near my + brother, sir, in the Thirty-fourth.' + </p> + <p> + "'A doctor,—a surgeon! That fellow a surgeon! Damn him, I took him + for Colonel Grosvenor! I say, Gordon, these medical officers must be + docked of their fine feathers, there's no knowing them from the staff,—look + to that in the next general order.' + </p> + <p> + "And sure enough they left us bare and naked the next morning; and if the + French sharpshooters pick us down now, devil mend them for wasting powder, + for if they look in the orderly books, they'll find their mistake." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Maurice, Maurice!" said Shaugh, with a sigh, "you'll never improve,—you'll + never improve!" + </p> + <p> + "Why the devil would I?" said he. "Ain't I at the top of my profession—full + surgeon—with nothing to expect, nothing to hope for? Oh, if I had + only remained in the light company, what wouldn't I be now?" + </p> + <p> + "Then you were not always a doctor?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Upon my conscience, I wasn't," said he. "When Shaugh knew me first, I was + the Adonis of the Roscommon militia, with more heiresses in my list than + any man in the regiment; but Shaugh and myself were always unlucky." + </p> + <p> + "Poor Mrs. Rogers!" said the major, pathetically, drinking off his glass + and heaving a profound sigh. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, the darling!" said the doctor. "If it wasn't for a jug of punch that + lay on the hall table, our fortune in life would be very different." + </p> + <p> + "True for you, Maurice!" quoth O'Shaughnessy. + </p> + <p> + "I should like much to hear that story," said I, pushing the jug briskly + round. + </p> + <p> + "He'll tell it you," said O'Shaughnessy, lighting his cigar, and leaning + pensively back against a tree,—"he'll tell it you." + </p> + <p> + "I will, with pleasure," said Maurice. "Let Mr. Free, meantime, amuse + himself with the punch-bowl, and I'll relate it." + </p> + <p> + END OF VOLUME I. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Charles O'Malley, The Irish Dragoon, +Volume 1 (of 2), by Charles Lever + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHARLES O'MALLEY, I. *** + +***** This file should be named 8577-h.htm or 8577-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.net/8/5/7/8577/ + +Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team. 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