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ALTHOR OK " STIltRI.Nu IXCIDENTS IX THF I IP,. ,..- ^-^18 IX THh I.IFE OF A IlItlTISII SOLDIKK." PUBLISHED BY THOMAS FAUGHNAN 1890. Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety, by Thomas Fauohnan, in the office of the Minister of Agriculture, le year one in the ofRce THISSTORY.'OP re IS, BY KIND PERMISSION, TO GENERAL SIR P. l. M'DOUGALL, K.C.M.G. BY HIS OBEDIKNT SKRVANT, THOMAS FAUGHNAN. PREFACE. M ^^fURAGED by the success of »y first attempt at ^ literary feme, and stimulated to further emulation by the favourable reception and popularity bestowed by a propitious public on my flr.t production, i. ... « Life oil B„t.sh Soldier," andfeeling, Uke most Irishmen, » inL" haustible store of fun and buoyancy of spirit within me kd me to believe that I could further contribut^ to " grateful community another nar^tive founded o^ Lt not on y abounding in facetious effusions, which win I am certain, cause much inter«,t, and a hearty laugh with! out much eicpenae. But the mon.1 is also Ii^n^end^t Ite perusal cannot fail to impart both knowledge and Z^t t:'btha;r "^ '' '''"""'' ""'' "'"^»'- »«» (with three exceptions) were all alive when Zt heard fr«^m tk^; 1 , w^eu last -I. ^.,„,, ,^^| jj^j^gg^ however, I have thouahf proper to change in this stoiy for obvious reaaol :^,' • • * Vlll PREFACE. incidents, though strange, natural and striking, are graphi- cally delineated. And now, before closing this preface. I take this opportunity of expressing my sincere gratitude to an appreciative public for the favour bestowed on my former book, which further animates me to solicit your patronage for the present story a sympathetic criticism and a genial judgment. With much pleasure, J I subscribe myself Yours faithfully, THOS. FAUGHNAN. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. l^ord Marcourt receives a TelPtn-am-nr \T.%' i. '^QB. Lady Marcourf 8 Death-^rVonn ^^f ^"^^""-Marcourt Hall- Philo«ophy-MoIly Mollahan'sfinlfl^ Surgeon-Denni. O'Brien's Story-P,„dee„ IRound-head-The wV %T^ O'Shane-A Sad eral- The Friends-The Tour-Th« II^'-^^' Story-The Fun- -The Castle-The Party Th«n ^°*"™-Lady Iris's Birth-day TheEaves-dropper-S^nlto ? ""' ^-^^^l^~The Cooin.-"^ i-asBionate Overtures-The Protestations. .^. . 13 CHAPTER ir. Personification-The Dark Deed a- '« f f '^ Consnitod-The &hooting--The Flight-A T ov„ 7 ' ^f"'^ '° *'^« Water-Tbe The ^-trn. -TheL,istt-TrW^^^^^ "^ ^'"^«- Ret„rn-The Journey- The Brigand Trp,^"'-'^"^-^'^-'''^^ Identity-Man's Hotel-The iC- 7. ^f^'^'-^-The Mistaken Guest-The Little Ba d Pa e pT'"'":'?^' Apparition-The Told-The Conrtship4xit Pltfr Tnt'^''^ '''"' ^'^ ^"'^""e CHAPTER III. J^ady Jris-The Brfcakfas*~TJ,a t^- . The Dialogue-The Library--?^' S' V'^^""^ ^"'^^ ^'^'^^ W«-^ Michael Angelo-Maud's NaturaTpSrl°''"rt?"°^ ^"''J^'^* *«' Interview-The Guests-Gen iu Lfs IT '^T. ''^ D'alogue-The — Iri-'a \t;- ! ■• T J '-"cujua nas no Spy — TVfo,,/" n* '-1 in., s Mmj ^^jg^^ Up— Her Fftf»,»„ t. "' , '"'^" ^"'cs Coungnl 43 Contents. ?h'J'p''''%'^'';r,T"f«""-The Boys Clothes -Rol.o,tE>r.-' a he i^;rraok8- The Idol of her Heart- The Kecruiting Sergeanl- Iri*. aluis Robert Ayre-The Enlistment .... . "_ CHAPTER IV. The Barracks-The Bugle Major-The Young Trun,peter-Her Feel- ingH-The K.t-The Drill-Our Heroine Di.r.issed Drill- Hubert Promoted-Phcenix Park-TheKoute-l'he I'arade-DrawSword -The Maich-Lmbarkat.on-'lhe Departure-The Voyage-Sea S,ckness-ahe Tu.op Shij^The Land Descried-Debrrkation- The March-Egyptian Camp-The Scenery-The Highiander-The ?„ '™'t7 tT ^ir^"' A.nused-The Ba.hi-Bazouks-Ornar Pasha- 1 he Indian P,lgri,ns-The T.irkish Prophetess-Our Hero- zne-Tha Turkish Cafd-The Corps-de-Garde-keKeconnaissance -The Lzvouac-Robert Eyre Speaks French-Translates-Iris -iTeX'^g^ "^^' Hin.alaya-The l^ombiaed Fleets PAOI 87 128 CHAPTER V. The Ket.urn Irom Galway-Iris's Letter-Maude Gives Counsel-A Severe &h(,ck-Richmond Informed-Early Lift-The Advice-The Ueparture-London-Hanover Square-The Hotel-Tho Introduc- Uon-A Select Little Party- Master Jackanapes-The BobWes- The Gin Palace-The Strange Old Cock-The Sleepy Bar-tender -The Queen of Hearts- The Club-Threadbare Aristocracy- The O.d Cocks Story- The Carousals- The College Chum-The Em- barkation for New York , •„ CHAPTER VI. The Combined Fleets-The Voyage-The Crimea at Last -Disembark- ation-The Brigade Formed- A Desolate Beach-The Houseless Army— i he Cossacks— Lord Lucan-They open Fire -The Halt The Bivouac-The Misery-The Military SpectaTLtS7' AriHtocracy-The Oayetio« - Adventure -The Den- Ol.l jC ir ,;; ''^ I'erHonation-Tho Chase-The Depart::e-^ .'^,fha:tr T ^>''* "'^ '•■■'^'"'^''>« Orleans i^^xha.usted- 1 he Money G<,ne-New CHAPTER Vni your fl,., B„y._The CL... f.., wJ^lZ%lu^Tl:r^"""" 2ri2 CHAPTER IX. 'Hie Voyage- The Negro Trader-Thp Uioi aamblin,.house-Lserve ; ,r FtiTh^TT^'^^u'''"'''*"''-'^^ The Victory-The CelebraLLTheJ. ^^^'l}^" T"«h'«en-- Fun- Call a Cab-The Rid ?>" Rail-nTR^.T'''^ '''^*~ ''"'^ ^^ -.ro-Char.e Vour Oirj^^^t^I-rP:;^^^^^^^^^ 3. CHAPTER X. The Piecing Cold Blaat-The Vast ra«« '"ri. t^ Advancing-The Battle of Wr^r cfn. -^^r '''^ ^"^'"^ tain Eyre- Pat McAvoy- Pars r/T""" ^^""""'^''•-C^P- Victory-Captain Eyrl-The W . "7^ o"",*^ ""'^ Carnage-The »^-er^^pe.^,_oJHeroine^H^b . p"'^.^*'^ *^^ ^i"««°- Redan-The Flirtation Tl.v..'"^"''^'"*^ *^« Dead-The barkation-Tha Eu^;~'^,\^"^^^^^ Zouave-The Em Bazaar-The Depar u^T-Pat M T ^-"-Description- The .^Sgean Me.~q2.JZ^lt ^'^'^l-^^' Dialog„e-The Writing T,e Change orCoru^e-^reSurpHr^^^^^^^^ T^^' -The Marriage- -The Honeymoon ^ ^'^'^P"''^- Ihe Love Scene 366 Contents. CHAPTER Xr. QAGB Gmger-riece-The Surpnse-Peter Quigl^-The Story-The Prisoner ri /rm'-^escued-The Election-The Nigger Trader-The PH ? T^r ^*^*-Who Comes Th«e?-'lhe Confederate Chief-lhe Execution-The Yankees are On Us-The Secessionists -Louisiana Volunteers-Peter Quigley-The Attack-Tlie De- fence-lhe Hou: 3 on Fire-The Letter-New York 409 CHAPTER Xir. The Honeymoon-The Shamrock Cottage-Lady Iris-The Castle- The Eeception-The Chamber-The Congratulations-The Dinner Party-rhe Dialogue-The Parties-The Train to Dublin-The Town House-The Balls-The Co«p.rf^ Cm.. -She Visits Hubert -Richmond s Return -The Reception-The Invitations-Sir Char es Lamb-The Dinner-The Ladies Eetire-T„e Singing- What Rare C^aret-The Soliloquy-Iris and Maud-The MissL of Chanty-Old Kitty Dalton's Mystery-The Dialogue-Visits Betsey-~Dubhn-Peter Quigley's Letter-The Guests-Hubert and Richmond meet Face to Face Suddenly-Hubert Proves his Innocence-The Evidence-RichmoBd Flies for his Life-Th. • n^ ll''^'*"^'^ Restoratlon-The Confession-The Rejoic- ing -The New WiU-The Vast Possession-Riches and Honor- Ihe Conclusion 419 THEYOCIGi^OSSAR; OR, tADY IRIS'S ADVENTURE. CHAPTER I. L0BOMAR0OnBTMCEIVES4TELIIlll»» Tl. m .. JU mantel.p,eco m the drawing-room of his town home Mernon Square, gazing with a feeling of pleasurablde hght on a handsome oil painting of a beautiful woman whrch had been placed there by his own hand oneTnth previously, and for which hp hnri • , monin Bant of Lland for one thous^d 7Zt''\T:'' artist. It wa,hi, „if„.. „._._.„, P?"'"' ** «■" It^l'an wi,- K ■,:'";,"'''^"""'"'™"^l'lia(lbeenordered by h,m,,elf wh.le they wore on a tour through Italy five 14 Unwelcome News. years before. As he was thus musing on the excellence of the picture, his servant entered and handed him a tele- gram, the contents of which ran thus, " Come home ; your wife has been severely injured by a fall from her horse while out with the hounds to-day ; bring the best doctor you can find in the city." This sudden news had stunned his lordship greatly ; when recovered from the shock, he sat down and wrote a few lines, which he despatched by his servant, to the celebrated Dr. McMahon, of Stephen's Green, requesting his presence at once. He had not many minutes to wait in suspense before that celebrity made his appearance. "Doctor," said his lordship, "I have just received a telegram, which informs me that my wife was thrown from her horse and severely injured ; here is the message, you can see by it there is no time to be lost, so therefore we had better start at once for Marcourt Hall. Are you ready ? « I am at your lordship's service," re- plied the doctor, " only give me half an hour to hand over my patients, and give some orders to my assistant concerning their treatment during my absence." " Very well, make haste," said his lordship, " I shall call at your office in half an hour." The doctor acquiesced and hastily withdrew. A cab was in readiness, and the doctor drove with speed to his office, where he q. jckly made the neces- sary arrangements for his departure. In less than an hour afterwards, those two celebrities were seated in a railway carriage whirling along toward Marcourt Hall at the rate of forty miles an hour. On arrival at the station a carriage was in waiting to convey them to the Hall. .«"W«<.- ccellence of him a tele- ome; your her horse Dest doctor id stunned J shock, he )atehed by Stephen's ! not many y made his '. have just r wife was bere is the be lost, so ourt Hall. rvice," re- r to hand '' assistant " "Very 11 at your nd hastily ;tor drove the neces- I than an sated in a rt Hall at be station the Hall. Marcourt Hall. 15 As they drove along, the eye could trace the River Shan- non glistening in the moonlight, as it silently meand- ered through a maze of underwood, and watered a ver- dant plain. In the distance, amidst the undulating out- lines of the forest which descended to the edge of the river, could be seen a huge knoll with scarped sides, and crowned by the ancient castle, which was a gray stone structure of Queen Anne's era, whose turrets, barbicans formidable ivy-clad battlements, high towers, steep roof and numerous stacks of chimneys, peered from amongst the shrubs and trees. Many bay windows, with massive carved cornices over them and the door ; the latter was approached by a heavy flight of broad stone steps, sur- mounted by colossal pillars and ancient statuary. There was light enough from the waning moon to enable the doctor to take a perspective view of this grand, old, an- cient castle, as they drove up to the hall door. Their arrival had been anxiously expected, and therefore the hall door jay wide open, from which a flood of light illummed the court-yard and entrance. The large mosaic maible hall was richly furnished with many articles of antique and Irish origin, adorned with a curious assort- ment of oriental china. The walls were adorned with family portraits, statuary and old armour. The carved oaken chairs with velvet cushions looked comfortable and the hangings were of the richest design. In the ample old-fashioned fire-place at the end of the hall a turf fir. burned brightly, and looked cheerful to the travellers after a long ride such a damp September night. On arri- 16 The Young Surgeon. val they proceeded to her ladyship's bed-chamber, and bent over the motionless form with a look of fear bewil- derment and sympathy at the marble-white face' of the lady as she lay insensible on the bed. "My own darling!" her husband murmured, while the tears chased each other down his sorrow-striken cheeks The village surgeon who had been attending her lady- ship smce the accident was sitting by her bedside, with a gravity of face and manner older than his years would have suggested. Her old and well tried nurse on the other side, applying cooling lotions to her burning fore- head. On examination by Dr. McMahon he found that one of her arms, which had been broken, was well and successfully set soon after the accident, by the young surgeon, and lay suspended carefully in a cradle under the coverlet. On further examination the doctor turned round to his Lordship and said despairingly, "Her Lady- ship's state is perilous in the extreme, the brain is so ex- cessively congested that all hopes of her recovery are frustrated." " r must, however, acknowledge that my colleague here," pointing to the young surgeon, "does credit to the profes- sion for the able manner in which he has accomplished the difficult task of setting the fractured limb, as well as the other prescriptions necessary." The young surgeon politely thanked him, and added "J have lately passed my examination creditably, and re- ceived a diploma and now am a qualified practitionpr " He then addressed Lord MarcOurt, and said, "I shall be Death of Lady Marcourt. 17 grateful if your Lordship will allow me to attend your wife during her illness, under Dr. McMahon. It is not a question of remuneration which animates me, I am actu- ated only by my professional interest in her Ladyship's recovery." "I am exceedingly grateful for your generous care, and beg you will continue to attend my wife, provided Dr. McMahon approves of your treatment," said his Lordship in a calm and despairing tone. He then took his seat by his wife's bedside, and tended and watched with the doctors and nurse, until they were released from their vigil on the third night at twelve o'clock, when Lady Marcourt breathed her last in the arms of her affectionate husband. She drifted away to the unknown world, with her hand in his, and her face turned toward him, a sweet smile upon her lips, as if the angels were hovering around her departing spirit, as she gave up, and resigned her soul to God. It was truly heartrending to behold the parting of that affectionate couple, who almost idolized each other. Nothing could exceed the grief that was manifested by the household and tenantry at the sad bereavement that had befallen Lord Marcourt. His only child little Iris had to be placed under the doctor's care on account of the deep despair and melancholy which this dreadful calam- ity had caused her. "Who is dead in the castle, Dennis?" said a gentleman who came to make a call, not knowing that the hand of death had stricken down a member of the family— as he Lady Iris. met the gatekeeper at the entrance nf ti,o ■■ " I aee crape on the gate»" ' """"^ ^'""'^' onhegrir;::. trfz t:r r ^■^'•''°- ''-- blessed house S„ne f. ,! ™ "'' ^'■'' ™ this that ^as th ; 11" ,::;; ?''!i' '^''"'- "'^ ■>--• ■ Sure there wasn t a „ good-natured lady. gave war™ CeLriCtC'^ T'^'^ •"" ^^ same token she took mesT rLnd >T ' "" "" ''" ture comforts to the,n o she did \t '",'" ""^ ^- she was sure enon„l, ' . u ' " "'''''' ™°t 'hat do afther hi ^ ' ^"' ™"'' ""'' ^'hat will we all gHef, she has tirhe irerdlattt T '"I" "' ''" we can't console her at all at al . t ttuu'"' ""' are red wid cryin» an' th» J ! ^ '"" ^^^^ pa.oeheeks. Su^reThelrlV rrttTit'hr: ."^^ mistake, if there were any pity i„ ,i,„. ^ . ■"■ masthe, sure he's beside Wf ent "r' ' '" ''^ hearers." entoirely, preserve the "Oh .'^dM "■TT"*'" '='''* ">^ e^»"«»an- not say buryintr T ^nirl ifc „ j u ^ "^^ gentleman again. bereavement, said the ma^a^l^::,^x°:-■rf''"^^'''' "»"'»■ ---^ ' "° ™ ""^'ake, ,fs me head that's all in A Typical Irish Set^ant. 19 a whirligig. Yes, yer honor, sure enough the masther is ravin' entoirely, so he is, an' a small blame to him for that same. Sure he has lost the best wife in all Ireland. It was herself who coaxed him to forgive the poor ten- ants half a year's rent last year in regard av the bad craps, an' the sarrah one she 'ud send away from the door empty-handed." "Well Dennis, endeavor to leave out all further preface, and tell me in as few words as you possibly can, how Lady Marcourt came by her death," said Sir Chas. Lamb, for it was he who addressed Dennis. "Och, then yer honor," replied Dennis, "it's meself that's proud to do that same to one av your father's family ; sure I mind well when ye wor a weeney slip av a gorsoon many a year ago. What a purty white head av hair ye had, jist for all the world like Molly Hollahan's fine flax, after Barney O'Shane the hackler had foulded it up into smooth nate streaks for the Burr market. The sarra woman in the parish raises bother nor foiner flax than the same Molly. Morebetokea 'twas herself that always carried off" the first prize. "Sure it's myself that minds when I was sent over wid the letters from the castle to yer father's hall, rest the ould man's sowl; how poor ould Norah the cook, made the most av me, an right or wrong she'd be afther makin' myself sit down to the l^^arm dinner afore I'd be startin' back again. Av coorse as was natural 'twas by your sweet mother's orJhers she did that same, for a dacenter woman nar yer own mother, though 'tis myself 20 Dennis on Temperance. ' *^^* '^y^ '^> was not aisy found But th^n, wor gone an' past, an' plenty avlsffrl. '''"' '''''' stead, an' more was fh. 7 !! "^' '^""^ ^" their father. ho.etLrwaf:cv„,u:;t r ^^ ^" no later „ar ere-last-nightX B LT ^7^' ^' ™' 'a.ki„' about your fetht's a^ l.'*: T"'' "" ^"t the truth, 'twas the ould mil' Z, Tu' ""'""' clane an' dacent reat his sow! " ""''' ^'' ''"'"y hel^wVer^ral^ThrllT l"^* ' ■"» "--- '» Charles, who wt^L out^f '" '"''■' '^'^ «- gossip. ^ ^ °"' "* P'"'^''"* with Dennis' ai, w'r:r"' ■" ^^^ ''°"-' ---^-p -^0. " Howsomdever as I was a savin' „,r. i, r . ■ horse was a high strung mare a I'lT ""^ ^''^^^'''P'^ indeed 'twas herself thai loiked a ;: d brtT' '" ■nare wor after castin' two shoes 1 ! ^' °^' "'"' most an' a hindmost ,1,1 ^'^^••5'^^terday, a fore- that took her JeZ^XlT'T"'" "'^ »-'' blacksmith, to get her a It f ^ '"'™"'''»' ""'^ be ..ad, for th! houtdt re ; iz/^u t^" '"r ''^ neither Juck nor ^tro^ .. ^' ^"^^ ^"^® there's spirits. Av eoorsHdorre " "' """"''''' 'o" -«<* o- the erature now a„ L iTt '"^ "■*' " ™''" *°P any harm or a taTtrof „, ''I""" '"'^ ™nW '"d be *o 'bed. su^ ro:v;::r:; rr--^ f- ^o"-"' spirits as „ ^ ,, cowVaZl^rft'tt^r" " ""'^' ^''^ '""<' "'-^-i'l' couldn't be goT sfb: Tn \ s a t h The Fox Hunt. 21 same timea oe in their fc's in yer r. It was leself war ^e nothiu' lis family nxious to said Sir i Dennis' us from dyship's >ied, for ler own a fore- meself en ould it she'd there's > much 11 drop ud be ' goin' le evil 'ivui be aer in time to shoe the lady's mare, so what did she do sooner nar be left behind (for she was mighty fond av follow- ing the hounds) but ordered Tim Hullahan, the groom, to saddle an' bridle his Lordship's own thorough-bred that no one has crassed this last week, so what did she do but get on his back. Och! me darlin', the figaries he cut, she I mane, for she was a mare; the prancin' an' dancin', an' my lady laughin' all the blessed time. But rest her sowl, it's herself wor the purty darlin' on the top o' that foin beast, an' how noble she looked. It's little she thought that she 'ud be a corpse in the castle this blessed day, praise be to His holy name, Amin!" said Dennis, crossing his forehead and piously turning his eyes upwards, and pausing a moment in sad reflection, while the tears ran flown his cheeks as 'he recounted the sad accident. "Dennis, I must leave you, I have an appointment, and must attend to it," said Sir Charles, as he moved off. .'Och! yer honor hould on a wee while," said Dennis, "sure I'm comin' to it, an' a sad story it is, to be sure." "Be quick then," said Sir Charles, as he consulted his watch. "I have only five minutes longer to stay." "Yes, yer honor, faith then I'll do that same. Well, as I was sayin', when Paudeen Roundhead, the huntsman, sounded the horn that same mornin', they all started off after the hounds, with my lady right in front, an' away they flew, the Lord preserve us, ye'd think that tiie ould boy himself wor afther them, an' f i' to catch the hind- 22 Dennis's Loqxvacity, \ most, an' just as thev clenrpri +i n c-o to, „„e enough t; ad l' b";'"" '"" *"^^ Jimb of a big tree an,l -n, ^ '^'^ ^"e^' » the corner the beast made a TnT. •" * "' Cromwell'., against the .^tone etoe an- * 'rT^""''^'' "^ '"'^ «" they all gathered round a:M "^ "''-- -^-d ^hen some ran for the doeto some fTr a """^'' '^• -t they conveyed her to the Itl' "7"'"'°' ""' '' ^^^^::t^ weX-:X- -- to him when he gets a h'ffl^ ""^^^^^d' yo« can give it ^ , ^ "*^^^ reconcifed." ---^tX':^---^^^ ^^^Ben.., said Sir CharH..do4„„aerstand„hat ^^^Sometimes I do yer honor, an' sometimes I don't." said " Then listen again." "I will yer honor, wid submission." .•econrd.^™""^'™"""'™w'>en he gets a little Howsomedever I'll be afthr • ,. ' "*"' "^ '"""• whin I get a chance olpalTo'l" '".'"'""" ""' - spaKe to him oy and by, an' it's An Irish Wake. 23 meself that'd do more nar that for yer father's son," said Dennis, as Sir Charles took liis departure. In the evening the castle was crowded with friends, and many of the tenants assembled in the largo hall to do honor to the deceased lady by holding a wake, which was customary then in Ireland. It's almost impossible for any one but an Irishman to comprehend the grief which reaches the utmost depths of the Irish heart on such an occasion. But then in Ireland this very fulness of sorrow is, un- like that which is manifested in other countries, heart-felt sympathy with those whom the hand of death has thrown into affliction. Indeed no people sympathize more deeply with each other than the Irish, or enter more fully into the spirit that prevails, whether it be one of joy or ' sorrow. The reason then why the neighbors assemble at night to hold wakes, is simply that the sense of the be- reavement may be somewhat mitigated by the light- hearted amusements which are enacted before their eyes. The temperament of the Irish is strongly susceptible to extremes of mirth and sorrow, and our national heart is capable of being moved by the two impuls*, pimost at the same time. The legends, tales, stories, wit and humor that are told at an Irish wake, help most wonderfully to mitigate the deep grief that is felt where a loving wife is laid in death. Many a time have I seen an affectionate husband mourning over the inanimate form of his be- loved wife, so com-pletely borne away by the irresistible fun, drolleries, and Irish wH of some antic wag who per i u Miles Me^han'H Story. n wide awake, an' .shorten the bS ni^yT" "'^"■"P-y l>ave a good many „torie, tha w II „" ° 1,^"^"°'' ^^ " Well akv „, 1-1 *""'•'"' "'« company » " well, aisy awh.le, comrades," said Miles ".nM.,,. that same, I'll tell ve one ti... , ' " ' " '^° agl.er over beyant t'he rive YeTTf ''""^' '" ^"»- fi»horman, or more eom:on,y j! kt tlt"T '"T" '"* he has only one natur„l le/tf t„nd „ f"""' '"'"^ other is a wooden one. Well f ,• n ^' ''" "" ho was acrassin' the b idl " / ": T'" "" «"»<'■ ^^ »?her, what did he see b"t "^'f ''°"'' '""' ^■'- «oldier who died sL nl , '"""' ™''' ^""S'"^'' ">« «»ld eve..n.alwayrt::ktre7i l^drtr ™"'' ^"^^ ''^ every day Jkloreb,.(„t 1 ^ ^ "^ ^'"' *' '^eive their 'watfhes b; Do X; t° T'""'" "'""^^ -' watehes to set, an' be I',! '" "' " ''^^ """ '>»<' they wanted ihe 00:!^^! ~» ''';''--"<■ ;vhen went aerass the bridge to DougJir if Z^' " ' ^ '^ a sayin', in passin' by the onW . ■ !' ' '" ^ "»' enough he saw fat leLt T ?'""' *°"^'' 'here sure in. *-Lent clktd Tto 1 ""'"^ °"" """^'^■'^ "'-^ his oft--, e t,. -vaslMni '."'s re h::; r°°" '"^'-'• eve. ,;.r, c („, eot sue!. ;,i..ht r """' """> «»e «th .aok seein. stra„;l4';f;':--; *^ ^^t Is at one of ies toid on Idn't ye be 3 company know you )mpany ? " an' I'll do ' in Ban- lamus the >, because 'e see the ood. As om Ban- the ould sure he t twelve 'ays set hat had s ''Vhen ah ..-. ■ s I was re sure wid his d done nstead le man le first An Apparition, 25 " Didn't ye ever hoar what happened him in regard av Jiis first wife ? " " Worra ! no agra, toll us to keep our eyes open." •' Well, aisy awhile an' I'll tell it as I have heard it from one av the neiglibours. " When Jack was a fine look in' slip av a young goraoon as I might call him, for he was only about seventen years of age at the time, he fell deeply in love an' got mar- ried to a girl o' the Gouldricks. A very cross an' intricate creature she was to be suie, an' led him a troublesome an' quarrelsome life from the day they wor married out. Well at the long run 'twas Jack's good luck that his better half (but faith I b'lieve she wor the worst half, for she always wore the what ye know, an' kept Jack in plenty av hot wather) took a colic one night an' died, an' if she did, Jack made a great phillaboloo an' showed great grief over her, as if he had lost all belonging to him. After wakin' her merrily for two or three nights, wid lashins av whiskey, pipes an' tobacky for the neighbours who assembled, Jack buried her dacently for all, thankin' his stars in his heart that he was rid of a tartar. " After this event Jack was quite happy alone by him- self till one night as he was sittin' in his own house an' he occupied twistin' a hay rope to tie up a slip av a pig that he had bought at the fair av Burr, to keep the crea- ture from strayin' back again, an' he singin' the Con- D-'.ughtman's rambles for himself as merrily an' good- !..,.u „•- ju jjidsc, vvncii viiuiiuux- Vuu tun i wno should just walk in the door an' stand fornint him I his dead 26 An Unwelcome Visitor. wife, an' she livin' as well an' a. bonld as ever T»t„ ; from ine, he didn't stav .,;«;„■ < , *'"' '' jumped up in g^el frlht ° ' "t '' "" '°"«' *<'^'>'' JaZ.te™S',^^^^^''»-'«-<>o-''>e.orldnse,e " ' '"''s'la, midlin' Kate,' replied he • T ,1; ■ ■. «eo your face any more, iate ' " ' '''P'"' *° "■Nor ye wouldn't either,' said she, ' only for yourself ' Do you tell me so,' says he, 'how was that »' aide av the g:i;rtf;a?iir,f''''t' ?- - -» world, an' the noise ye mldo Zl T""^ '" '"' °*" the two spriffhts an' th ^ "^ '='"'P='= ^™1^'' iet me pal"n '' " "^ '^""'' "^ »' -»'^'t "•Oh! murther sheeiy,' says Jack, grinnin- 'worVfti the ^ntray p,i, ,^, ,„ j^^ ^^ ^^^J ^^ , "■», worn t they Well, afther another twelve m™fl,= i? i j- , second time; but I'll be ver bin "™"'^^^*^ '3«<' "■' to cry over his wife tbi! . '• ™ '""« f™" J«k •Twfsai, th'arrbw r: cTp tt'r s" '"^ ^^='- the wake from keenin' over h r corl „ ""'^.-o-^n at in life that would waken the spriZ so tf t^ ^ ' pass in for good this tim. > "'' '° ""'" ^ate might him any mor st„s \ . ""^ ""^ '^""'^ *° ''°*er maybi •e > » up an' stqjpin' her from goin' m again, Hubert and Richmond. 27 '. Take it ong, for he eat alarm, rid use ye expect to yourself.' ?' saj^s she. on each he other e awoke TOuldn't ii't they ied the m Jack le first, men at y thing might mother !y, for ) this, them igain, This story caused great merriment, and the narrator was loudly applauded. Then some one else told some amusing story, and thus the long dreary night was spent pleasantly. The funeral took place at last, and was largely attended by the neighbouring gentry and tenantry, and the be- loved lady of the manor was laid in the crypt where many of her ancestors lay sleeping the last long sleep. Many relatives and friends returned to the castle to com- fort Lord Marcourt and his only daughter in their trial of grief, among whom were Lord Clanronald and his two nephews, the latter came with their uncle for the sole purpose of consoling Lady Iris, and the former to accom- pany Lord Marcourt in his bereavement. The two brothers werr respectively sixteen and eigh- teen years of age, the eldest, whose name was Hubert, a youth of prepossessing manners and noble bearing, whose truthful and open countenance had endeared him to Lady Iris from childhood, when they roamed together through shrubs and fields. He was now tall and well proportioned in physique, with blue eyes and light curly hair. The younger, whose name was Richmond, was of a dark complexion, rather morose and sombre, though physically of much the same contour as Hubert, but al- ways jealous of his brother, whose straightforwardness had gained the confidence of almost everybody. They were both, however, unremitting in their attentions to Lady Iris, and had done much to divert her thoughts from dwelling too much on the one sad event which 28 -4 Rare Beauty. '^^^S::^ -' '^- ^ "^--^ =W ove.. Hall and her father'a i ll n ^^' ""' '"'"''' "^ ^f-'our child, was thirteen yerorwrf' ^'^ '^"^ "'^ ^'^ gave promise of beinTa b l^!;:'" ""T ''^- ^'"' of her mother filled her he^ i ' ^"^ "^^ ^^'"^ her young hut senive Ce ,1: i^^' V '"""^^ -<> "•oeh so that the doctor Im ^^ J* '"" ^^"^""o". ™ visable that the fath and T ' ""'' """"S" '* "d- « change of :air in orl, f ^^ '''°"''' «" ^''™'«' (<>' ^'0- their nor^VwILh^hT" ''^'^ "-'"' ^^ re- under the sudden sLock. A'cordfu'IlTth™^ ^"""""'^ a tour to the continent wl,. .f ^ ^ ^^ Proceeded on . »- of the t.::Xj^Z n^ ""'.'^'^ ""^"-'-^ "f fashionable resorts Tet 2 ^ T' ™"^'' "°^' "^ "^e strength and health After an ab "1*'^ "'"' ^"""'^ «tu™ed. most wonderft^'i^ptrr "' '"" ^^^"^ "'^^ J-ady Iris looking radiant in her vouth , ^ v the au- and grace of a young ZLi, ''""^' """^ eyes, with long lashes, were blue as the if T 'T ''"«'" golden hair fell in profusion f , ""^ "''y- Her exquisitely moulded TuTLf 'Z'/ f r*"^' °™- curls when the sun .honrln M "^"""^"-f"" ''ere those ni»bus of yellow itht in T '""'"« ">■"" '°'° "^ «hot with gold round ^tV.f""''' '°^' "'"' feathery, have serve' fo'r 1 ^ m„t ^'f:'^ *-'^^ ■>-^ that migh'' den away i„ the rece" etlf L ™' "™' *° ''^ •■«- ~ ™' """ "ehcate than the velvet pel- •k cloud over e. Lady Iris, to Marcourfc ing the only er died, and 't the death sorrow, and ^flection, so "ght it ad- abroad for fth and re- )erceptibly >ceeded on ^selves of 'ost of the 'd gained ears they auty, had :e bright T- Her lily over f'e those ^ into a eathery, -t might be hid- Sancti4- VQt pel- Birthday Festivities. 29 licle which encloses rare fruit, and the color of her cheeks seemed borrowed from that impalpable dust that illumines a butterfly's wing. Then her soft red lips— no art had been used to lend them the rosebud tint which they pos- sessed-were small and fresh as an infant's ; features per- fect in symmetry, a form perfectly developed, small hands and feet, a graceful movement of the body. Her expres- sion was open, frank and winning. Her beauty, good- nature and child-like simplicity had woa the admiration respect and confidence of everybody. JShe wore a plain black dress trimmed with white that showed the contour of her figure to perfection. She had been well educated m most of the European languages and in all the accom- plishments necessary for a young lady in her sphere, by a governess of superior talents and refinement. Such was the heiress of Marcourt on her return from the con- tinent, on the eve of her sixteenth birthday. Great were the rejoicings at the Hall on their return. The tenants on the estate had lit bonfires for the occa- sion; the hall was illuminated and the servants all assem- bled there to receive their master and the young heiress The next day being Lady Iris' birthday, was naturally a great event. Marcourt Hall doors were thrown opw and a succession of parties and entertainments were given. Invitations had been issued previously, and the tenantry were once more regaled at a sumptuous feast and rejoicing. As a natural consequence, Lady Iris was the centre of attraction, and more than one suitor eagerly besought her hand. Among the numerous aspirants ? f 30 ^'^^e Castle. but it was vo,y piai„,^ .„T *'""'■ ^"'ife^t school days ■ favonto, which darkened his' bro h« T '' ''^ '"''^'^ ousy. Drothers brow with jeal- The castJe stood nn *r -,o„a,e„t,;i:,!:,^::*;'f°^'''^^^-*"- o.^pame of Port„,„„a Lake Z^IT ^^'"' ">« '"«'l wh.te sails of „„,„ero„, yar,'^^ '' ™'""' -""o «>e he seen g)i,t„„i ;„ /^*» anJ ,„,a„er „raft „„„„ bounded through the rinp,i„";t' ""^ '"besome vessels '■ng foam «,„, their proZ u' ' I"'"-- -« «P-k- b.gh road, which ,ed to'EaTaeher "Ttf °"' '-«" '*« dows overlooked the river theb! ,, t ^^ "'^'^ «'^ ^'i"' the boundary grounds of tlrdifi T'^* ^P"" "P the broad green lawn which evt.f "" '"'^ ^"e of frcnt of the castle to the road 1! 1 ^'""^ "^^ -bole hawthorne hedge, not so 5 ^ to ! 7 7 " "^" ''^P' ger who might stop to admil tTe "" '^' P'"^^- be observed to pay his tribTte o , , '"'"' ""'' ''■°'^- '' A few old fruit trees ol „! f t ''''"°"- ^--^ed with white blotom" :'thf """'^ °' ^"^ »"" W'th te,„pting fruit i„ the aut?,„, '!"'"* '""^ bending -'■passing growth, that perfTlr r"' "'"''^"'-- "' grance in May and a few orZl„ ,' T "'"' "">"• ^a- "bequored shadow to the la " ■" ! *'* "■*^'' Save a "Sbt side of the castle ZZ'T "'"'''■ ^™» ""e -^P^ to the avenue gat'o Tttl 17 f "--' «- 10 were rivals t school days ; ■h Richmond 'as the Jady's ^ with jeal- "ver Shan- 'h the broad <; whiJe the craft could )me vessels i-ixe spark- ' faced the de its win- ' sloped up ach side of the whole ' "Well kept »e passen- d from it S^ore still bendinir 'horns of heir fra- •> gave a rom the ent firs 'ondina' .love's Young Dream. 31 # row sheltered the gardens, which were separated from the lawn by a thick hedge of hawthorne against the northern blast. Again to the right, beyond the avenue a plantation of firs ran to the Shannon, down a slopino- hillside. The pleasure gardens were laid out with rare taste and elegance. Here were assembled a bevy of fair and fashionable damsels, and an equal number of the sterner sex, at noon on the day of Lady Iris's sixteenth birthday, while Lord Marcourt with other knights, cavaliers and squires were engaged in the banqueting hall entertaining the ten- antry. A military band from Birr barracks was sta- tioned in the oaken gallery at the end of the hall oppo- site the dais (where many countesses and dowagers were seated), and was discoursing sweet martial music. While the young ladies and gentlemen paired off like pigeons cooing through the pleasure grounds, we will follow one couple in particular, and quote at least a part of their conversation, as they promenaded those favored grounds. "Lady Iris," said Hubert, as they proceeded together along "a shady walk where the fragrance of a thousand flowers perfumed the air, and he smiled down with his bright eyes into her large, dreamy, timorous blue orbs, with long lashes, till the latter drooped and a peachy blush overspread her cheek, as their eyes met, and told more plainly than words the feelings of the heart,"! have been looking forward with unspeakable pleasure to such _ -i-ec — ^ a., „!i.., m. ,.nu laou two j^uars of your absence." " Why do you call me lady," said she, coquettishly, " you never used to address me by that title?" 32 I ^he Morn of Life. •g Dcnns you,, absence you We ! ' """ " '^ *f«--»' young lady, and 1 was „o" ouUe ^'°^" J"*" ^ "'"'™ing ■■o ^ame chiWish freedl T^ ^T ^' ' ""'" ""'^^ bygone days." ™ ^ '^as wont to do in '■ Oh ! Hubert," said she " I do„v *-, nor to address n^ea^ydifferlT' 1° "^^ ^°'' then, when we roamed to^et^.r !f '^ ° *''*' y«» dW '-ke shore. AnyotherforXu ,5f "^ '""'"^ "^ "=« unnatural on my ears." '^'"" ^o" ''""'d sound you t;7adt::i;;tf;:;;j,<'' '""^ "- ^^ppy outhTartTrJ':fv". '''P"^^'"" '=«»-d Iris t„ , , neartily at his sincerity. Thpv ti, , '""g^ futons into soft murmurin's "^N f.""". ""'' *^'^ streamlets ripple was the coUoouv o ,r'" *'"''" *^ 'overs as they promenaded awlLV'/" '^° ^^^g ea.h other it was sweet, thouT 1 V'f ^ ^™'t' X^t to have been scarcely more ntellil,*^ ''"'"' " ™"W -? though the trees. N a f" *'' "'"* ^'s"- «P»nt by them in that quaint ofdT ^"^ P'^^-'^-tly -fewlooks,afew3ot;oIm?"f^"''^"- 0"'^ deeper thoughts, with a litUe „, "T '""^''^S''' ^ding «used.and the hummi^ '^1"™;?' " ""'^ '"'--' the beautiful flowers and thT ?? ' '"'^^""■""'^ of ■ f- Could these things! ^%:"'"'™-. ^«" -"""er human mind , Could L Wfle^^ eT/^ "^^^^ "^ * t-vo lives play for weal or woe" ' ''"'° '^'^ '^hich The Shady Nook. 33 After luncheon there was a general dispersion of all to their rooms, whence they would come forth presently to ride, drive, walk, or play croquet on the lawn. It was a warm day, and Iris wished to rest until the evening. This she could do very easily without being perceived, for there was a private staircase leading to a side' entrance to the grounds, which was solely at her disposal. Therefore, wishing to avoid the gay crowd for a while taking a book in her hand, she glided down the steps and mto the grounds to a favourite shady bower of her own under a large dump of trees, surrounded by close shrubs, hard by a fountain of living water always playing Its refreshing influence, which made this sequestered retreat cool and pleasant. As she reached the arbor/ however, she saw that it was occupied, and, not wishing to intrude, turned to go away. "If I am in your- way, Iris," said a manly voice, " I will retire ; but surely you need not beat so precipitate a retreat." " U it you, Hubert ? " she asked with a gracious smile> as she turned around and beheld his manly figure " you go away ! indeed, by no means. How courteou's and condescending you are, to be sure. If you are a good boy you shall stay here and read for me ; I thought it was someone else." " What book have you got ? " asked he, rising to hand her to a seat. " ' Moore's Melodies,' I perceive," he added "hat shall I read ?" asked he, eagerly, as he quickly turned over the leaves in anticipation of the coming pleasure. 34 A r An Interesting Intei^iew, "I wiJJ leave thnf +« i^- ^aMor the da, wafX '""""'' """^ °''^-<' We then commenced to renr^ o«^ -me Cover and heart-stirring poi'^r" f -'•'^'^ - the voice of a charmer Hi, • ^' ^'" '"*'""=<> «i to thetlc and powerful Sh7 h T°' "*" '° ™''' «y">Pa- Poetry well read, but never had .h"? 'fJ""*"''? heard who know how to brinrout e! " ''"<' ''^ ™^ every radiant point"! th f 2 r* °' ^-""^. »d Strange how quickly the il a '''''''"> ^ ^e did -ding n.03t if i, eCept ^^ elTh ?' '' ''' "- -me rather perilous stuff in tit f """""S <»" hearts were so much of one Tnoth! T^''. °' '°™- ^''-e - "otice of the pacing hlrwhr t '.'^ ''" *^'=»'' «nd put down the book ">^ ^-"idenly stopped " Why don't you 0.0 on » " o -J ■ ""'ell. Iris," said he in !t ^' ''""'er surprised, thinking, while reading, ? l^r^T,'""^' "I -- just «-=t.ng the hypocrite and decI^iL t \"" """ ' '"» deeply in love every day with I, ? "' ^^ ''"'"''"" ""re ""•t he approves'^of mTbro^"''''"'"'''"^'^»<'- daughter■s hand.- ^ °*"'' «<'™'"=es for his "Hubert," she cried witi, excruciatingly teasing, "if '„ LtTM,'"'""'' "^'" ^^^ t«'nly expire ! Yo '„ ,„ '"'"' ""** ^ shall cer- cavalier!" " '°™' "«'»' S-^ve and potent loJ'V's "''"'"'■ ""'•"•''y' ""eenlv. hope-^-sl- • ^ time coming, but I cannot A Declarcdion. 35 ■eplied she, 'fid opened bsorbed in ened as to b, sympa- thy heard ad by one sling, and ' he did lad been inng out • These id taken stopped fised, as just i^ I am ? more ^- know or his i-t was il eer- )otent ^J in innot keep it concealed any longer ! Yes, I love you, dear Iris, and I must quit this place at once. It is cruel to myself and most unjust to your father. I am sure that my uncle will buy me a commission in some regi- ment about to proceed on active service. Then I shall be out of sight and will try to forget everything." He then gave a deep sigh, and moaned piteously. " Hubert," said she, looking at him with a very f)eculiar glance of her bright blue, loving eyes— a glance that told *more plainly than words, and which he perfectly under- stood, " you will do nothing of the sort— go away and leave poor me. Who would read for me then, or accom- pany me in my rambles? No; I command you to remain. I could not live without you, so there, you have my decision." " Yes," replied he, gently, " to look on while Richmond carries you off, is more than I can endure." " Richmond," said she, with a smile, " will never be anything to me more than a friend, take my word for that ; tior will he ever carry me away, for I am quite pos- itive that I could never love him ; he is too vain, selfish ftnd churlish." " But bear in mind," said Hubert, " that your father approves of him, and expects that you will obey him." " He will do nothing of the sort," replied she, " my father is all that is noble, good, kind and generous, and will never force me into a union that would be abhorrent to my feelings." The' e words filled his breast with such joy and felicity 36 The Oreen-eyed Momter. «'eace while hia eyef tlT. '' "'"'"'"« *'««' » the feelings of M, hC TW T" "'""'^ """■ --"^ together through the grounds T "'" "" "^"''"'^^ »ut of sight, Richmond 1 " „ ^ ^^ ,'.°''" *' "'ey ^ere hind the bower, where hTh K '"^ '"*»« P'aoe be- ,^Wclc shrubs, and ,,eard the w o,t"" T"'"'' '^ "" . Churbsh, vain and selfish am I " t *'. f™™«««on. ■» a determined and bitte'r t"n ' - w n '° '"'"""'• ■ny wife you Bhall be and tb i -, "' '"' *»" see,' of 'hose words, markme " H» X "^'^ ^°" ^P™ ' "■"ge and fury, making a detour th'" 'T^' "'"' *"" °' and meeting Hubert, with Irt I ^^"^ *"■" ^"-"""ds, c»rtle, the eyes of the two riva s"!/' T^ """'"« *he for >aore than a second steadut '"m^ '"'" '""'' <"her ehailenge and tierce defial:: S^"'^; ""^ ''-Shty -g^ountenance, ai.i„ to hat'eCrair'^"^*' ^"^ ''"^''- Riehmond, is it really you ? " , aT: approached them in a snikv m». t !™' '^^''^^ *^ he a-d a scowling, heavy e„ nLr^'^^f '»- of mind, thmg mcoherently in answer ZZ i f' "'"^ '°"'" ■• yo» ought to have Cn^^^th 'l ^"''''°"- agreeable by doing part of th! ^ " "^^^ >'°"»elf -a a laughing ifdCnle "'"'"^' """""-<' I™. '»«». Wy Js :t S^„:t Tj™ hauteur, and'a. " Well r „,,.. ,_.., "■'^ he strode away, - - -^U .o,Je3s, ■ said she, after he had left them, II nds in his, ? them in lian words wandered 'hey were place be- d by tho ^ei-sation. iiimself, »ha]J sec J u repent r. full of rrounds, 'ing the h other aughty 1 flash- as he mind, some- urself ■ Iris, you [ sa- em, A Door. 37 " that Richmond's conduct is not only ungentlemanly, but it is absolutely rude ! " " I quite agree with you on that point," said Hubert, with great warmth of passion. " Your presence alone just now prevented me from giving bin and lus cursed impudence the chastisement he deserves . " " I wonder what has ruffled Riclimonds temper to such a degree," said Iris, anxiously. " I fear some new griev- ance must have arisen in his breast to give himlfresh food for jealousy," not suspecting that he had been an eavesdropper to their late interesting conversation. "Oh!" replied Hubert. " his temper was never very smooth at the best of times, besides he has always been jealous of me on account of my uncle's preference for me; I e also fancies that I am going between him and your affections." This explanation caused Iris to laugh heartily at such an absurd idea. " How stupid of him," said she, « to fancy such a thing. I cannot-understand why he is so infatuated. I am qui^e positive that I have never given him the slightest en- • couragement in that respect." " Oh ! but you must perceive," said he. " that he is in- gratiating himself with your father, and getting him favourable to his views first. He thinks that it will be no trouble to gain your consent afterwards." "But, dear Hubert," she said, smiling, "there is where he makes the mistake." Darling ! " cried ho, as he kissed her hand. " I am de lighted to hear you say so." ns 'Lwe Comes Without Thy Call" cheerlea, to hi„,. ° " """"' """' S'"™ ™y To trace the on'frin of fmo l^,r • eithpr lm«. fi , . '^'^' " ^^" '"^^-y' 01' woman otl,.,. , Afteiwa,-,!.,, as tho knowledge of each « be so violent . to prohibit a futu,: eh e 'or tl..ng „,agnet,c does appear to affee. both pa^tLs On reaching his room he threw himself i„t„' tti:::r 'r ^•" ""- ^ ^-'---t:.".:: ;:: r bt NotVn™ ' "™'' "'"' " '^^""« °'' '''--™W; de! .»bt. Not an encouraging word escaped her li,,s nor a r4:sts/r.^:-------nb;hi:h,; He thought deeply of that fair youno- .Jrl'. .u e..t,^ innoeenee and u„sophisticr;'e>rr If ;: ::«:: ':r r rh""r "r^r" '- '» '-'^ 1, J- J , , • -ae nad it trom her own ins thnf she d,d not !ove Richmond, so that he had noth W no j te fear from that quarter. He sat there induLn^/in aU the sweet fancies that invaded his ,„,-„d „ndC° ,! "'emeelves to his imagination, uneonseiou: of e ij 'owd, who urricd off 3wn very iilar case r woman ito exist- 3 of each tractions passion, X'k may it some- an arm- ng over •ing the ible de- •s nor a bitably iharms, r. He to his )s that g now ■ in all sCntod Hight A Revenj. $0 of time, when he happened lo look up instinctively at the time-piece on the mantel, and his eyes caught sight of the hand which pointed out to him the small hour of three. Ho then jumped up and went to bed, where ho soon went off to the land of happy dreams. Probably had he known the secret thoughts of that pure, gentle, sweet young girl who sat gazing reflectively into the em-' bers of her fire before retiring for the night, he might have been less calm than he was. The dawn of young love is ever beautiful, but with a girl like Iris who has never had in all her life before even a suspicion of its meaning, it is peculiarly lovely. Of course the moment this wild, uncultivated flower is allowed the first inroad of the insidious foe to enter her bosom, the man who had aroused her feelings became a hero in her eyes. Love in girls of her age is all rom- ance. It is a vague, delicious dream, on which they live- No thought of difference in station, or of marriage settle- ments invades their souls. Wrapped as it were in a cloud, they never think how transparent it is, and how clearly it can be seen through. In her chamber Iris, like Hubert, gave way to all the sweet conceptions that as- sailed her mental faculties. Next morning when she awoke her first thoughts were of him. " I shall see him again to-day," said she to the blushing face peeping out from the mirror, as with delicate, white fingers she coiled her golden ringlets, "and what' will he say, and what will I answer? " She then, without answering her own ques- tion, ran singing downstairs to meet her father at the 40 ^n Unpleasant Tete-a-tete. breakfast-table, and pour out his coffee Aff. . , fast Lord Marcourt went inf. n , u ^'^^^■ (notknowincofHubertT V. /^'' ^'^'^'y' ^^^ Iris ^or Dublin, ^:^:^:i^^ r t r .r^-^ pose of introducin°P^^ »' But the!e was n^eT r."''""" "*''='' ^^o detested. Her feet weT J tllZ :dT™^'^ °™''"^^^ <" ' and fa^t came hi, int! ™"' ""<< ^° 'hick -oh uncont™, : tZ^T^^T "' '?' ^"^ -'"' implore her aceental T\ . "«" '"'' ™''. and powerless to sterhttorrri'olenr^^"' 'T'' ''^' P^digally lathed, that shT:: dt^^^tm u"^ Z "bit Se '::i zz:^":'- ''''"''""■" -^^ »-«. very grateful fchThorT ^^ ^°" ''^"""S^ «'"• ■ieve me that I can neve?;: Zt L™ ""' ^ •"" "'■ ^ ^riend, as I always have bepn nn/ 7 "^ '^° hope." "^ ®^"' ^""^ always will be, I Foiled, 41 But the fervid flame only leaped the higher for the chilling words, " It's for life I sue/' cried he excitedly, " for hope, that means life. Iris, give me that, promise me ever such a small portion and I will be content." " I cannot," she gasped, averting her face from him, it would be false hope if I did, and more cruel than kind. It is best to tell you the truth honestly and fairl3^ Though I like and esteem you as a friend, I can never give you any warmer affections." " Because you have given it to another, or fancy 'that you have," said he, " to the man who has imbittei-ed my uncle against me, as he is trying to do with you (curse him), but I will be revenged of him. I am not given to turning aside from any goal I make up my mind to attain." At these low, deliberate words, Iris felt cold and sick for a moment, and her face turned deadly pale from the shock it gave her nervous system, but, recovering herself quickly, sTie turned round and faced him with a fair, proud, and erect head, and said, " You are talking idly,' Richmond, and you know it, therefore I don't want to hear any more talk from you on this subject." Seeing that he had not only made no progress in her affections, but that he had roused her indignation against him, he calmed down and said, " Well, I will not intrude my grievances on you any further to-day. I ask your forgiveness for the mad things I have been saying. Will you let our friendship continue unaltered, as if this con- 42 A'o Progress Maiie. versation had never taken place ? I will trn,f In t- constancy, my devotion and myloylZZ'""' mind." '' *° change your "Oh ! of course I will forgive you. but time will never change my mrnd on that subject," said she. with a Z determ.nat.on stamped on her handsome countenaner They had then reached the entrance to the hall Ind h! detamed her hand for an instant in hi, h n h 'poUte^: ra«ed h.s hat and made a profound bow, and thel parted CHAPTER II. Lord Clanronai,d-Thk Nkphews-The Character-The Castlk-Thk Best Hand o: Cauds-Jealousy-Peteh Quigley Consulted-I'he Personification-Thb Dark Deed-The Splash in the Wateb- The Shooting-Thr 1\ight-A Love Scene-The Exchange op Kings-The Parting-The Enlistment-The Warrant-The Hde- an-Cry-The Eeturn-The Journey-The Brigand-The Peelers -The Mistaken Identity- Man's Hotel-The Magistratk-The Apparition -The Guest-The Little Bald Pate-Peter Quiglky Gets His Fortune Told -The Courtship-Exit Petek-" I'll Never Marry a Man Who Drinks." ^0^ CLANRONALD, the present owner of the castle, was an oldest son, and about sixty years old at the time this story commences. He was a bachelor, having been disappointed in love during his early days, therefore he made a vow never to marry. His younger and only brother had been a captain in the -th Regiment, but got killed while gallantly leading the forlorn hope at the storming of Ghuznee Fort in India, leaving a widow and two children to mourn his untimely end. On his widow's return homo from India, she only survived her husband three years, leaving her tWo orphan sons to the care of 43 44 Richmond's Character. .*%■' ■^- Hut;:::' r:,:,r:v;;r "' "^'^ °™ ^-"<'- estates. na»,e and titk ' Ri„ r^™' '" "'^ -^"«. «ion in the army or navv wf ? '"^ '" «"" ^ """■"i^- Of the innumerable profession, f„. P'^f' "rred ; or any fortune, to make him tr ^ """"""« ^"""h and en^inon. andtho t^iTm^S o7 ' ^""f '" '^ °' P°''«-' 0' >»d a life of ;;;!,; I :"r ' ^'^'^™--"-p^ unknown re<.ion, n,. explormg unvisited and left to him by h t7r,; ""-S^ <■-'«"« of hard cash. Wnosym^t';^ 'a^':;")- B"' Blehmond ,.; sions. They were botr n.™""™'"^ P'-ofe^- '.'f ^-mplishments : ee ;' f:!''/'""^'^^ '" "» *he «ons, but Hubert 27Z I '" '"'P''""™ P'ofe- tho arts and seil Zt """' ''''^''' ^^''^reJin all - .;-otber;r;r -rrbt^rr- r favourite. Richmnnrl'c o„ i- , '^^'^an^e his uncle's ow;ei,.Mehr~ut;:::;:r^^ one who!n aU th teffi! tf ,7 '" '° * ^'"^^P '^"-. -<> hand of his adv^rsa™ oL f "" "'^ *° ^^' ""^ "PP- was the master, or "Xltr"? '™' "''^'» ""« *o get the rep^tatilC be-^f7:''^P'''';™--'ain ^everest felloWo be met : fT^^Lf "Z"-''^ there a man who cheri.lip^ u V ^^®^ ^^^ crafty fellow; f^a ""u ' '"''"'^' "^^^^^ ^- - From tbe bill a do, IT ^ "^'""^"'^^^ ^^« "^bounded -ake everv!!;: 1™J';/P^^ '^ '^^ -n who could " ' -^ "^^^ °» ^^^ racecourse, he ve..erated », '''*BWWBB3S^ 'n children, the castle, t a commis- J^ed ; or any wealth and or political Bsmanship ; visited and hard cash Bichraond )le profes- t all the ^e profes- ess in all man than • 3 uncle's different 'he great low, and le upper 3re craft ' certain an — the i^er was t for a Junded ) could .erated Like Master, Like Man. 45 them all He attended every horserace on the curriculum always bet money, and invariably won large .urns, thanks' to Peter Qu.gley, his valet, who always ad.mnistered a powder to the competing horse, and a copious supply of poteen whiskey to the grooms and jockey s Peter had a way peculiar to hi^nself for making friends with al hands around the stables. He always kept them supplied with creature comforts previous to the race, and strange to say, never was even suspected, so that he could do as he liked with the horses. If there was a dog fight with.n a radius of twenty miles, Richmond was sure to be the fir.t man on the ground to show fair play. If there was a cock-fight he would be , here and bet money on It. He was always the leading light with the jolly dogs and the first to pull down the most conspicuous sign-board in the city, or wrench off the strongest knoc er whenever he and his pals were out on those n ght y brawls. He was the rightful owner of a large bloodhound, on .diich he would bet two to one any time that hed break the backs of twenty-five cats within five mmutes, if the cats were tlirown fast enough for his cal me tusks to crush. He was a good shot^nd for h" reason never missed a pigeon-match. He .as the leading man in all the pugilistic engagements, a.d always h!i money^ So constantly had he found himself duped and done that he believed honesty and fair dealings ail moon- shine. A few days after Lord Clanronald and Hubert had 'i^'t ""T ^ '"'" ''" *'"* '^l'™ ">« nephew for the purpose of mtrodudng him to hia aristoLic 11 ^^ The Plot Hatching. friends, lawyers, agents and others of his acquaintance) his Lordship took ill with inflammatory rheumatism and was confined to his bed under the doctor's care Richmond's jealousy of his brother increased daily as he saw Hubert gaining such favour with his uncle as well as with Lady Iris, which drove him to desperation He went up to his own room one day in a state almost bordering on frenzy, and threw himself into an arm chair, where he lay musing and nursing his je. lousy until his forehead burned with angry passion ana a thirst for vengeance. He then jumped up with a bitter determina- tion stamped on his scowling countenance and exclaimed : I will be revenged of him. I have never yet been balked in any scheme I undertook to carry out, whatever might have been the consequence. We shall see whether he or I hold the best hand of cards ; I generally manage to secure the joker as well as the two bowers,' and if I cant euchre him my name is not Richmond " He then watched his opportunity and dressed himself in Huber s clothes, and with paint and other cosmetics he most cleverly changed his dark complexion to imper- sonatethatof Hubert's so that the sharpest eye could not detect the deception. Even his valet Peter Quic^ley whom he now stood before for inspection, was surprised at the personification. "Arrah, masther dear, is it yourself that's standin' afore me, or Hubert? I don't know which. Upon my reputation I never in all my life saw anything so com- plete entoirely,' said Peter after Richmond had revealed (uaintance,) beumatism, i care, id daily as 3 uncle, as esperation. ate almost to an arm lousy until thirst for letermina- xclaimed : yet been whatever e whether y manage , and if I d himself iosmetics to imper- iye could Quigley^ lurprised standin' pon my so com- revealed A Dark Deed. ^^ to him his diabolical scheme. " But for the Lord's sake 8ur. hurry and get this dark business done wid "con- tinued Peter, " my conscience upbraids me widaidin' an' abe m ye m all yer villainy Since that night on the bndge my nerves are unstrung entoirely The screams and shrieks of that sweet colleen, when ye threw her over the bridge, an' the splash in the wather rin^s on my ears ever since." " •' •• Oh ! you scoundrel," cried Richmond, •• if you men t.on tat night again I1, blow your brak. ouV' at h" same time pomting a soven-sh ,oter at Peter's head taste it r^' "'' '"'""'"•" '"P"^'' ^''''■■- ■' '■•>« ^''"ah tas e Im afeard av ye, ye'd be afther gettin' yer own neck stretched if ye did, an' may be ye'd LXuZ done yet .f ye don't be mighty careful. I ^J,'Z money ye promised me when I helped ye through wid that dirty ,ob on the bridge, forby the five thousand pounds ye won on the Curragh through me gilthe powder to Lord Cuffs mare. Lady Harkaway ; »• more betoken, ye said if ye won that race ye'd make Zll dacent present, an' I haven't seen as'much t aTed ! 77 r '" """■ ^^ ''^f P""-' »e off mil get the hal er around yer neck, an' then I may go whistl J.gs to a milestone for my share of the spo^s Now J want to get married to Betsey an' take her wU me to Amerikey, an' there turn over a new leaf, for m consd ence tells me that I'm d.in' „„_. ,..,,, ""^ """^a- Betsey -d go back on m"e if -.he o^ "C Z^Z Of what I've helped ye through wid." ^ 48 " Ove More Unfortunate" Peter, said Richmond, "I will give you something that wdl ease your conscience, and take yourself and Betsey to America, when I get that rival of mine out of the way. But you must never mention that night, or the httie occurrence on the bridge which you allude to" " 1 he sarrah mention," replied Peter, "as long as ye keep yer promise wid me regardin' me share of the spoils d'ye mmd,for that san^e business worries me conscience as much as it does yours. " Sure it was no later nar ere-last-night, when Betsey an mesel wor cooin' an' coaxin' in the kitchen, that she upan tould me somethin' that made me blood run cowld " " What was it she told you ? " queried Richmond, anx- lously. " Och ! yer honor, I'm almost afeard to tell ye " " "Go on and tell it," cried Richmond, don't show the white feather now; I insist on obtaining all theinforma- tion you can give me." " Well, aisy your honor," said Peter, " an' I'll be af ther doin that same wid submission." " Well, as I wor a sayin', sure enough Betsey tould me as how the people of the village wor all talkin' about that poor colleen that was found drowned over beyantthe bridge. She was so well liked by the neighbours great an small, they can't forget her. They all say that she never committed susanside at all, although the corner's in- quest brought in that same, bless the hearers, but that there was some foul plav nsArl ^,,^+1, i,„^ . m, , i -^ "iv« xicT • xtiQ people saw yourself an' her so often together late in the evenins' The Plot Thkkem. 49 something urself and nne out of ght, or the !e to." as ye keep polls, d'ye science as >n Betsey , that she n cowld." ond, anx- show the informa- be afther ;ould me a' about yant the rs great that she tier's in- )ut that people ivenins' walkin' in lonely places, an' that it was you who seduced her with the promise of marriage. They all knew that 3^e promised to many her for the purpose of gainin' yer ends of her. The poor soul said so herself afore she was drowned. They can't speak out their mind because they have no proof, but for all that, they are of opinion that 'twas yer honor that made away wid herself an' her un- born baby, bless the hearers. Bud, of course, no person can prove it agin yer honor except meself, d'ye mind, an' ye needn't be afeard av me as long as you keep your word; so that ye need n't care a thrawneen for what them silly country people gossip about. They say that her pool ould father is beside himself entirely, an' a small blame to him for that same. It's a blessin' that her mother is not alive, she'd break her heart, afther her darlin' daugh- ter, whom every one idolized on account of her beauty. When I think av the creature how hard she begged av ye to spare her life that night, and how she struggled in yer arms, me eyes fills wid wather. me conscience stings me, an' I get so wake at the knees ihni sl thrawneev * "ud ha' knocked me down." " Well, Peter, don't turn faint-hoarted now," said Rich- mond, "you have always been true to me, and 1 know that I can trust you when there is any dark business to be done." "I'm much obleeged for your character," said Peter, •'when I want one I'll come to your honor for it." "Now, Peter," said Hiehmond, "there is no time to lose, * Blade of fine grass. 50 The Deed Done. occup,ed .„ picking flowo,. f„. his uncle's \^Xl W then ..etuvned and „,ade his .-eport to the villain t: andt","'*"'^"'"'" ■'°''' ^'' ""''^i'ou..ti„,e..odown :::rtLT:"Lr"^'-*^-'»--'- He then went down stairs cautiously and into hi« ^n. Imn so that he migl^t beJieve him to be Hubert hel7lTT' '''1 ''^ ""^^^ '^"^^^^ ^-^ '^ be Hubert sick n.an-rushed out of the room and up stairs where pantofj his face and then dressed in his own clothes He then rushed down stairs in great wonder, as it wer ' a state of wonder and excitement, he inquired what was the matter. Peter Quigley was the first to come fo ward and answer his questions. " Faith, yer honor," said he. "I heard a report o' fire loom Go m sir. an' see him. maybe he'd be afther doin' himse f some bodily harm, preserve the hearers" >VHhout waiting for any more gossip from Peter. Rich- ■ -t ■f: Hubert Sorely Perplexed. 01 '■> me know going out ^e grounds chamber, •'illain up- !, go down to screen into his 5 room in ;e of see- ert. ■■ Hubert, ts at the s, where iped the clothes, it were, ch other 3d what )me for- t o' fire le's bed 5r doin' ', Rich- mond hurried into his lordship's room where he found him foaming with rage and pain and covered with blood, and shouting out to the servant to have Hubert secured and arrested. " The scoundrel that I have thought so much of, has tried to take my life away. Send for the police and have the villain locked up at once before he makes his escape," cr: id ho to Richmond as he wreathed with pain from the wound in his right shoulder. In the meantime Richmond dispatched a servant in post-haste for the doctor and feigned greatly shocked and grieved f,t the murderous assault upon his uncle, and be- fore the doctor arrived he had staunched the wound and was unremitting in his attentions to the sick man, whose affection he had already secured by his feigned anxiety and solicitude for his recovery in this hour of trouble and suffering. He then ordered the servants to go in search of Hubert and have him arrested at once. But Hubert being a great>favorite with the domestics— who anticipated Rich- mond's villainous intentions— they hastened in search of Hubert and finding him in the pleasure grounds among the flowers they quickly informed him of what had taken place in his uncle's chamber. They then persuaded him to get out of the way for the present, as his uncle was under the delusive impression that it was he who fired the shot. " His Lordship has already given Richmond orders to have you arrested," said they, "and he has sent us in search of you for that purpose." lady Iris Alanned. "Oh, but my undo surely will „ot, „r cannot believe that I wou J eve,- stoop to do such a cowardly treacl erous act ! cried he, vehemently ^' ^°''" who fired the p.stol at him. He saw you distinc y so isr:osi:;ertTfr;r^^^^ " Oh, I can understand then " nvi^A u^ j that my brother, i„ order to^ 'Z^^ t^^' have dre^ed hin.self i„ my clothes in order t ^Zl me and then did this dreadful, cruel and wicked detd irough jealousy, in order to throw suspicio „ me and t"rehr::ii..'"----°-^'^»-oie"^^^^ Therefore thinking caution the best part of valor well knowmgfrom what the servants had told himtatT ' herof r!ltv ™ ^' '"'' ^^y l™ and informed her of the plot, how successfully it had been carried ou by Richmond's personation of him. "Great Heavens, Hubert!" cried Iri, i„ . ;Uavehadapresenti,uer.tthat1l/e::iTorh::' wrong. 1 have always thouah^ fh-.f fi,„^ . * you some dreadful L ^He'vols wVcruM::^'!: :o!;rrr:^-o„«;r-i---rrh: but time and tr!th l^v/ IZ^ZJ^.^f^"^ away .hat heinous crime' which has b^^^^o::;^! " 2 Am Grateful Dear Iris." 53 ot believe ly, treach- t was you -inctly, 80 pistol and itrary, he miringly, me, must )ersonate cecl deed me and 'le of his •lor, well that the ■ at once iformed fied out zement, lethinof 3uld do read it ihat he othing X clear ;ted in order to destroy your happiness, fair fame, and your honor. Retribution will come sooner or later on the dastardly perpetrator of that foul, cowardly and atrocious act." These words, slowly uttered in a tone of profound sor- row, so overcame her that the tears chased each other down her fair cheeks ; she covered her face with her handkerchief and sat thus speechless for several minutes pondering over the sad event. Lady Iris' face when she withdrew her kerchief was of a marble whiteness, and her bloodless lips trembled with emotion. " This indeed is a vengeance for all the slights that I have shown him," she said, with a deep sigh. "I am grateful, dear ' s, said Hubert, " that you do not believe me guilty ot that wicked and deceitful act to my uncle." " Indeed, I would no more think or believe that you are, or would I e guilty of such a wicked act, than I be- lieve that Richmond is innocent of it," said Iris, earnestly. " Then I do not care much what others think," said he, " as long as you believe me innocent." He then took both her hands in his, and drawing her closer, he looked tenderly into her beautiful upturned eyes, which were filled with tears of affection, but he could not speak for a moment his emotion was so great • he struggled hard for the mastery over himself, and was soon able to talk to her with tolerable calmness, and after opening his heart to her by a profusion of tender expres- sions of his love, he threw himself at her feet, protesting 54 The Betrothal. a^'dti: tr.°"'^'"""-"^^'«^ - —ffecUonate heart ^^::zii t::tJr-r ^"^^'"""^ ■"-'""^' Hetuen drew he, shril^g' t ,f „'~ -fP'^''- thanked her MnrinB„ i- j\ , " '"''^*''' and himself th hCnier^ r / ""*'■"=" "h^ek, and feU ^ui- . Ail that his ambit on had cravprl fi.« i -e,. ,UHa. hardlrJ^rSotri ?:ha/r:rrr^-;f,-e«,prei:; true, and the Deri I win , ™"' '"^'•°'>« ^d and ™o,.e pZ "ll ' r;:^ "' °- '^''''"^ ^""^ R^^fi. \ ,^"*^^®^^S^<^<^ime comes." hantd -tl't; ''^"°"' ^'"»" »-' "^ '■'^ P-^et,and 3<.«^t?hC;rhet;:"-''^-"--- of:::Cei:if::::;^'r::"'rd-''^-- in her tone "J will k! f.' ''*^'" determination turn for tUs one '! 7 ;irr t^' t^' 'f ^"^^ ^^ -- She then drew a ringtom hetfi "^'" "^ '"'^^•" hi-, taking his in excht;."'"^^^^"'^^'^^^^^^^ " N°^> n^y own darling." said Huh.rt witK ...... . tiorj,"Ihavemadeupmvminrlf.- • " ••'^'" s-^'-emo- e up my mind to jom some regiment about Hubert Joins the Hussars. 55 to proceed on active service to the seat of war in the east, and there prove myself worthy of your love by fighting for the honor and glory of my Queen and country, trust- ing that God in his almighty wisdom will, in due time, bring this man's wickedness to light, and show forth my innocence to the world." He then strained her convulsively against his heart, and there v:as such infinite love, such yearning sadness in his eyes looking into hers, as he thought of having to tear himself away from the darling of his heart, that but for a habit Iris had of keeping back her tears for a more convenient time, she could have wept and bemoaned her- self passionately at the thought that she too must resign the strong arms that now encircled her, and that could shield her from all perils and danger. But this was her cross, and she must take it up and bear it bravely. The young hope even against hope, and the thought that heaven is too good to let them suffer who have done no harm, is a part of their innocent faith. After many ex- pressions of love, and promising to write to each other, they pledged their fidelity and parted. Iris then tottered to her room, locked the door, threw herself on the bed, opened the flood-gates of her heart, and gave vent to her deep grief by crying herself to sleep. Thus we leave her, poor soul, for the present, and follow Hubert into Birr Barracks, where, in disguise, he had reached in time to enlist in the 11th Hussars, and join a squad of recruits, just about to start for headquar- ters in Island Bridge Barracks, Dublin, where he was 56 A Warrant Issued. sworn in and posted to a trooo Thpr. «,. •„ i learninry f J, «- «'iuop. inere we will leave him in order to cantnrp IT. k * . / nothing undone with the oprif L^ Lr V k'"' "^ ''™' '" *»'-' telegraphed f„. his lawve ^D bli„ ! '"""''""■ "" """ to the castle in order to tik" ?^ '" ".'""' "'"■ "P^^^ to draw out a new wi 1 in f! tr"™'' ^ ^"'^ "» mnt was therefcrl il d ,o T ^l""""""'- '* '"'^■ and given to the oh If of n„l T*"""" "' «"•"=« trail after him Rw f ?' "'"' "'"'' ^o"" "" the to have he " itif ■"'" "'" ^'"""^^'- ^ -'"« of an an,' e sl!r ? ^^ ' hospitality, by partaking "ample supply of rashers of liMcon anrl „■>,. i -j eggs, he mounted his steed »^ fh. . .^ new-laid U»hed hostelry wherell , ?"' °' '"' "" ^^'*''- »i„i.-.. . ^' ""^'^ * ""o^t singular conulomer^ti^p -' """"■ "^SS"^ a"" bauckaughs wei-e loafi^ng "' On the Road to Banagher. 57 " Which is the road to Banagher ? " queried Richnrond to one of the bystanders, as he gathered up the reins and settled himself in the saddle. " Turn round to yer left," was the answer, " till ye pass the crass roads, then go on the straight road, an' if it isn't too dark entirely, ye'll be afther seein' Shannon-Bridge over beyant the other side av the wather right forninst ye." "Yer/vivr wouldn't be afther wantin' a gorsoon as far as t'* ■ "ss roads ?" asked an able-bodied man of about fifty years old, who had been capering around the cavalier with his pipe in his mouth. " There's a deep gully over- hung wid high rocks over beyant there, afore ye corae to the crass roads, that went a near drowndin' a parcel o' peelers, and some sojer officers ere-laf.t-night, only for Pat Meehan, who lives purty close to that same gully, an' heard the philoboloo an' the flounderin' in the deep gripe atween the rocks, when he took up a toarch light o' bog,deal an' found them down in the bog-hole. The nara up they could get, only he run back for a rope an' threw one end of it down to them, when they climbered up the bank one at a time, by the help of the rope. The place is mighty dangerous entirely, yer honor." " Yer honor never lost sight av the blind," said the skeleton of a woman in rags, as she hustled the fifty year old gorsoon out of her road, " a sixpence never stood atween him an' the blessin' av a poor famished, blind widow, wid four small helpless childern thrown naked an' fltarvin' on the world." 58 Th^ Gorsoon. " (let out of the way or d shouted Richmond as his ,n„, ^° '"^' "^° »ver you I " »d he gave abound theT:''''"'"r'''''"''=«'^'^»t, of the blessing. The crowd " TT ""''"'"^ ">« "^^^ g'ntleman, he carries Xthlnl „ ""' '""'•^ <"» ">« « young satirist, wlo worTtr " ""^°°"'" '""^^ g'-^y drugget on the knees of rnT' '"''^ P*""'' "^ ^, " Begob," said the iiftry/a; u ^ ^"™^''"- black pipe from hi, mouth = , ^'""'°''- "' ^^ '«>k a .'' o» the toe Of hi! Z:l ".1 '""""^'^^ "-^ -hes out of '« the hangman goin" "ove'r to T 7 '"■•'" ''°"''"^- >"" to do themurdher's bit o' hi T^*"' °' ^'" ™Vbe -y for certain thatLord C a"" m?" " ""'"''• "^^^^^ a- his own nephews I fc?r« '""' '^"'''">' ^^n. Shamus Ahotha 'ud be JtT \ "1 "^ ''™^ "' -"Vb^ -a"™.'.,at,mehere ,n pf T "' ''''^ """""y -"' •■ He'll swing f^r i " f 7 "' """■'*^'' "^ hop^eful. dudeen," observed the oM w„ , '"' '' ^'"' ™*''' that "r;;;tumpofac,ay:!erXrrhr^^^^^^ ^oa t be too sure o' thaf " '''^"^^h' ^ov emphasis. guzzling , Clapper of whiskev' .l''' ^^ ^''"^''' ^^° ^^« with a broad g. L as i.e wS h^ T 1'' ^"^ ^°^^^"^^ "P of his olj frieze coat, " don't J« ^^'^^ '^^ «^««-e him danglin', it's not so easv to T^ ^"^^^« ^i^i Je see gentsjikeasif he were a no ?"^ ^"' «' ^^^^ ere .*^^e.erdav,ont::;;:t:r^^^^^ in the midst of «.1| ♦i.,-- --,■ •' , - •■"= -t,„cal railing, Richmond Alone on the Heath. 59 dashed off away from the crowd of degraded humanity and trotted along briskly until he came to the little shee- been at the sign of the Monkey and Stick, which was five miles from Ballinasloe. He then had^ixteen long-heart- ed Irish miles, in the depth of a wild country between him and Banagher. with a dull. dark, foggy evening clos- ing around him. The prospect of a long ride on a rou^h road through such a lonesome country, was a poor con- solation to his ambitious spirits. Richmond was chockfull of himself and of the villainous business he had under- taken, and the rosy imaginations that were burstincr up within him. '^ "I have his neck in the halter anyway, if he is cau^^ht " he thought to himself. " If the old man dies he'll swing sure, and if he don't die, he'll be banished for life in either cases I'll have all to myself," and then he ground his teeth when he thought of the revenge he was going to have. s g Such thoughts as these forced themselves into his am- bitious mind while he jogged along, little hoeding the hills and deep gullies, as he journeyed through miles of them, barren and bare, which a less absorbed fancy might have taken for ghouls squatted around the horizon, only varied by ugly chasms, deep down in which dark brooks ^ero moaning in solitude. A small cabin would peep out here and there, every now and then, on the heights among the rocks, the inmates figuring weirdly against -■ ^^° ^"^i ""u uug-deainre. A donkey gnaw- ing the heather would look up from his evening meal 60 O^y m You Pay V„,r Way." in wonder at the intrusion, and cock hi, !,.„„ plover whistle its lonesome secreTs „u !f ?.'' k " " ma,^h, sixteen ,„i,es „f whic, L tht ] 1 ^^ °' -tthet^— ^:;-rc a:ilii:d':tn•t:;:^,rilr '"''■"-' '-' '-" hills to turn blacrm thelf' wr '" """ "' ''" -used from dreams of ermte toTh " '''' "" the middle of the ro^ .7 ? " was standing in head h! i ^^"^^ '" f™n' «f 'he torse's *-m at the appearance of this sudden apparition in 7 lonesome wilderness of rocks and chZs TheT '' ooked gigantic standing there im^o'ble agaLtT Richmond, however, seeina that fh^ f.ii motion to move out of h' '^ ,[ ^^^ ^^"^^ ^ade no e-o„twith:::r::e:itdi::r --- ~f:crmor""^"''■'-''-'>'-''°>-o='<'- "clm"e'^„"" ^? ''^^ y"" ™'''" ^^ 'ho cool roioinder - you, ^.„„„, o, y^„.j, j^^^ ^ ^^jj_^^ ^1^^^^^^^ ^^^ ng ears, or a the bog or en even the had the luck it had often dark, foggy y had been ide, and the avaJier was usness that ly amongst iking up of and then a itanding in the horse's stole over ion in V h rhe figure gainst the d through made no rage, and B road to rejoinder, eremony. ough the Richmond Unhorsed. gi head ! Now make your choice, and that in double quick time." As he spoke he drew a heavy weapon out of his breast, and levelled it at our cavalier's head, as if it was a pistol. Richmond's keen eyes, however, with the help of a gleam of light, showed him plainly that the weapon levelled at his head was only a hotheen or bludgeon but he was close enough to see that he was dealing with a brigand of powerful physique, whose features betokened those of a scoundrel hardened in danger and crime Rich- mond, therefore, being a youth of mettle, cried out at the top of his voice. " Stand off the road there, or d n me, I'll horsewhip you," and suiting the action to the words, rushed forward with his whip raised above his head and his spurs clapped into the horse's flanks, he charged furiously at the intruder with brave intent. But the highwayman meeting the beast full tilt as its fore feet reared high in the air, he lifted it off its haunches with all his might, and sent horse and rider into a deep ditch by the wayside. There after much floundering and plung- ing the horse settled down upon its back among the mud and stones, jamming the riders legs, underneath It was all done in an instant, the rider's whip had scarce- ly time to descend, when he found himself turning somer- saults through the air. with arms and legs whirling round Ike the sails of a windmill, and then dashed with his face against the stones, where he lay insensible. When niS COnscioilsnpea J-.o0.o»» J-- j.,-.-_ 1 , ar.A ^x. v'yTT "■^"" '''''^'■° ^'® "^^''^ men talking, and the light of a lantern dancing in his eyes, and human figures moving about him. D 62 Arrested ! "Begorra, sergeant, 'tis he, sure enough, but somebody is afther sniatherin' his face for him," he heard one of the men saying, who was swinging a lantern before his eyes to ascertain whether he was dead or alive. " Fox- ing, as sure as my n&me is Dan Murphy," exclaimed a strong voice from behind, emphatically, " 'tisn't the queerest av that same bouchuL's tigaries. Lave him to me sergeint," and suiting the action to the word, he grabbed the swooning unfortunate roughly by the collar. " Come on an' lave off yer play-actin' a vick-na-hoie, an' look alive." " Eh, where am I, have you got him ? " stammered out Richmond, rubbing his eyes as his position gradually took shape in his bewildered memory. " Got him, did you say ? " reiterated the policeman. " Faith, then we have, «|,n' we'll howld him, too, ye may aise yer mind about that, me bouchal." " What ! the robber, the highwayman ? D n him ? " cried Richmond, anxiously. " Sarra the lie in it," said the constable, sarcastically, as he and his comrade lifted Richmond unceremoniously to his legs, which ached in every joint. He had only ' ime to see that he was face to face with three mounted police, one of whom held the horses on the road, when, to his horror, he found his wrists mana- cled in a strong pair of iron bracelets, the pang of which seemed like hot iron. " What in the deuce does all this mean ? " asked he, angrily, " where would you drag me ? or what do you take me for, fellows ? " W The Wrong Man. 63 " We don't want to drag you at all, me tight fellow. If ye behave yerself we'll give ye a lift. As to where, why back to yer ould domicile wid strong bars to yer windy, built specially for such gintlemen as yerself As to tlie wherefore, yer not such a fool as ye let on to be, an' 'tis no use for ye naythur, Shamus Ahotha ; maybe ye heard tell av a man o' that name," sneered the constable, as he stowed away the key of the handcufls in his pocket. " Why the man's in prison, goin' to be tried for his life. It couldn't be that he has walked out o' jail in broad day, light, and locked the jailer in the cell in his own place! Not he ! nor that we're trapesin' through the country since four o'clock to-day at his heels, an' from informa- tion received, discovered him here handy concealed in a bog-hole. Why it's all pure imagination," said the humorist, with a knowing grin and a nod of his head. " Well, this is too good," said Richmond, " they mis- take me for a highwayman." Bruised as he was, and in great pain, Richmond went into a hearty guftaw, when the ridiculous situation he was placed in struck him in all its grim absurdity. His levity, however, only drew upon him at once the constable's irate reminder, " that he might laugh with the other side of his mouth before he was much older." He then protested solemnly,—" Upon my sacred honor, I am no more Shamus Ahotha than I am his grandfather,' and never laid my eyes on him or his infernal wilderness before to-night. 1 am Richmond, Lord Clanronald's nephew, from Fortumna Castle. I am assailed here on 64 Shamua Ahotha. f i f I the Queen's highway by a vagabond who stretches my- self and the horse I rode in the ditch where you found rae senseless and bleeding, after robbing me." " Faith, then, mo houchal ! " said the constable, " that clever taste av a fabrication on your part can't benefit ye much, for we are also afther that worthy individual who shot Lord Clanronald. I bleeve that they call him Hu- bert, at laste we have his name as such, so that the cure for ye is as bad as the disease, d'ye mind, me buck." Then Richmond explained how he had been to Ballina- sloe, for the purpose of having Hubert's name inserted in the Hue and Cry, and offering a reward for his apprehen- sion. The policeman was a little staggered at this ex- planation. " btgob, sergeant," he whispered in his superior's ear, " 'twould be a purty how-d-ye-do if it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. The young man spakes mighty fine langwidge entirely. I had my doubts av him all along." " Patsey McCabe, don't be afther makin' an amadhaun av yerself," said the sergeant, whose character for shrewd- ness was nettled. " Hould here the light to me while I read this descrip- tion. Don't poke the lantern into my face, hould it a little one side, there, that will do," then ho read on. " James O'Brien, vulgarly called Sham us Ahotha, five feet nine and a half inches high." " That's him to a dead certainty," declared Dan Murphy. " ' Dark hair and eyes, low forehead." •' No forehead at Patsey McCabe. 65 all there, begob ! sergeant, nothing but blood and bruie-s," remarked Patsey McCabe, ' square an' rathei" ill-favoured, elanc-shaveii-f'ace, good address, wears a heavy mouse- coloured-swallow- tailed frieze coat, and high-crowned, chimney-pot hat.' " " Ha, ha ! " cried Richmond, exulting^y, as he shrugged his coat-collar and felt for his hat, confident that he did not answer to the highwayman's description; but with a groan of mortification down fell his hands and eyes when he discovered that in the place of his own new coat and silk hat, there was the identical hac and coat named in the description, and the unmistakable cos- tume of the bandit who plundered him. Covered with bruises and mortified with rage, Richn end looked hideous in this outlandish guise of the brigand. The very ettbrt of dignit}'' he afllected was only a leer, and con- firmed the constable's belief in his hypocrisy. "Patsey McCabe," queried the sergeant, after he had read the document, " don't ye think that description purty correct ? " " Upon my reputation, sergeant," answered the con- stable, " it's as like him as two pase, wid the ception av the blood an' bruises on the face." "Mould here the lanthern, now," said the sergeant, "an' be aisy wid ye, while I read the other thief'i description. Keep the lanthern steady, can't ye; how can I read wid the light dancing in my eyes like a magic lanthern." Then he commenced: — "Hubert Clanronald, live feet nine inches high, light curly hair, blue eyes, high fore- head, open countenance, and lofty bearin." 06 RichnKynd's Vindictivenei^i^. HI "Arrah, sergeant, that don't tally with this bouohal whatsomerliver," said the constable, "there's no open countenance, or lofty beaiin' about this royimh. Ills is more av the murdoier's type. I don't say that he is one, mind, but he favours one entirely, so he does." This tirade exasperated Richmond beyond all endur- ance, and foaming with passion and rage he cried out : " The ruffian ! it was not enough for him to have robbed and half killed me, but ho should have the audacity to strip me of my clothes even, and leave me in his own infernal filthy toggery." This vindictive outburst of Richmond's wore out the last shred of official credulity. "Come, come! me fine follow, no more of yer mudlarkin' wid me ! " cried the sergeant, testily, chucking over the prisoner to Daa Mur- phj', with orders to give him a lift on one of the horses. Richmond still kept up a running fire of maledictions on the robber who deprived him of his clothes, which only confirmed the policemen's surmises of his simula- tion. "If ye'U take a friend's advice," said the sergeant, " keep yer tongue in yer cheek, for if ye say anything more at the present it'ill be taken down in writin' agin ye when we get to the next public house, if there's the materials conveynent." In this damning guise, at such a time and place, with no sign of the horse even to verify his outlandish account of himself, and ail the papers that might have identified him gone with his money, to what end should he parley The Sergeant's Excitement. 67 further with the impertinent policemen, knowing especi- ally, when once at I'anagl.er, there must be an end of the dilemma. But, in the moantino, how all his world of roses had withered out int<. rjlackn^^gg those few hours past. What a sad descent from t; ■: ambitious young gentleman of fortune and tht 'loaver of success opening above his head, to the crest-fa:.' n, bruised, and penniless wretch who rode into Banagher at the tail of a police- man, strapped down into a highwayman's uniform, under an ignominious suspicion. When they reached Man's hotel, in Main Street, they found out their mistake, as the guests were toddling off to their respective rooms, with many boisterous evidences of the dhoc-an-dhin'riaft which they had just drunk with hip ! hip ! hurra ! and three times three, in the bar-room, and the waiter ekeing out his own modest jorum from such tipple as might have clung to the heels of the tumblers. " Buri-an-agers ! Patsey McCabe," whispered the ser- geant, in great excitement, when he discovered the mis- take he had made, and learning from the bartender that the police magistrate had just left the hotel, " start off after Mr. Mulgrave and tell him that there's a gentleman here waitin' to see hira on very particular business." In the meantime, Edward Mulgrave, the police magis- trate, who had been enjoying the landlord's hospitality, was picking his way through the ruts in the main street, baiauciug himself as best he could under the circumstan- ces, in the vain attempt of bringing the two sided of the 68 "As Sober as a Judge." been somewhat paX!d 1^"' "'"f T"'"'' "'"^ wid bulb an- mistakes rZ, T , T ""' "" '''""'^^ CUn^ald was stopped „„ the road\twee„ rTJ haw. him off toBanagher h^e atl^f et^'lrir ' the -»-tso.a ma^:?^';:;;?::;-"^^^^^^ «";: th'r '"^ """ ^^'«^'">' ''- '>-^»4 an '1 A Curtain Lecture. 99 "CVc-comtable," stammered the magisteate, after many attempts at a..t:culatio„, " ta-take my arm. an- ,„d lea- ead the way ba-ba-back to the ho-ho-hotel, hie, hie." 0,, arnvalatthe hotel, in truth Edward Mulgra;e .truck sudden y^ober as a marble statue, when h'e discover d h,s old fr,end covered with blood and bruises, : ,d shroud- ed n he highwayman's toggery, while the constables we>e plag„,ng the hfe out of him with apologies for their blunder, and laughing in their sleeves at the fun. In t e corner the .11-starred sergeant sat gloomily conning over the descnpfon, and shaking his head with uncertainty as .f he thought there was still a nigger behind the fence ouf t "7 !^' "'"' ''' "' *™ "'^ ""^'"i". -d drag A. , """ ""* ''"g'^I-g^rfianship of Mr Ed! ward Mulgrave, who greeted his old friend warmly, and tek.ng h,s arm requested the pleasure of his company to h.s house and be his guest for the night, to which rL- n.ond gladly acceded. Ifs a world of troubles ! Edwards atch key wabbles in the door after many dubious at tempts to find the hole. •■ The mistress is in bed long ago and asleep, I suppose " giolL^tX'T''""^'^'"'''"™'™'^^""''-' '■ Yes. my dear," replied Edward. "I thought you were asleep and I did not want to waken you." "I'm much ohHo-»d f^ va P-!-; i " sion hnf ^h^ ■' ' "°\ ^ ^^^^^'^ lor your condesceu- Bion, but this IS a charming hour to be coming to your ^^ family Ja/rs. bed, and a magistrate, too. What a splendid example ye are showing to your neighbours by stopping out till this hour. " Don't be a fool, M.ggie ! Oh, d n the turf basket ! who eft it there in the road ? " he cried, after his shins struck against that domestic utensil, with a crash. "Drunk again, to be sure," said the sweet voice now at the head of the stairs, "just what I might have ex- pected. That's right, Edward, kick about the furniture and smash everything in the house." " My dear, you are absurd, 1 assure you," cried he. as he rubbed his shins to quell the pain. " Oh, of course, I am absurd, Edward," reiterated the sweet voice from the banister. I have not the sense to spend my nights boozing and carousing with a parcel of night-walkers and gamblers. ,s, sir, I know you were gambling, and spending the few shillings that would put ' decent clothes on our respectable family instead of having them running round in rags." "For God's sake, Maggie, have sense." said he, softly aahe moved toward the banister, "there is a stranger here; my friend, blaster Clanronald, from the castle, is our guest for the night." At this anouncement there was a low shriek, and a light from a match which Edward had struck at the same time revealed a flying white form near the banister. The last words of the apparition were, "The wretch to shame me before that gentleman." Whereupon Edward laughed a great big hospitable A Remarkable Collcquy 71 xample ye ut till this rf basket ! r his shins 3h. ^oice, now J have ex- furniture led he, as srated the 5 sense to parcel of you were ould put )f having le, softly, stranger le, is our k, and a k at the banister, retch, to Irish laugh ; and the fire blazed up by means of a stick of bog-deal, and the skeleton of a turkey walked out of the cupboard, and other good thing wliich were not long in mellowing Richmond's disastrous memories. But be- fore sitting down to partake of his hospitality, Richmond divested himself of the highwayman's uniform and wash- ed the blood from his face, while Edward acted the part of a good Samaritan by dressing and anointing his wounds and bruises. He then fulfilled one of the corporal works of mercy by clothing hid naked guest with a suit of his own clothes. They then sat down to discuss the merits of the turkey by anatomizing its frame-work and doing justice to other snbstantials, after which they retired for the night. The following remarkable colloquy, which took place between them while Edward tucked him in for the night under the neatest of dimity curtains, shows a more cheer- ful frame of mind : "I say old fellow," said Richmond, "y^u don't happen to have any fire-arms in the house, something loaded, j-ou know ? " " Certainly, my boy," was the reply, " a pair of pistols and a double-barrelled gun at your service." " Hem ! well, never mind this time," said Richmond, "but I say, Ed., mind and have me up at cock-crow, and out of here, before I can meet any person to blow his brains out." Yet the sun was shining in at the window, and a pleas- ant smell of rashers of Irish bacon in the air, when Ed- 72 Magistrate Mulgrave. wa.d Mul.,uve popped his little .-ound, bald pate in at the door, >v.t. a face as ruddy as the sun, stirred his guest up out of .••earns in which he saw his brother Hu- bert g„,„g to be hanged for shooting his uncie, the will altered to h,s wishes, leaving himself heir to Fortumna <^astle, and Ins by his side in dl her loveliness. Murder-in-Irish I Richmond!" exclaimed he, "you d.d not ,00k so disfigured about the face, nor so drunk last n,ght ! ni ring for brandy and soda at once. Holy Moses, but the fellow was clever to throttle the jailer wh^ b.-ough h„n his dinner, lock him up with his own key and walk out the gate at his leisure, which indeed he did m broad day-hght yesterday, made for the countiy with- out a penny in his pocket, in a dress that wouM have that the mmtons of the law would soon be in hot pursuit after hm. What was poor human nature to do but al .Mf with the nearest ap.-roach to a pistol convenient, a botheen fAngla.s 'Bludgeon ,,, and help himself out of the pockets the first presentable wayfarer. Need I mind you. my dear fellow, that you answered the description on your arrival heie last night ? " frol^h V"7u-. *°' '^' ^°'^'' ''^'■" S™-''^<" Ki'=l>"'°nd f.om behmd his tumbler of brandy and soda. hat .''!j''^'P;, or any other foreign country ? " "Och, ya, master dear," answered P-ter, "don't be afther transportin' me like a convict, ^iire it's lime mo\l^h to bid the d i a good morrow when we meet lam, or to go f.o Botany-Bay till we're obliged. Preserve the hearers. "You seo.r veiy pious, Peter," said Richmond. " Yea, yer honor," answered Pete^ " I'm a little inclined that way lately, me conscience pricks me evt-^y now an then." " Well, Peter," queried Richmond, " how much do you want to settle your conscience ? " " Och, master dear," answered Peter^ " I know that , ye'll do the dacent thing wid me, seein' as how I've help- ed you true wid many a piece av ugly business an' never budged on ye, d'ye mind ? " " That's true, Peter," said Richmond, " you have always been true to me, and I hope you always will. Now, Peter, I'll give you something handsome, 1 11 give you one hundred pounds to take you to America, and let me never see your face again." " In troth then, yer honor won't," said Peter, "bud ye'll be afther givin' me five hundred pounds wid the chance av never seein' me again, an' that same is a sm: I amount considerin' what I've been through wid ye. : . ;ell ye what, sur, there': ^urty talk whispered .. r- . oong the people." " What do they say, Peter ? " queried R;.( L .ond, anx- iomly. m Kitty Dalton the Fortune Teller. 75 Baj, or any "don't be ime anonirh ■eet Lhn, or leseive the ad. tie inclined ry now an' ueh do you know that . 7 I've help- s an' never ave always dll. Now, ve you one t me never "budye'll the chance ill unount X ;ell ye Qong the I and, anx- " Well, yer honor, aisy a while, an' I'll be afther tellin' ye," said Peter. "Yer honor knows ould Kitty Dalton, the ould breenogue ; everybody around the neighbourhood knows her. She goes about wid her shillala in her wiz- ent ould hand, tellin' fortunes ? " " Oh, yes, I know old Kitty," replied Richmond, " does she tell the past as well as the future ?" " Troth, does she, yer honor," answered Peter. " How do you know that she tells the truth ? " said Richmond. " Faix, then it's meself that ought to know that same," said Peter. " How is that, Peter?" asked Richmond. " Well, aisy, yer honor, an' I'll be afther tellin' ye," answered Peter. "Ye remember ere-yesterday when ye sent me over to Mavcourt Hall wid the letter ? " " Yes, Peter, go on," was the answer. '• Well, if ye do, well and good," said he. " As I war goin' past the widow McGu ire's sheebeen at the crass- roads, sure I went in to see the widow, an' take me mor- nin' crapper as usual, when I pass that same way, an' who was there planked down on her hunkers, wid a black dudeen in her gob, smokin' away an' gostherin' wid Mrs. McGuiro, but ould Kitty Dalton. As I goes in ^he ac- costed me wid ' Good mornin', Pether.' " ' Good mornin', Kitty,' says I. " ' How is aii up at the Big Hou.se, Pether,' .says she. " Faith, they're all purty well, 'sept the ould man, an' he's gettin' well mighty fast, thank ye, Kitty," says I. 1 1 76 Th, FoTtnne Telhr'n Diplmwy. ■ " Wid that sho shook her head, an' looked straight at features, an a m.ghty peculiar expression av wildness an mystery in her blairin' eyes as she said to me, ■ I know yo me boucljal ! ' Well, j„st to draw her fiere eyes off me, for to tell nothing bud the truth her look wor weird an unearthly an' nearly scared the life out o' me Tasked ^Troth th.n alanna,' says she, • I'll do that same, fur me heart .s cowld for the want av a dhrop an' Fm a wake as a araneen; ■■ Mrs. MeGuire, bring us in a nagin av the best po een ye have in yer houae," says I. Whik we wo dnnkm the ould witch wor a tryin' to pump „e. bxT wor cute enough for her Ye'd think it wo! a lawye crass exammin' a witness afore a grand jury at the Four Courts, to hear all the questions she axed me. I wo he. oU gob. I says. 'Kitty. I want ye to tell me fortune f same !f '^ ' "'^' '■"' 'P"' ™" K'"y -^^ do that same afya crass me hand wid the right sort av metal.' Jhat sort av metal ,..„ld ye be afther wantin', ^itty, says I. ' crZ ^'^'' ^!: ^"''^'^ ""^ '°"'''' *^^*'« ^hat I alwavs do be g in.noot ern.etarud be av any use, sure there's a charm in goold, me honey.' " Wid that I pulled out my purse and all the money I had in It wor two sixpenny pieces an' one small goold piece that S.r Charles gave me the night'he won so much money from yer honor, d'ye mind, sir ? " Their Fortunea Told. 77 "Yes," said Richmond, sharply, "go on, and cut the story as short as possible, I am anxious." " Well," s'.i.l he, "just to please the old crone, an' keep her on my side, as much as to have my fortune tould, sure enough I gave her the half-sovereign, divil a lie in it." " Well, Peter, what did she tell you ?" queried Rich- mond, " for heaven's sake be quick and tell me." " Well, aisy awhile an' I'll be afther doin' that same," said Peter. " She tould more nor I bargined wid her for, but I'll give her credit, for she never mentioned yer honor's name at all at all. But she stood up an' pointed with her skinny arm towards the castle, an' exclaimed : Pether, yerself an' that murderin' scoundrel ought to be hanged, but the spectre of yer crimes, an' that sweet colleen's blood will haunt both av ye through life. Ye are both murderers, an' the stamp av eternal infamy is upon ye, the finger av scorn will mark ye both out the tongue av reproach will sting ye like that av a serpent the deadly touch 0' shame will cover ye like a leper, ye'll both escape hangin' by the skin o' yer teeth. Bud' after that comes the black an' terrible tribunal av the Al- mighty's vengeance and his fiery indignation. Oh that poor orphan colleen that he seduced by promising to marry her, an' then threw herself an' her unborn babe over the bride., a order to hide his infamy, will stand .ornist both av ye, an' bear witness against ye.' " ' Ooh. for heaven's sake, Kitty,' says I, 'don't be afther E 'i£t3 78 " When Rogues Fall Out," Etc. talkin' such nonsense, sure it's the whiskey that makes' ye talk such unnatural thinr " I saw that the whiskey wor gettin' in her head an' makin her talk mighty freely about things that I didn't like to hear. So I filled her a large glass av the whis- key to stop her mouth. ' Here Kitty/ says I, 'take an- other drop of this, it's as smooth as oil, so it is, a child mije'ht drink every drop av it.' " After a little persuasion she took the glass an' tossed it off without makin' a wry face. That glass finished her, an' eased my mind, '^he tears streamed down her ould skinny cheeks, an' her eyes glared at me like coals of fire as sl-e handed me her ould black pipe to fill for her, but before T had the pipe filled she fell off her hunk- ers wid a groan an' was soon sound asleep. That's what I wanted to see. I'll be yer bail it'll bo long from me to have my fortune told again by Kitty or any other ould breenogue. I fi , .hed r-o droj iv whiskey an' watched the ould witch sleepin', while I talked a while wid the widow, I then left an' wor mighty glad to get away from Kitty." 6 J "Peter," said Richmond, "I don'' take any notice of such old hags' gossip." " True for you, sir," said ,ei bud don't slie know other people's business mig. y wuJ,and the same ould hag can guess eggs when she sees the shells." " Well, Peter," said Richmond, " I suppose I'll have to give VOU what nonnaxT xt/mi oaU na T Via — - 1 ^' '" • "■ '" "V J""' tm&, as 1 navu lext inyseii m your power." Peter Gets His Deserts. 79 " Begob, sur, I think yer gettin' off mighty chape," said Peter, " considerin' the risk I have run of bein' liung or transported by helpin' ye through wid many a piece av business that we'd both swing for if found out, d'ye mind ? When will ye give me the money, sir ? " " When you are ready to irt," was the answer. " Well, sur," said Peter, "I'll go an' have a talk wid Betsey an' see what she says, then I'll come back an' let ye know when I'll be ready." " Very well," replied Richmond, " let uie know this evening so that I can h^ve the money ready for you." "Yes, yer honor, I'll be afther doin' that same," said Peter, as he made his exit. ^urse the fellow ! " exclaimed Kichmond, after Peter had left ' im, "I wish he was dead or transported for life, Ai3 have left myself in his power I will have to come to his terms. I will give him the money he asks, in order to get rid of him, trusting and hoping never to see his rascally face again." " I say, Betsev," exclaimed Peter, as he slipped uis anu around her waist, in the servants hall, where he f'.'jnd her after leaving hi master's room. " Now, look here, there's been e lough nunsense goin' on between you an' I for the last two years. We've been courtin' long . aough, you've got a bit o' money, an' I've got a bit o' money, so now let us 1 t both our sums together an' get married rif'ht away, an' come out to Amoiiky wid me, where we 11 go into business for ourselves. We can get a dacent public house, or a saloon (as the Yankies call it) in the 80 The Blarney. States or in Canada. Thoy say them Oanuclcs drink a nuffhty large quantity av wliisky. If tlmt bo true we'd h. afther makin' a mint o' money out there, so we would. Now, Betsey, me darlin'. bad cess to me bud I'm gettin' fonder av ye every day (a squeeze). Now. Betsey, begin an tell me about yer sweethearts ? " " Och, Pether." said she, " don't be aflher botherin' me that way, you know tlie sorra one ever I had bud yer- self. ■^ " Oh ! tare-an-ages." cried ho, " what a bouncer t Bad cess to me if ye can spake a word nv the truth after that ye common desaver ! Warn't y^rself and Barney Mc' Guire pullin' a cord ? " "No. in troth." replied she, "it was given out an us bud we never wor. Nothin' ever passed atune us bud common civility. He treated me mother an' sister to a naggm av spirits at the fair av Banagher, when I war wid them, but he never broke discoorse wid me, he knew I'd not take it from him, barrin', as I said 'afore in civility." ' "An' d'ye mane to shove it down me throat that ye never had a beau at all at all ? " " The nara one, then." said she, " believe me or believe me not." "Oh ! ye thief," cried he, "wid two such posey lips an' two such cherry cheeks as yer own ! Oh ! by the' tarn'l that won't go down wid me ! " "Well, an' supposin' I had," retorted she ("behave Pether). -supposin* I had, where's the bars ? Sure its' Irish Courtshi'p. gl kiKJwn all over the parish all the colleens ye've had runnin' afthoi- ye, an' yet Imve, T suppose " " Begorra, then," said he, " that's true for ye, an' the more the merrier, me honey. I've had enough av them in my day, bud ye're the jewel av them ail, that I'd like to spend mo life wid." (a squeeze.; " Lave aff, Pether," said she, «'the sarra one word the men says a body can believe or trust. I'll warrant ye tould that .story to every one av them, a,s well as to me. (Stop, Pether.) It's well known what ye .say to the colleens is not all gospal." " Faith, between you and me, Betsey," said he, " I'll tell ye a sacret, I wor the boy foi- bewitchin' anddoludin' them. It's very w(;ll known the matches I might a got, bud ye .see, me darlin' little honey, it's for yersolf I wor waitin." " For mo. did ye say ? A purty story, indeed." "I'm sure it was," cried ho. " Oh ! af ther that, Pether ! how can ye— well, well, did anyone ever hear of the likes ? " " Be that crass," protested Petei', placing his fingers across, "it's the truth I'm tellin' ye, I've had ye in°me eye these two years an' more, bud wor waitin' till I'd get as much money as 'ud take ^is to Ameriky, an' there set us up in the world dacently. Upon my faix, Betsey, it bates cockfightin' the love and likin' I've for ye an' ever had this last three years, me honey. I tould ye about yer eyes, mavourneen, an'— about yer lips— an' rosy cheeks." (A squeeze.) "Pether, behave— I say— now stop wid ye— well, well, 82 The " Slustherin." but yer tho tazin' Pether. Troth ! the colleens may be glad when ye've gone to Ameriky," exclaimed she. adjust- ing her hair. "^ " Bad cess to the bit, if ever I got so sweet a one in me Me-the soft end av a lollypop's a fool to it. One thing Betsey, I can tell ye, that I love ye in gveat style. When were married it's I that'll soother ye up. I won't let the wind blow on ye. Ye must give up workin' too, all I'll ax ye to do will be to nurse the childer, an' ^,hat same 'II keep ye busy enough, plase goodness." "Upon me faix, Pether," said she, "yer the very sarra so ye are. Will ye be aisy now. Pll engage when yer married it'll soon be another story wia ye. Maybe ye'd care little about us then." "Be them five crasses," said he, placing his fingers across, " I'm spakin' pure gospel, so I am, sure ve don't know that to be good husbands runs in our family. Every one of them wor as sweet as honey to their wives Why there's Mike Quigley, over beyant, he's me first cousin an if ye'd see how he buthers up an' soothers his bether half It 'ud make yer heart warm to any man av the family." "Lave off, Pether, "said she, "don't be slustherin'* me that way, an' stoppin' me breath." " Betsey, agra, sit closer to me," said he, " there, that's a darlin'. Are ye fond av me, Betsey, tell the truth an' shame the d 1 ? " " Fond av ye, did ye say ? " reiterated she, " gyre ye * Kissing, 1 i ".!' Pef.er Presses His Suit 83 know all the colleens are fond av ye, aren't ye the boy for deludin' them, ha, ha, ha ? " " Come, come, me honey darlin," said he, " that won't do, be serious. If ye knew how me heart's warming to ye this minute, ye'd fall in love wid me shadow, come, /, I now, out wid it. Are ye fond of a certain boy not far from ye, called Pether Quigley ? " " To be sure I am," said she, with a smile, " are ye sat- isfied now, Pether ? " " I say, Betsey, faith, it won't pass avoumeen, that's not the voice for it. Don't ye hear me how tender I spake into your ear. Now, turn to me, like a purty en- ticin' colleen, an' put yer sweet bill to me ear the same •way an' whisper what ye know into it, that's a darlin'. will ve, alanna ? " " An' maybe all this time yer promised to another," said she. " Be them five crasses," said he, " I'm not promised to any one, no seize the one," " Ye'll say that anyhow," said she. " Do you see me hands acrass ? " said he, " be them five crasses, I'm not promised to a colleen livin', nor would not be because I have had ye in me eye. Be a sweet coaxia' jewel for wonst. Be this and be that, if ever ye heard or seen such doins an' times as we'll have when we're married. Now the weeney whisper into me ear." " Well, Pether," said she, " ye ought to know that I cauFiOt leavc ncrc now wita the wastner so poorly, it u;^ break his heart if I left him now. Bud if ye behave 84 Betsey's Response. yerself out there in Amerikey an' lave off drinkin' fa «q"ee.e), be quiet. Pether, can't ye sit still while teHv as I was a sayin' that if ye conduct ye^elf an' be a"ood boy, when ye come back again I mav b«v» „ 7 l on the banks av the lake waitL 7 F"'^ ''°"'' live together all ourlives ffisord ^ 'l! """" "^ '=^" +1, i '^ iordship has promised mp that stone cottage by the lake side, besides sole, na marry ye now, an' have .ne little bit av mone; squand" ed, an for ye to be pourin' it down yer throat aTd! an' n ght while it 'ud last, I'd sooner be a^ o d ^^ U w : : ;Tt / 1™*"^' ' ''' -■'^ ^^- pether,budt:; yeve,ln,ost broken me heart wid seein' ye day afther fl^„ , "'luoi tftat a tap room was n flower garden compared to ye I',,, «„l,l ,"'""' Pether.solam." ^ ^ '" ashamed av ye, .Jt this Betsey burst into tears, and sobbed hyater- "Now Betsey agra," said Peter, "don't be ,„.l,- ■ ar,u.tkaun av yourself eryin' that wav Sure Xt's"*^" thing^o'tuTl n d Tevt *' ""■ "'■'""' »^- from year's end to yeart Id™ ' """" " ^'"■'"^^ "Pether avick," cried sHp "TMi who drinks. I'd givTyete bit "'""'^ " ""'" it ud do ye any good [^-Td ™"'^ " ^ '^''''^' J ""V 8""'* J an Id do more nnr tho' f butye've drank till it's made ye hard cr • ^'' an' wicked, an' tho' I've ne-er - • . ^ '-'' """^"'"'"' ve ne.ei ^^,a nothm', I've thouirht i '**, . •inkin' (a I tell ye, be a good ■fcy house e we can nised me oner nar [uander- all day aaaid all id lately y afther h ways, n was a av ye, hj'ster- kin' an it's the sense ? t auy- hiskey 1 man lought 'ur ye, icious aught '% The Parting. ^5 sorrowfully about all your wickedness. As to be tied to a man like that I'd sooner go down an' jump into the lake, so I would." "Well, Betsey achora," said he, "outav this I'll not budge till I cry me skinful, so I won't. Seize the toe I'll move from here till I'm sick wid cryin' ! Och mur- ther alive this night ! Isn't it a poor case an' a hard mather entirely, that the colleen I'd suffer meself to be turned inside out for won't do as I ax her. In troth I b'leeve she don't care a thraneen about a hair o' me head ! Oh! then, bud I'm the misfortunate blackguard all out." He then covered his face with his hands and sat sway- ing his body to and fro for several minutes, and then with a mighty effort he spoke : " Betsey, I will lave this counthry an' try in some foreign parts to reform me life, an' some day return again to ould Ireland where 1 hope to meet yer sweet face once more, an' prove meself a worthy shooter for yer heart an' hand." " Faith then if ye do that same," replied Betsey, " I'll be true to ye, an' wait until ye return, an' I'll hive a nate little house waitin' to receive ye." " Ye will, Betsey ? " said he. '• Yes, I will," said she, " Give us your hand on that, then," said he. There was a loving squeeze, some heart-pourings, a heavy sigh, a loud smack, and they parted, and as Peter moved away Betsey tlirew her old slipper alter him for good luck. 86 Richmo7iJ's Determination. Richmond gave him the five hundred pounds and he started for Cork, there to take a passage for New York- After Peter was gone. Richmond had nothing to fear or to trouble him. Hubert never would return again, he thought to stand his chance of being transported and disgraced. No, he had nothing now to fear from that quarter There was only one thing now lacking to make his ambition complete, and that was to gain Iris. He must stand higher in her estimation now that he was heir to his uncle's immense wealth, castle, title and es- tates, and besides he had her father on his side. " I am not given to turning aside," he said to himself ' from any goal I make up my mind to attain. For years my will has carved out and pursued its own path regardless of obstacles. By heavens ! I will gain her or die m the attempt ! " With these reflections he went to bed, and slept with an easy conscience that night. CHAPTER III. Lady Iris— The Breakfast— The Dialogue— Maud Ouffe visits Iris -The Dialogue— The Library— The Dialogue-A Good Subject FOR Michael Angelo— Maud's Natural Philosophy— The Dia- logue—The Interview-The Guests- Genius has no Sex— Maud Gives Council— Iris' Mind Made Up-Her Father Propounds a Theory— Nanny's Prophecy- The Banshee Crying - Nanny's Story —The Departure for Dublin— The Personation— The Boy's Clothes— Egbert Eyre— The Barracks— The Idol of Her Heart -The Recruiting Sergeant -Iris, alias Robert Eyre— The En- listment. WE will now go back to Lady Iris' room where she cried herself to sleep, and there lay on her bed until her maid, Norah, finding that it was past the usual hour that her young mistress always summoned her, went up and knocked at her door, and then the poor girl composed herself to say that she had a bad headache, and " would undress herself to-night." Norah went away wondering. It was clear that her young mistress had a brilliant destiny before her, and yet here she was shut up in her bedchamber, and answering her simple questions in a voice thick and husky, with tears in her beautiful blue eyes, but now red with crying. Iris went and fretted during iliat long, and to her, a weary night, and the next (87) 88 TaUe-Tudk. mommg found her not consoled. She hardly knew the pale, p,t.ful little face that ,,he ,,avv in the glaa, tl a mom.ng nor the heavy, dim eyes that looked .so com- pa.s,onately mto hera When she had bathed her head and face ,n cold water to remove some of the traces of her troub es, she made her toilet, dressed in a suitable mornmg dress, put on her hat and cloak, and went into the garden to escape Norah's ministrations. She wan- dered disconsolately about the gravel walks until the bell rang for breakfast, and then she hurried in. Even exer c.se could not bring a glow to her pale cheeks, ,vhich caused her father to look anxiously at her as she entered. D«;Im, .'aid he, after they both , sat down to break- ast, have you heard of the cold-blooded, cowardlv treacherous act that Hubert has ccnmitted on his uncle r Yes, I have heard of that foul deed," replied Iris w.th emphas,s, ■■ but I can never believe that Hubert is' or could be guilty of such a dastardly crime. He is too' honorable and truthful to be guilty of such an outrage It « a foul plot that has been laid by some dcsigniu. mcked _person to have Hubert banished for some .scIhI' .. 7"u- '"". ™"""™=™'*'':i'0'' talk," said her father why h,,, uncle saw him in his room walking round, as' plam as I see you, and raising the pistol and firing at him. He can swear most positively that it was Hubert » Ins iindmg that her tears flowed fast, and that it was no use ,n trying to persuade her father of Huberfs inno- cence, busied herself behhid the big urn which stood in Maud Cufe. 89 front of her on the table, in order to evade his piercing glances. After the first outburst the meal proceeded in silence. Iris really eat nothing except a small piece of dry toast and a cup o" ..ea. Her anxiety to finish lireakfast in- creased as the tears ran down her fair cheeks, so that she might retire to her own room and have a good cry. Her anxiety was gratified at last when her father pushed his plate away with an air of being satisfied, and then Iris felt that she was at liberty to retire. She got as far as the door when her father said " Iris, I have asked your cousin. Miss Cuff"e, to come over and stay a few weeks with you. I thought you were lonesome and would be glad of a companion in your walks, rides, and drives." " Indeed, papa," replied Iris, " I am very grateful for your kind consideration. It will be so jolly ; when will she be here ? " "I expect her to-morrow afternoon," said he, "if nothing unusual intervenes to detain her." " Then," said she, " I will go and tell Nora, that she may prepare her rooms at once." Iris could not help wondering when she found herself alone, if Maud CufTe's visit meant only as little as her father inferred, or, whether it was not a plot against her peace, got up by her father and Richmond. She liked Maud very much, nevertheless she did not intend to trust her with her own secret until she had found out whether she was for or against her, and even then, she was not to know it all. She had her mind made 90 The Fair Diplomate. 1 1 up to be brave, and brave she would be ; but now she was obliged to allow herself the luxury of a good hearty cry, as a preparation for the pleasure of seeing Miss Cuffe. I must not indulge in crying after she has arrived, thought Iris to herself. With this determination she went up to her room and locked herself in and there indulged in tears and sobs, and the thoughts that crowded her mind concerning Hubert's welfare. Next morning Maud Cuffe and her maid arrived; the former went straight up to Lady Iris' room, and Norah conducted the maid to her own apartment. "Lord Marcourt says you are not very well, my dear," was Maud's first exclamation, after she had kissed and embraced Lady Iris (and made a keen observation of her face), "and so I have come to brighten you up a little. You are not to exert yourself in the least, mind, on my account. I shall amuse myself you may depend. You don't know what an adaptable creature I am ; I pride myself par- ticularly on that. I shall not have been here two days before you will have the feeling that I never lived without you, and you never lived without me. I shall slip into my proper place as naturally as possible, and shall not be in any hurry to leave it, if only half as comfortable as it looks. But you have not told me yet, dear Iris, that you are glad to see me, and you know that is very unkind on your part." "Oh! dear Maud," replied Iris, affectionately, "I o— '- ^- •-— A(jt!--.!. voiivc li, nji: grantea. " Well, so I should," said Maud, " if you had invited me The Dialogue. 91 yourself, but as I owe the pleasure entirely to your papa, I want to be sure of your welcome," "Indeed, Maud," answered Iris, smiling sadly, "you are always heartily welcome, but more especially at this juncture, for I feel so downhearted since that sad affair which took place at Clanronald Castle. You must have heard of it, I presume, for it has been in all the papers." "Yes," said Maud, "and I have heard that Lord Clan-* ronald swears vengeance against his nephew Hubert, who, he says, has committed that dreadful crime." " So he does," said Iris, " and he won't be persuaded but that it was Hubert who did it." " Oh ! he is quite positive of that," replied Maud. " Then he is wrong," retorted Iris, sharply, " Hubert never did it, I am certain, he could never commit such a base crime." " Why did he run away, then," said Maud, " if he is not guilty?" " Why ? indeed," replied Iris, vehemently, " why should he stay when he could not prove his own innocence, and be made to suflfer the penalty in the wrong. He went away in hopes that truth will out sooner or later, and prove his innocence to the world." " I, too, hope so, with all my heart," responded Maud, sympathetically. " I am very glad you came over, Maud," said Iris, " and be my friend and confident, as you have always been, but now I want your company and confidence more than ever since that sad affair. I am quite \o\ pirited." I i 92 Maud's Philosophy, " So you are, my clear," said Maud, "and besides, your papa thinks that you are too much alone. I now begin to perceive that he is right ; he judges that you want rous- ing, and I quite agree with him. I know human nature better than you. You must now try and be jolly like me and let nothing trouble you. 1 have no fear for the future. Besides, it is my creed to live always for the present, and as long as that is bright and smiling I con- sider it downright folly indeed to search beyond for pos- sible evils that may never come." "What a sweet, charming, sensible, consoling little creature you are, Maud," said Iris, with a smile, "so sprightly, so v-vacious and winning, unlike some of my acquaintaricrs, who are forever soaring up among the stars. Yc'Xi never puzzle my brains in the slightest degree to comprehen.I your delightful prattle." I' I am delighted," said Maud, with a hearty laugh, "to think that I have made such a favourable impression on your intelligent mind." With these words she glanced down the avenue and saw Richmond coming towards the castle, when they repaired to their rooms to dress for the afternoon. Maud became thoroughly domesticated, and the two young ladies established a regular routine of amusements and exercise. They either walked, rode on horse-back, or drove in their carriage, when not on picnics or boating excursions, whiling away the time as their inclinations prompted, when Richmond invariably accompanied them and always took good care to ingratiate himself with sides, your 'W begin to want rous- lan nature \y like me ir for the ys for the ing I con- id for pos- [ing little smile, " so me of my mong the est degree lugh, "to 'ession on 3 glanced ' towards dress for the two usements 5-back, or r boating jlinations ied them self with Richmond Again Advances. 93 Iris. His assiduity and unremitting attentions to gain her affection were unsurpassed. Iris, through the influ- ence of Maud's light-heartedness, for a time allowed her- self to be whirled on by the current of fashio- 'e parties, balls, dinners and picnics. But soon her seu.ie contem- plative temperament revolted from this irksome routine, and gradually she outlived and pursued a different course^ giving to her gay companions and guests what courtesy required and no more, although Maud tried her hardest to keep her mind from dwelling on the one absorbing thought that disturbed her peace. " Dear Iris," said Richmond, one evening as he sat be- side her on the sofa in the library, where he had been for some time boring her with diffusive protestations of his love, to her infinite aversion, which he must have appre- hended by her indifference to his passionate pleadings, " how can you trifle with me so long; if you could only realize how impatient I am for the happy day when I shall be the proud man to call you my wife, you would be serious, so that we might fix an early day for our mar- riage ? You know as well as I do that it is your father's will and pleasure that we should get married as soon as possible and sett! down." " Richmond, why will you affect to misconceive my in- tentions ? " said Iris, with emphasis. « I have pondered long and well a matter involving your happiness and mine, and I now tell you candidly that I have no inten- tion of getting married for at least two or three years more at any rate. My father is not so very anxious to F %. w. .0^. ^.^^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^- 1.0 I.I (45 u 1^ mi" IL?^ iu 2.0 IU 1.6 V] <^ /i / %\4 ""^^./V '5V' '//a rilOtugldpillL Sciences Corporation S '^ a\ ^^V N> ^V >/^ O^ \^^> 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. M580 (716) 872-4503 'iJ. 94 Again Repulsed. I ' H part with his only child, and besides, I gave you to under- stand once before that I could not marry you, even at the risk of my father's displeasure. Therefore it is ungen- erous and unmanly to press a suit which you cannot fail to know is extremel}'' disagreeable t(> me." " My dear Iris," said he, " have you then no love for me ? I have hoped and believed that you hid ^^our love behind your cold mask of proud silence. You must, you do love me, my beautiful Iris ! " " Richmond," replied she, earnestly, " I love you as a friend, but no other love than this I ever had, and I think I never can have for you. Look fearlessly at the unvar- n,ished truth ; neither you nor I have one jpark of that affection which alone can sanction marriage. We are utter- ly unlike in thought, taste, feeling, habits of life, and as ■ pirations, I have no sympathy with your pursuits, nature stamped us with relentless antagonism of character, and I bow to her decree rather than man's word. Nature never painted a picture dark enough to suit the wretched- ness that would result from such an unholy union as ours would be. Think of it, Richmond, a loveless marriage, a mere money transaction, a sort of legal contract, the only true union being of bank stock, castles and broad lands." She then leaned back against the sofa with her arms folded, while a cold, disdainful smile played around her beautifully chiselled ruby lips. " Indeed, Iris," said he, " yon wrong mo, you are dearer to me than anything else on earth, from my earliest recollection." •m I have loved you Richmond Still Persistent. 05 " You are entirely mistaken," said she. " I cannot be deceived, neither can you deceive yourself. I admit that you love me in the same friendly way that I love you • perhaps you admire me more than any one you know of just now. you are infatuated by my beauty, much in the same way as you are of your race-horses or your mastiff, but love such as a man should have for a woman whom he makes his consort, and calls by the name of wife you have not one iota of. I do not wish to wound yourVeel- mgs, but I must talk to you as any reasonable woman would do on such an important question. I hold it no light thing for two souls to tie themselves with vows ^ which neither of them can fulfil." " Ah," replied he fervidly, '• I see now how matters stand. Having disposed of your heart, and lavished your love on that diabolical scoundrel who committed that dreadful assault on my uncle, and has fled the country you are still in hopes of his return, which he never will' for he knows his doom if he does-disgrace and banish-' ment for life would be his reward. Therefore vou need have no hopes of his return." " Richmond," said she, with animation. " I do not wish to hear you use such vulgar and vindictive lan^uacre in my presence, therefore I want to hear no more on this subject." These words stung him so deeply that he crimsoned with passion, and^retorted with a degree of bitterness of which he sccrncd unconscious at the time. "You. at least." said he, "dare not deny the charge which my uncle has preferred against him." 96 Iris Still Obdurate. r " Either you do not understand me," rejoined she, " or you underrate my courage, there are few honorable things which I dare not do." " Confess, then," said he, sharply, "who stands between your heart and mine 1 1 have a right to ask and to know." " You forget yourself, Richmond," replied she, empha- tically, " your right is obviously a debatable question ; we will waive it for the present, if you please. I do not want your castles or estates, and you should be content with your ample fortune without coveting my inheritance. I would not suit j^ou for a wife, go find some more con- genial spirit, some gentle, clinging girl, who will rejoice only in your love, and make you forget all else in her presence. Richmond, cherish no animosity against me, I merit none. We shall always be good friends I hope, as we always have been." She then rose up the sofa and intimated her desire to depart by hoio -g out her hand, but he was too angry to accept it. Instead of which he asked haughtily: " Shall I break this pleasant piece of information to your father, or do you feel equal to the task of blighting all his long cherished hopes, as well as my life and happi- ness ? " " I leave that in your own hands," said she, "consult your own interest and pleasure, to me it matters little." She then turned round to leave the room, but he de- tained her, and exclaimed aloud, with more aftection and tenderness than he had ever manifested before : " Oh, dear Iris, do not reject me altogether and for Richmond Reports Progress. 97 ever! I cannot relinquish you, give me time to prove my undying devotion and love to win your hand If your heart is still at your disposal, may I hope in time to obtain It by my constancy, devotion and unremittinrr fidelity ? " ® _ Iris was much pained at his crying supplications. So just out of pity, as well as to get rid of- his wearisome pleadings, she said : "Richmond, I feel no inclination to be married just yet ; I am too young to be tied down to a married life therefore I think it is useless to talk any more on this' subject, so good-night, Richmond." She' then skipped away from him, and took a detour through the conserva- tory to the drawing-room, where she found Maud rattlina off some merry, soul-stirring Irish airs on the grand piano. • " Maud," said Iris, as she stood by the piano after the piece was finished, " let us go up to our rooms, my head aches and besides I am wearied and tired ; I want to go to bed. ^^ " You are ill, my dear," .said Maud, as she looked in her face while she closed the music book and shut down the piano, "you look as pale as a marble statue' come up to Iris, with her arm around Maud's waist, went up-stairs Cher own room. Passing her father's door she saw a light gleaming through the key-hole, and heard the sound 01 low but earnest conversation. She then knew that it wa« Richmond closeted there with her father, and she \ I 4 I ■ 'i ii . .j 98 Maud Vo2vs Fidelity. judged what was in store for her next morning. Gradu- ally the house became quiet, and oppressed with the pain- ful sense of coming trouble. Iris, on reaching her room, threw herself into an arm-chair with a heavy sigh, and there sat motionless for several minutes before she spoke. It was then she thought of what Hubert said to her when they parted : " I foresee that you will be closely pressed, but you must be brave and strong and true, of the latter I have no doubt." These words she pondered over and over again in her mind, which gave her fresh strength and courage to reveal part of her secret at least to Maud. " Well, my dear," said Maud at last, after a protracted silence, " what is troubling your brains now ? You are sitting there as if you were a model for an artist, or a Grecian statue." "Oh ! Maud," said she, " what a prattling little vixen you are. Sit down here beside me while I relate to you what I am thinking of, trusting to your honor and fidelity to keep my secret. Will you promise to be true to my cause and keep my secret if I trust you with it ? " " I will promise," said Maud, " to keep it inviolable, upon my sacred honor." " I believe you, Maud," said Iris. " I know I can trust you. It is true that single women have trials of which a thoughtless world has little sympathy. In my child- hood I always thought of old maids with a sensation of contempt and repulsion, but now I regaid those am-ono- them who preserve their nature iroui cynicism and I '• k im Genius Has No Sex. 99 querulousness, and prove themselves social evangels of mercy, as an uncrowned host of martyis. I am\lso a persecuted martyr, here in my father's house. You are already aware that Richmond has been trying to ingrati- ate himself into my affections, and is sueing for my hand. I know it is the one absorbing wish of my father to see us married. Now he has been protesting his love to me all the evening in the library, and entreating me to marry him. which I never will, even to please my father, for I ^am quite sure that I could never love him. But, on my father's account, I don't want to be absolutely rude to him. I know perfectly well that I will be persecuted by him and my father if I stay here, I have therefore made up my mind to go out to the Crimean war, and nurse the sick and wounded brave soldiers, who are fighting for our rights and our freedom and our country. Why should not I take a share in the honor ? Miss Florence Nightingale has volunteered to go out there with a staff of heroic ladies, to nurse the wounded and sick soldiers, and It is my intention to go out there, too. Lola Moutes asserts that genius has no sex. With her this means that courage and bravery are not the prerogatives of man. Therefore I think that it is my duty to take a part in the struggle for the freedom and independence of my country. But I am convinced that if my father knew my inten- tion he would not allow me to go. I know he will be very angry with me for going without his permission. But it is much better for me to displease him by doing so than be forced to marry a man whom I detest and despise." 100 Maud's Astonishment. She then thought of Hubert, and all his noble attri- butes. It would break her heart to give him up. for she loved him with the whole strength of her vigorous nature. "I don't care for Richmond's castles and estates" she resumed. " I know my father will tax me sorely on the subject to-morrow, for I heard him and Richmond talking very confidentially in his room as I passed the door a while ago. "After I am gone. Maud, you must stay here two or three weeks, and try your best endeavor to console my* father. I will leave a letter for him on his dressing-table which will explain my movements." " Why, dear Iris," said Maud, " are you out of your senses ? Consider seriously the splendid future you have before you. How charming to have a husband who would adore you, and satisfy your slightest caprice. Then con- sider the splendid castle and estates you would be the sole mistress of, and think of the glorious times you would have, ^ith everything at your command that your heart could desire or your fancy wish for. You would be the brightest star, and the leading belle of the fashion- able world. Your society would be sought by the ^lite of the land. I tell you, my dear, that your father is sensible and that you ought to be counselled by him " " Now, Maud." said Iris, " I do not want to hear a ser- mon on the subject, or your description of the world of roses, which your prophecy and delineation has eloquently been trying to stereotype on my imagination loble attri- ini up, for }r vigorous tates," she ely on the Dd talking he door a re two or Jnsole my 3ing-table t of your you have ho would ^hen con- d be the mes you hat your a would fashion- the ^lite 'ather is lim." ir a ser- vorld of quently The Compact. .q. Clanronald if every ZL iT ",? ""^^ ^'''""""'' the .nost precious iarnd/rube;"^ T '"'°'' "'"' " % dear," said Maud "if vn,. I, steadfastly „„ this projec't kl r/""' """' "'"'''* ^aioS ;rf j", ; : ; r:: :^ ^°"' -' ^-^ "-^." danger. There is tlh , T ""' '" ""'^ ""'' ^^ar no toKw':;r.rs::t:r -* ""^^ »^ -- " tired nature's s JeeT'tor™" n! f" °' *^P'"=— «P bright and earlv t.I T .^'^' """■»">8 they were where the 7 '^7*"* * '»™ "• the beautiful grounds wiiere tile aroma of fresh nr,^ a i giuunas, perfumed the zephyr thitw.t 1T. ''"'"»"'^'' «"^^« 102 Lord Clanronald Expresses His Opinion, coffee, and Maud to amuse His Lordship with incessant prattle during the repast. Tlie meal being ended they arose, and as they left the room, Lord Marcourt said— " Iris I want to see you in the library." He then led the way, and she followed him without comment. As they entered he placed a chair for her at the open window, seating himself in front of her. For a moment he looked at her as if reading her inmost thought?, and she saw by his piercing eyes that flashed like lightning in a cloud- storm, that thunder would soon peal forth. " Iris," he began, " I was very much astonished to learn the result of an interview between yourself and Rich- mond. I can scarcely ^believe that you were in earnest, and feel disposed to attribute your foolish words to some trifling motive of your girlish fancy. You must have been aware that all my plans and hopes for you centred in this engagement. I have not pressed the matter, well knowing that you had sense enough to appreciate your position, and because I believed that you would be guided by my wishes in this most important affair. You are no longer a child. I treat you now as a reasonable woman, and I tell you candidly, it is the one all-absorb- ing wish of my heart to see you Richmond Clanronald's wife. My daughter, I cannot believe that you on whom I have centred ail my tenderest aflfection, can refuse to accede to my wishes, or disappoint my dearest hopes. Of course, in all that I do or counsel, I am actuated only by a desire to promote your earthly happiness. My child, I have a right to direct you, and surely your affection for m. incessant dec! they rt said — n led the As they window, e looked e saw by a cloiid- '. to learn tid Rich- earnest, to some ust have centred ter, well ite your 3 guided You are Lsonable -absorb- ronald's 1 whom efuse to pes. Of only by child, I fcion for Iris On Ihr Defence, 103 wrhe!'-'^^'' will induce you to yield to his reasonable "Father." said she. "my happiness will not be promoted by this marnage, and if you are actuated solely by this motive, allow me to remain just as I am, for I should be most miserable as llichmond's wife." " And why do you think so, pray ?" asked he "For reasons which I gave him last night." said she and which think it is not necessary for m: to repeat, as' he, no doubt, has told them to you." "I should very much like to hear them from yourself " said he. j > " Well ■• ,he commenced, « Hnstly, our nature, could not possibly l,a™„n,.e; our characters are totally dissimilar and more than all, we do not love each other a. people should who plight their troth before the holy aftar of Cod. I presume that Richmond tells you that he loves ought to feel for the wo.,.=.n whom he would call his wife 2 no ex,rtence in hi., heart. It will prove a mere temp.' a y d„apo,ntme„t, nothing seriously touching his hap- would stand an ..npregnable barrier to our union. Is one ot Gods holy sacraments to become a mere pecuniary ransact^on t An only child to be bartered for gold W parties to so ignoble a proceeding V "My dear child." aaid he. "I O^.mgU you had more 104 Victors Airive. «eme; you,- objections, I .,su,e you. are imaginary and very tr,H,ng, and I a.,k y„u, „, a father haa a right tolk and grant the only request I have ever made of you " but why do you want to part with „,e yet ? I an, verv young and I do not want to marry, ,o' oon to b t d down to a .narried life. Give n,e two or three yearl re o eons, er on this ,„ost important subjeet, perhaps b fore that t,.„e expi.s, things „,ighe change t!yo«,'sati:- She had scarcely finished the last sentence when a earr,nge drove up to the door, and they dropped the con abghted and were received by the father and dau.hte m a manner becoming their rank and station ' shir th '° ™H '■"" •^''^'>'"'^''' -■'• !-»«' Mareourt,as).e shook the gentleman warm ly by the hand, wl,ile Udy Iris greeted h.s daughter Fanny in a mannerbeeomingthe he .ttle hat-r,ehly tnmmed with a rare plume o gay- c ored feathe,.s tipped with orange, while her well-fitU„1 dress ofbrocaded silk, relieved by a few knot, of viokt satm descended in graceful folds from her finely shaped wa,s and swept the rich velvet carpet as they p'roeeed d to the draw,ng ,.oom, where Miss Maud Cufi^e was intro- duced to the guests. The afternoon was occupied in fneny conversation, and the visiters were invLd ^ »t«y fo, luncheon, after which they departed. I,i, then iginary and right to ask rd notions, Jfyou." ) anger yon I anj very to be tied years more Jrhaps be. your satis- i when a d the con- strangers daughter ourt,as].e Lady Iris ftheheir- er jaunty of gay. ill-fitting 3f violet r shaped roceeded IS intro- apied in vited to I'is then ■^'•'■» !.u!/, lUr />;„„, j^^^ wishing to be alono ha,l ,ou.rht ),„. „, Lad ...any thi„«, to tl.ink "f A , ■; ''T' '™' '''" ui lie. intention to " »- Joan of Are, a,„. .several other he o"ne,Shh Tt "' l'.ooJing over this nndortakin. eve L k it '''"' parture, but now comnreliondrn^Tr '""'" '^'• »ure to sutrer from both X TvT" ^'" ™^ ■•-he to stay at home she '"™' ""'' R.ehraond were brave eve'ry'dl ', .^ir ^t™-;- ''-^^o- '» where .she hoped to feLh '"""^ ""'"-'rt 'o Dublin and noble iileatn'""^"^ ""'''» '"'""^ *'"""™ war in the E^r-C hT 7""'"""^ '"'* '" *^ '^''^ "' overhim should "hai , riT'," ^^ »^ '" ^'^^ --iee before the enl;' With th:fi.:\™ "''^' , '.ad secured a smart suit of bo s cloth "'T "°" ''"' waistcoat of fine texture wht t T'e ""fr " """" padded, so as to fill ,„ ,. "^''" carefully -eeWerrrd-grr^^^^^^ stowing away the aforesaid art eles in Lr"" T '''" ^hen the housekeeper knockedTt h f P^^^^^^^^eau mitted. ^nocked at her door and was ad- "Well, Nanny whafu the matter now ? " i , t • she saw her old nur.p'= f . ^'^^'^ ^"«' ^^^^n ,. "^^' ""'^esface.whiohnor^en'pH-- -• utJ usual importance. - V"^-en..ed3uixiecnmgof 106 Nanny's Forebodings. "Och, alanna!" replied she, "enough's the mather, sure I couldn't rest till I'd come an' tell ye what's on me mind. " " I heard the Banshee cryin' for the- last three nights, an' that's a sure sign that some dreadful catastrophy is agoin' to happen. Oh, me honey ! your pale face an' big, sorrowful blue eyes, follow me day an' night. I knew how it would be with you, for when you were born into this blessed world there were awful signs ! The sun wor eclipsed at noon-day, hens went to roost as if night had come, an' I saw stars in the sky at twelve o'clock in the day ! Och ! I thought sure enough that judgment had come at last; when they put ye in me arms I trembled like a lafe, I could barely stand wid the wakeness that came over me, an' ye could have knocked me down wid a thrauneen. I am very thankful that Miss Maud is here, she will be great company to ye, an' help to stand between ye an' troubles, which I'm afeard is comin.' Ye didn't see how yer father frowned the other day when ye declined Richmond's attentions. I wor lookin' through the windy an' saw it all. I haven't had one hour's pace av mind since, an' I dhramed av seein' ye in great troubles. Ah ! me honey! there's a sore heart an' deep sorrow in store for ye, if ye marry that veehonee (English profligate) It's a great sin an' a shame for yer father to force ye to marry that hareni-skarem when ye don't love him, an' I know ye don't, therefore ye ought to just set your face against it. I know myself that 'twas he who wor the means of bauishin' his brother Hubert P 3 mather, it's on me ee nights, trophy is e an' big, I knew Dorn into i sun wor light had ck in the ment had trembled ness that own wid Lid is here, to stand s comin.' )ther day or lookin' had one sin' ye in heart an' ; veehonee le for yer when ye ought to :iat 'twas f Hubert Nanny Hears a Conversation, 107 from the castle, an' I can tell ye that no good '11 come of the same Richmond, mark my word ! " She then sway- ed herself from side to side, as did the necromancers of old, in announcing oracular decrees. " You need not trouble yourself about me, Nanny," said Iris, "I want nobody to stand between me and troubles. Besides, you mus' -member that whatever my father does he is only actuated with the desire to promote my future happiness and welfare." "Thrue for ye, me honey," replied Nanny, « but does he think ye'll be happy tied down for life to such a night owl an' gamblin' thief av the world as that young scape- grace is. No, my honey, it's the grand castle an' fine estates that yer father's ambitious for. He expects when yer married an' rollin' in riches that ye'll be happy, but it's meself that knows bether nar that, an' yerould nurse never was deceived yet. I've lived long enough to have . seen how such loveless marriages had turned out, an' it grieves me entirely to think that ye'd be thrown away on such a rapscallion, that thinks more of his horses an' dogs than he would of his purty wife. Yer father is de- termined that ye shall marry him, for I have heard a private discoorse between himself an' Richmond in the library ere-last-night, through a chink in the door." " What did you hear them talking about, Nanny?" said Iris. " Well, aisy alanna," said she, " an' I'll be afther tellin' ye. Yer father said, ' make yer mind aisy about her, she'll have to comply with my wishes. I will, however, have imm mgms III ^ 108 Nanny's Encouragement. a quiet talk with her on the subject to-morrow, but I think that she has more sense than to set her face against my desire ; she has got some curious notions in her head about love which I cannot understand." With that the door opened an' Miss Maud came in an' I left the room, so that she wouldn't think that I was an eaves- dropper. This troubled me so much all last night that I never closed an eye." " Well, Nanny," said Iris, " my father has had that in- terview with me which you heard him mention, but did not carry his point. I am not going to marry Richmond with ad his riches, castles and fine estates, even to gratify my father's ambition. Miss Florence Nightingale is go- ing out to the Crimean war with a staff of noble ladies who have volunteered to go out there as nurses to the sick and wounded soldiers, and I have made up my mind to go out there too. But my father must not know any- thing of it until after I am a few days gone. Himself and his would-be son in-law are going to Gal way in a day or two on election matters, and will be absent a week or more, then will be my time to depart from here. Nanny, you must comfort my father as well as you pos- sibly can during my absence." " I'll do that same to the best of my power, plase God," replied Nanny, " may the blessin' of the Almighty pro- tect ye while yer away in them foreign parts. I believe tis better for ye to do that same, nar to be afther gettin' married to the man ye don't love, an' trust to yer heavenly Father to protect ye. Besides, sure it'll be a great charity Oood Advice. 109 m the sight o'God to nurse them poor wounded sojers an' a nobler hearted lady won't be among them nar ye' blessed self. I'll be aisy in my mind to think that yer out of the clutches of Richmond, for I know something of his deceitful ways." "Nanny," said Iris, "after I am gone, see that Norah looks carefully after my room, and remind her frequently to air my clothes and keep them in order." "Musha then, agra," replied Nanny, " I'll do that same never fear, an' we'll soother your father an' make him believe that ye've done a great charity, entirely. Maybe alanna, ye'd be afther comin' across Hubert out there among them sojers, sure he was a noble, brave boy entire- ly, an' took afther his father, an' I have no doubt but he has gone out to them foreign parts to fight them Rooshans " "Nanny," said Iris, "stranger things than that have often come to pass." "True for ye, me honey," replied Nanny, "the ways of the Lord IS intricate entirely to us poor wake mortals rraise be to His holy name ! " " God knows best how to direct us," said Iris "He i- our support and strength in all our trials and crosses. Every ^est gift, and every perfect gift, is from above; coming down from the Father of light, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration." "Dear knows, alanna, "replied Nanny, "'tis true for ye.^ure yer spakin' nothin' but the truth, God 'II protect v^eiii that put their ' • * — pace. trust in Him, as well in war aa m 110 Nanny's Uncle. "I had an uncle in the army who was very religiou8,an' always put his trust in God before goin' into battle,'an' signs on it he came through the mighty wars without a scratch, God be praised, but he's now dead and gone, rest his soul. He served all through the Peninsular war under Wellington, an' got taken prisoner by the French, bud got free in time to take part in the battle of Water- loo, where be had the satisfaction of batin' his enemy at that mighty battle, an' chasin' Bony an' his whole army off the field. He came home soon afther safe an' sound, with a good pension for life. " " Nanny. " said Iris, you never told me you had an uncle in the army. " " Oh, agra !" replied Nanny, "sure it's not right for the likes o' me to be pestering me lady wid such stories, don't I know my place better nar that me honey. " " Well, Nanny," said Iris, " tell me how your uncle wa3 taken prisoner, and how he made his escape. I am fond of adventures. " " Well agra," replied Nanny, " I'll do that same as well as I know how, an' I ought to have it off purty well, for I've heard my uncle tell it so often that it's impressed firmly on my memory, but there's so many French words in it that I can't get my tongue around them at all. " "Oh! "said Iris, "never mind the French vvords, you can skip over the hardest of them. " " True for ye, honey," said she, " I'll do that same as well as I can." She then cleared her throat with a short couffh and beffan : y religious, an' to battle, an' rs without a id and gone, Dinsular war r the French, tie of Water- lis enemy at whole armj'^ fe an' sound, you had an right for the stories, don't your uncle scape. I am lame as well ty well, for s impressed ranch words at all. " words, you lat same as i^ith a short ^n Incident at Quatre-Braa. Ill "Well, acushla: mv uncle wnn ;« an' was orderly on Lord wXt:; 17^ T T battle of Quatre-Bras. -^"'^ ^^''''^ ^^^ "Well,ifhewar,wellan'ffood Annffi i. , -nt Wrf to reoonnoa. rl J: fh r : :' *"" that they wor British cavalry that wT„ ''"^"'g''"''^ ninst them, for ho had seaa them lw„ v ^'"' '"■ by their uniform. '^ ^' *° ''""'^ "'^■n •"I cannot think it is, sir,- said Wellington "Iti,!,. ,i, possible that any British cavalry could 1 . , '^ position there so close to the F r„r „, ™ Uh " "' "^ ports of infantry. Orderlv ' .ri.,1 i. . °'" ""P" wasstandin'jus[behtadWm ™, ° ""^ •""''^- ^^o that clump „f\reeso:t":i,:r-;:t' "^^^ '' have a good view without exposi g yl: ^J" "°. they are our troops, an' if they are tell the offi. '* mand to retire in rear of *i,. / 7 • "™'' "" <=<»"- *hat my uncle puril oh, °' "''""'^•' ^'^ . t^"' spurs to his horse an clear-o,! * i, c '"th, a jump, for he wor a mi.htv fi„„T '*"''' then galloped on as fast as hrfol could '"?":, '"' came to the large damn of . ^\''™" "P^^d till he view of the tr„o^,an then ^Te " '" '""^ " ^'^ Arthur wid the report hat trey wr'^^r"" *° ^'^ party of French dragoons su„LZ, '"^^- » '' the wood an- marched hm T " '"'^ ''™ » devil a lie in It. """" -"^ » P™»er o" war. Oh 1 inj Z^h !:h!:rasT r™''"'' '° ''■'--'' -•«>>- i^h position. He w :trer:tr„"°T^ '"^ ^^"- nere an then marched afore Bony 112 The Irish Dragoon. himself, who bowed very politely as he addressed me uncle. " 'Do you spake French, sir V said he in a commandin' voice that would have frightened a good sojer, but me uncle worn't a taste afraid of him. ' The nara a word, sir, ' said me uncle. " 'How came you to be taken prisoner, ' said he, ' Well, aisy yer honor,' said me uncle, 'an' I'll be af ther tellin' ye. I wor orderly to Sir Arthur himself, who sent me in- to the wood to watch the French cavalry, who were in column over beyant the hill, an' before fhad time to say Jack Robinson I wor surrounded by them thievin' French dragoons, devil take them. ' " 'Yer an' Irishman, I presume, ' said he. ' Faith then ye may take yer davy on that,' said me uncle. " 'Now, ' says Bony, ' I am goin' to have ye shot if you don't tell me truly all the questions that I will put to you.' " '0 murther-in-Irish,' says me uncle, 'sure ye wouldn't be afther doin' that, seein' as how I can't spake French. ' '"Well, ' says Bony, 'you can give me the information that I want in English.' '"Bedad yer honor. ' says me uncle, 'the English lan- guage puzzles me entirely to spake it properly, bekase I never larned it. Bud if ye ask me in Irish, yer honor. I think I can answer ye properly. ' " ' Sacre bleu,' says Bony, ' Idon't understand yer Irish language. ' " ' What wor the strength of the British forces on the field under arms yesterday ? ' ddressed me commandin' 3Jer, but me ara a word, d he, ' Well, ifther tellin' sent me in- ho were in time to say vin' French lith then ye shot if you ivill put to e wouldn't e French.' nformation iglish lan- ^ bekase I iv honor, I i yer Irish les on the Skerrah Slumach a Rogallah. 113 d ' ^tT' "' ^°"'^^^'' '^^' "^^ ""°'«' ' troth, it 'ud take a better mathematician nar meself over six months to reckon them any how, bud there must have been over SIX millions at the laste calculation.' 'Sacrebleu; says Bony, strikin' the table wid his ridin' whip, what IS the fellow sayin' about millions ^ ' ;'De Marchies.' said he to his aid-de-camp, ' hand this Irishman over to the provost marshal, an' tell him to give the rascal fifty lashes, perhaps that might induce him to spake English an' tell the truth. The sLndrel 1 .oxi ^ I am confident.' Skerrah slumach a ro,allah (An^Z Sweet bad luck to ye for a French thief,' says me un e for he knew they did not understand Irish Me unde wor there an' then marched off to a mean-lookin' out guard house where several British officers an' sold" s oTrs rrth""^ "^'^' ''' ^^"^^^^^ ^' ^-'^ ' whror ""7""' "'"^^'^'^ P^^^«-« *- be flogged whi e others were dyin' from wounds which thev had rec^ved m battle the day previous. At the f rtht^ erd of the room his eye caught sight of a captain of his own concealed entirely by his large military cloak which he had wrapped closely around him. 'Arrah d'J ' rny uncle goin' over to him. .re youtSo::to\ '^ mood I Z::L7 T; ""^ '^' ^^ ^ '^^y -^^-^^^^y whatis y ::; 'me rd itv: '"' ^'^^^«'^^"-- ^^0, " ' Fai^h, si^rr 1\7. '^^r ^'' *.^^- P-oner ? ' 114 I ! Ill One Good Turn Deserves Another. I wor orderly on Sir Arthur's staff, an' wor sent into the wood to watch the movements of the thievin French, bad sess to 'em ! when I wor surrounded by a parcel of Cur- rassiers, bad luck to them, an' marched a prisoner before Bony this mornin'. " 'I wor also cut off from my party this mornin', says the captain,' an' many despatches of great importance found upon me. Bony himself has sentenced me to be shot to-morrow mornin' afore sunrise, because I refused to give him the information he demanded.' " ' Oh, for the Lord's sake,' cries me uncle, clappin' his hands in great dismay, an' turnin' his eyes up towara heaven, for he was mighty religious at the announcement, ' Worra, worra,' cries me uncle, ' what's the world comin' to at all, at all ? ' As he wor lamenting the captain's hard fate he glanced his eyes around the room an' saw a French priest who happened to be an Irishman givin' the last rights of the church to a dyin' soldier. As the priest came towards me uncle their eyes met an' they recognized each other, when the priest grasped me uncle warmly by the hand an' said, ' Patrick McNaughton how are ye ? I have seen you before. Do you remember the night I was a prisoner in your camp that ye carried me through the English lines an' gave me my liberty. I shall never forget that good turn. I have a debt to pay you since that night, when you so gallantly conducted me past your guards an' picquets an' set me free. It is now my turn to set you free ; one good turn deserves another. I will come here for you about dusk this evenin' an' con- A Friend in Need. 116 it into the rench, bad el of Gur- ner before nin', says iiportance me to be I refused appin' his [p towara mcement. Id comin' captain's in' saw a ?ivin' the As the an' they me uncle iton how oaber the rried me )erty. I >t to pay icted me t is now another, an' con- - 'i\ ,•5^- "i'^^^3 duct you, Ood willin', in safety through all the French outposts, an' then ye can trust to your horses' heels for your safety. I will bring a cloak for you an' disguise you as one of my own cloth; so that I will deceive the guards,' He was then about to hurry off, when me uncle took hira a little one side an' asked him for to do him one more favour, an' that he would ever pray for his welfare. " ' What is it ? ' said the good priest, ' an' if it is with- in my power I will gladly do it.' " ' Well, sir,' says me uncle, ' I don't care much about me own liberty, but if you will take this here captain (pointin' to the officer) an' give him his freedom in my place, I will pray for you all the days of my life.' Well,' says the priest, 'you are an example of gen- erosity, an' an unselfish Irishman. Seein' that you are so anxious for yer friend, I will do my best endeavours to secure his freedom also.' One firm grasp of the hand, to which me uncle heartily responded by another dislo- catin' squeeze which made the good father wince, an' he wor gone. It wor with a feeling of gladness that me uncle saw his own an' the captain's liberty afore him, an' that once more he'd join the bould charge an' hear the wild hurra of his gallant countrymen again. With in- creased impatience he waited for his good deliverer an' wid an anxious beatin' heart he listened to every sound which indicated his appiuach. "At last he came accompanied by another priest just as the night was fallin'. They were both well mounted. The priest gave his horse to one of the guard to hold 116 Nanny's Narrative. while he went into the guard-room an' ordered my uncle an' the captain in a commandin' tone of voice (so as to throw the sentry off his guard) to come with him. " The guard thinkin' that the priests had authority for takin' away the prisoners to some convenient place in order to look after their souls instead of their bodies and prepare them for execution next day, had no hesitation in lettin' them go with the priests. " Me uncle and the captain were not long in mountin' the two spare horses which the good father had provided for them, when they started at a toppin pace unheeded by any person, as it was quite dark. The two priests saw them through the French lines, when they parted with a firm grasp of the hand an' many expressions of heartfelt gratitude. They then doubled their speed until they joined their own squadrons in safety. From that out the captain befriended me uncle an' made a rich man of him. But the poor man is now dead and gone, rest his soul. Amin." " Nanny," said Iris, when the story was finished, « your uncle was a brave soldier and a whole-hearted man." " Troth was he, me lady," replied Nanny. " How long has he been dead ? " asked Iris. " Well, aisy agra, a wee start," replied Nanny, « wiiile I reckon up. Nea nea agus a nea naugher, nine nights an a night widout countin', wor ould holly-eve-night well, af it wor, well an' good, an' me uncle died three' nights afther. Aisy now, let me see, that 'ud make a wee thought over an' above three years come next surraft. Kest the poor man's soul. Amin," d my uncle ce (so as to him. thority for it place in bodies, and hesitation 1 mountin' 1 provided unheeded vo priests ey parted ressions of peed until rrom that rich man gone, rest sd, " your man." "w^ile I le nights ve-night, ed three ke a wee ; surraft. Iris Dons Her Oarmenta. I 117 Nanny's definition puzzled Iris to construe its meanina into the vernacular, and as she had plenty to trouble her little brains about, she gave it up. and turned her atten- tion to more important matters. Two days passed very quietly. Iris occupied the time preparing for her departure. She had her hair cut short by Nanny— her curls made into a chignon to wear until she changed it for a soldier's forage cap. Before going to bed that night she locked her door and dressed in her suit of boy's clothes, to see how they became her, and stood before the large mirror. A pretty figure she was round and graceful. Freshened by tints as delicate as those which give the peach its beauty ; her countenance was mildly animated, bearing traces of sympathy, reserve and cultivation that enhanced her loveliness to the exal- tation of something heavenly. Imaginative, and full of warm sentiment and feeling her mind was the arena of fancies and romantic predilec- tions-prompted less by the reading of fiction than natu- ral impulses, still the recent perusal of some excellent narratives of former heroines, as well as the circumstances by which she sought consolation, had some influence in giving a definite form to her preternatural longings for adventure. Here was ample occasion for submitting to her bias Since Hubert's departure she had lived in a world of dreams, but she would dream no longer, of phantasm she fiad had enough. Now sHp. wiH^^ to -'f^-l — ' ^•\. realities, whatever m ght be their issue. 118 /*# Ruminates. On the eve of starting for Dublin lior n.ind was filled with sympathy and love for Hubert, who was virtually abandoned by hi.s family and friends ; but she was deter- mmed. if within her compass of feminine ability to soften Its bitterness. Brave girl ! Little did she antici- pate the fatigues, hardships, dangers, and privations she would have to undergo to effect her purpose. As her ' father's consent to the project was beyond the region of her hope, she resolved, therefore, to enter upon it without his assistance or sanction. Not doubting, if spirit, ardour and bravery had anything to do in sustaining her, she would prove in time a worthy companion by her fidelity and love to the noble youth whom she was now goincr to accompany through hardships and dangers. ° A bold resolve it was, and fraught with risks to virtue and life. But had not other maidens .undertaken similar adventures ? Such was her cardinal question, answered satisfactorily by herself. She had studied the heroine's character well Her constancy and privations, her hopes and apprehen- sions, her deportment, patience, energy and pcrseve-xnce through dangers and crushing trials, were b< ^mny ci.arm-' mg pictures of a noble and sublime career, that Iris felt as if destiny had pointed her out to reproduce them. No wonder that this contemplated adventure should "fill her nd the evening before her departure. Her constancy li^u, .:,^ , fc. Hubert she considered a proper motive for tiiJ-« b i-cprise, she ^)elieved her honor would be shielded irom liisult or peril, m by an .-gi.s, and by sueeessfully Arrival in Duhlin. 119 overcoming her trials and difficulties, years of after con- sol»f!on and happiness would be assured. Allured by these maiden fancies, the flamin- sword of the angel of Destinywavedher from theEdcnofher girlish dayd>eams and by its fiery gleams she read her fate, and entered her ca.riage accompanied by Maud, an hour after her father's departure for Calway. As Jerry Tierney, the coachmau. cracked his whip, and the horses moved off, the servanfs were all assembled around the carriage, and with 8a(» features and tears of sorrow streaming down their melan- choly cheeks, they bid their kind-hearted, noble young mistress God-speed, old Nanny, her faithful nurse throwing her old slipper after her for good luck. They arrived at Ballinasloe in time for the two p.m. train where our heroine took her seat in a first-class carriage by herself for Dublin, after taking an afiectionate farew°ell of Maud when tearful eyes and quivering lips were reveal- ed. Ins could scarcely speak, but, partially gainin- the mastery over her emotions, she sobbed-they kissed, and each said good-bye and parted. As the train moved out slowly from the domed arch of the railway station. Iris sank back in one corner of the carriage and covered her face with her handkerchief, smothered agroan and fought desperately with her voiceless anguish. We will not at- tempt to dilate upon her thoughts and feelings, as the swift- winged train sped along; we will leave that to our gentle reader to surmise. Suffice it to say that, on her ar- rival in Dublin at 8.30 p.m.. she drove in a ^ fo h.r o^n town house, Merrion-squai^e, kept ready for guests by her fifum^''^ I 120 Visits the Hussars' Barracks. fatWs faithful dd butler and his wife, who attended to .nformed the housei^eeper that she was going away earlv next »o™»^. -1 should not require an/attendan^e" Atter giving some minor instructions to the butler, con- cerning a portmanteau which she had addressed to Mr Robert Eyre, to bo left at the Imperial Fotel, Lower Sack- ville-s reet, she dismissed her attendants and went to bed self in boys clothes, and by the application of a slight ouch o cosmetics, changed her fair face to personate tha of a rustic country youth, trusting exposure to wind, rain and sunshine, to sufficiently disguise her beauty and se^ ma few days from the possibility of detection even Z &H fi 7 I r™''''"'"''^'™'''-^'^''"'>^'f"t™cplan.; hind she 7 . frr^"'"™''" '" -""'^ '"«-■ -'" -- in hand she left the house by a side door, went for a walk hi.ugh the city until breakfast hour, when she repa^ d to he toperial Hotel, Lower SackviUe-street, where she «ed h.. name Hobert Eyre, and was th™ short in thTBlw7"? ">' "'"°™' "'""""y '» ^0^ "■■edit f fundi" f° "'-'''' ™PP"^"'"^'f -i* plenty hottlshe '^'y^T^-^y- Having breakfasted at thi hotel she called a cab and drove as far as the gate of Ishnd Bridge barracks, where the 11th Hussafs were r::;:d'"t1rr"^ ^-^ dismissing «. cabml ulorT tl^r;':- r^^^-l ^"> ^-^ --^ of spec. -5 ^^- Wg xiouroi inspection, she strain- 10 attended to , however, she ng away early Y attendance. 5 butler, con- ressed to Mr. Lower Sack- 1 went to bed. , dressed her- 1 of a slight Brsonate that to wind, rain luty and sex ion even by future plans, with cane in b for a walk she repaired , where she ;n shown to her credit i^ith plenty asted at the the gate of issars were ^e cabman iment was '^^d of spec- he strain- The Idol of Her EeaH. 121 ed W eyes anxiously watching to discover Hubert, but could not detect him for a long time. At la.t, aa th; gal- land corps marched past in review order close to where she stood m open column of squadrons, the horses keep- ing t,me to the soul-stirring strains of martial music, stan- dards flying, armour flashing, plumes and pennons flutter- mg, and horses prancing, Iris's sharp eyes espied the idol of her heart, and she exclaimed almost audibly, " Oh > there he IS dear, brave Hubert,_my noble cavalier!" Her as tonishment at her lover's chivalrous appearance was be- yond description. Her heart beat, her bosom heaved and her eyes filled with tea., of joy as she gazed wilhC and admiration on his manly and noble physique. After w^nessing the cavalry movements with deep interest while they were at .'rill, on being dismissed she followed them to the stables, where she watched Hubert intently as he groomed down and attended to his charger Hav- ing been elated by her visit, she passed out of the barracks ga e, when her attention was directed to a crowd of younc fellows who were assembled around a recruiting party^ a tell sergeant of very dashing exterior, gayly dressed with scar et coatee and grenadier wings, crimson sash over his right shoulder, overlaid with sillribbonTX «»rlet and yeUow. From his neat, jaunty forage- cap floated in the air; the corporal scarcely his inferior in personal appearance. They were accompanied by Jo privates, tall, woll nrn.,^»K^„.j „.. ^ ^^^ fromfl,. A~~ ^■••i''''^^"""^" young leiiows, selected from the grenadier company of the regiment 122 The Recruiting Party. The corporal and privates were dressed like the sergeant only not so costly. Proudly did they march down the street gay as J eacocks-decoys to the wondering specta- tors; the pliant sergeant, with his penetrating eye and determined countenance, softened by a cheerful look and peasant smile, winning admiration as he glanced upwards at the windows, which were filled with wondering maid- ens and children. -t " !f!'V '• Tv ■* **" '''^'"""' '''"° ^^^ P'o-'y came to a standstill in the middle of the street where the sergeant gave a vivid picture of military life, of its good pay splendid uniform, fii.t-class rations and a nobfe pension on discharge. He told a flattering tale; when speaking of campaigns, battle-fields, long marches, the forlorn hope and the hard vicissitudes of militaiy life, he declaimed like one who knew something of the terrific work of bbod, carnage and slaughter. Then followed a gascon- ading oration about glory, blood-money medals and com- missions, which was wound up by an exciting invitation to his hearers to join him. "Who'll -list fur all this, and a great dale more ?" he exclaimed, " boys, d'ye hear me ? " " ^^^ °™'f '"' "ff " WW sich a clear, rich, loud voice av yer own ? " answered a voice from the crowd "Well listen then, till I astonish ye," cried he. "I want tradesmen and gintlemen av every grade an' per- fejion under the canopy of hivin', from five feet five an' a half upards, and not over thirty years av age be yer i ._.mai .sart...ate., af any av ye can purduce them; %. ke the sergeant trch down the idering specta- iting eye and erful look and meed upwards ndering maid- irty came to a e the sergeant its good pay, noble pension ^hen speaking ! forlorn hope, he declaimed Tific work of ved a gascon- ials and com- Qg invitation more ? " he 1, loud voice wd. ried he. " I ade an' per- et five an' a age be yer •duce them; The Sergeant's Harangue. 133 av fine limb an' martial aspect, wid good characters an no mortal diseas, d'ye mind." 'tcters, an : " Long life to the sergeant ! " shouted the mob at 'ZT'^""r "'"'" ''"'^""^' ^^' "^"^ ^^' fit to work at a fortrass. d,g a trench, wid courage enough to mount a breach, storm a citadel, fight single-hanled w.T I R oshans, or capture the soord av the Car, or Fin-Ma strength, heroic mmds, an' endurance, ready to go anv where, to reeze to death in the Crimea, or to simmer on theburmn'sandsavZululand. Countrymen! alUhiTf" otT :1i '"^^'^'- ^^^^ ^^ ^- -^ clothe I; pu patches ...nd ye. an' both feet covered wid fine „ew boots all as sound an' tight as a fiddle afther bein un d therrg::nT^.'^^t- "^T ''-' "^^ --'''" -— tne sergeant, workm' fur nothin' an' livin' on Ip«. ye now. so there il" ' ^"^'^ ^ ''''' •='>»g« » This satirical quiz drew forth much Iau,.ht»,. . a nment from the crowd. ^ ^"'' ""■ amo!S'thl*.'"™ '"'■ '^' "^^""'•" ^''-'ed a voice from -ge?„: «!". ZTt '"^ "'" ""■ ■■"'" ' " --^^^ ">« S »t. ""^hats the cause av the aetoundin' differ- 124 Her Majesty's Service. ence between ye an' meself. Look at me an' ye'U see the picture av full an' plenty, forby the cadaverous lanthern jaws I see all around me. What's the cause of this ? " " Begorra, we don't know at all at all, sergeant," said one of the bystanders. " Well, aisy a while, me bouchal, an' I'll tell ye. It's like this : I belong to Her Majesty's service an' am sure av good feedin', bread fur life an' cheese fur everlastin', d'ye mind ? Yours, af it comes at all, and that's a question, is only a scarecrow's meal, as through chance or accident. Then why bemean yerselves when e'ch ?, chance as this is freely offered to ye ? Don't be bliaded, countrymen, I wor myself wonst, so therefore I know all about it, divil a lie in it 1 When I 'listed, bedad, I hadn't as much coverin' to me back as an A.frican negro. My features wor as long as a fiddle, an' me cheeks wor as thin as a lanthern, an' I wor as wake as a kitten. Bud look at me now, an' the men there. We're no objects, are we ? bud the pictures of good livin' an' specimens av what ye'll be yerselves in no time, af ye'll come an under me purtec- tion, the sarra lie I'm tellin' ye. Now, boys, I'm ready to 'list as many as likes on the conditions specified, an' thrate ye like gintlemen, as ye are. There's no compul- sion, mind. Not a mother's son that don't want to come needn't offer ; ye must all be free an' willin'. Remember that the corps I'm 'listin' fur are the bravest an' honor- ablest in the universe, wid the best officers in the army. (Hurrah ! ) Ye'll get double pay, double clothin', tools fur nothiii', superior beddin' av long feathers, an' three square n' ye'U see the jrous lanthern e of this ? " sergeant," said I tell ye. It's an' am sure av .rerlastin', d'ye t's a question, ce or accident, chance as this , countrymen, all about it, adn't as much My features ? as thin as a ud look at me are we ? bud what ye'll be er me purtec- >ys, I'm ready 1 specified, an' j's no compul- want to come '. Remember est an' honor- I in the army, ihin', tools fur .' three square The Faugh gohallaughs 'is-'M 125 meals a day, two holidays a week, a pair av trousers aa' ammunahons a year, beer money a/ „,usther womt a fltl . * "™'' '^ """ ^^™ "^^ «5ueoa an'a!, the R^: " Sergeant," cried out one of the mob, ■' ye didn't tell US what corps yer'listin' fur?" Je awn t tell '■Be me soul thin, me boy," said he, "ifs the truth ver "I've got Her Majesty's commission to 'list fur the Connaught Rangers, vulgarly called FaugkyotlZ^t reXr^rafsxriL-r;^"^'"^ crassin the deserts av Arabia ; the Half-Dozen sL e- Ahves; The Holy Boys that sould their B^/es^: to buy whisky; the Springers, an' Scotch Grays an' llf but not Jaste, Prince Albm-r« w , ^ ' ^*^* Cherry Pickers ^Z \^''''^''' ^«^eo"«ly called "Now T' ' ^^ ^^''' ^"'"^^^ overalls Now, gmtlemen take yer choice corns Fnv I 126 Tris Takes the Shilling. winnin' yer broad soords an' yer spurs as many a noble fellow has done afore, d'ye mind. (Hurrah ! hurrah !)" Acclamations and shrill whistling rent the air. The Queen was cheered and blessed by every mouth, and the sergeant was almost trodden under foot from pure kind- ness and respect. As soon as order and silence were re- stored, Iris, alias Robert Eyre, stepped boldly up to the sergeant with a resolute modesty in her face and attitude whi«h drew great attention and respect from the crowd of rustics, whose instinct led them to surmise that the young lad who addressed the sergeant was of noble blood, and said, " If you please, sergeant, I want to enlist for a trumpeter in Prince Albert's Hussars." " Bravo ! " roared the sergeant, " Yer just the boy I want for that gallant corps ; they want two sich smart promisin' boys as yerself. Be the Lord Harry ! there's not a gintleman in all Ireland that does me greater honor nor yerself by selectin' the Hussars for your future career, an' meself as the grand masther av yer initiation. That's plain spakin', d'ye mind." The ceremony customary on such occasions was gone through in a manner that did credit to the sergeant. The significant Queen's shilling was placed in Robert Eyre's hand, binding him irrevocably to the service. The ribbons were afiixed to his hat by the sergeant, and as he did so Robert slipped a sovereign into his hand, and requested that he might be handed over to the regiment at once, to which the sergeant acceded, leaving the corporal to take chuxge of the other recruits until his return. l; i •I many a noble ! hurrah !)" the air. The nouth, and the om pure kind- ilence were re- »ldly up to the 36 and attitude om the crowd rmise that the of noble blood, to enlist for a :* Robert Eyre. • ,«^ l»e appellation of Robert Eyre fortih !. '""'"'■ »he had chosen at her enlisfnen; We « „, T "" '^T «^-u.,he,.he:':,:t;7ot?:ttrc"™' ust the boy I wo sich smart Harry ! there's ! greater honor [• future career, tiation. That's lions was gone sergeant. The Robert Eyre's le. The ribbons d as he did so and requested iment at once, le corporal to return. fli i *f!? n CHAPTER IV. THE Barracks-The Boole Major-The Yoong Tkumpeter-Heb Feelinqs-The Kit-Thb Drill-Our Hbroink Dismissed Dbill - Hubert Promoted -Phcemx Park-The Eoute-The Parade- Draw Swords-The March-Embarkation-The Departure- The Votage-Ska Sickness-Troop Ship-Thb Land Descried-De- barkation-The March- Egyptian Camp - The Scenery - The HlGHLANDER-THB IRISHMAN -CaMP LiFK-IbIS AmUSED-THE BaSHI Bazouks-Omar Pasha-Thk Indian-Pilgrims-The Turkish Prophetess-Our Heroine-The Turkish Cafe-The Oorps de Gvbde-The Reconnaisanoe-Promoted-The Epidemic -The Himalaya-The Combined Fleets-The Voyage. @N entering the barracks, the sergeant was informed by the sentry at the gate that the commanding officer was in the orderly room, to which he marched his recruit, with all the importance and bearing of an ancient warrior, who had achieved a feat of great valour by en- trapping and capturing by his allurements such a noble specimen of a recruit for that distinguished corps the " Prince Albert's Hussars." On arrival at the orderly room the sergeant sent in his recruit's name, and waited in the hall for an answer. Robert stood in suspense with a flut- tering^ heart, and not without an emotion of humiliation untifhis turn came to appear before the commanding offi- 128 UMPKTEB— HeB aisaKD Dbill - Fhe Pabadk— BPABTUBK— The Descbied— Dk- !cENKBY — The ED— The Bashi ■The TUBKI8H The OoBPa de IpiDEMic — The as informed jommanding marched his )f an ancient alour by en- such a noble 3d corps the orderly room mited in the e with a flut- humiliation manding offi- The Colonel Addresses the Recrmt 129 cer. At last he heard the intoned voice of the sergeant- major calling his name, and in another moment he was standing in the orderly room before the colonel, who ques- tioned him concerning his willingness, age and ability to serve as a trumpeter. " Remember," said he, " that the first duty p' a soldier is obedience to his superior officers. A soldier should be brave, firm, polite, honorable and true, considering all men before himself, gentle to women, kind to orphans and the aged, faithful to God, to his comrades, and his colors. Every soldier should consider himself a perfect gentleman. These are the attributes most essen- tial to constitute a good soldier. To which Robert an- swered in the affirmative, with such an easy grace and politeness, that showed his education and refinement, which impressed the colonel deeply in his favor; when he called the bugle-major, and gave Robert over to the special guardianship and instruction of that most import- ant personage, who enrolled him among the trumpeters drummers and bandmen of the gallant regiment. Robert was thBn conducted to a barrack room and shown to his cot. On entering the room the boys were much impessed by the gentlemanly exterior of their newly arrived com- rade. They could plainly see by his appearance that he belonged to the higher order of society, and respected him accordingly. Robert appreciated their politeness and encouraged it by his future example and soldiery conduct. "^ Here it occurs to us to ask the question : What must have 9en our heroine's feelings that night, as she lay T ¥ >> 130 Barrack Life. down on her pallet of straw, in an open barrack-room , with twenty young men as companions ? The difficulty of fathoming her thoughts is so great that we shall ab- stain from giving a decided answer. However, it is much more easily imagined than desciibed. How different to the elegant bed and elaborately fur- nished chamber, kept so scrupulously neat and clean by her maid Norah, in her father's castle ; but our heroine never uttered a complaint, nor made a comparison be- tween the luxury of her life while in her comfortable home, and the hardships and severity which she was now forced to encounter and bear in her I'rst independent step in the great drama of her life. Yot many a bitter pang wrung her young heart when she reflected on the lonely and desolate existence which her father must lead, now that the only source of interest and comfort he pos- sessed in this world was removed from him. But such feelings were closely shut up within her own bosom, and with every disposition to present our heroine in as favor- able a light as possible to my gentle reader, I cannot say that this sorrow could be called repentance, when she thought of how she had been bored and persecuted at home by Richmond and her father. Armed with a firm resolution to be brave and bear up against all trials and hardships of her present mode of life, she resigned her- self wholly to her fate without a murmur. The day would come sooner or later when Hubert and herself would be happy together and her father would bless them. She had now made her bed and wfts willing to lie in it. At Drill 131 [•rack-room , le difficulty f& shall ab- •, it is much jrately tur- ud clean by our heroine parison be- comfortable he was now Independent any a bittei' ected on the r must lead, ifort he pos- . But such L bosom, and in as f avor- [ cannot say e, when she ei'secuted at I with a firm EiU trials and ■esigned her- r. The day and herself d bless them, ig to lie in it, " She would see Hubert to-morrow," was her last sweet thought, as she composed herself to sleep for the first time on a soldier's cot. The first night spent among soldiers had rather shocked her sense of modesty and damped her chivalry, but then the certainty tl at her sex was un- known gave her confidence and courage to accomplish her adventure. , The next three days were occupied in receiving his kit, and getting his clothing fitted. After which he attended drill twice, and trumpet practice once a day. He never felt the slightest desire to rebel against a single regula- tion of the corps, or command of his instructor. He was always the first at drill, at practice and on parade ; al- ways clean, quick to learn, and comprehensive. He soon became a favourite with the trumpet-major who was ex- ceedingly pleased with his new recruit, more especially when he found him so intelligent and quick to learn the trumpet calls. Thus Eobert was kept at drill and practice for a month, when he was sent up to a more ad- vanced squad, which were at their riding lessons. Her. Robert showed his ability on horseback to the great de- light of the rough-rider. He had been only three days at single lessons, when he was advanced to a squad who had been at troop practice over two months. His first exercise with this squad of recruits was in charge of the ridmg-master, and took place on the drill ground, where the colonel and several officers were present to witness the recruits' hoi^emanship, as they went through the dif- ferent evolutions and degrees of marching usually prac- i 132 Robert's Horaemanahip. tised by cavalry. They were at a jog-trot, to the great ease and comfort of Robert, who, having been accustomed to ride from his youth up, proceeded very contentedly, now circling right, now wheeling left, and from the posi- tion of his hands and head evidently fancying he was rid- ing after the hounds; and to the great misery of the others, who never having previously to their enlistment attempted to bestride an animal's back, appeared in an awkward and painful attitude. Here the legs of some were dragged up convulsively, as a loss of equilibrium, consequent upon the want of stirrups, threatened to pre- cipitate them respectively on the near and off' side. Some surreptitiously kept hold of the pummel of the saddle, and others, taking a bolder and more open line of policy, on the first symptoms of danger, dropped the reins and grasped the mane with all their might, without the slightest attempt at concealment. Some parts of this ex- hibition, though painful and terrible to the recruits— who had for their sole consolation the consciousness that the imminent peril incurred was all for the honor and glory of their Queen and country— were calculated to excite the mirth of the disinterested spectators. " Ha-a-a-ult ! " cried out the instructor, " Oh, this won't do at all ! " " There's only one young lad in the squad who rides ac- cording to my instructions, and he's only been at it three days, the others of the squad have been riding over two mouths. This won't do 1 Fay more attention, men. Pon't be afraid of tumbling off; if you do there ar© He Leads the Squad. 133 plenty of doctors waiting for a job ; sit upright, and look straight to your front, as if all Ireland belonged to you, head erect, shoulders square, legs stiaight and loose, knees and toes turned inwards, arms close to the side and bent forward from the elbows. Robert Eyre, take the right of the squad, you are more fit to lead the squad than any of the others. Now try it again and attend to my instructions,— steady with it now— tro-o-t ! " This time Robert led the squad at a steady but rapid pace through several movements when, through excite- ment, the last files broke into a canter, and at the word 'halt!', the last man coming up with a jerk, his horse, an old trooper, being better acquainted with the words of command than his rider, the latter was shot forward out of the saddle, and landed on the animal's crest ; the next moment he was clasping the horse affectionately round the neck, and showed at the same time an unequivocal tendency to straggle off sideways. The horse, perceiv- ing that something unusual was happening, thought proper to start off at an experimental jog, and being speedily released of his burden took a canter around the square, exhibiting his heels in the air at every other stride. This little contre-temps brought roars of laughter from the spectators. "Egad!" exclaimed the colonel, addressing the adju- jtant, "that handsome young recruit can show those [lubbers how to ride ; it is not the first time that he has i crossed a thorough-bred by all appearance." " He is a snaart young fellow," rejoined the adjutant, Ill I l! 134 Returned Fit For Duty. " and the trumpet-major tells me that he has no trouble in teaching him the trumpet calls ; he is quiet and unas- suming, a great acquisition to the drummers and trumpet- ers, a,nd a boon to the regiment." From that forward Robert became a favorite and gain- ed great popularity in the regiment. In four months he had become such a proficient in horsemanship, drill and other details and duties of his profession that the adju- tant dismissed him from recruits' drill, and he was return- ed fit for duty. Robert had now more confidence in himself, more especi- ally as he was confident that no person whatever had the slightest suspicion of his sex. His complexion had under- gone quite a change through the continued exposure dur- ing the term of recruits' drill. He was positive that now even Hubert would not recognize him. Oh ! if he could only make himself known to Hubert and tell him all that was on his mind, but that was impossible. He must be content at seeing him every day, and> hearing him talk. He would be delighted to talk with him, but lest he might by any possibility detect his voice, and look too sharply into his blue eyes, he generally kept a little dis- tance from his piercing glances. Our heroine was delighted to see that Hubert had been promoted. He was fortunate enough to mount the first step of the ladder of military promotion. The colonel, who had taken notice of his noble, manly and soldierly appearance while at recruits' drill, on being dismissed had appointed him corporal, and he had two chevrons, the has no trouble iiiet and unas- 3 and trumpet- )rite and gain- )ur months he ship, drill and that the adju- le was return- f, more especi- i-tever had the on had under- exposure dur- itive that now ! if he could 11 him all that He must be •iug him talk. 1, but lest he and look too 3t a little dis- bert had been ount the first The colonel, and soldierly lismissed had chevrons, the Hubert Honoured. 135 heraldic badge of fidelity, embroidered in gold lace on the sleeves of his blue jacket. Some of the older troopers grumbled at this preference, but. as he knew his duty and feared no man, he stroked his upper lip, on which a light- colored moustache was sprouting, and touched the pum- mel of his bilbo with the air of a man who would think less of running another through the body than eatina a slice of ration beef; and thus he silenced all objections Moreover, his handsome face and faultless physique to- gether with his heedless spark and dashing, straight-for- ward manner had endeared him to the ofiicers, and he was always^ail-good-fellow-well-met with the non-com- missioned ofiicers and most of the privates. They always found him true, willing and ready to assist them in every difficulty, and that with an ease and dexterity, a more calculating adviser might not have possessed. Military and regimental discipline, though strict and stringent as they were, by no means prevented the development of his mdividual character, or the display of that determin- ed and self -i-eliant spirit which seems to ripen better under the strict general laws that govern communities, than under the special and individual ones that prevail in families. ^ The regiment was kept for weeks at fleld-days, hard d^.l and exercise in the Phcenix Park, where vast bodies of rooi^-horse. foot and artillery-were being con- centrated. The authorities were unremitting in their .n the East. But this hard, but wholesome training came 136 The Hussars. to a conclusion when the order for the Hussars to embark at Kingstown on the 26th prox., for the purpose of join" ing the army in the East, had arrived. This order, ardently desired, was hailed with the greatest enthusiasm by the officers and soldiers, and by none more so than by Hubert and our heroine, who burned for adventure. The morning of the departure the regiment was formed in columns of troops in the barrack square. They were gay and excited at the prospect of distinguishing them- selves in the coming struggle with the Muscovites. After inspection the six troops were wheeled into line — motion- less and still, but in heavy marching order, fully accou- tred, every man with his charger's nosebag, watering- bridle and log, curry-comb and brushes,— spare shoes, his cloak, valise, and holsters strapped securely to the high military saddle. The troopers were strong, well-built, smart and soldierly in appearance. Their clothing and appointments were scrupulously clean and shining, their well-fitted clothing, slung jackets, high busbies, long, bright swords, hokter pistols, and carbines, every heart in the right place, while the noble cl argers champed their steel bits and shook tiieir chain bridles as they tossed their proud heads from time to time, — truly they looked warlike, chivalrous, and imposing. The inspection being over, at a signal from the commanding officer the adjutant rode down the front of the line for t^^e purpose of collect- ing the reports from captains of troops. Then he wheeled round toward the centre of the square where the colonel sat on his charger, and saluting with his sword reported that every man was present ani] in his proper place, "Off to the War." 137 '"Tis well," replied the colonel at the top of his voice, so that every man might hear him. " I never knew it otherwise with Prince Albert's Hussars in time of peril or danger." Then, after telling off the troops he gave the command, " Draw swords ! threes right, forward, march." Then with all the trumpets sounding and kettle drums beating, swords flashing in the sun, and the standard of each troop displayed at its head, the gallant regiment marched out at the gate and down through the city, past the Castle guard, which turned out to salute the 're-i- mentasthey marched past, and presented arms, with a flourish of trumpets and three camps by the drummer as the gallant corps proceeded on their route to Kings- town. As they advanced along the streets the windows were filled with wondering but handsome faces, and many snow-white handkerchiefs were waved in the air as the gay cavaliers rode proudly along the route, preceded by the splendid band playing lively marching tunes. After clearing the city they broke into a hand-gallop, and after a pleasant ride of seven Irish miles, they arrived at Kingstown harbour, where they embarked on board one of H. M. transports. Soon after embarking the signal to sail was given, when the whole regiment assembled on deck and gave three spontaneous cheers, which were heartily responded to by the crowds of spectators on shore as the noble steamer moved out of the harbour with hei! living cargo, and the bright sparkling ocean before them was laughing in the simflbi'ne '^f a h^hrth*- -^i^ >.• Uncomfortable as our heroine was in an overcrowded if 138 Night on the Ocean. transport with seven hundred troopers and as many horses on board, the beauty of the spectacle was not lost upon her ; it was impossible to be unmoved by the magnificent prospect before her, as the noble ship glided swiftly along the green, picturesque Irish coast. They were already in clear water, though the bold cliffs that were to form their departing point were but a few miles to the leeward. There lay the lofty bluff of Wicklow mountains whose crest overhanging peered from a summit of some hundred feet into the deep blue water that swept its rocky base. Here and there, upon the coast, a twinkling gleam pro- claimed the cot of the fishermen, whose swift little craft had so frequently shot athwart their bow, and disappeared in a few moments. It was a beautiful evening ; the sun was set, leaving behind him in the west a vast arch of burnished gold, stretching along the whole horizon, and tipping the apex of the long heavy swells, as they rolled on unbroken by foam or ripple, in vast mountains from the broad Atlan- tic. The wind, which began to fall off towards sunset, freshened ^^, the liioon rose, and as they got out to sea the sails were unfurled and shifted as the wind changed, and the good ship, bending to the breeze, lay gently over and rushed through the water with a sound that brought gladness to the heart. Every moment showed something new that delighted the eye of our heroine. But, alas ! this state of things that entirely diverted her attention from the discomforts of her situation, die' not unfortu- nately last long. The stiff breeze soon increased to a Mai de Mer. 139 many horses aot lost upon } magnificent swiftly along re already in to form their the leeward, atains whose Dme hundred I rocky base. * gleam pro- ft little craft 1 disappeared set, leaving nished gold, ing the apex unbroken by broad Atlan- '^ards sunset, 5t out to sea ind changed, • gently over that brought d something But, alas ! er attention aot unfortu- sreased to a I ■ gale, as the ship gained the entrance to the Bay of Bis- cay, and the unwieldy transport heaved and pitched heavily as the great waves swept in from the westward. Our heroine's heart, stout as it was, sunk within her as the ship rolled into a deep, yawning trough of the sea, and buoyantly mounted again to the summit of the mighty billow; and all the horrors of sea-sickness were added to the other miseries of those on board— it was utterly impossible for Iris to push through the crowds of soldiers and sailors in order to gain the companion stairs for the purpose of going below when she felt qualmish at the stomach. She therefore laid herself down close to the bulwarks, as she felt a horrid faintness seize her in the intervals of sea-sickness. Her thoughts were then once more turned towards home and her father, whose hearth she had rendered lonely and desolate ; her heart sunk within her as she recalled it. How deeply she reproached herself for her selfish impetuosity. But why should she look back with regret while she enjoyed the presence of the idol of her heart, although she could not make herself known to him. Oh ! how gladly would she resign every prospect, with all its glittering flattery of success, to be once more able to make herself known t Hubert and to feel his warm heart and manly grasp i These very thoughts were sweeter to her than the softest strains ' that ever syren sung. As the ship rolled and tossed and rose and sunk, and her wretchedness constantly increased, her mind seemed onlv oonoKio r>^ c^i-^-i...:-,:-,-^ „„^ ji •" — J "'-^-n-r.-iv Oi isiiucrtaining one iciea, and that was an earnest and heartfelt desire that Hubert 140 Iris and Hubert Meet i would come along and help her down below where she could lay quietly while her sickness laste 1, Her wish was soon gratified, for luckily, and to her indescribable delight, at that moment Hubert \vas going past, and see- ing the deathly pale and pitiful face of Robert Eyre, as he thought, was moved to compassion by the pleading, handsome, and not unfamiliar features of the young trumpeter— when he stooped down instinctively and raised him in his strong arms and cont^ loted him down below, and placed him close to an open port-hole where the fresh sea breeze and some cold water which he pro- cured, in a short time most wonderfully relieved him from the faintness, and enabled him to thank Hubert in such a manner that impressed him with a favourable feeling towards the young trumpeter. This gave our heroine indescribable pleasure to be able to talk to her affianced lover for the first time since they parted at Mar- court Hall ; although he knew her not, nor had he the remotest idea or suspicion that it was his own dear Iris with whom he was talking and attecdmg in a fit of sea- sickness. From that time forward Hubert was quite taken up with the young trumpeter, whom he had not taken much notice of since joining the regiment until now ; but since they got acquainted it seemed that there was something magnetic which drew them more fre- quently into each other's company, on which occasions they were greatly edified with each other and very happy during the remainder of the voyage. Oh, what a miserable thing is a long voyage at sea, w where she Her wish ndescribable ast, and see- )ert Eyre, as he pleading, the young ctively and I him down -hole where Hch he pro- slieved him i Hubert in favourable 3 gave our talk to her ted at Mar- had he the 'n dear Iris I fit of sea- was quite le had not nent until that there more fre- 1 occasions ery happy ige at sea, M? Life on a Troop-Ship. 141 anyhow, especially with so many troops and horses on board. They were twelve days at sea, the eternal sameness of everything around growing every day less supportable. Sea and sky are beautiful things when seen from some woodland cottage or towering citadel on shore, but their picturesque effect is sadly marred when on along voyage, for want of contrast. Pork and pea-soup on one day, and pea-soup and pork the next, with crystals of salt as long as your little finger, and salt junk with plum div^ for Sunday dinner, besides the utter selfishness which the inconvenience of a closely crowded troop-ship suggests. As inevitable as the win- ter follows summer, the man who would share his last sixpence or his pound of bread with you on shore, here forages out the best corner to hang his hammock', and forces yon into a comfortless berth, where the rain or wind beaos in through the hatch-way. He shows you a seat at dinner, not only that he may place you with your back to the draught of the wind-sail, but that he may eat and lie down before you have begun to feel the qualm- ishness that the dinner of a troop ship is well calculated to suggest. But, voyages have been so often dilated upon by all writers, that in order to save my gentle reader from the monotony of a repetition, I will foreg. any fur- ther description of this one. Suffice it to say that after the first attack of sea sickness our heroine's usual good spirits had returned, when she and Hubert became great 142 Land Hoi confidents and whiled away the monotony of the voyage by tamiliar intercourse. " Robert Eyre, was awakened by the ineessant tramp over head, which showed that others were stirring, and he got up out of his hammock and went on deck. The sea was without a ripple upon its surface, and shone like a TutT ^v'' ^''f^"°* " ™™ "°^ " ^''""^^r appeared, but the rushing sound close by showed that the ship was ghding fart through the placid waters. He had not been long on deck when the land was descried in the distance by the.captain, who stood forward with his telescope pointing towards a dark blue mass like a cloud, far away on deck. The vessel scarcely seemed to move as she cut her way through the calm blue waters. By degrees the misty outline of the coast grow gradually moreTfined and at length the mountains could be seen, at first but dimly but as the morning wore on their many-colored hnesshowed forth, and patches of green pastureiand dot- ted with sheep and other domestic animals, or sheltered by dark fohage, met the eye. The bulwarks were crowd- heTo*."^r ^"^'' ''* '°°'''"S pointedly- towards the coast, and many a stout heart beat high with excite- ment as they neared the land which was fated to cover with ,t« mould many a brave soul who now gazed on it for the fi,.t time. How slowly seem to pass the to days of a voyage, the hours teeming with memories of the pas., and expectations for the fature. Eveiy expe- Df the voyage K Iris, alias fc tramp over ring, and he ck. The sea shone like a :er appeared, the ship was lad not been the distance lis telescope ud, far away 11 assembled e as she cut degrees the tore defined, at first but any-colored re land dot- )r sheltered 7ere crowd- ly towards i^ith excite- ed to cover 2;azed on it ia the last lemories of very expe- ls' Orim-vimged War! n^ dieut to pas., the long and weary hour,, i., at once thrown' as.de, hook, and games are abandoned and stowed away for further emergency, even the very laughable anecdotes, legends and tales that are told on board become distaste- f« . The faint outline of the distant coast had dispelled all thought of these, and with a straining eye and anx- .ous heart they gazed on the blue and misty mountain i-eanng ,t, lofty sun-scorched summit above the cloud. As they neared th , land, faint and shadowy form, of distant objects grew gradually clearer, but, as the bright rays of the morning sun buret forth in all his glory, and d..«pated the mists, they saw the brown hills and verdant plains interspersed with green olive groves, clear and bright be ore them. What a contrast to the dull mono- tony of a hfe at sea did the scene present, which awaited them on landing The whole quay waa crowded with hundreds of English. French and Turkish soldiers, dark- featured swarthy camp followers. Arabs, Greeks Jews and Turks, with red fez caps, mingled with the bZI and fair-haired Celtic features of our own counts Small boats phed unceasingly to and fro acro.ss the tran- with the thri ling strain, of martial music, and strelh- 2 I7y '° *'''^.'!'^""'"=^- »»»^y -canvas tents in regular staight lines, with masses of troops in marching „°der and heir bayonets glistening in the ,„n as they dlloyed mto line, all betokened the near approach of L The anchor had ar-of/^oU, i,^„_ i. , . • -^"^ a small hn^r^-ir' "'^^P'"^ "^^"^ ^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ in a small boat, with a navy officer steering, came alongside 144 Varna. the gangway and gave orders for the troops to disembark at once and be marched to the cavalry campground, there to jom their comrades. The debarkation of men and horses was effected soon afterwards in excellent order and with that regularity and expedition that showed the discipline of the corps, which conferred great ere Ht on the officers engaged in superintending it. Of their own fiee will and accord the men of the different regiments whose camp was proximate to the landing, came down to the quay-helped to load the mules and carts, and push- ed the indolent Arabs one side out of their way to show the road, and in fact to make themselves generally use- ful. The French also assisted with a hearty right good will. As the Prince Albert's Hussars marched past the French camp, their bands turned out and played " God save the Queen." which was gallantly responded to by the band of the Hussars. As they marched past the Egyptian camp, the swarthy little warriors came swarm- ing out of their little square tents like bees from a hive and drew themselves up with staring eyes and open mouth to gaze in wonder and admiration as the noble British cavaliers-troop after troop-passed, when they shouted, cheered and chattered to each other with excite- ment and delight. On arrival at the camp ground which stood by the shore of a beautiful lake and about eight miles from Varna, they went to work pitching their tents and attending to their horses. That was the first night for Iris to sleep in camp, and on the bare ground, with only one blanket to cover her, in a circular 3 to disembark ) ground, there ^ of men and eut order, and ) showed the eat ere Ht on Of their own at regiments, Jame down to ts, and push- way to show merally use- Y right good bed past the layed "God )nded to by 3d past the ime swarm- rom a hive, I and open s the noble when they vith excite- »p ground, and about k pitching at was the i the bare a circular A I' Picturesque Scenery. 145 tent with sixteen men, but being fatigued and very tired after a ride of eight miles in a scorching sun, together with the recent sea-sickness, and rolling motion of the ship, she slept a sweet, sound and healthful sleep. Next morning she was up bright and early, and was sur- prised at the picturesque scenery of the surrounding country. Never were tents pitched in a more lovely \oot. When the morning sun had risen it was scarce possible for her to feel that she waa far from her father's castle. .\t the other side of the lake, which waters the plains beneath the hill on which the cavalry camp was placed, there is a range of high ground, so finely wooded, with such verdant valleys between the beautiful groves, that one would fancy there must be a noble man- sion somewhere among those ancient trees. When once the tourist leaves the low plain and fiat pasture lands which sweep westward for three or four miles from Varna, he passes through a succession of picturesque scenery with a waving outline of hills, which he can see on all sides above the thick mass of brush- wood, pierced by the track made by oxen carts, horsemen, Bashi- Bazouks and Arab drivers. The open country is finely variegated with abundance of wood and water, which lie all around within easy distance of the route. The monotony of camp life and perpetual drills and parade, was only diversified by some games or field sports gotten up by the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the different corps which formed the canton- ment. With the innate love of sport which possesses 14G " A Bit of Divaraion," our countrymen wherever they mav be nl«no > . . commenced at o. about three o'dolk p m tL ""T brigadier., and most of the staff wrone'""':' whiehw,. crowded with officers, an?:;: 4 aZ:'; p..va,led throughout the afternoon, but like "l, oh .aces at home or abroad, wherever lirds and re com- of the pe with ild not ght be )ilitary of tkQ British and Russian Troops Compared 149 country the outrage and violence of these semi-savages were unbearable— they are true types of the Mussulmans, as they are to be found in Asia, and as they would be here, if it was not for dread of the strict martial law, which keeps them in anything like subjection. A com- mon practice among them was to kidnap young children away from their parents, and then demand a heavy ran- som for them. A few days previous to our arrival they carried off a poor widow's only son, and had put a price on his head, which she could not pay; she offered all she was worth to the scoundrels, but they would not accept it, and she never saw her son since. Omar Pasha has done some good by the wholesome severity which he administers to these gentry. He has seized on whole hordes of them and taken their horses, and sent them off to be enlisted by compulsion into the' armies of the Sultan as foot soldiers. As he passed one day after witnessing a review of the troops, a cavalry charge in line, which shook the very earth,' as men-and horses flew past like a whirlwind, wreathing' in clouds of dust, particularly excited his admiration, wlien he turned round to the officer who accompanied him and exclaimed aloud, "Allah, Allah! what splendid troops these are" (pointing with his riding whip towards the 11th Hussars who looked chivalrous in their crimson trousers, high busbys, and slung jackets), "with one such regiment as that I would charge and vanquish a half a«...,..., ..^g^meuts. nc was particularly struck With the stature of the men and the sige and fine condi- , s 150 Omar Pasha and the Connaught Rangers. tion of the chargers. As he passed the camp of the Connaught Rangers, the men crowded to the front of their lines to see the Pasha go by, and as he approached they gave a rousing shout of Bono ! Bono ! Johnny i which rent the air to the great astonishment of Omar He smiled and bowed several times in acknowledgment* and turning to the general who rode by his side, said' "These are noble-looking fellows, but it must be very hard work to tame and keep them in order. " Ee could not comprehend how such freedom could be made with their superior officers consistent with strict military dis- cipline. He was accompanied by some five-and-twenty mounted Indian Mahomedans who had come upon their pilgrimage to Mecca, and who hearing of the Turkish crusade against the Infidels, had rushed to join the standard of the Sultan. They came from remote parts of India. They were attired in the most picturesque ex- cesses of the Osmanli; fine-looking fellows, with robes and turbans a blaze of gay colors, and with arms clean and shining from the care bestowed on them. Soon after that cavalcade had disappeared, another more singular and picturesque came along, which caused a great amount of badinage and excitement among both officers and men. A Turkish prophetess passed through the camp on her way from Varna, attended by a rabble rout of about forty Bashi-Bazouks. She stopped at the caf^ and enjoyed her pipe for a time. She was a lean withered, angular old woman of between sixty and Beventy years of age, with a face seamed and marked in A Turkish Prophetess. 151 every part of its dark olive-coloured surface with rigid wrinkles. Her nose was hooked, sharp-pointed and skinny, her mouth toothless and puckered like a purse, but if it was a purse it must have been the purse of a miser, for it was so tightly closed that her nose and chin formed a joint stock company ; her eyes piercing black, restless and sinister, with bleary lids, overhung by tufty gray brows ; her neck long, bare and wrinkled ;— with most unjustifiable disregard of the teachings of Ma- hom^i. nd of the prejudices of Mussulmans, she show- ed ah iiei' face and wore no yashmak. Her attire con- sisted of a green turban of many folds, an antiquated red jacket gorgeously embroidered with silver lace, open in front, displaying a gay- colored vest, a handsome waist scarf filled with weapons, such as stilettoes, pistols and daggers, wide blue breeches, yellow morocco high-heeled top boots and brass spurs. Her escort were fierce, wild and ragged, and stuck all over with weapons like porcu- pines' quills. Their horses were lean and shaggy, and altogether it was an interesting spectacle, this old sorce- ress and her superstitious followers. With the Turks and Bashi-Bazouks as their neigh- bours, there were many strange spectacles in and around the camp which interested and amused our heroine, but there were many cruel outrages perpetrated on the peo- ple of the surrounding villages by one or other of these semi-barbarians, that shocked her sensitive feelings and damped her enthusiasin. They were pulTed up by the pride of victory and believed that they could now do 152 ^ Turkish Cafe. j'.st as they pleased. As n„. i. • -"7 to a Turkish caf^n thr"" """ ^'""^' P<««d -"'t one afternoon. the/L*'"^ '° -"P after a «n d-^l would be let out a.ai. 11 ■"°°*''-' ""* ^^o""- a fresh eulprit. The ca'Lse'orTh ''°°" """ '■'«"''-«d f"-- not ascertain, and the bystander? '"""'™°'=' *''^-^ """W *-b«d by it. There ^^sTetp^tr' '"^ ''"''= <"- a^'^t the cause of sucTcrr"^ " '"■'"''''« **k» to Baaouks were allowed to ea"""' '"' """''^ '"^ ^W- '"^-gh the villages 1 7„r"<'™d the can,p and happen. Although we Ce ,rT ^°''^^ ""> ^"^ '» their .norality. urannTrsTnd "'" "■« Turks, yet »03t detestaWe to usbut tr""'""" <=-toms wL and their outlandish t.te fw^lfdrTK '''™"''"'- nor endure. Some French In T^^'' appreciate Turkish oa/ao refresh 21 "^ '""^ S""" "to a f 'ting there one otL^XV''' """'^ ^^^ "-- language, heard a gr„„? ;/'" "";';-'<'<'<' the Turkish ^■ttingnear,iuduige'uH^'^'"-f''^°''''« "'«> ^"^^ ,">« French and Engli h T '" "^ ''"'^^''^ "^-^ knocked over the head for "^ ""T'^'^d. and waa h.3 comrades in arms rushed on the T r"°' '"'""''''»" ' knocked and beat them out of th .f" '"'' "''y ^°«n down and finl.he-1 -^ - - ' '*'^- Thev th„n - ' ''"^ ""■'''"'■»»'» '•nd left ;oon aft;;; Corps-de-Oarde. 153 but no sooner had they come out than they were pounc- ed upon by the Bazouks, who fired on them. In the conflict that ensued two Frenchmen fell and three others were wounded by pistol shots. Several French soldiers hearing the row hastened to their comrades' itssistance and surrounded the assassins, so as to prevent their escape, while others notified the French Corps- de-Garde and mustered a strong force under an oflicer who captured twenty-five fierce-looking Bashi Bazouks, and marched them off to prison. The scoundrels were soon tried by court-martial, and the French authorities took good care that they got the full punishment which they justly de- served. Since the arrival of the Hussars at Devno our heroine had had a dreary and trying alternation of drills, parades and trumpet practice, yet this monotony was somewhat varied by the novelty of being in a foreign country, aud by the spectacle of splendid scenery, being in the midst, as it were, of a magnificent army and the great events that shook the world. When, therefore, the intelligence had arrived of a reconnoisance by the Light Cavalry under the command of Lord Cardigan, in co-operation with a brigade of French Zouaves, our reader may readily imagine that . this news was received by both ofiicers and men with the greatest enthusiasm. A distgit cannonade had been heard at intervals by men of the out-lying picquets from the direction of Silistria, and the news had soon arrived that the Russians were in full retreat from that belea- I 154 TU Light Cavalry on the qui vive. Astheirr uteTouidlft, " ""'^ «»"'" ^'-diers. L,Vht n. 1 * ^^ accurately ascertained the L.ght Cavalry ^ere immediately advanced, and extend! ground, their whole interest bdng cr„tercd tr '^"' ments of the Russians ^ °° *^^ '"''™- :-Lf:irr^:f-per:i:rrt «»had risen Ih"''' ""^ -Mlarating before the luZantX n^'lL^" '^7 ^"'"^ '^' ''^ them was clX Tcryl' X" t""!,.""-^ ''-•''^ sanlr .= n ,• "'y'*'^'' the water-lilies floated or S. beneath TZ "' *'' ^"""^ ^'-''» '-"-d^ »l>ow the circumsta:! t he l^efv I'u ?"" ^""™' '° after rnn.m™ f 7 ^°*°'"^y around, more especially swi d w^tr.r* " ~""""^^' "o™'' - «>« damp luJna'rTlht " -T"^ *'°™ ■">" '"' -'-tial their silvery Imhf «„ +1, • ' "-'^--". -iudamg very light on the innocent face of our heroine^. '^ 1 Robert Evre Volunteers. 155 •e, and had a-l Ludiera. tained, the id extend- plains of nts. The tents, and on fresh he move- le richly- i in mel- I'ho were Dreading sir clear, fore the by the 1 all its I bbi.de lated or [, show- bly bed. uned to pecially e damp elestial ons, as cdding eroine,. m i Ml as she slept with a sweet composure, as though the angels were keeping watch around her slumbers. One morning as the Hussars were on parade the colonel placed his field glass to his eyes, as was his wonted custom every morning, and after scanning the country all round he turned to the adjutant and said, " Egad, there are several large columns of Russians, both horse and foot, moving steadily round the brow of yonder hill. They will cut off the French, who are ignorant of their movements, or even their presence in that quarter ; we must send them word at once, find out if there is any man in the regiment who speaks French." The adjutant whom he addressed then called out and asked the men but all replied in the negative. At this the colonel seemed much annoyed, and said it will take four hours to send off" for an interpreter, to explain the route to them, and may be too late to save them from capture, but you must ride off to headquarters and send a man at once. "Sir," said Robert Eyre, as he drew his sword and saluted the colonel, " I can speak and interpret French, and I will go if you will allow me," The colonel's face brightened up in an instant. He then turned to the adjutant and said, " Garnett, you must ride over as fast as your horse can carry you and inform the French of their proximity to danger. This young lad," said he, "will accompany you and interpret your communica- tions. What is the boy's name ? " queried the colonel. " Robert Eyre," replied the adjutant, " whom your 156 RobeH is Fortunate. Lordship noticed leading a squad of recruits „n tl,. A •„ ground io Mand-Bridge Barracks, '^TuZ^:^t ■3 a smart and intelligent lad ^r.A T ^'"«'"'»>-. •>« rapid promotion and a briit fuTul ,7 ^^ '"' '■™ commence in good time, b fore flrget ZZZ^ '^'" in orders this evening f„r corpora"' ' '"" ''" "^"^ After receiving some further instructions concerning h.s m,ss,on to the French lines, the adjutant bounded o1 w„ dT r"t' "'""'^ '""""^""y Rol-ert Eyre On ward they dashed towards the French columns pushin" th irhorses *« their full stride, apparently feeling Lmuch enthusiasm and excifpmpnf oo -P^i, ««^'"g as much Russians. Though thTad uLnt 7 "" '"'"^'"' ''^ -arkable abilit^ as l^^^.: Zl'ZZ^ way m safety to the narrow and rocky valley which n orner to let their horses breathe and rest a little before they commenced the ascent of the opposite hill, reachZ the French m an incredibly short time ^ adi!tZtlt"' *"■'"'''""* '" ^^''■"='' ""^ «^<'«'^ fr°» the adjutant, who presented his card +o f K^ , French troons ^1./ ! '^''"'"'^''^^^ «^ ^^^^^ French column f ? .•^"'* '""^' ^° '"^^ *« «-e the rench column from being cut off and made prisoners bv an overwhelrainff force of ihc r • F"«"ners Dy turned, arriving TLd f ^""'^ "'^'' '^- wi,. ' "^"yg I- head-quarters in time for sunner htself'tti:'' »-"°'^ "P'""'^ "=»"'-' --J -PoHe ' J on the drill emember, he esy for him may as well )ut his name concerninar bounded off Eyre. On- ns, pushing ng as much larging the ig man of not excel made their ley which their pace btle before , reaching from the ier of the save the toners by then re- ' supper, reported 'e in the RobeH Eyre is Promoted. 157 "I am very much pleased," said the colonel, "to heaV such a favourable account of the young trumpeter : we shall not lose sight of him." Hubert was the first to greet Robert Eyre on his return and inform him of his promotion that evening in orders to' corporal, for which information our heroine graciously thanked him in a manner that repaid him well for his trouble. This first step of promotion, though simple in Itself, had the effect of raising our heroine from the com- mon drudgery of the ranks, and placing her on an equal footing with Hubert, and besides, it gave her a better chance of enjoying the pleasure of his company. How often do we need a struggle with ourselves to enjoy the rich and beautiful landscape which lies smiling m Its freshness before us ! How frequently the blue sky and the calm air look down upon the heart darkened and shadowed with affliction; and how often have W3 telt the discrepancy between the lowering look of sor- row and the glad sunshine of our heart ! The har- mony of the world without with our thoughts within is one of the purest, as well as one of the greatest, sources of happiness. Our hopes and ambitions lose their selfish character when feeling that fortune smiles upon us from all around, and the flattery which speaks to our hearts from the bright stars and the blue sky, the peaked moun- tain or the humble flower, is greater in its mute eloquence than all the tongues of men can tell us. This feeling did our heroine experience in all its fulness as she ruminated upon the good fortune which 158 The Light Cavalry Return. placed her military rank equal to that of Hubert's and gave her a better chance to watch ove. him durin;? the campaign. She felt within herself that secret instinct that tells of happiness to come. In such moods of mind her thoughts strayed homeward, where her father watch- ed in dreary solitude the return of his darliu-. and she could not help confessing how little were all her successes in her eyes, did she not hope and yearn for the day when she could pour forth her tale of camp life war and battlefields to the ears of those whom she loved so dearly. Lord Cardigan satisfied himself at last that the enemy was on the retreat; far in the distance moving slowly, countless trains of waggons, oxen-carts, and loaded mules were seen winding their way along accompanied by several squadrons of Polish Lancers and Cossacks, with pennons waving in the breeze, and the sweet strains of music, which, wafted gently by the zephyr faintly reached where they bivouaced on the side of the hill which overlooked the tranquil river They watched the receding columns as long as the day light asted, and when the darkness came on they marked their position by the bright watchfires which gleamed far away in the distance. By day break next morning the light cavalry were mounted. The commander per- ceiving that the Russians had disappeared, gave the order to retire on the old camp-ground near Devno where they resumed the old routine of drills and parades. Since the arrival of the Hussars ia Bulgaria, notwitli- ubert's, and during the 3ret instinct ods of mind ther watch- larllu|^ed, and the combined'flefits of three nations, prop^^'d by steam and light breezes, Croaaing the Euxine 161 leaving the pestilential shores of Bulgaria far behind, had their prows turned towards that land which was fated to receive into its cold bosom many a brave heart that sung in jcjyous choru , as -hat wondrous flotilla, eclipsing in power and nia^ at hide, ji, d rivalling in num- ber, the Spanish Armada, o.- Tae 11 • its of Xerxes, swept onward to threaten the strono-: jid of the Czar of all the Russias. The thought that the flags of Lwo nations which had for centuries regarded each other with the bitterest animosity, were then unfurled in a common cause, called back the days of chivalry, when the hosts of France and England went forth together against the Saracen. The prospect was one never to be forgotten. As darkness closed over the surface of the deep, hun- dreds of moving meteors, blue, red, green and white, were here and there reflected on the bosom of the tran- quil Euxine, and the faint dashing of paddles and screw- propellors, and the noise made by the ships' pr.-,vs, rush- ing forward through the dark tide, mingled with the martial music of the bands on board, and with song and chorus from the troops. For, though cholera and dis- eases had carried off* many a brave and jolly fellow, yet the majority of those who had survived the fatal scourge, were already gaining strength and spirits as , they mhaled the fresh sea breeze, and were gay and light- , hearted. At length the trumpet sounded strangely on I the bosom of the sea. the trnnna h«fnot fho-n-l— +^ j their hammocks below, and were soon lulled into the jarms of Morpheus by the motion of the ship. Music, 162 Adieu, Iris. song and Jaughfcer had ceased, and the officer on watch paced the deck alone, while the watch huddled together m a snaall group, taking repose, or talking in a subdued tone. But, still the lights twinkled over the smooth water, and the stars glimmered in the blue sky, and the bows of hundreds of steamers, transports and men-of- war went surging onward through the dark waters of the Euxine. In such a scene gentle reader we will leave our heroine wrapped in her hammock; she had so far es- caped all worse evils than are included in the inconveni- ence of camp life and a sultry climate, and return to Marcourt Hall. >r on watch led together a a subdued the smooth cy, and the nd men-of- L waters of B will leave id so far es- inconveni- return to CHAPTER V. The Retuun from Galway— Iris' Letter— Maud Gives Counsbl — A Severe Shock— Richmond Informed -Early Life— The Advice— The Depabtube— London —Hanover Square— The Hotel— The In- troduction—A Select Little Party— Master Jackanapes —The Bobbies— The Gin Palace— The Strange old Cock— The Sleepy Bar-tender— The Queen of Hearts— The Club— Threadbabe Abis- toceacy— The Old Cock's Story— The Carousals— The College Chum— The Embarkation for New York. « with a .« 0, high bo" d2™;';t ° r.'?" *" '''8"«»g'"». brave and „„bU army whi h have gone fortVt """T"*""' ""' combat that potent despot ihe cJrTi VnV » ' '" '"''"°' M„.ovite horde,, .„ defLd .he' ZZ lilo^'oZ^'^ '"" "^ country. Therefore T thm,„t,+ x i, "^'^'^ o* our Queen and homei^ ,™^, :::: L^zt: at"ciiv?r" "^ =" •' oonulrymen and maiden, .S, • ^ '""'^ °" "'■'l" my •nd fijhting tor ZtZZZ^^ZZl Tr '""'. '"''''™^ P«rl in it. The word, of «,. t ., '""°"''"' «"unlrj,, and „ot lalie upbraided me riof : W / tlTri: '""f.T^ ~" "■"' Why wall afar oif tn .I„^ V ^ *""■' '" *« ^'y MIe ? " What does all this Mean." 165 that you would never consent to let me into God's vineyard out in the Crimea to labour with my sisterB, but rather command me to stay at home and marry Richmond, which, for the present, at any rate I thought it advisable to forego ; timo may alter things to pleaee my father. With those j-eflections I u.termined to go forth and take upon myself n./ humble share in the great events that shock the world. I believe that God created every one for some particu- lar work in order that the vast fjocial system of the world might move harmoniously, each having their allotted task in accordance with the great fundamental law of the Almighty. This is neither occult n^r cabalistic, you will find it contained in the words of the apostle Pml, " Be ye steadfast, immovable, al- ways abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." There is nothing abstruse in this injunction, all may comprehend and practise it. Therefore, believing that my heaveply Father needs me in His vineyard, I responded to His mandate. Trusting, my dear father, that you will not feel hurt with me, or attribute my conduct to any want of parental aflection or gratitude, for your ever indulgent kindness, but forgive your only and aiFectiouate daughter aud trust in my love and fidelity to you, aud believe that it is through VI honest desire to do right that I left home without your knowledge or consent. Your affectionate daughter Iris. Scarcely had Lord Marcourt finished reading the above epistle when Maud Cuffe entered the library look- ing supremely lovely in the softest and lightest of a blue checkered silk dress richly trimmed. Their first greet- ing over, " Maud," said his lordship, " what does all this mean ? I can scarce believe my own eyes, or that I am in my riffht senses. Hftrfi is «. Ipffoi. in THo' iio«f!v""**'n'r --^ — m ing me that she has gone out to the Crimean war." " Yes," replied Maud, " you are in your right mind, for 166 lord Maramrt AstmmJed. 71 '"""f-^'-^y I™ !"« joined Miss Nightingale', staff of herce ladies, who have volunteered Z go :„t to h! seat of w.Hn .he East to nurse the wounded soWiers for wh,ch heyd:.3rvo the brightest and greenest ZX and eneom „„3 fro.„ their Queen and coontr" Oh only w.sh that I had the strength .nd sueh courage bu I am too frail and faint-hearted to undertake t;h a courageous udventure." " Here is the letter, read it." said he, as he tottered into il'ut. t™ fr°™M '»r''^»'-"^. -"hough no sound «ued ,,„^ them. Maud sprang to his side, loosened his neekfe and would have summoned assistance only tha he laid his hand detainingly on her arm "My dear," said he. with a courtesy that seemed to be an mstmct as well as a habit, "lam sorry to trouble you bn really I need a little brandy. I wo'lld ^^2 obhged,fyo„ would ge. me a little yourself Su\ troubling the servants ? " without Almost before he had finished the sentence Maud had g ne to fetch the stimulant. Fortunately the butler ex the f l'^ T't'"^ "'"" '™" Galwayf had not lo;ked wanted without exciting attention. He took the tumbler m IS tremulous hand and drank the contents at a dr^^ deep meditation, staring at vacancy, motionless and still while Maud perused the letter. '■ My dear, noble girl !" exclaimed Maud, after>e had Matid'a Philosophy. 16? read the epistle, " what a brave soul ! what an overiiow- ing heart of love and Christian charity, high and heroic sentiments you are endowed with ! " By what high authority or royal patent do we judge our fellow-creatures by one stern and inexorable stan- dard ? Who shall dare say to a fellow being, I have gone down among the volcanic chambers of this soul, and have fathomed its mysteries, and can tell you the depths thereof ? "There are sealed cells, where veiled from scrutiny dwell the secrets of the human heart. As the number- less shells that tesselate old ocean's bed, as the innu- merable clouds change their colouring and their forms by the effect of the sun and wind, as the flowers bud and bloom and wane in the flush of summer, or the blighting blast of winter, so we poor human mortals differ one from another." At last Maud's philosophy aroused him from his reverie, and he arose from his chair and walked up and down the room instinctively, in deep and solemn reflection, hia arms folded across his manly chest and his head bowed down. He was a very handsome man, and his eyes had much softness of expression. His f^gnre rather slight and tall, but particularly well built. He was one ^r those very few persons of great rank whom you would have pride in knowing as an equal, and have much pleasure in acknowledging as a superior, in air, grace and manner, the most thoroughbied gentleman. He at last halted in front of Maud and said, in a softened tone : I Maud Ar/ain. " Maud, this is a severe shocic to my „en„s > M- de».r w :/ u "'-'"' *^ '" "'"y ••■ '^^"o. whom /,,::: lavshed all n,y love and affection „„, the idn- of" W to leave her happy ho»c where ..'e „s s,.™ d I w.th every luKurv and comfort that he, ho.rt c-.d toire or h., fancy wish for. To go out to -, st rn „ a distant U..d y..,„o there is nothing but suffering hard h P, m.ery. pc,ti!once and disease staring her in ^ 'ace. I am ,,n..-'fis»nrss R h ; nf ""^ ^^'^^ ■">- » dear )m I have do! of liiy irrounded art could range and ing, hard- er in the ^' absence 1 nervous, 'i^ced and he great 3 associ- to guide ihness of married ture lay would ith such ;hink of cannot ot love. one is ^v^Iedge X ;.id dtion t£.ides, pJness and enjoyment of riches ; we were placed here on this earth by the Almighty on probation to work out our salvation by good deeds, benevolence and charity, and to cultivate enlarged views of life, suppress selfishness and to ever remember that charity is the key-stone of Christi anity. Do you imagine that our Maker placed us on this earth solely to pursue our own enjoyment ? Sup- pose duty costs us pain and struggles, does that make it less imperative upon us to perform it ? Lady Iris is actuated by a high and noble sentiment of Christian love for her fellow beings, who are suffering and need a gentle and tender hand to nurse them. She desires to cooperate with her sisters of charity, to wield the vast influence her Maker has given her nobly and for His honour and glory." Maud's argument had considerably overcome Lord Marcourt's prejudices and changed his views very much in favour of Lady Iris' mission. But what would he have thought, or how would he have felt, or acted to- ward his daughter if he knew the whole truth, i. e,, that she had disguised her sex and enlisted for a soldier in order to accompany her true lover to the seat of war in the East, and there to fight by his side, to watch over him and attend to his wants, and nurse him should any danger befall him ? This question we will leave to our gentle reader's judgment to answer. However, we can safely assert that he would not have much hopes, on her return, of her conversion in favour of Richmond's suit. It was a fine bright afternoon when Richmond's 170 Clanronald Castle. carnage entered the park, on his return from Galway. He felt his heart swell with something like family pride as he gazed on the magnificence of hill and plain that opened before him. as he passed the ancient and ivy- covered lodge. Large clumps of trees ranged on either side seemed in their own antiquity the witness of that ancient family which had given them existence. The sun shone bright- f .r.*n'7^^' '^ ^^' ^^^' ""^^^ ^^y ^^ tbe foot of the hill, breaking its waves into numberless sapphires and tmging the dark pine trees that overspread the' margin with a rich golden light, that put him in mind of his uncle's rich livery when in pageant array. When he descended from the carriage, Miles Tierney, his foot- man (who had succeeded that inestimable specimen of humanity, Peter Quigly), was the first person he met on entering the castle. "Miles," said he, "how 1. my uncle ? ■^ "Faith yer honor," replied Miles, he's foinly entoirly barm the smallest taste of the gout in his right foot, an' a slight touch of rheumatic in his hip, an' is now in his own room playin' wid his two pets " Richmond then ascended the steps, and went through the great hall, which was hung around with huge antle^ and rusty old armour, adorned with the arms and es-' cutcheons of the ancient family. Then through the ante- room, covered with tapestry, representing the gallantries ot King feolomon to th^ npo^« -.* ou-i - •, , ,, . - -»^^*^"^^ c>x oiiuba, and lastly into the apartment honored by the august presence of Lord Richmond Hears the News: 171 Clanronald, who was dividing the sofa with a setter and a pointer, and his gouty foot resting on a silk velvet cushion. He rose slowly as Richmond entered, held out his hand with a stately air of kind protection, and sur- veyed him from head to foot, to see how far his appear- ance justified his condescension. Having at last satisfied himself, he proceeded to inquire after the state of his ap- petite. He smiled benignantly when Richmond confessed that he was well prepared to testify its capacity. The first idea of the old-fashioned Irish people is to dine you. Accordingly the old man motioned to the servant who stood in attendance until receiving the expected signal, after which he withdrew to prepare refreshments for Richmond. " Your luncheon will be served in a few moments," said his lordship, " and now for the news." Lord Clanronald then informed his nephew that Lady Iris had joined Miss Nightingale's staff of nurses, and was now on her way to the seat of war in the East to nurse the wounded sol- diers. This news came upon him like a shower-bath, he was both chilled and stunned by so unexpected a shock His chest heaved with emotion, and he declared that he was distracted. His uncle and the servants were quite melted by his grief, and there could have been no doubt of it in the least, for he was always celebrated for his skill in privrtc. theatricals. -After this communication there was a ' .; g and solemn silence, which was only broken by the butler announcing luncheon. Although Richmond was very much cut up with grief and sorrow 172 Undt and Neplmv. at the sudden departure of Ladv Tri« .m^ did he betake hiLelf to ^^' ^[It ""'»* ^T""^ way, and washed it d.™ with a b t^! oTt ^ """'■ and Lawrence's best green seaTll^t '*^™" cd feT- '"■'' ""'• '"^ ' " ^'' ""'^ '"^''»«P- «« he enter, d the dinmg-room, as hi., nephew had finished. " YoL «oem much down-hearted since you have learned tha hy sweetheart has departed on her .nission of 1^ If she returned your love she would never have gone on never trouble your equani,.uty, for they are as -ckle cT: : s" wi '^"' "":' "■^^"^^ '° -^ ^-■'- o^t compMs. When you have had the experience th,t T have had, you will then be a.ore enlight d on thli cap™.o«sness. I have often had serious thought f d gnrfy.ng my ..etiren.e.t by the literary employlnt o detaibng my adventures in the world. I think I could throw a new light „pon thL ,s and persons in genlt" Yourhfe, .r," sard Richmond, "must indeed have been chequered and full of adventure, and would lam confident, furni,. .atter of grct instruction a:d amu!: ins:tinTt;:?ntr '''^- ■ ^"~' '« ^»* •>- " Uncle," said Richmo., " J ould like very much to hear some of your early oxpenence of the orld 1 ned. Tnere must be some deep secret c-n-^ct- ' -^'h your life." ■ -■- i-n-vCCvu „iili DQOst earnestly 1 uncle's hospi- of Ackerman p, as he cnter- ished. " You learned that ion of mercy, have gone on Let women ire as "ckle- uarter of the ■ience that I ned on their thoughts of ployment of bink I could in general." indeed have would, I am and amuse- to fools, but ry much to orld. I riever , lar- Q/»fn-l ...liU Lord Clanronald's Early Life. 173 " Richmond," commenced he after a pause, " you are a young man about to commence life under much the same auspices as I did myself. I came into the world with an inordinate love of glory. When I was seven years old I cut my jacket into a coat, and turned my mother's best petticoat into a waistcoat ; I disdained at (;ight the language of the vulgar, and when my father asiced me to fetch his slippers I replied with the air of a prince that my mind soared beyond the limits of a 1 lackey's. At ten I was self-educated with the propriety of ideas. I rejected liquor with the air of a Turk, but , * , rmed a violent affection for crusty old port and O'La Ro£o claret. Though starved at college, I never took tw' ^f pudding, and paid a shilling a week out of my twenty-f A to have my boots cleaned. As I grew up my notioub xpanded. I gave myself without restraint to the ambition that burned within me. I cut my old friends, who were rather envious than emulous of my genius. I employed the best tailors to make my clothes, I dressed well an*' smoked tl^o verv best Havana cigars. These qualities made me courted and admired by a nctw race, for the great scret of being courted is to shun others, and seeiu delighted with yourself. The latter is obvious enough ; who the deuce should be pleased vvith you if you are not pleased with yourself ? Before I left college I fell in iuve with a rare beauty ; other fellows of my age in such a predicament w )uld have whined, shaved only twice a wetk, and have written poetry. I did none of these things, instead of which I redoubled pli 174 ffis Fimt love. my attention to my dress and deportment. In short T thought the best pledge I could give my Dulcinea of my passion for her person would be to show her what affec- tionate veneration I could pay to my own. My lady love could not withhold from me her admiration, but she denied me her love. She confessed that I was the best dressed man in the college, and had the whitest hands and a week after this avowal she ran away with a great big. lubberly, rosy-cheeked Irishman, an extract from Connaught. Well, I did not blame her. I pitied her too much, but I made a vow never to be in love again. In spite of all my advantages I have kept my vovr and avenged myself on the species for the fault of the in- dividual. Before I commenced a part, which was to con- tmue through life. I reflected deeply on the humours of the spectators. I saw that the character of the more fashionable of the Irish was servility to rank and yield- mg to pretension. They admire you for your acquaint- ance, and cringe to you for your conceit. The first thing, therefore, was to know great people, the second to control them. I dressed well and had good horses, that was enough to make me sought by my own sex. I talk- ed scandal, and was never abashed, and that was more than sufficient to make me admired among the fair sex You must remember that it is single men and married women to whom are given the keys of society. I was soon initiated ; admitted and imitiated, I was the leading star of fashion, I was the rage and the lion. Why? Was T richer, was I handsomer, was I bettei r cleverer than my Day Dreams. 176 nt. In short, T Dulcinea of my hor what affec- )wn. My lady iration, but she I was the best whitest hands, ly with a great I extract from pitied her too ovc again. In i my VOV7 a?jd Lult of the in- ch was to con- he humours of ' of the more mk and yield- 'our acquaint- it. The first the second to d horses, that sex. I talk- at was more the fair sex. and married Jiety. I was 8 the leading tVhy? Was I srer than my associates ? No, no ! and had I been all or a very con- centration of all human })orfections, they would not have valued me at half the price they had set upon ine. I will tell you the simple secret, it was because I tramp- led on them, that like crushed herbs, they sent up a grateful odour in return. Oh, it was balm to my bitter temper to see those who would have spurned me from them if they dared, writhe beneath my lash. I was the magician who held the great spirits that longed to tear me to pieces, by one simple spell which a superior crafti- ness had won me, and by Jupiter ! I did not spare to exert it. Ah, well, this is but an idle reminiscence now. ' All human power,' says the proverb, ' is of short dur- ation.' Alexander did not conquer kingdoms for ever, and Napoleon died in exile, but they both have had their day, and mine was the brighter of the two, for it had no change until the evening. I am more happy than people would think, for I live in a world of dreams; I trample again upon coronets and ermines, the glories of the small great. I have once more laws which no lib- ertine is so hardy not to feel exalted in adopting. I hold my court and issue my fiats. I am like a madman, and out of the straws of my cell. I make my subjects and my realm, and when 1 awake from these bright visions, and see myself a lonely, old, deserted man, for- gotten and decaying, with, I might say, no relatives around me except yourself to brighten and console me, I am inclined to be somewhat melancholy, but then I extinguish my fire and imagine I have demolished a 176 Richmond Lives in Hope. duchess, I then steal up to my solitary chamber to re- new again, in my slumbers, the phantoms of my youth • to carouse with dukes and duchesses, legislate for nobles' and to wake in the morning and thaak heaven that I have still a coat to my stomach as well as one to my back, and that I am safely delivered of such villainous company during the remainder of my sublunary exist- ence. "^ After this long detail of Lord Clanronald's the conver- sation became somewhat dull and broken. Richmond could not avoid indulging in a reverie upon what he had just heard, and his uncle was evidently still meditating upon the recollections which his narrative had conjured up ■Ihey sat opposite each other for several minutes as abstracted as if they had been a newly married couple " Well, uncle," said Richmond at last, as he suddenly aroused from his reverie, " I had no idea that you were so capriciously jilted in your youthful days. I do not won- der that you are so hard on the fair sex, but I hope that It IS not hereditary. However, for my part I do not in- tend to break my heart over this little contretemps of LadylrisV Time and this mission of mercy which she has so very charitably undertaken may change her heart and bring her to her proper senses. I have great hopes' ^.hat the old adage may come true in her case, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder.' " "Aye ! " said his uncle, it is better to live in hope than die m deSDair nnvwr m'TTo „w « ~„:_- xr , . ^ .-, ^^, , ^^^ a ^,i^c ^ijjjI; jg ^^j.y^ winninff or waiting for." ° I I Dreams of Happiness. 177 Months rolled on, varied only by few incidents. Lord Clanronald kept on improving in health and strength, and the old routine was re-established. Richmond seem- ed gay and careless — hunting, fishing, visiting, attending horse-races, playing billiards, renewing boyish acquaint- ances, and whiling away the time as inclination prompt ed. He frequently dined and rode with Lord Marcourt who always held out to him bright hopes of Iris' ac- quiescence in the one all-absorbing desire of his heart. This assurance gave him fresh courage to bear the sus- pense and monotoay that surrounded him. Many and varied were his reflections as he returned to his uncle's castle after spending a splendid evening with some gay family party. Many times did he contrast his own desolate home with the smiling looks and happy faces, and the merry voices he had left behind him, and many times did he ask himself the question, "Am I never to par- take of a happiness like this ? " Reaching his home only to find it dark and gloomy, joyless and companionless. How often had the hard-visaged look of his valet, who had been waiting up to admit him with sleepy eyes and yawning face, as he handed a bed-room lamp, suggested thoughts of married happiness ? But his life seemed marked out into periods in which, like stages in a journey, he rested and reposed himself, while casting a re- trospective look upon the chequered road on which he had been travelling, and then throwing a keener and longing glance towards the unknown path which lay be- fore him, The project which he fondly looked to, likQ 178 Castles in the Air. his guardian aDgel, was invisible; the cherislied of his heart was gone, perhaps for ever ; the scenes themselves seemed no lo>.ger the sunshine and the shade he used to love and m fact he was living in a new world, where his own' altered cond.fon gave the type to all around him, and hisevTn? *™"^'^ "f^^ «t-- walking in darkness, ns eyes st.Il peermg towards some loved, forsaken spot teem,ng with all the associations of his happiest hours' and preserving, even in distance, the outline that he' oved. During the summer months he tried hard, by at- tending horse.r«=es, and out-door sports, to while aM.ay hotime that to him seemed long and dreary since Lady Ins departure, but now that the winter had set in it became to him intolerable. On dismal wet days (whiih by the way, are very frequent in Ireland), he would stand musingly watching the rain pattering on the window, or walk disconsolately up and down the long corridor in deep meditation. One day while in one of these brown studios he wa.s joined by his uncle. " itichmond." said his lordship "what areyou meditating so solemnly upon are you building castles in the air > If you are this' IS the sort of weatlier for such reflections " ; Yes, sir," replied he, •■ it is also the .ort of weather to drive a man to desperation. I wish when St. Patrick drove the reptiles from the land that he had also limited the number of wet days in Ireland. With regard to ray meditations, uncle, I will tell them : " 1 have for some time been thinkino-. ard ;„,( now hnve decided (with your kind permissionj, to travel for the S'i-„ Lord Clanronald Admonishes. 17i) next two or three years. I would like to put in the winter in London, and visit the United States in the spring. I have often thought that I would like to pur- chase a plantation in South America, and now, owing to politics, and the unsettled state of that country, I hear that there are many plantations offered for sale." " Well, my dear boy," said his uncle, affectionately, " I have not the slightest objection to your travelling to see the world, and mixing with good society. As regards the purchase of a plantation, you can do as you think proper about that. I shall not offer any suggestion, as you are now old enough to know your own business. If you have made up your mind to go you will get a letter of credit from my banker in Dublin, but you must not, my dear boy, be extravagani' I have placed a certain amoiint of money to your credit with my banker, which you must not exceed. " I will give you letters of introduction which you must present as soon after your arrival in London as conveni- ence will admit. But before you start (on this tour of pleasure combined with business), I wish to recal to your mind that pleasure is never an end, but a means of shining in society. Shun young men's company as much as possi- ble; remember that it is women who form the character. You have abilities that ought tomake you capable of effect- ing much good, but I fear that you are a little too much devoted to the low gaieties and pleasures of the world However, let that be as it may, you have now learned the difference between good and evil. Therefore make the 180 English and American Manners. distinction and then lay down fixed and unerring rules and apply them according to time and circumstances' Jou must, however, bend, temporize, and sometimes with- draw opinions which the prejudices of the times will not allow, and even relinquish the mere chance of a big prize for the certainty of gaining a lesser one ; vet in private morals which relate to ourselves individually we have no right to deviate one single iota from our fixed rule of conduct. Neither time nor circumstance ought to cause us to modify or to change. Integrity and honesty know no variation. We must pursue the straight course turning neither to the right nor to the left, lest by one' false step we might be precipitated into the yawning chasm beneath. You will have to assume a very diff-er ent manner with the English people from that of the United States. In England, if you seem desirous of a persons acquaintance, you are sure to lose it. They ima gine you have some design upon their wives or their daughters, but in the States it is diff-erent, you can never lose prestige by politeness; nobody ther'e will call your cmJity forwardness and pushing. You are scarcely in their company five minutes before they will make them- selves agreeable by their conversation, and make you feel as though you were in your own parlour. If travelling with them their intelligent and amusing anecdotes most wonderfully shorten the journey, as the old saying has it and diversify the monotony of a long and tedious voyage' J he best class of En^li^h tp^-Ia ^v- - •' --r - Pever make the slightest freedom with a stranger unle.^ '■ ^^f?'v».-'H-i*itfr^ A Morose Fellow-Traveller . 181 erring rules, cumstances, etimes with- nes will not ' a big prize t in private \y we have r fixed rule 3 ought to md honesty ight course, lest by one le yawning very differ- hat of the isirous of a They ima- es or their can never call your scarcely in lake them- ce you feel travelling iotes most ing has it, us voyage ent. They ^er unless they are formally introduced. I remember once travel- ling in a railway carriage from. Liverpool to London There was only one gentleman and myself in the com- partment, and we never exchanged a single word during the journey, which seemed rather long and monotonous under the circumstances. If m^ fellow-traveller had been an American or a Canadian, we might have passed the interval pleasantly by conversation, and enlightened each other on many topics of interest to both parties. The English also have a diffidence and scruples about calling in the evening ; this, I think, is quite uncalled for The Americans or Canadians, on the contrary, are glad to re- ceive a visitor at any time in the day or night, and are never ashamed of either themselves or their houses. " While in London you must be very circumspect in your carriage ana behaviour, and never forget yourself for one moment, more especially while in the society of ladies. But in America it is quite different ; there you need put on no restraint on your natural carriage and behaviour, but act without affectation and as if you were in your own house. You can lounge on your chair, or put your feet upon the table or furniture, and take out your knife and whittle while you are searching your repository of knowledge for fancy phrases. This sort of free and easy style is quite the fashion out there, and they call it taking solid comfort. " I dare say you have heard a great deal about the gallantries of the American ladies, but remember that they demand infinitely greater fttte^tion than English 182 A Knowledge of Human Natme. • women do, and that after a month's incessant devotion to your inamorata you may lose all her confidence and everything by the slightest neglect. " If you are ever at a loss as to the individual character of a person human nature will teach you to use flattery Only never flatter when a third party is present. Weak with themselves. You. on the contrary, must appear wholly engrossed with those around you, and yet never have a single idea which does not terminate in yourself. A fool, my dear boy. flatters himself, but a wise man flatters a fool. Learning without knowledge is but a bundle of prejudices tied up into a package of inert matter set before the threshold of the understanding to the exclusion of common sense. " You wiJl not, my dear boy, misinterpret, or be oblivi- ous to these few hints, which, if you bear them in mind may be useful to you while travelling in foreign coun- When his uncle had finished his elucidations Rich- mond acquiesced with such a well-affected innocence, ease and grace, as to entirely disarm his uncle of any doubt oh.s jnward artfulness and rascality; thereby gaining his full confidence with regard to his ability to t.avel alone, mix in the best society and eventually reflect honour on the ancient house of Clanronald. The preliminaries of departure were not long in ar- n^...„. 1, „.a« ,y,^^ea mat he should start on the fol- lowing Monday the 12th November, in time to catch the ^ p.m. tram at BaUinasIoe foj- Publjn, Richmond's Departure. 183 The morning of his departure arrived, wet and dismal. The family carriage had been ordered. The trunks, hat cases, and all the paraphernalia necessary for a gentle- man on the hue of march were ready in thr hall, and the breakfast was on the table. When that repast had been finished they both arose from the table simultane- ously, when his lordship pressed Richmond's hand affec- tionately, and then gave him a letter to his banker in Dublin. They then took an affectionate farewell of each other — passed through the hall, where the servants stood on each side according to ancient custom in such cases, and Richmond entered the carriage, his footman Miles Tierney closing the door, and then taking his seat beside the coachman, who cracked his whip, and they went otf with the rapidity of a novel upon fashionable society. Though of a hardened disposition, Richmond's heart was sadly depressed and his spirits were miserably low. He had all that feeling of sadness which leave-taking in- spires, and no sustaining prospects to cheer him in the distant future. For the first-time in his life he had seen a tear glisten in his uncle's eye, and heard his voice falter as he bade him farewell. Since Hubert's departure from the castle, Richmond and his uncle were on perfect- ly good terms, for the former took good care to keep on the right side of the latter, and as he now thought over all the kindness and attention he had received, his heart gave way, and the tears coursed slowly down his cheeks. IJe turned to give one last look at the old ancestral 184 Arrival in London. castle that his rosy dreams had built up in his imagin- ation as his future home, but a turn in the road shut out the view, and then he proceeded on his journey. I think I may, without much loss to my reader, pass in silence over his journey. I may also spare him an ex- act detail of all the hotels and impositions between his uncle's castle and London, nor will it be absolutely necessary to the plot of this story to linger over every incident and milestone between Portumna and the great metropolis. Suffice it to state that the feelings with which he entered London, and his thoughts while he was whirled along the streets amidst the tumultuous crowds of people and vehicles of every description, were much more buoyant than when he stood in his uncle's castle watching the rain patter on the windows. At last the carriage halted in front of the Oriental Hotel, Hanover Square, when Richmond alighted and was ushered into the hotel, where apartments were shown to him by a gorgeously-dressed waiter in livery, and there found himself in well furnished apartments facing the square and garnished with pleasing pictures of landscape scenery. " Miles," said he to his valet, " see to my trunks, and have them brought here, and then put out my evening suit for dinner. Waiter, what time is dinner served ? " " Seven o'clock, your honor," was the answer. " Then have the goodness to bring me in the bill-of- fare." The waiter bowed solemnly and withdrew slow- ly, and soon returnou with the biii-of-iare on a salver :— Soup, fish, cutlets, chops, steaks, roast joints, birds and *}everftl other dishes too nun^erouH to ine^tjoii. ! ' 'I A Rare Repast. 185 in his imagin- > road shut out rney. ly reader, pass are him an ex- is between his be absolutely fer over every and the great feelings with i while he was Ituous crowds n, were much uncle's castle . At last the otel, Hanover ushered into to him by a there found ng the square scape scenery. y trunks, and / my evening 3r served ? '' wer. n the bill-of- thdrew slow- n a salver :— >s, birds and If there is in the whole course of this pleasant and varied life one hour really and genuinely disagreeable, it is the hour before dinner at a strange hotel. Nevertheless, by the help of philosophy and the win- dow Richmond managed to endure it with the resigna- tion and patience of a martyr, and though he was fam- ished with hunger he pretended the indifference of a sage. Even when he took his seat at the dinner-table he dallied carelessly with his napkin before he com- menced the soup, and helped himself with such a slow dignity that he must have perfectly astonished the solemn waiter. The soup was not much better than hot water, and the cutlets as tough as leather. However, he attacked them with the vigour of a Scotchman, and wash- ed them down with a bottle of the worst liquor ever dignified by the name of champagne. The bird was tough enough to have passed for an owl He felt its ghost hopping abc 't in his stomach the whole of that night and part of the next day, when a glass of brandy and water laid it to rest. After this splendid repast he flung himself back in an armchair, with the complacency of a man who had dined well, and dozed away the time until the hour of dressing for the theatre, where he en- I joyed himself the first night in London. He had ceased to regard pleasure for its own sake ; he rather coveted its enjoyments as the great sources of worldly distinction. He was not the less a coxcomb than heretofore, nor the less fastidious m his tastes and dress, but he viewed these matters in a light wholly diflfeonv Irom that in 186 Richmond Presents Hia OredeniiaU. which he had hitherto regarded them, Beneath all the carelessness of exterior, his mind was close, keen, and in- quiring, and under all the affectation of foppery and levity of manner, he veiled an ambition the most exten- sive in its objects, and a resolution the most daring in the accomplishment of its ends. Next morning he lost no time in presenting his letters of introduction, and they were as quickly acknowledged by invitations to balls, parties and dinners. He soon got. acquainted with a circle of gay young sparks like him- self, and a few extracts of Trinity College memory, who initiated hun with the jolly dogs. They nightly visited gamblir ; :.,;Mes, billiard-rooms and several other dens of amu:^eo}fint of an equally questionable character for which London is famous. They gave select little dinnei- parties on turns, and after partaking freely of the crea- ture comforts supplied by their host, they passed the bottle round with the determination of raising their spirits up by pouring spirits down. You may imagine that they were not long in arriving at a comfortable state of inebriety, and with their eyes twinkling, their heads reeling and their cheeks burning, they usually sallied out about eleven vowing vengeance and destruc- tion on all the sober and peaceable portion of the citi- zens. One night when on one of these nightly excur- sions, they formed their forces in review order on Bond- street, it being the quietest quarter of the neighbour- hood. Richmond and two others marched in front and their remaining five compan'- i;. followed. They march- Piccadilly at Midrnght. 187 .tej ed along in this manner shouting and singing, alarming the '^ I^eaceable inhabitants along tiie route. They advanced in this noisy and riotous manner as far as Picea<^' , hav- ing only been twice upbraided by the solitary ceman as they passed his beat, and once threatened by two stalwart youths of prodigious proportions, to whose sweethearts they had to their infinite peril made some familiar overtures. When, however, they passed the opeia house they were accosted by a very bevy of buxom [damsels, equally as merry and as much under the influ- [ence of the soul-stirring element as themselves. They [halted to converse with the fair cjprians, when a very amicable and intellectual conversation ensued. The IjoUy boys prided themselves as adepts at slang, but [they were overmatched by the fair and gentle creatures I by whom they were surrounded. They enjoyed the conversation with the greatest admiration of each other's [ability in the art of slang, when Richmond, all of a isudden made a disagreeable discovery, which turned Ithe merriment of the whole party into a scene of strife, [war and confusion. A blooming you) ^ lass whose fascinations and endear- Iments had gained his heart, whose hand was as ready as Iher charms, had rifled his pockets and quietly helped lerself to his watch and chain. Though under the in- luence of liquor at the time, he had enough of instinc- tive penetration to watch over his goods and chattels. )n discovering the theft he released himself from the tendearments of the siren, grasped her firmly by the arm, 'iu ^T-J ^."^ ▼',0. o.\^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V.A 1.0 I.I 11.25 I^IM 112.5 2.2 c ^ lllllio 1.4 6" 1.8 1.6 V] <^ yw A'. % A :^> ^ "^ /A PhotDgraphic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 \ ,v ■1>^ :\ \ [v f^ id .V V . i 188 A Scene in Whitechapel. and m a firm- voice of indignation accused her of the theft. Never were human ears assailed with such up- roar and confusion. The angry authors in the adven- ture of Gil Bias were nowhere to the disputants, they swore and slanged until they were unceremoniously in- terrupted by four policemen. "Take away this beastly woman," cried Richmond, with excitement, " she has stolen my gold watch " "You lie ! " screamed the accused, "you d ^n coun- ter-jumpm, yellow-lookin', tallow-lookin', swarthy-look- in , blmd-lookin', lame-lookin', unconsecrated-lookin' boot-black ; ye pitiful, lanky, chopped son of a dog-fish ye never had a watch." ;' Come, come," said the policeman, "this rowing and noise won t do on the public street, you must move on " You d n son of a spalpeen." said one of the party, ' what have you got to do with us moving on the street is public property ? " "Ho ho master Jackanapes," replied the policeman, .3 that It » I shall give yon a cooling in the loek-np f you g,ve us any of your cheek. I dare say the young oman here is quite right about ye, and ye never had a watch at all." " You are a liar and a scoundrel," roared out Rich- mond, '■ and you are all in league with each other, like a • gang of thieves, as you are." "Now, look here, young gemman," replied another of the pohce, who was a more potent desnot than hi. .nn.. rades, " if ye don't move on at once and let these yer fi apel. accused her of the iled with such up- liors in the adven- lie disputants, they inceremoniously in- cried Richmond, jold watch." 'youd neoun- cin', swarthy-look- Jonsecrated-lookin' son of a dog-fish, " this rowing and )u must move on," said one of the us moving on, the id the policeman, ig in the lock-iip ire say the young ^ ye never had a roared out Rich- each other, like a 3plied another of 'ot than his com- nd let these yer Discretion the Better Part of Valor. 189 decent, respectahle young 'omen alone, I'll take you all to the station house at once." "Bobby, my boy," cried Richmond, "take care you don't get a thrashing for your pains and impertinence." He had scarcely finished speaking when he was collar- ed by two of the policemen, and their companions did the same to the others. This action was not committed with impunity. In an instant two of the champions of the night, staffs and all, were measuring their full length on the side walk. Blake's antagonist, however, was a tougher assailant, for he held him down with such a tight grip that the unfortunate youth could scarcely breathe, and with his disengaged hand he made such ad- mirable use of his rattle that they were aurrounded in a trice with reinforcements, whose previous eitistence the unwary assailante had not dreamed of, a^ from every .lane and alley and street came fast to the rescue their companions in arras. " Boys," cried Richmond, " we must fly." They wanted no stronger admonition, and accordingly ^off they started-except Blake, who was held fast by fthe pohceman-with the utmost velocity. On they went ^faster and faster, as the rattles rang on their ears and -he tramp of the enemy echoed after them in hot pur- luit. "The d 1 take the hindmost," cried Richmond, •reathlessly, as he led the party. On looking back he saw one of their comrades in the ,,j liic pOlnJC, "On,on^boy8!" was Richmond's only ciy. At last, 190 'A Lesson in Hydrostatica. after innumerable perils, and various plungings into dark passages, courts and alleys, which preserved and befriended them in spite of all the efforts of the bobbies, they found themselves in the midst of a large square. Here they halted and held a council of war, and after ascertaining their individual safety the roll was called, when they found that one half their number were hors- de-combat or taken prisoners. "Are you not of opinion," said Maitland, "that we be- haved somewhat scurvily to our better halves in leaving them quietly in the hands of our enemy ? " " By no means," replied Richmond, " in a party whose members make no pretentions to sobriety it would be too hard to expect that fellows who are scarcely capable of taking care of themselves should take care of other people. No, we have in all these expj' only the one maxim, that of self-preservation." " Allow me," said a bright youth, " to explain it to you on scientific principles. You will find in hydro- statics the attraction of cohesion is far less powerful in fluids than in solids, i. e., that persons who have been converting their solid flesh into wine skins, cannot stick so close to one another as when they are sober." " Bravo, Charley," cried Richmond. " Now boys, I hope your delicate scruples are, after so luminous an exposi- tion, set at rest forever." " We are convinced," replied they all in one voice. " Let us le.«>,vfi the unfortunates to their fate and the mercies of the bobbies." " What is now the next thing to be done ? " Making Night Hideous. 191 s plungings into 3h preserved and ts of the bobbies, 3f a large square, of war, and after e roll was called, umber were hors- a,nd, " that we be- halves in leavino in a party whose :iety it would be i scarcely capable ake care of other i ' only the one to explain it to I find in hydro- : less powerful in H who have been cins, cannot stick sober." iTow boys, I hope inous an exposi- i one voice. " Let and the mercies " Why, in the first place," answered Richmond, " let us reconnoitre. Does any one know where we are ? " Not one of them knew, so they inquired of an old fellow who was tottering home under the same Baccha- nalian auspices as themselves, and found they were in RadclifFe Highway. " What shall we do ?" queried Richmond, " stroll home or promenade the streets, visit the dens, and kiss the first pretty girl we meet in the morning, bringing her charms and her flowers to the market ? " " The latter," cried all of them, without one dissenting voice, without a doubt." " Come along, then, boys," cried Richmond, and accor- dingly they renewed theii march. They roamed and clamoured along a narrow lane. There was a clear, still moon above them which cast its light over a drowsy stand of cabmen, and shed a silvery sad- ness over the thin visages and sombre vestments of two guardians of the peace who regarded them with a very ominous aspect of suspicion. At last they were attracted by the glaring light from the window of a gin palace, and entering, they found themselves in company with half a dozen thirsty- looking fellows of questionable character. However, to be sociable, and as they wei-e on the loose, they asked the loafers up to the bar to have a drink. The invitation was received with promptness. They all stood at the counter while the bar-tender mixed the drinks, and the new acquaintances were served in silent observation, Leaningagainstthe counter md fixinghis eyes deliberately 192 A New Character. and unmovingly upon them, was a man about the age of forty-five, dressed in a costume of singular fashion, appa- rently pretending to an antiquity of taste corresponding with that of the material. This man wore a large billy- cock hat, set rather jauntily on one side, and a thread- bare coat that had been once black, but was now of a faded green hue, from the continual abominations that had come in its way for the last ten or twelve years, and which appeared to advance equal claims (from the man- ner it was made and worn), to the several dignities of the arts military and civil. From the neck of the wearer there hung a dark blue ribbon, and from this was suspended a large eye-glass corresponding with the size of the ribbon. The features of this man were in keeping with his garb. They betokened an equal mixture of the traces of poverty and the assumption of the dignities reminiscent of a better day. Two small gray eyes were shaded by bushy and rather impervious brows. They wore the dull, mixed stare of habitual intoxication, although no sooner was he asked to drink than they sparkled with all the quick- ness, and more than the roguery, of youth. His nose was large and of a purple hue at the top, prominent and rather aristocratic, nor would it have been ill-formed had not some unknown cauiie shifted it a little nearer towards the right ear than would have been thought, by an equit- able judge of beauty, fair to the pretensions of the left. The lines in the countenance were marked as with crow's feet, and there was an arch leer about the mouth whicli softened the expression the features habitually wore. Richmond Foi^ms an Acquaintance. 19S " Sir," said he, approaching Richmond, " will you do me the honour of taking a pinch of snuff ? " at the same time producing an antiquated box of curious design, with the figure of Julius Csesar engraven on the lid. "With great pleasure," replied Richmond, "since the act is a prelude to the pleasure of your acquaintance." " Thanks," said he condescendingly as he closed the box, and stowed it away in his waistcoat pocket, with the air of a Napoleon, and replied, " It is but seldom that I meet in places of this description gentlemen of the exterior of yourself and your friends. I am not a man very easily deceived by the outward appearance." He then turned round suddenly and exclaimed, " I say , waiter, d ye sir, give me my gin, aren't ye asham- ed of keeping a gentleman of my cloth and fashion so long waiting ? " This was said to the sleepy dispen- ser of the spirituous potations, who looked up for a mo- ment with a dull stare, and then replied, " Your money first, Mr. Green ; you already owe us for three gins and itwo cigars which amounts to one and three-pence ! " This expostulation of the bar-tender before the distin- jguished strangers seemed to greatly exasperate Mr. iGreen and to hurt his feelings, when he exclaimed with [seemingly injured pride : " Blood and confusion, speakest thou to me of pence, |know then that thou art a mercenary varlet ! " The sleepy bar-tender replied not, and the wrath of IMr. Green subsided into a low, interrupted, internal mut- tering of strange oaths, which rolled and grumbled id rattled in his throat like distant thunder. 194 Mr. reen. " Sir," said he, addressing Richmond after a few mo- ments' seeming sad reflection, " it is a sad thing to be de pendent on these low fellows. The wise among the ancients were never so wrong as when they panegyrized poverty ; it is the wicked man's temper, the good man's perdition, the proud man's curse and the melancholy man's halter." "You are a strange old cock," replied Richmond, as he eyed him keenly from head to foot, " there is a sovereign for you, now you can settle your bar bill." The dull eyes of Mr. Green sharpened and brightened up in an instant; he seized the treasure with an avid- ity of which the minute after he seemed somewhat ashamed, for he said, holding the coin in his hand, " Sir, you show a consideration, and let me add, sir, a delicacy of feeling unusual at your years. I can assure you, sir, that I shall repa^- you at my earliest leisure, and in the mean time allow me to state that I shall be proud of the honor of your acquaintance." With that he politely stretched out his hand. "Thank you, old cock," said Richmond putting on his glove before accepting the offered hand which, though it was tendered with great grace and dignity, was of a marvellous dingy and smutty aspect. He then turned round abruptly from Richmond after a hearty shake of the hands, to the bar-tender, and cried out, " Harkye, you sleepy son of a gun, you hear sirrah ! give me change for this sovereign, and then tip us a double gill of your best ; you whey-faced, liver-drench- London Classics, 195 ed, pence-griping, belly-griping, pauper-cheating, sleepy- souled son of a black-sea-cook and bad spirits !" " Cpme gentlemen, if you have nothing better to do," said he to Richmond and his friends, " I'll take you to my club. We are a rare lot of us there, all choice spirits, some of them are a little uncouth 'tis true, but we are not all ot the clear quill, nor have we blue blood in our veins, you know." He then turned round 0!ice more to exhaust his re- pository of fancy epithets on the misfortunate dispenser of the soul-stirring element. "Hollo, you bar- boy ! you liquor-pond-street of a scoundrel, having nothing of liquor but the name ; you nasty, pitiful ally of a fellow, with a trunk for a body, and a sink for a soul, give me my change and my gin, you scoundrel ! " The bar-tender never answered him, but handed him his change. " Haw ! " said he, on receiving it, " is that all right, you procusates of the counter, chopping our lawful appe- tites down to your rascally standard of one and three pence ! Why don't you take a motto, you carroty-haired fox ? Here's one for you ' Measure for measure' and the devil to pay ! ' You pitiful toadstool of a trader, you have no more spirit than an empty water-bottle, and when you go down below they'll put you in a hip-bath of brimstone ; you are a knave, and will use you to cool the bellows, because the old boy then would only be half paid. Come, gentlemen, I am at your service." They followed their strange friend through the crowd, J9G Th^ Queen of Hearts. follow his guidance. Thereupon he turned ,m / street, and after passing some of f h7 T \ ^""^"^ they ever had L T "''''*' wretched alleys kis^ which she^ n^ Lf" ^'"""^ "'"^ " '°™« disgustful ^prir ™'^ ""^''"™"'' '*™- °f sulZ!*' T. """"' "' ''™'*'' -y '"»»' ^orable my club." ^ ^°' ""^^ customers to the This assertion softened her mffln^ -^,;.d.heve^eivin;:L'arr:r^"'°^ «in«tea """ " "'^"«' ''« ^'"'-•'ed for a few »44 The Club. 197 tenance into a On his return, he informed them, with a cheerful smile, " that they were free to the house, but that they must pay a half-crown each, as the customary admission fee." This sum was soon collected, and quietly inserted in Amos Green's pocket, who then ushered them along the passage into a small room, where were sitting about six or eight men enveloped in smoke, and moistening the Vir- ginian weed with various preparations of malt liquor. They noticed, on entering, that Amos deposited at the bar the sum of one shilling and four pence, by which they surmised that he had gained the respectable sum of eight shillings and eight pence by their admission. With a very arrogant air he placed himself at the head of the table with a swagger, and called for the waiter. " I'll take brandy hot, and bring some cigars. Gentle- men, give your orders." Not to be out of fashion, they ordered the same sort of beverage. After indulging in the brandv and water, they saL ^ quietly chatting and smoking, t- k.ng a perspective view I of the members of the club. They seemed a dilapidat- . ed and inebriated sort of threadbare aristocracy, and in order to ascertain how far the condition of the mind was suited to that of the frame, they asked Amos in a whisper to give them a few hints as to the genius and characteristics of the individual components of his club Amos declared himself delighted with the proposal, and they all adjourned to a separate table at the end of the room. Amos, after a deep draught of the needful to clear his throat, thus began : 198 Paul Jones. " You observe yon thin, meagre, cadaverous-looking animal with a slight squint, as if he was looking over his nose, and a restless, lowering, cunning expression?" "What, him in the black velveteen breeches and threadbare coat ?" queried Richmond. "The same," answered Amos, "his real name, when he does not travel with an alias, h Paul Joiies. He is one of the most remarkable rogues in the city. He is so noted a cheat that there is not a pickpocket in the land who would keep company with him if he had any- thing to lose. He was the favorite of his father, who intended to leave him all his fortune, which he had ac- cumulated from selling rags and soap-boiling. He robbed him one night in Bond-street, and the old man discovered it and disinherited him. He was afterwards placed in a merchant's office and rose, step by step, to be head clerk, and intended son-in-law, but the night be- fore his marriage he opened the safe by means of a false key and robbed his intended father-in-law of its contents. The theft could not be proven against him, but he was turned out of doors next day. If you were going to do him the greatest favour in the world he could not keep his hands out of your pocket until you had done ii. In fact he has rogued himself out of a fortune and many friends, and cheated himself into beggary and a pot of half-and-half. He spouts now like myself for the cause of temperance at the society's rooms for half a crown a night, and subscribfts lihArollxr fo fhe /-"ua- -.c j.-. ance and enlightenment all over the world." This reci- Amos Oreen'8 Escapades. 199 laverous-looking as looking over ig expression ? " I breeches and eal name, when il Joiies. He is he city. He is ckpocket in the if he had any- his father, who hich he had ac- ip- boiling. He nd the old man was afterwards p by step, to be i the night ba- eans of a false of its contents, im, but he was ere going to do could not keep id done it. In une and many r and a pot of ' for the cause half a crown a 136 of temper - Id." This reci- tal evoked a great amount of badinage from the jolly boys. " I think, Mr. Green," said Richmond, " that a sketch of your own life must be also very amusing ; would it be impertinent to ask you for it ? " " Not the least, my dear fellow," replied he, " you shall have it in as few words as possible. I was born a gentleman, and educated with some pains. The)' told me I was a genius, and it was not very hard to per- suade me of the truth of the assertion. I robbed orch- ards according to military tactics, never played at mar- bles without explaining to my competitors the theory of attraction, and was the best informed, most mischievous little rascal in the whole school. My family were in great doubt what to do with soprodigious a wonder ; one said the law, another the church, a third talked of diplo- macy, and a fourth assured my mother that if I could but be introduced at court I should be Lord Chamber- lain in no time. While my friends were deliberating, I took the liberty of deciding. I enlisted in a tit of loyal valour, into a foot regiment ; my friends were awfully cut up about my committing such a rash act, but made the best of a bad job, and bought me oflf. One month afterwards I enlisted again, and was drafted off to the war. I recollect well that I read Plato the night before I went into battle, the next morning they told me that I ran away. I am sure it was a malicious invention, for I don't remember ever to run away, anyhow, I was rammed into the black hole for cowardice, and three 200 The Rogue's March. days afterwards I v^as waited on by a captain and four, who tried me by court martial and found me guilty! They therefore ordered the drummers and fifers of the regiment to escort me outside the barrack-gate with my shako turned to the right-about-face. Accordingly I was led by the smallest drummer in the regiment with a cable tow round my neck like an ox going to the slaughter, the band playing the rogue's march as I marched out of the gate. There I was honoured with my discharge from the army and a kick in the posterior from the little urchin who led me, as a reminder for my cowardice in action. I then found myself outside the gate penniless and hungry. What was poor human flesh and blood to do unless to steal, for I was not mean enough to beg. I went into a butcher's shop to iook at some steak and soon afterwards I found myself in gaol, consequent on the natural laws of cohesion demonstrated in homogeneous bodies. My relations hearing of my incarceration, soon had me released in order to save themselves from further disgrace. "I then set off on my travels as a preacher ot the Word I went to Ireland and was doing well at my new pro- fession, but for an unforeseen circumstance that caused my downfall. The students of Trinity College, always up to mischief, determined to have some fun at my ex- pense, purchased a lot of rotten eggs, and in an evil hour hired a gang of the worst young rascals the city could boast of. They opened a fearful bombardment upon me with the eggs without impunity, one evening The Biter Bitten. 201 as I was expostulating to a large audience from a tub I had placed for the purpose at the corner of Barrack- street. I had to run for my life from the young vaga- bonds, while the students shouted and cheered and en- couraged the young ragamuffins to follow me up, when I was forced to take refuge in an empty pork barrel in a cellar where the hounds had lost the scent. I lay there in ambush crippled up in the ba^T-el, while the enemy howled and yelped with blood-tL. ^ty vengeance while they searched frantically for me among the barrels in the cellar, but fortunately 1 escaped their clutches. At last, having exhausted their energies, they gave up the search altogether and retired from the scene, when I crawled forth from my hiding-place doubled up like a hedge-hog. After that I changed my tactics. I lost my heart to a rich widow, as I thought ; I married her and found her as poor as a church mouse. Heaven knows what I should have done, or what would have become of me if I had not taken to drinking. My wife scovii'jd to be outdone by me in anything, so she follow- ed my example and in twelve months from the day of our marriage I followed her to the grave. Since then I have taken warning, and have been scrupulously sober. (Diana, my love, bring another brandy hot !) I was now once more a free man in the prime of life, handsome as you see, gentlemen, with the strength and spirit of a young Trojan. Accordingly I dried my tears, turned marker by night at a gambling-house, and a swell by day in Ratcliffe-highway, for I returned once more to 'II Hi jii {i 202 A Forced Voyage. London ; it is the only place, after all, for a respectable man like myself to live in — people don't know you nor your business. Well, gentlemen, one night at a brawl in one of our gambling houses, my nose met with a rude hint. to move to the right. I went in a great panic to the surgeon, who mended the matter by moving it back again to the left. There, thank my stars, it took hold once more and has rested in quiet ever since. It is needless to tell you the nature of the quarrel in which my nasal prominence got so rudely handled. Suffice it to say that my friends thought it absolutely necessary to have me removed from the situation I then held. I wf nt once more to Ireland and was introduced to Smith O'Brien, the patriot, and the friend of freedom. He took me under his wing for some purpose best known to himself. I was poor, and that circumstance was enough to make me a patriot. They sent me from Ireland to France on a secret mission, and when I returned my friends of liberty were in prison. Being always of a free disposition, I did not envy them their situ- ation. Accordingly I returned to London, and there got hard up with a dilapidated purse. I went into a jeweller's shop to brace it, and three months after- wards I found myself on a maritime excursion to Van- Dieman's Land at the Queen's expense. On my return from that country, after serving a term of ten long years in the mines for my country's cause, with strong braclets round my legs, I resolved to turn over a new Jeaf and put my literary talents to account. According- " Out of the Frying Pan," etc. 2d3 ly I joined the temperance cause, wrote declamations against the liquor traffic, and spouted to large audi- ences for the society at a half-a-crown a night. My friends now, thanks to my letters and ability, are neither few nor far between. They were delighted with ray eloquence as a temperance orator. They have increased my salary to ten shillings a week, and upon this and my declamations 1 manage to exist. I am a universal favourite now with the sons of temperance. I have re formed my life and my manners, and have become the quiet, orderly individual you now behold. Age, hard knocks and poor fare tame the fiercest of the human race. (Diana, my love, bring me another brandy hot! Hark ye, dear, don't make it too weak.) Gentlemen, your health ; my story is finished, and I expect that you will pay for the lush." They settled the reckoning and took an affectionate farewell of Mr Amos Green. On emerging from the club, where they were almost suffocated by the fumes of strong liquor and tobacco smoke, to their ineffable delight they found themselves once more in the open air. The smoke and the hot li- quor had contributed greatly to the continuance of their inebriety, and they were as much averse to bed as ever. They marched along the streets laughing, shouting and rioting, until they reached a cab-stand. They entered the front vehicle and drove to Piccadilly, and seeing a light gleam from a saloon, they knocked at the door and were admitted. They sat dowa m^ looked around at 'ill! m i: i 204 " We Won't Go Home Till Morning." the dissipated vermin citizens with whom the room was pretty well filled. "HoUo! waiter," cried Richmond, "bring us three sodas and a half-dash. I know not why it is, but the devil himself could never cure me of thirst; brandy and I have a most chemical attraction for each other. You know that we always estimate the force of attraction between bodies by the force required to separate them." They finished off here on plain brandy and soda, and drove home in a cab quite sober, Richmond minus his watch and chain, at four o'clock in the morning sleepy and fatigued after their night's brawl. On arrival at their rooms they went to bed and were soon in the land of dreams. Richmond awoke about eleven o'clock with an aching head and a feverish frame. Oh, these midnight carousals with the jolly dogs, how glorious they would be if there were no seedy feelings or head- ache the next morning ! He usually took his brandy and soda in bed on these occasions, where he lay in deep meditation, ruminating over all he had done since his arrival in London, or concocting plans for the evening's amusement. He had become rather a talked-of and noted character. 'Tis true he had mixed in the best so- ciety. His uncle's letters of introduction had procured him the entree of the best English houses, and to them many of his evenings were usually devoted. That wa.« a happy time for Richmond, when his carriage used to " '^"" "" ^"« """f oi nis hotel, and then whirl him to a succession of visits, varying in their degree and One Round of Dissipation. 205 I nature as the whim prompted him ; now to the brilliant I party of some first-class family, or to the apartments of : some less celebrated daughter of dissipation, and from there to the feverish excitement of the gambling-house or billiard room. Passing from each with an appetite for amusement kept alive by variety, finding in none a disappointment, and in every one a welcome ; full of the health which supports and the youth which colors all excess or excitement, he drained with an unsparing lip whatever enjoyment that enchanting metropolis could afford. He had amused himself to the utmost, while he had, as much as possible, combined profit with pleasure, i. e., if he went to the opera in the evening he played billiards in the morning ; if he drove to a grand party it was not till he had fenced or sparred an hour at the ath- letic club ; in short, he took the greatest pains to com- iplete his education in al! the manly exercises, with i sword, foil and singlestick, as well as boxing with the gloves under the instruction of the best professors* of these arts. He had greatly enjoyed the gaiety of the London season, but the spring was not far advanced be- fore he began to grow heartily tired, and shrank by rapid degrees into a small orbit from which he rarely moved. He had already established a certain reputation as a gay and fashionable swell around town, and his pride was satisfied with finding himself universally run after by the jolly dogs whenever they were going out on the boose, but he had had enough of those nightly carousals, and now indulged his inclination by render- M 206 Richmond and Blalce, ing himself generally scarce on these occasions. Besides, he was on the eve of" setting out upon his voyage to New York; his intention was to stay a few months there and then go down South on a tour of speculation. His mind was therefore engrossed with the blissful expecta- tions the idea of that country had conjured up to his imagination. He was tolerably tired of amusements, for no business is half so fatiguing as pleasure. He therefore longed for fresh pastures. Behold, a change was near at hand ! Then, to say nothing but the truth, he was heartily glad of escaping from numerous endearing sirens, whose acquaintance he had formed, but was now wearied with his attendance upon them, and the very circumstances which men who play the German flute and fall in lov :> would have considered the most vex- atious, were by him then regarded the most consolatory He and his college companion, H. A. Blake, with whom he met soon after his arrival in London, had sat one eve- nirf*' over their wine, smoking and talking, principally on general subjects and the various differences between America and England, on horses, et cetera. Richmond, had perfectly inoculated Blake with his ardour for American adventure. They remained together chatting all that evening and took a prodigious fancy to each other, and before they retired Blake had promised to accompany him to New York. Within a week from that evening they had arranged everything for the voy- age and embarked at London docks, on board a steamer of the White Star Line for New York, and were soon on Crossing the Atlantic. 207 ions. Besides, ^oyage to New nths there and culation. His issful expecta- ired up to his : amusements, pleasure. He I, a change was b the truth, he rous endearing , but was now and the very German flute the most vex- ist consolatory ze, with whom A sat one eve- ng, principally ■ences between X. Richmond, is ardour for ;ether chatting fancy to each d promised to a week from ig for the voy- Dard a steamer I were soon on the bosom of the broad Atlantic, where we will leave them enjoying the pleasure of a sea voyage, and return to that part of our story where we left Iris proceeding on her voyage to the Crimea. ^ii IM t i CHAPTER VI. The Combined Pleets-The Voyaoe-The Crimea at Last-Disembak- kation-The Prigadb Fobmed-A Desolate Beach-The House- less Army-The Cossacks-Lord Luoan-T hey Open Fire-The Halt-The Bivodac-The Misery-The Military Spectacle -The Advance-The Grand Masses-Ascend The Hill-Red is the Colour-Lib Down-Thb Advance-A Bloody Struogle-Thb Russian Columns-Prince George Advances-The Summit Gained -The Terrible Battle- Victorious Army-Buryinq the Dead- Oh! Cruel War- The Watch Pires-The Advance-Our Hero- ine-Balaklava-To Boot and Saddle-Thb Battle of Balaklava - The Amazons- The Charge— The Prisoners. aFTER various changes of course, during which seve- ral days were suffered to elapse, one morning as our heroine lay asleep in her hammock she was roused by an unusual noise and bustle among the sailors, the captain giving hurried orders, and the sailors answering " Aye, aye, sir ! " and wondering what was up. she hurried on deck, where several of her comrades in arms were standing with their eyes turned in the direction in which the ship was proceeding, gazing at the same object in the distance. The air was sharp and chill, and the sun had not yet risen, but the cold glare, which threw out in dark relief the masts, spars, and rigging, showed the spot at 208 Landing in the Crimea. 209 which they would shortly appear. On every side steam vessels were rushing along, some towing transports under bare masts, pouring forth volumes of smoke and steam, varied here and there by the huge forms of ships of the line, whose rows of ports could just be distinguished. Above the dark horizon rose the object towards which all eyes were turned. It was an interesting moment, for the hazy and indistinct outline of the future scene of strife had just become visible. Yes, there it lay before them, the Crimea, at last. The vast armada, which had moved on during the night in perfect order, stud ling the horizon with a second heaven of stars, and covering the face of the sea with innumerable lights, advanced parallel with the coast till it gradually closed in towards the shore. The sun rose from a cloudless sky. About eight a.m. the fleets were in their prescribed position, in lines parallel to the beach. At ten the order was given to disembark the troops, and soon afterwards swarms of small boats freighted with red coats were pulling oft' towards the shore from the various ships. As each regi- ment landed the brigade was formed in contiguous col- . umns of quarter distance, bayonets glistening, and brass- mounted shakos gleaming in solid masses. Towards noon the heat of the sun was tempered by a gentle breeze, and by some floating vapours which turned speedily into showers of rain, and the afternoon was dark and gloomy. By two p.m. the barren and desolate beach, inhabited but a short time before only by the seagull and wildfowl, was swarming with red coftts and blue jackets. The ajr 210 The Cosaachs. was filled with the hum of voices, mingled with loud words of command, and an occasional shout of laughter Towards night the sky looked very black and lowering- the wind rose and the rain fell, and increased in violence' towards midnight. Unluckily the poor fellows brought no tents on shore, and early in the morning the rain fell in drenching sheets, which soaked through the blankets and greatcoats of the homeless and tentle^s soldiers. Luckily for our heroine the cavalry were not landed until next morning about eleven o'clock. On landing our heroine was told ofi"as field trumpeter and interpreter to Lord Raglan. After forming up on the beach they were pushed on in front, and when about a mile clear of the advancing army, the light cavalry, under the command of Lord Cardigan, threw out skirmishers in line, who covered the front at intervals of twelve paces apart. The Cossacks advanced to meet them in like order, the light steel of their long lances glittering in the sun. As 'the skirmishers advanced within range of each other they opened fire, but as they closed the Cossacks halted at the foot of the hill, and soon afterwards retired, closely fol- lowed by the light cavalry, but as the party mounted the hill dark columns of Russian cavalry came into view in the recesses of the hills, and it became evident that if British cavalry charged up such a steep ascent their horses would be blown, and they would run the risk of being surrounded and cut to pieces by a force five times their number. Lord Lucan therefore ordered the cavalry to halt, gather Ji their skirmishers, and retire slowly. 2'he First Engagement. 211 When the skirmishers halted the Cossacks commenced a fire from their line of videttes. The Russians embold- ened by the halt of the British cavalry, came over the brow of the hill, and slowly descended the slope in three solid masses. The skirmishers, who had replied smartly to the fire of the Cossacks, retired and joined the squadrons. Suddenly one of the Russian cavalry squares opened,a spirt of white smoke rose out of the gap, and a round shot came whizzing along and pitched close to the light cavalry, and bounded down the hill away amongst the ranks of infantry in the rear. In another instant a second shot was fired, the round shot bowling right through the 11th Hussars, knocking down a horse, and taking off the rider's leg above the ankle. Another and another fol- lowed in rapid succession, heaving through the ranks, so that it was quite marvellous so many cavalry escaped. A round shot struck the horse next to where our heroine was sitting on her charger close to Lord Raglan. After some thirty rounds from the enemy our artillery were brought into position and opened fire, their round shot ploughing up the columns of the Russian cavalry in fine style, who speedily dispersed into broken lines, wheeling round and round to escape the fire of the Briuish guns, whose fire was so hot, and the guns so well directed, that the enemey retired in a short time after they had opened fire on them. It was almost impossible to form an accu- rate notion of the eficct of the fire, but it must have been a source of terrible annoyance to the Russians, and caused them far greater loss than they had inflicted on lU Two British Spartans. he British. One of the wounded men. a sergeant of the 11th Hussars, rode coolly to the rear with his foot dangling by a piece of skin to the bone, and told the doctor he had come to have his leg dressed. Another wounded trooper behaved with equal fortitude, and re- fused the use of a stretcher to carry him to the rear though his leg had been broken into splinters. When the Russians had retired beyond the heights, orders were given to halt and bivouac for the night. The wat-h fires of the enemy were visible in front. It was a cold wet night, and if I could intrude the recital of the misery our heroine suffered that night on the wet, cold ground without a tent or anything to cover her except her cloak and blanket, I might tell a tale amusina enough to my reader. It was admitted that a^ a mili- tary spectacle, the advance of the British troops and the httle affair of artillery, as well as the movements of the cavalry, formed one of the most picturesque and beauti- ful sigkts that could be imagined. No pencil could do it justice, for the painter's skill fails to impart an idea of motion, and the writer has not yet been born wLo .vm describe with vividness and force, so as to brin< M, n >- tails before the reader, the events of even the' slightest skirmish. As soon as they had ascertained the position of rbe French, the columns of brigades extended across the c. -i-y for some six or eight miles, covered by squad- ronsa. . ..a ca.ury extended in skirmishing order at twelve; T>ti'., J A^art in i-^nd. lir^no i?i--. au^ « ., - "-• ^'•■'-•j, ii«.e tne waves or the ocean, ^ith the flanks fritted away in the distance as Horse, Foot and Artillery. 213 far as the eye could see. This was a sight of inexpres- fiiblo grandeur, and for the first time one was struck with the splendid appearance of the British infantry in line in the distance as well as the cavalry in skirmishing order. The effect of these grand masses of troops ascending the hill, rank after rank, with the sun playing over forests of glittering steel can never be for- gotten by those who witnessed it, and although our heroine had suffered untold hardships and privations, yet she thanked heaven to be spared thus far, to behold such a grand spectacle, and better still, to be close to her dear Hubert at such a time j in the coming battle she prayed and hoped to be near him if he fell. Onward the torrent of war swept, wave after wave, huge, stately billows of armed men, while the rumble of artillery and the tramp of cavalry accompanied their progress. Red is the color after all, and the slashings of the uniform garnished by the crossbelts, though rendering a man conspicuous enough, give him an appearance of size which other uniforms do not produce. The dark French cokmns on the right looked very small compared to the British regiments. It was observable, too, that the staff officers were very conspicuous with their cocked hats, and the bunch of white feathers made them a fancy tar- gate for the Rus.sian sharp-shooters. Several of the staff, however, very wisely doffed the latter adornment. As £oon as the British line of skirmishers got within enemy' battery open- ed? fire with effect, the round shot ploughing thro. .,h tb m % -;,5 « 1 H " I 214 ?^ Heiiihts of tM Alma. Imes of infantry and rolling down into the advancing columns behind. The infantry were therefore ordered to lie do™, while the cavalry retired, and the army for a short time was quite passive, only that the artillery poured forth an unceasing Are of shell, rockets and round shot, which ploughed through the Russians and caused them great loss. They did not waver, however but replied to the artilleiy manfully, their shot falling among the British troops aa they lay on the ground carrying off legs ai,d arms in eveiy direction. At last the order was given for the whole line to advance. Up rose these serried masses, and passing through a fearful shower of round, case shot and shells, they dashed into the Alma and waded through its waters, which were hterally orn to foam by the deadly hail of musket balls grape and canister. Onward they pressed up the heights' m masses, firm indeed, but mowed down by the mur- derousfire of the batteries, sending missiles of destruc- tion of every conceivable invention from their guns, and a roar of musketry from a compact mass of nLlL in- fantry thinning the front ranks by dozens. Then com- menced one of the most bloody and determined struggles m the annals of war. Two field batteries were brought to bear on the Eussian square, cutting through the ranks so cleanly and so keenly that a clear lane could be seen for a moment through the square. After a few rounds their columns became broken, wavered to and fro, broke »d fied over the brow of the hill, leaving behind them 8.x or seven uisfcmct lines of dead, marking the passage The Field is Fought and Won. 21*5 of the fatal messengers. This act relieved the British infantry of a deadly incubus, and they continued their magnihcent and fearful progress up the hill. Prince George encouraged his men by personal bravery, and proved himself worthy of his proud command and of the royal race from which he comes. Bravely and ma- jestically did the troops mount the summit of the hill fir- mg as they advanced towards the batteries, from which the enemy were now fast flying, appalled by the rolling fire and by the appearance of the irresistible onslaught of Br^,sh heroes. On gaining possession of the batterL, af er a long hand-to-hand encounter with the Russian infantry the guns were turned against the flying masses which he British cavalry also pursued, cuLg down many of the enemy in their flight, and capturing many guns and prisoners. The battle of the Alma was won and victory once more crowned the British arms Night closed around the victorious armies before they could have finished the painful task of relieving the wounded, and a darkness which almost equalled that of Egypt settled over the battle-field. Many wounded men were necessarily left on the hill that night in spite of all their exertions. Next morning the army renewed its painful abours of burying the dead and caring for the wounded. The thirst of the wounded seemed intoler- able and the men, all honour to the noble fellows, went about relieving the wants of the fallen and wounded ..eroos as fast and as well as they could. Our heroine too, accompanied by Hubert, did a world of good among '■fl 216 Burying the Dead. that mght There was more than an a«re of Russian wounded when they were all collected together andT po . ed on the ground. The Russian dead were a 1 buned m one deep, wide pit, and the British were buried all m one p.t also. Oh ! war, cruel war! Thou dost pie^o the soul with untold sorrow as well as thy bleeding vie t.n,s w,th death How many joyous hopes aud bright p ospects hast thou blasted, and how many hearths and homes hast thou made desolate. After burying the dead and taking care of the wound- ed, orders were issued to the division to prepare for marchmg after daybreak, and early next morning the army marched away from the blood-stained heights of Brlt'I^s^dir^ "'^' ""' "- ''- -^--^"^ '--» I have already mentioned in a former chapter that our herome on her departure from Dublin had supplied herself wjth a suificient sum of money, which she drew leirm^d T I ''°^''* '"''""«"'■ »""--,i ^ ' afterwards from the valley of death, where several dis- •zed past 3wn they :rom the pennons le. On a and on md and aounted, id they Russians Their nd they of tlie g them- }, where ; others id their ts were But, ed, and tifantry esource !. The ack, all burned, d, and i men 1 back 'al dis- e Q S W n & w Q H Q pi 230 The Three P risoners. mounted guns and piles of dead Russians were all that were left on the field of the enemy, who had fallen back to their former position beyond the Tchernaya river During the charge Sergeant Eyre (our heroine) shot a gunner who had his sword raised above his head to cut down an officer whose horse had been shot from under hirn and who recognizing the brave act. cried out, Well done. Sergeant Fyre, I'll not forget that act if I survive this charge." Hubert cleft a Russian to the chin who attempted to fire a gun into the face of his comrades. But there is no time to pause, and they still % forward pell mell, for now it is wild excitement, and death showers of musketry and round shot are forgotten But our heroine (Robert Eyre), Hubert and Pat McAvoy where are they ? They were taken prisoners by the Cossacks while in the act of rescuing two officers of their own regiment, whom the Russians were marchin^. off the field, prisoners of war. The rescued officers afterwards related how Sergeant Hubert Clanronald with one cut of his sword severed from the body of a Russian an arm which was raised to cut down the captain of his own troop, and how Sergeant Robert Eyre knocked over two of the enemy by pistol shots, who were escorting them to the rear, and how Pat McAvoy and the two aforesaid sergeants continued to follow the flying host, dealing about them such blows as would have done honor to Fin Machoule in the hands of -,-_u.., n„u uneonscious ana reckless of the fire of the artillery and infantry in their front, the tn the Hands of the Enemy. 231 brave trio pursued the foe so far, that, on looking back, they discovered that they had outstripped their com- panions, who were slowly retiring. Then to their horror they found themselves surrounded and cut off by an overpowering body of Cossacks, who marched them off to the rear of Laprandi's army, prisoners of war, with the full consciousness of the unpleasant proximity of the points of over two score of Cossack lances pointed at them, as they were forced along against their inclinations, where we will now leave them for the present, makitig a circuit of the hills towards the Russian camp on the north side of Sebastopol, and return to Richmond. ! t'l CHAPTER Vir. AHHiVA. AT New Yokk-The Kin-GLOVEn Aristocract-The Gaieties -The Athletic Cl.b-The Contest-The Dx.^eh-The GambTi.c nlr ^^^^™-1^«-I>^^^ctive-The Skinners-Joe Jebo^Ies venture-The DE.r of Thieves-Old Jim Elinker-The FiawT FOR Life- The Chase- The Departure Rt.JIT Monet Gone-New Orleans! ''''^"''^"^- ^^^""^ Exhausted-The 1^'ICHMOND and his comrade Blake had had rather 1 V a favorable though to them a monotonous voyage of twelve days across the Atlantic. They did not. how- ever, escape the misery of sea- sickness, which proverbial- ly overtakes landsmen during their first long voyage On arnva at New York they took rooms at a privat: hotel on Mad,son-Square. Here they made the acquaintance of most of the kid-gloved aristocracy of the city and were mtroduced into high-toned circles, and when it became wiuspered around town that two Irish gentlemen of large fortunes and any amount of money at their com- mand, were on a tour of pleasure to New York all the doors of high life were thrown open at the first tap ot their gold-headed canft Th^.r ^.». __ .. .. , . ^ „ .., ,, . . ' — V " =^^ =5" iiiiatuated with the gaieties of New York, they stayed there over 5i32 New York by Gaslight. 233 twelve months, and occasionally, for a change of scene, visited Chicago, Boston and several other cities of the Union before Richmond attempted any speculation down South. In New York they were made honorary members . of most of the principal clubs, and were treated with the greatest kindness and consideration. They visited sporting clubs where they met men after their own heart, sportsmen and jockies ; they attended gambling houses where they met all the shipwrecked bankers, money dealers, gamblers, billiard sharpers, card sharpers, black-legs, and thieves, who were ?ill on the look-out for a pigeon to pluck. One evening as they were sauntering carelessly down Fifth Avenue, they met two swells to whom they had had a previous introduction (at the sporting club already mentioned), who greeted them cordially as hail-good-fel- lows-well-met, and forthwith they were invited to the athletic club to see some fun. They therefore directed their steps towards that rendevouz, where they entered a large apartment. Here they joined over a score of the most stalwart youths they ever saw ou of a foot or cav- alry regiment. They were all dressed alike in costumes suitable for the occasion of rough and tumble. The side tables which stood close along the wall were covered with boxing gloves, single-sticks and fiies. At the end of the hall stood an elaborately fitted up bar, with large flashing mirrors, and a gorgeous display of crystal decan- ters and wine glasses, which were handled in a profes- sional manner by two smart bar-tenders who wer© pi 234 Tlie AMetie Club. employed in attending to the wants of tlie guests and m^^.ng up the decoction, for thi.ty .0.^^ 2t As they entered, two strapping young fellows with e.r coats oif and leather belts around their waists, were etandmg m the centre of the roon, facing each other in a P^^nacous attitude, with boxing gloves on ready for "Well," queried Richmond's' chaperon to one of the qufrer ^' '' '"'"'"' ""* "''°''' " """'" """ ""^ ""'■ "Oh ! it's not yet decided," was the reply; and forth- hit w.b thT"^': "'"' "'" "^ '"'''' -theyeould fid r M 'T'^g'"™^' *>"«"« l-eavy enough to have felled Fm Macoule, who, if I recollect aright, was rather o game blood m such encounters. They aU crowded round to witness the encounter; Richmond and Blake among the rest, with an equal ardour, and an equal in- te est When the match was over Richmond wa. i„. Yankee which he declined, saying that he was no good with the gloves. "«» no ■■Well will you take the foils, or singlesticks with me ! sard a bullying burlylooking follow, as he waJked over to Richmond with a swagger of self conceit. I am a poor hand with the foils," replied Richmond, fun !Arr- ' "'* *''° ^'''S'<'^"'=k,,, but just for the fun of the thing, and to amuse the eompanv. I have „n pbjectiou to try a bout with you at the singbsticks " " Richmond Tries the Singlestick 235 " No, no," interposed a good natured looking young fellow, stepping over to Richmond, " this match must not be, for Courtney is the best fencer 1 ever saw, and there is not a man in the city that can match him." He then confidently whispered to Richmond, " and the hardest hitter, too, and never spares his opponent either." " Really," replied Richmond, loud enough for all the company to hear him, in his most affected tone, " it is a great pity, for I am excessively awkward, but as I have said that I would engage him, I don't like to retract even should I get a drubbing /or my folly." At this remark of his, a wink and a broad grin went round the room. " Pray, let me look at the hilt," said he, affectedly, " 1 hope the guard is strong; I would not have my knuckles rapped or barked for anything." At thifi innocent remark they all laughed aloud " Now for it. " " I'm in a deuced fright, though, Blake," said Rich- mond, chuckling to himself inwardly at the universal pleasure depicted in the countenance of his opponent, as well as the bystanders who were all rejoiced at the idea of the Irishman being heartily thrashed by the big Yankee. Richmond took hold of the stick and looked at it sus- piciously, pretending great awkwardness and a lack of grace in his position. His opponent placed himself in the most scientific attitude, assuming at the same time an air of professional skill io hU position and mov§- ! ■ 1^ 236 He Comes off Victor, ments, which seemed to call forth the applause and ad- miration of all the bystanders. " Do we allow hard hitting ? " asked Richmond of his opponent, in a jocular tone of voice. " Oh, by all means," replied he, eagerly, " hit as hard as you please, and I'll do the same." " Well," said Richmond, setting his own caubeen down tightly on his head, " hadn't you better put on your hat, it may save your head ? " " Oh, no, not at all," answered his opponent, imperious- ly, " I guess I can take pretty good care of my own head at any rate," and with these words they commenc- ed. The bystanders held their breath in silent suspense, waiting to see them engage. Richmond remained at first nearly upright, not availing himself in the least of his superiority in height and only acted on the defensive. His opponent showed great skill as an amateur, but he was no match for Richmond, who had beaten the mili- tary garrison champion at Angelo's rooms in the Rotun- da in Dublm. Suddenly, when Richmond had excited a general laugh at the seemingly clumsy manner in which he warded off a malicious blow which was aimed at his face and head, he changed his position and keep- ing his opponent at arm's length till he had driven him toward a corner, he then took advantage of a haughty imprudence on his part, and by a quick movement in the fencing drew back from a heavy blow which was aimed fl.f. niH lanp ortrl oiiflTovoil i}ne\ n-rV,r^^^ ttrn\^\-,i- nnA af- ^-U nt ...g t«>> threw a sickly light, revealing low doors each side ut the hall. Here he was carried into a small room or cell, without any furniture save a low trundle bed, one chair, a wash-stand and slop-pail. Before unbinding his hands and feet, they turned all his pockets inside out and robbed him of every cent he was possessed of, which amounted to thirteen thousand dollars; this included one thousand of his own, besides wJiai/ he had won at the gambling-house. They then unbound him and took the 242 Bichmond in Search of His Friend. ^ plaster off his mouth, aad there left him to meditate in silence over his hard fate. Next morning Richmond, after making his toilet, re- paired to Blake's room where he learned from that gen- tleman ,ervant that his master had not returned. This information surprised Richmond, who forthwith ordered a cab and drove to the gambling-rooms, aod was much disappointed and confused, not finding his comrade there. . After questioning the guard on the door concerning his movements, that important personage informed him that Blake had left there alone and got into a cab at the door about four o'clock that morning. He also learned from some hangers-on around the house that Blake had won a pot of money during the night from some heavy swells. This information startled Richmond, and he began to suspect that some foul play had been used toward him, and the more ho meditated on the matter the more con- fident he became of its truth. Therefore, when he left the gambling-house he knew not whither his next step would tend. There was, however, no time to indulge the idle stupor which Blake's situation at first occasion- ed. With a violent effort he shook it off and bent all his mind to discover the best method to avail himself to the utmost of his ability to discover what had become of Blake. Having ruminated with his inventive faculties for some time to try and discover some means by which he could find out the whereabouts of his absent friend, at length one of those sudden thoughts which, from their suddenness often appear more brilliant than they A Typical Detective. 243 really are, flashed upon his mind and he at once set oft to put it into operation. Harassed to death with fear for Blake's safety, he dis- regarded everything else, and immediately repaired to his rooms, where he sat down and wrote to a celebrated detective of whom he had heard and read. Having des- patched the note (marked immediate) by his servant, he in the meantime started out in search of any informa- tion that might lead to the discovery of his comrade. He visited all the hotels, restaurants, sporting-houses, gambling-houses, clubs and every place where he thought he would be likely to gain any information, but could find none whatever. He knew not whither to direct his steps, when he recollected that hy the time he got back to his rooms the detective might be waiting for him. He therefore retraced his steps to his rooms and on entering the hall was met by his servant, who told him with a mysterious air that a strange-looking gentleman was in his room waiting to see him. He then hurried to his apartments, where he found to his amazement a strange-looking gentleman sure enough, if I may be par- doned for conferring on him that appellation. I will attempt to describe him. Seated by a window in Rich- mond's room and wiping his face with a gay-colored handkerchief, was a thick-set man with a fiery and ru- gose complexion, not altogether unlike the aspect of a mulberry. From underneath a pair of shaggy bi-ows peeped two singularly small eyes, which made ample amends by their fire for their deficiency in size ; they i 244 A Bowery Beau Brummell. were black, brisk and somewhat fierce in their expression. A nose of that peculiar shape vulgarly termed bottled, formed the arch sublime of the bridge which divided the' twilight, as it were, between the purple sunset of one cheek and the glowing sunrise of the other. His mouth was a ga^h which extended from ear to ear, but drawn up at each corner like a purse, which gave it an expression of something sour and crabbed about it. He wae undershot like a bull-dog, which gave prominence to a fat, rounded chin which had not been condemned to single blessedness, on the contrary, it was like a farmer's pillion in olden times, and carried double. On either side of a very low forehead, which was hedged round by closely jagged bristles of dingy mixture of gray and black, was an enormous ear, of exactly the same in- tensely rubicund color as that which adorns the throat of an enraged turkey-cock. Oh, ye gods ! what large, red ears he had reclining peacefully on an enormous shirt cDllar. This enchanting figure, which was attired in a sober suit of black, relieved by a gorgeous gold watch- chain, plentifully supplied with large lockets and seals, rose at Richmond's entrance with a solemn grunt and a still more solemn bow. Richmond shut the door care- fully, and asked him his business, but as he foresaw that it was the detective (to whom he had written requesting his attendance at his rooms), he drew a chair close up to his mulberry-faced friend, and fixitig his eyes upon his fiery countenance, he brieflv rfilaLpri «1I f.ha «;»./.„yv,„4.„^^„„ which he knew of, connected with Blake's disappearance. Dark Deeds in Gotham. 245 He also mentioned his own suspicions of the abduction of Blake by robbers, and his desire of discovering him, mentioning at the same time the probable amount of money he had on him, and the amount he won at the gambling house. " Lastly," said he, " if you scour the city thoroughly I will pay you so much u day for your time, for a given number of days, and if Blake be found through your exertions I will pay you a handsome sum, and if ar ■ o^ the money be found you can have the half of it." Daring the communication the patient detective sat mute, and still fixing his eyes on the ground with an oc- casional elevation of his shaggy brows, and a pricking up of his enormous ears. "Ah !" said he after Richmond had finished, " the skin- ners have waylaid and taken him to their infernal den to rob and perhaps murder him. Several instances may be related of how men disappear, and are never heard of again, and thus fill the pages devoted to missing people in the columns of the newspapers. The work is done quickly ; the murdered man is crammed into a barrel or pine case then placed in a carriage at night, taken up the Hudson River road, and there dropped into the river, and after a few days or so the head of another unfortunate dead man will be found eddying and floating around the rolling piers near the battery, his face a pulp, and no longer recognizable. The sun shines down on the splash- ing waters, but the eyes are sightless, and never another sun can dim their brilliancy or splendor. It is another V I ?4^ The Swell Mob. missing man, without watch, pocket-book or money on his person. Sad thing, sir ! sad thing ! It is quite shocking to think that a gentleman of wealth cannot even drive through the streets without being pounced upon and car- ried off to seme den of infamy where he is robbed and murdered, or perhaps shipped off to some unknown island where he will be forced to work as a slave to the end of his miserable life. Just to fhink of it, sir ! In the twenty-ninth precinct of New York there are one hun- dred and twenty, one dens of infamy and death ! Night after night, month after month, year aft6r year, untouch- ed by the police authorities, who are paid handsomely for keeping their eyes shut.. In West Twenty-sixth street, and west Twenty-seventh street, and west Thirty-first street there are whole blocks that are a pandemonium ! There are in all between five and six hundred dens of darkness and debauchery in the city of New York ! " "But to come to business," continued he, "I must confess, sir, that your terms are liberal, but I have a certain professional charge for my work by the day, de- pendent in amount a little upon the nature of the case, and that will satisfy me. But before I undertake the case I shall want your assistance. There are several dens or clubs, as they are called by theii own gang, where a lot of swell black-legs and robbers and thievis resort. They are, to all outward appearance gentlemen, and are admitted into the best society as well as all the' £ramblinf/-honses of tho Ht" T*-— o— -i ^ ^ ' with money and drive the best and grandest rigs iti the The Detective at Work. 247 city. I must caution you also, that these fellows would think no more of putting a bullet through your head or mine than they would of shooting a nigger, so therefore be on the alert and carry the best seven-shooter you can find in the city. The only way that we can ferret out their den is by bribing one of the gang ; they will sell each other for filthy lucre whenever they can get a good chance. Therefore, to commence business you must let your servant accompany me to-morrow morning, and I will watch for a certain one of the gang whom I know can be easily bribed, and when I set my eyes on him I will send your servant back for you while I keep him in view till you arrive. You must then watch, follow him up and note his movements, in fact you must act detec- tive yourself, which you can do in this case much better than I can. I will, however, stay in the background and will not be far from you should my assistance be required, or when anything unusual occurs that may throw light on this most important undertaking." In this arrangement Richmond willingly concurred, and with this understanding the detective departed to make preparations for his movements next day. With fearful suspense Richmond passed the time until next morning when he fell into an uneasy slumber which lasted till he was awakened by his servant, when he arose, dressed hastily and despatched his servant with the proper in- structions to wait on the detective. When Tim, the servant, arrived at that individual's quarters, he found him already waiting for him, when they both sallied 248 "Tlmt'a My Man!'* forth m search of their man. Fate saved the detective a wor d of trouble, for as he was hastily walking on- ward talking with Tim. whose company he found to be very amusing, he happened to turn his eyes on the oppo- site side of the way and discovered a man dressed^n what the newspapers term the very height of fashion, ihat s my man," said he to Tim, «' now go as quickly as your heels can carry you and tell your master to hasten to me. I shall dally after yon swell whom you see moving slowly alpng that fashionable street." Luck- ily Tim had not gone far before he met his master who was following the detective quietly at a distance, and being informed by Tim that they had sighted their man he hastened and joined the detective, who pointed out to' him a swell member of the robbers' club. " There," .aid the detective, "is your man; that scoundrel you see be- fore you would sell his father for a mess of pottage Follow him up, get in with him. and I have no doubt but that you will be able to accomplisli the case He goes by the alia, of Joe Jebo and pretends to be a ^rench nobleman of large fortune." " All right," replied Richmond as he walked off carelessly in the direction of his friend Joe Jebo. and followed his movements at a re- spectful but observant distance. At length Joe marched into a jeweller's store in Broadway. With a careless air Richmond, a couple of minutes afterwards, affected to saunter into the same shop. The jeweller was shewing his best diamond rings to the fashionable swell with the greatest respect and consideration, and. beguiled hy hig Richmond on the Track 249 rich and gorgeous attire, turned Richmond over to his assistant. At any other time Richmond might have been indignant at perceiving that the air noble on which he so much piqued himself, was by no means so uni- versally acknowledged as he had vainly imagined, but at that moment he was too much occupied to think of his insulted dignity. While Richmond was pretending to appear wholly engrossed with some lockets and rings he kept a vigilant eye on his superb fellow customer. At last he saw him secrete a diamond-ring of great value and thrust it up his sleeve by a singular move- ment of the fore finger and thumb, unobserved by the jeweller, and presently some other valuable articles dis- appeared in like manner. The accomplished gentleman then rose and expressed himself highly satisfied with the great taste of the jeweller, and said he should look in again on Saturday, when he hoped the set he had ordered would be completed, and gravely took his de- parture amidst the prodigal bows of the jeweller and his assistant. Meanwhile Richmond bought a trinket of small value and followed his stylish friend. Slowly and struttingly did Mr. Jebo perform the journey through Broadway to the entrance of Central Park, and looking round with an air of gentlemanly indecision, seemed to consider whether or not he should join the loungers in the park. Fortunately for the well- bred set, his doubts terminated in their favour, when he entered the park, and cut across the shortest but least frequented way thither, in order to confer upon 250 " Set a Thief to Catch a Thief." tho pleaaure-seekers the dangerous honour of his company. As soon as Richmond perceived that there were but few persons in the immediate locality to observe hun, and that those consisted of nursery-maids some children and an invalid or .wo walking about for' !.l t , """^""'P'ion or liver complaint, he took a bee hne after the incomparable Joe, and over- tak.,^ him made him a low bow by way of salutation, and thus reverently accosted him : "Mr. Jebo I am delighted once more to have the honor of meeting you. Suffer me to remind you of the very pleasant night I spent with you in Crosby- st eet gambhng-house." Joe turned his eyes on him w.th the air of a prince, and seemed to collect his scattered thoughts, but did not answer "You must remember," continued Richmond, the night you pushed the gentleman's bills off the table Ton ,r"L"f' "■"• *■"* ^"^"^ ^f'""-''^ when you thought all eyes were off the incident, you stooped down , p.^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ _^. > oped nnob' .\ ™ "''™''^ ^"™S'' done, but not the tilr ' "'■ "'""'""' ' "'" ""*'"S ^bout it at Joe's assurance fo.-sook him for a moment, but he lost h.s character. He ..sumed a fierce look, and stared at Richmond with the eye of a» eagle for some seconds, and exclaimed with seeming fervent passion " D - me, sir I do you mean to insult me? I know none Joe Jeho's Candour. 261 of your Mr. Jebos, and I never set my eyes on you before ! " "Look here, my dear Mr. Joe Jebo," replied Richmond " as I can prove not only all I say, but much more that I shall not say, such as your little mistakes just now at the jeweller's store on Broadway, etc., perhaps it would be better for you not to oblige me to create a mob, and give you in charge (pardon my abruptness of speech) to the police! Surely there will be no need of such a disagreeable occurrence, when I assure you, in tlie first place, that it is perfectly indifferent to me whether you levy contributions on jewellers or gentlemen, and I am very far from wishing to intrude upon your harmless occupation, or to interfere with your mnocent amusements. I see Mr. Jebo that you are beginning to understand me; let me facilitate so desirable an end by the additional information that, since it is preceded with a promise to open my purse, may tend somewhat to open your heart. I am at this moment in great want of your assistance, favour me with it, and I will give you an order on my banker for ten thousand dollars. Are we friends now, Mr. Jebo ? " The rascal burst out into a loud laugh at Richmond's liberal offer, and when his countenance had resumed its ^ wonted solemn expression he said, « Well, sir, I must confess that your frankness enchants me. I can no longer dissemble with you, besides I always adored candour; I can assure you sir, that it is my favorite virtue. Tell me bow I can be of assistance to you, and you may commaad my service to your cause." 252 The Interview, " One word," said Richmond, " will you be open and ingenuous with me ? I shall ask you certain questions, not in the least affecting yonr own safety, but to which, if you would serve me, you must f/ive me your most candid replies ; and, since candour is your favourite virtue, this I am persuaded will be no difficult task. To strengthen you in so righteous a cause, I would have you to know also that the said replies will come verbatim before a court of law and that, therefore, it will be a matter of prudence to shape them as closely to the truth as your inclinations will allow. To counter- balance this information, I repeat it again that the questions asked you will be wholly foreign to your own affairs and that, should you prove of that assistance to me which I anticipate, I will so testify my gratitude as to place you beyond the necessity of pillaging rural young gentlemen and credulous store-keepers for the future : so that thenceforth all your pursuits need only be carried on for your own private amusement." " I repeat that you may command me," answered Joe, gracefully and solemnly placing his hand upon his heart, in token of his fidelity. In order therefore to have a more secret and undisturbed place for their conference, Richmond proposed that they should both repair forthwith to his own rooms on Madison Square, where they could more conveniently propound a theory for their future movements. At first Joe demurred to this arrangement, but Richmond soon half persuaded and half intimidated him into com- The Two Worthies llohnob. 253 pliance. Not partioul,,,.,, „i,,,i„, ^ ^^ ^ t«"..n,, h. ,,,., t„ the ri^ht „,. .„ „,„ ,.,, I,,, , ;,", lear oi this, for Joi* wnv i.^.fK „ i i i . that R.,„„o.,u „-„s „o p,.wie le:':' ,.,::„: . that hi, c„m,„„n,.:,tion, had been o. a „at „. ikJv enough to ter,„i„ate in his advanla^. TU.JL ,> wna Kiif luti 1 =■ ■•^"fieiore there wa. but httle clanger of hi, pergonal saiety in accon. panyng .,ch,„on,l to hi« rooms. On arrival H -van. an. waiters took Uieh,„„„,, ^^ .Tt some foreign ambassador, and lie did not h.f. .u aome cold meat and two bottL^i ! °"'''™' or oid maxims, deferred h^rul^el^ir^^iarj:: fh. .o....r„ .. , ' "T^"^^ ^^^« b^en much amused b.. 254 Joe Jeho Cornered. At length his appetite was satisfied, and one bottle emptied, with the other before him, his magnificent figure easily reclining on Richmond's arm-chair, his eyes apparently cast downwards, but ever and anon glancing up at Richmond's countenance with a searching and cunning look, he prepared himself ff)r the con- ference. Richmond (seeing plainly that Jud had done justice to the good things before him), now com- menced : " Do you recollect," said he, " that night in the gam- bling-house ? I mean the night that you picked up the gentleman's bills which you so adroitly managed to push oflt the table unobserved by any person in the room ex- cept myself, and then quietly stooped down, picked them up and pocketed them ?" To this question Joe nodded his assent with a smile of confidence at hia ability and self-conceit as a professional sharper. " You must also remember," continued Richmond, " Mr. Blake, the gentleman who accompanied me on that occasion ? " " Yes, T remember him well," replied Joe, " where is he, and what of him ? " " Ah," replied Jlichmond," that is what I want you to tell. He has been abducted by some robbers while com- ing home from the gambling-house the following morn- ing about four o'clock, and you must know where they have so skilfully detained him, as I have the happiness to know that you are one of the gang." Richmond Gaming Ground. — S55 claimed with emotion. """" »'"' "-on e^- " '^'""'se me, sir. but T j^ i • llv n.rf .1 cd witl, you. and I mav bl u; ^^^t '""^ "nacquaint- l»w of whicl,, heaven Lo. :. '"'" """* ""P »' ""> bora babe." " ■ », 1 > . > as ignorant as a new- briefly mentioned LlXi'^'^^'''"^ ^''''' "» ducted him and his desir. „f 7- ^"^ '''"' «b- - artfully secret Z ^7?""^ "'"'" ""'^ <>«> solemn promise that if J«, ^T u ^ ""°"''"**'^ "'«> » or contrivance on his "" Z^ t'""' ^' "''»*■'" friend, abductors, or thT Cd 7e^' Vvt" "' ''' h-ould give him ten thousand dX '" '""°^»'^' o.;rs!s:rai:r\i,::-r''''^»- • over his hitherto solemn fe^L" T' ?'^ ■""" ''«''=» eyes amid the intricaTehtt 7' 't, """ ""■"'" >"■• After this big smile he th.? . "^^ "' '»««J forth, equilibrium te,:" hi ^^ r^-l » order to gai„ h;, Richmond with a iTl "'™/""'-S "»nd to after another pause. '"''"' "^P***. he said _x thin. With your-o^a::;::^:^,:::!:':'"-"-' release of your friend but' m^ r/ "^'^ *^"^*"°" ».desiretoserveyo;r;::^^lr^-^ forfeit 266 The Contract Signed. !f^ be surprised at my accepting your liberal offer of ten thousand dollars should I be successful, although I do assure you, sir, that it was my original intention to leject all recompense, for I am naturally benevolent and love doing a good action. Indeed, sir, if I were alone in the world I should scorn any remuneration, for virtue is its own reward, but a real moralist, sir, must not forget his duties on any consideration, and I have a little famliy to whom my losS; would be an irreparable injury; this, upon honor, is my only inducement for taking advantage of your generosity," and as the moralist ceased he took out of his waistcoat pocket a blank form of a cheque which he handed to Kichmond with his usual bow of deference, and requested him to fill it up. Richmond took the cheque and filled it in, thereby pledging himself that in case Joe Jebo before the expiration of four days gave that information which would lead to the recovery of Blake, the sum of ten thousaad dollars should be paid to the aforesaid Joe Jebo. After signing this docu- ment he handed it to Joe, who gravely and carefully lapped it up in three euv Jopes and stowed it away care- fully in the innermost pocket of his waistcoat, and then exclaimed, " All right, sir, now to business, but before I begin, however, you must promise me upon your sacred honour as a gentleman, the strictest secrecy as to my communi- cations." » Richmond readily agreed to this, so far as that secrecy did not impede as present object ; and Joe, being con- Joe Jeho is Ha'ppy. 257 tent ^ith these conditions resumed : "Know thon • that I attended our club vesfpr^o ' ^'''' word our 'cIuV .hich I no^Lrd"! ^' ''' ity. I .erel, mean a bod, corporal Z^^rd^uX" iy, and restricted solely to exnloit. nf h and Its env rons 1 thi'nt if ,• 1,. x ^^^ tinued Joe, aristoct 'e J '! t leM^'T^ "i"'" """- belontr +n fi.;. • . oecause I have the honor to j?^ J , . ■* "'S tune, as the amount of mnnoTr found upon him has gladdened their hearts in T^ extent that they all .ot on th. .1 ! , '^ ^^ til past the small hot s th ' T" ' "' ^^* ^^ "^ "^- the leading lights of thlin . . r "^' "^'" '^"^^^' «* CO «ff.. 7 . institution started ofF for Chica- go after a couple of pigeons like your friend whonT f ^ expect to pluck bpfnr-A ih^ . ' ^^ ^'^^y the society Th! ft ^ ' "'" ^^^^" ^' ^^' ^^'^in of societj. ihe other members nf fl.^ ^i u souls, and partook so freelv o7fb! , ?• ^'' ^'^ that they are ., 1*'"'^^ ^^ *^^ «°"I- stirring element fact is, s f I flit uile T'^' "^"'" ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ generosit; n pr d l^r T' ^^'^^'^ ^^ ^^^ wine) I partook If \ "^^ ^'^^^'' '^ ^^°«"ent tied mv f V ^"" ^^^P^^^lity, which has quite set. tied my stomach as well as my head " his^mtTanVreldl ^^7"^ «^ ^he bottle into a counois^rald'lV^^ ^^^^ ^^^ gusto of -proving smack .t.;-lC^^^ I ! Preparing for the ResciLe. Then he pulled out a white silk pocket-handkerchief and wiped his eyes. "Ah! sir," said he, "good wine is a marvellous whetter of the intellect, but your true philosopher is always moderate. For my part I never exceed my two bottles during business hours." " But," continued he, - with regard to your friend's release, I think that there will be a splendid chance to-night, as several of the members are absent, and those who are not will all be so drunk and sound asleep to- night that it will be an easy matter to accomplish our task. My present plan, therefore, if it meats your con- currence, would be, that you accompany me to the club to-night. I will dress you up to personate one of our swell members who stands about your own height and size. I will keep old King Cole, as we call him, who keeps guard on the door, and whose room is situated off the entrance to the long hall, in conversation while you advance along the narrow passage, and when you enter the large chamber, if no person be there turn to the right, and in the corner there is a spring in the wall, indicated by a lack spot the shape of a heart; this spot you will press and the door will open into a long hall with doors on either side, the keys of which are kept in a recess in the wall behind the door that you open, and there you will see the keys hanging on hooks, which are numbered to correspond with the numbers on the doors. Your friend Blake's room is 20, then take 20 key and open his door and let him out. This Dlan I can- mdkerchief marvellous losopher is ed my two ar friend's iid chance , and those asleep to- mplish our your con- io the club one of our leight and him, who ituated off while you you enter m to the the wall, 3arfc; this ito a lonof which are that you on hooks, inabers on n take 20 Richmond's Logic Si^ered At. 250 lor 1 have not only to Das«« vn„ ««• ""o^^^ (for every „e.ber „, ICl^^^^X^^''^^^ occupied with some interesting yarnawU ''^' leasing Bkke. You mu,t theUrbr ^"T "" sfeeak of lightning and as ^Z'Z ^r ^-^ ^ ^ aaked any questions, your answers .halutn be suXari will dictate, otherwise thev m.» ^.» . 'en oe such as I -y of the true boys bel tie df"' "■" *™" we should both come ofl:Lf ;:;;!" V'^ -^'• eered. that is if we got away ri.^otif™^''''' ^^ ^"- My dear lellow," replied Richmond « *i, mo a much eaaier plan' than a Uhrind ir''"" ,'° to tell one of the police office.. X B,at" '"""J found, and I think they would bT ablef \^ away from the clutches of old &V Cok „ "^"l '"^ the gang without any great diffitC^ ^ "^'^ "' Joe smiled at such logic aanger. pe::atst"c:t^d::i^rTsh^oX:r'^^^- 2::i^rrntr^z:h"ir:"^^^=- the home., beforlhetek ;t: ou^ t"°' *° ^^ '^ you accompany me to ni.bf n " ^""^ '''™''' the spot isLL"„„::tVvour "™- '"""^ "■^•^■•^ searched New YorL wll ^ ^ T™' " "S"'" '^ y^" ,•»*. Besides, yt; ;:::dt nt b?:!:r ^^ -- house for whom the minions of th; law 'aTIZ: 260 "Captain Mordaunt' ' !! { There are a score of others whom I have no desire to give up to the P^allows— hid away among the odds and ends of the insuoution, a. snug us a bug in a dog's ear Honor forbid, sir, that I should betray them into the hands of the Philistines, and for nothing too ! No siree ' The only plan that I can think of now is the one I have proposed. If you do not approve of it, I must devise some other, but that may require some delay," With all his I6ve ot enterprise and adventure, I cannot say that Richmond e,hould have particularly chosen the project before him for his evening's amusemont had h*^ been left solely to his own will, but Blake's situation forbade him to think of himself, and so far from shrinking at the danger to which he was about to be exposed he looked forward with the utmost impatience to the hour of their departure for the scene of danger. "No, my dear fellow." replied Eichmond, "I am now willing and ready to act ■ ,.^ny you into the greatest danger in order to rescue Blake from his perilous situ- ation." " Well, then." said Joe, " as I must disguise you before we start for the scene of action and that cannot well be done here, suppose that you dine with me at ray lodg- ings, dinner will be just ready by the time we get there." "I shall only be too happy," replied Richmond, not a little surprised at the generous offer. "All right then," said Joe, "my rooms are at 22 Bowery. You must address me as Captain Mordaunt, £ C I desire to odds and dog's ear. 3 into the No siree ! )ne I have ust devise , I cannot shosen the it had he situation shrinking posed, he the hour . am now greatest ilous situ- ou before t well be my lodg- we get id, not a e at 22 ordaunt. Captain Mordaunfs Apartments. and we.„ dine at six, in order to have ttaef liminary initiation jn^ ^^,^ n,y,teZ f "" '"^" " With all my heart " „ M^ , "^ °'" <"•'''='■•" Joe then rose^nT^dth: ''"''■ g-at dignity and selCcei andr "'■'"' ""^ -"> had achieved an act of the mosth! "' "' ' ™° "''» While he was th J "■■'""■ pe..on Richmond took adva^Cof 'thH! "^v',"""' portunity thus afforded to h; \, favourable op- the detective of MuW r'n ■"'"'' " '"^ «"- '» plained the interview JuhtTT"' '" "'>''='' ^o ex- going to dine with him l\oV ■ '""^ '■""h^was they .ere to proceed to the Int^^' ""' '™"' ">- njoming. This done he prepared t™' '* '''' '" "^^ h« rooms. Looking well toIT . """""Pany Joe to for himself and one for Blake ''^.^^ ^^^™ *oote... one -ied in a belt aroj: hifl^^t" " '"'''' "''''' ''^ ness to accompany him and J! ^^ f'^P'^^'^ W" rcdi- »f five they haln„" ml; '"'""""''^™'h^»'-ke *ey made their ex t Cm.h T '" ^^'^ ^""-'fore drove to Joe's rooms wher^ t. ' '^'^ " '""'' ^-d 'andlady with dignity an a^r ZlT'^'' '' ""^ of a first floor, furnished acco dinf ! ^T^ •"^^^'^ eJogance, via: New glarinrR? ^ , ""^'"^ ^'^'^ *°d rora of plate glas, wifh ^ '''' '""■P"'' «nvex mir- - *he ImrinTe rrSM'T'. ^"^ -^'- plentiful decoration of stars a„r, ""'°" ""» * " «"'e proud of his aoa^lT' ^^T^ "^r— ^-t oo-piimented him upon their" ek^rr"*^ ''"'""""> 262 Poclcet'PicUng as a Fine Art \' I. " Under the rose be it spoken, sir," said he, " the land- lady, who is a widow, believes me to be i«,a off oer in the government employ, and fancies that I aia h, love with her and that I wish to marry her, poor deluded wor/>an i My bkc'r, locks and curly whiskers, together with my sty- hsh appearance, ha v^e a bewitchery that surprises even myself. \Vh. would be a slovenly thief, when there are such advantages in being a clever one ? " "You are right, Joe," answered Kichmond, 'but shall I own to you that I am surprised that a gentleman of yoar talents should stoop to the lower arts of the profes- sion. I always imagined that pickpocketing was a part of your business only left to the plebeian purloiner, but now I know that you do not disdain that manual accom- plishment ! " "You speak like a book, sir." answered Joe. "but the fact is, that I should despise what you rightly desig- nate the lower arts of the profession, if I did not value myself upon giving them a charm and investing them with a dignity never bestowed upon them before? Just to give you an idea of the superior dexterity with which I manage my slight of hand business, know that four times I have been into that jeweller's store whex 3 you saw me borrow the diamond ring which you • see shining gracefully upon my little finger, and f umes I have brought a • • - some valuable token visita- tion. Nay, the d....uent jeweller is so far 1 ^ suspect- ing me that he has twice favoured me with i r^. pSteous tale :>f the very losses I myself brought upon hi ' .nd I "Bravo, Joe." nafce no doubt but that I shaJI I, • ^' whole history of the ra^",}- ^''" '" * '^^ ^ays the ■^eepin,, eoupied with^Tf f^X, ""'■ ""^ '" "^ «nce, ^tyle and costume on that 0'?^""°"' ''''''^*^- that it would be a nitv ,. J "'"'"'• ^""W then, of the talents ^UkXlTT'' *" ^'^■'<' ^ '"^ -^ -m the little dell^ f„ ^t^t^f ^'^-^ "^^ ^ t^ would, in my opinion be Z T ^ ^ °''*™'« =° well, di^dain the'oo:;S> o"^ "l"!: T- '" '''' ^°" *« Bummate musician the melody ff at uf^"'""' "'" " 'O"- "B-vo. Joe." cried rZI ^iT^''^'' you see, can confer honour upor^ifle:-"'^ great man, comely woman of about fhT ' ^''' """^^-^^^^^^J. -nths, or. to s.e^^^'l f ^ -^ eleven' fo%. She came to annoC! f\ "^''"^ ^^''^y ^^^ '-».ehi.ens,a„dl^:;,XXrar:eet ahle for a single genZ^ f "" »"^' •>» P-tty consider- Mi^ett'-n'irr.:/- ^^^^^ - "^^ °^ p^-^r -iitary cent yet but com;;:e„7slT "^ ^"""""'^ " never shall ! " ^ °'^' ""^ '" a" probability ^- a hearty dinner they remounted to the apart. M II The Rogues' Dictionary. ments Joe emphatically called his own, where he then proceeded to initiate Richmond in those phrases of the noble language of slang usually carried on among thieves and blacklegs, which best served his purpose on the ap- proaching occasion.. The slang part of Richmond's Trinity College education had made him acquainted with some little elementary knowledge which rendered Joe's pre- cepts less strange and abstruse. In this lecture sweet and holy the hours passed away until it became time for him to dress in the highwayman's costume. Joe then took him into the penetralia of his bed-room ; as he did so, Richmond stumbled against an enormous trunk, and Joe hearing the involuntary anathema which this accident conjured up to his lips, said, " Ah, sir ! do oblige me by trying to move that trunk a little one side." T>ichmon a hair. He next opened a dressing case, from which he ^ok sundry powdei., lotions and paints. Nothin.bu h.seKtreme friendship for Blake could ever have°sup ported R,chmond through the operation he then rder- wiiueLTuhTevr!:^^'""- ' r/'^™^" «''=''"'™''. climax. Jo r„rj Mm JY"T " ''"' ''^ "'P ""^ Whe pamp^ inXr ;ra::;lnott' H»^ L \, ™" ''^""'^ » full-length min-or tion, and nc carrieri f7". '"'^®^f "" ^ real transmigra- nc carried to its new boc^y a .article of the ■f^^ i. 266 Vain of Being a Clever TJdef. I ; original one. What a^^peared the most singular waa, that he did not seem even to himself at all a ridiculous-* looking figure, so admirably had the skill of Joe been employed. Richmond overwhelmed him with encomiums, which he took with an easy grace. Never indeed wa^ there a man so vain of being a clever thief. " But my dear fellow," queried Richmond, « why this disguL^o ? Your pals will probably be sufficiently well versed in the mysterious .uetamorphosis, to see even through your arts, and, as they have never beheld me before, it would matter very little if I went in ^opna personcer " True," answered Joe, " but you don't reflect that without disguise you may hereafter be recognised. The members of my club walk in Central Park Lad Broadway as well as yuu, sir, and, in that case, you might be sh-.<-, without a sc >iid to pr^y for your soul." "You hav. convinced me," said Richmond. "Seta thief to catch ^ thief, is among the wisest of the wise sayings." " I trust, sir," said Joe, " that you will hav. no reason to repent of the confidence yo have placed in a man of honor. You may be su- haf l shall do all in my power to effect your object, no onl from that love of virtr^. which is implanted in my heart, when d other or stronger inducements lead me astray, but frot that liiore worldly reminiscence, that the ten thousand dollars we have agreed upon is only to be paid to me in case of success, not merely for well meaning or good attempts. I own that I run great danger, not only of being expelled A Dangerous Errand. 267 from the society but of ]os' does not get ten thousand ZlwTllT' ,^"^"^^^' °»« they rob or steal, which is sol" 1 1 "'*^^"^' ^^^^P^ -n is well accoLplist 7r^ ^^^-us -less a to earn my money honestiv T r * ^' "^^^^^J^. I like Joe now consu'lterh?,oT^ \T ^^ '^ ^'^^-" never deceived and IX f ''^'^' ^^''^ ^e said for a more simple suit, throwing fvl ,^^ !7 ®'^«T' »d gave Richmond a similar 1 il wl' hT 1°"'' ly wrapped himself. Thev th^n V , °'°''- -:%, and Joe let them out '^^ t"^"""'^ '^e stairs ™y, which he alwayst^ed t ^t '""'' '^ " '"'<*- the ca and Joe TL « . """^ ^"^"^^^ '"ward on Richmond' mndrnr '1 "'""'"'"'^ -■»?-»<• any instructions : hilt h tTX^ -"t °''^^^''"" course of their adventure * ^™ ''"" ■" ">« recovering you, frie.^'^^krbTt °" "'J"' ''^ to the most imminent perit" Tol rT^"'' °" ""' promised to conform to the ^° '""^ ^«=^'°°"d faithfully "o"^. When th:;:;*:^';:;;: *''*"' "' "^ '"'"■" one and gav. the ArilT "''"''""^ "^^ ^o'eo'ed o«- it should not tZ:Z "*v' "" "^ '"* ^-^ «-^ they wore in thTTab L ' T' °»™g ""« pwd with the t;:j!i;!^..r^'^!<'-''™-'^ --' parts, and honored' him with"? "' "' '<"'"'«<"'« "■m with « , assurance that in less f If •'III 268 Old Kin. There is it IS no 01 -Unary every sleeping in. case of great to himself and description, one another in the ' our vi^atch-doff )se steps which seem to lead to .11 have to come the difficulty of nd if old Kincj of desperadoes nd I pity those said he a few jpose that our sves; quite the e a society of t clothes, drive ^ Delectable Society. the best ri^s ride flio k l i «■»- k«ep the best clp'nf .7^"' ''T'^- """ -"o- ordmary prig,, «„<, ,,,„„,j ^ to lo „ common with ment become Icnown in the ,„ °"" '"™ P"vate amuse- f«ir chance of being el;,, 7'!'^ ' '""""'^ have a very «oea. The hou,o you aTfoL Iv "'"'""^'"''^ P-'ac- -H of colony we ^,ave ^S il , : '"°''' '» "^" - » swelk like your friend fflat"'' ?' whatever heavy sons amongst us are in dange'r of bio ""''"'"'" P'" they sometimes lie concealed t. "'""f -money. There -e at last shipped off 'Lr T""' "'="^"'-' ^"^ world under an .«^. ^o'^T'^ "'>''»°7'>. or enter the ^ealso send any of our i'/ ^ """ "•''^'^'^ qualms of conscience which are T^ , "" '"'"''^'"^ "th society; there they remafas „ ^'^ *" ^-^^ger the »nuffs out their light. hlZ " ""*'• ™«' 'J^""' , i-ates to any- purpose ij ^r' ''f '""'' "''^ «« ! and serve our own purposls "' "" ^''<'"'i«» J tl.: Sm'i In'; :^ t'' "'■ '' '"^ ^-^- <" gentleman chiefly indulges .'n ^T *''*' '■«'P««toble you have just acquired so .o ^ "'" '■"" which (oompliment to him:and parOvT •""',"'''«'"• ^"^^ » hOopted in our house is'lLr ":T"°"' '''' '''■«'^'=' and you therefore parcel veth '^ ^'^^g Phrases, ("Werly ignorant of a tonje It"?""^ "' "»' h^ing <^nJy the Jan- 270 A Circuitous Route. !p guage of tlie country, but one with which no true boy however high in his profession, is ever unacquainted » ' By the time Joe had finished this speech, the carriage stopped. Richmond looked eagerly out of the window Joe observed the motion and said. " We are not half-way yet;- They then left the carriage, which Joe requested Richmond to pay for, and then walked on some distance before either spoke. At last Joe broke the silence, and said : "Tell me frankly sir, do you know where you are ?" "Not in the least," replied Richuiond ; as he looked wistfully up a long, narrow, doll, ill-lighted street. Joe rolled his sinister eye towards him with a searching and suspicious look, and then turned abruptly to the right - penetrated into a sort of covered way, or court, which terminated in i narrow alley, which brought them suddenly to a stand of two or three cabs, one of these Joe hailed. A secret direction he then gave the cabman and they entered the cab, and drove furiously on, faster than the crazy old ha-^k had ever been driven before Richmond observed that they had now entered a part of the city which was singularly strange to him The houses were old and dilapidated, and for the most part of the meanest description. They appeared to be passing through a labyrinth of lanes and alley... Once he imagined that his eye caught sight (through a sudden opening) of the Hudson River, but they passed so rapidly that his eyes might have deceived him. At length thev stonnPfl fKp «.>1>^q^ — ^ • ^^ 5, ^ --.^-^_„. .,..« v.«,vman waa agaiij diHiuisseti, ' '^ile Quarters 'M a few shilling anprehe"; *' ""'' »^". his .ind, When i^:iZf:::zT'f ''''-' ^-- ''oodon, tumble-down hovell t *"" ^"^ '^'■"''■■y -Wch were on e.the,. sMo ^ fr ? *'^ "^^ "ot^ *here a single iamp shed a silf r'f ' ""'^ >-» ^d and inte«eoting >a„ea 1? t ^^''* "P"" '^o dismal *oke a solitarf sound slt "''* ""^^ footsteps -en the outline of his elp nw! 1 ""'f ^""'^^'^ -'=h ^''er ho strode on through ZTT"^' ''''"''■ How- -«h the mechanical rapWitv f "''''" •'''^■'' ''^^^ «'one was familia, H t ' L "'"; *" "'^°"' ^^-r of human voice, but i, vl ^1."'''^^^ ^ '"' ^""^ »™d those desolate reeesse H " """^ """^ '"^'"■d in tho sound of their orfooWer"" 'T '" "°""'»g ^u" of obscene and unMyl^^^^^."'. '"^ "--'»'" hurst hovel, where infamy L7T T '"'"'' half-closed »d then a wretcheirCbl:! Lt"^ .f-^'- ^O'' »' ''ant and ioath.omene; a 'd ? "'''' '"''"'""> *■» hght of the solitarTlal ;?■ '"'''"''' ''^ '"« their progress with solicfta m'^T ' *""* «'«"-upted , ™n cold. By degrees ev It r *".^"" "''° "'^ "'""'^ (the last lamn „„. .„! ?" .""'™ '"k""'' of life ee«.s.^___ 'hey were in utter 17™;.'"" ""' '"'" ''"" -^rand "6 are now npav m,^ • -"ea^ourjourney-s end," whispered Joe. 272 Near Their Journe'i/a End. At these words a thousand unwelcome reflections forced themselves involuntarily on Richmond's mind. He was about to plunge into the most secret retreat of men whose long habits of villainy and desperate abandon- ment had hardened into a nature which had scarcely a sympathy with his own. He was about to penetrate a concealment upon which their lives perhaps depended. What could he anticipate from their vengeance but the sure hand, deadly bullet, dagger, or knife, which their self-preservation would more than justify to such lawless reasoners ? And who was his companion ? One who literally gloried in the perfection of his nefarious prac- tices, and who, if he had stopped short of the worst enor- mities, seemed neither to disown the principle upon which they were committed nor to balance for a moment be- tween his interest and his consc'ence. Nor did he at- tempt to conceal from Richmond the danger to which he was exposed, much as his daring habits of life, and the good fortune which had attended him, must have hard- ened his nerves. Even he seen. ed fully sensible of ihe peril he incurred, a peril certainly considerably les.s than that which attended Richmond's temerity. Richmond felt anxious to know if the detective of rubicund recol- lection would follow and shadow them, but it was impos- sible he thought that he could have followed them through the dark intricacies which they had plodded, so he gave up that thought, But had he known that the indefatigable detective had sprung with the agility of the chamois from his concealment when they drove off, vi Serioii^ Ruminations. 273 and stuck on to the cab behind where he had the advan- ^go to learn all the instruction, which Joe had gi^oZ achmond during thejourney, and was now only abo^t ten paces fron, them in rear, ho would have raL tonfl deuce to face his unknown enemy. However TwaTno" .me or the indulgence of fear, it wa. rather one o7 os of e" e: diT r'f '"^^""^ °=»"- "^^ --X w^enatrL in -^2!: :L::z:]^:;i:i disposition of ht ;,o'tvr::r Rt'r^' r '" ''■ dence in hi™ . ^ Richmond „ conS- lie There "t""'"'''"" ''^ "'^ "'""P^""" »f '* l.fe. There was that easy and frank boldi-oss and in exei ted, which had nothinrr nf tK^, i . terv nf =„ 4- "°'"'"8 ot the low m?*,is and mys- tery of an ordinary villain, and which, bein.. eauallv prominent with the rascality they ado ned "e^enled t:t"T-t^fl^ ""O" "-« dark^r'shlsof th s ml ; • ^""'"'""'^ '"'■^ » closelyentwined this mans interest with his own, that he felt there cou d -ich^uido.;:::-^^^^^^^ Tonth "^"^ ^"^-l '""'^"'f '» dw.ll .solely upon the more enoouragin^ side of H,. . ■ , .^ undertaken, and .o"'^- ^ enterprise he had comrade silent aid irf T"": °" "'"^ ""^ ^''"'-'^ AtiastJoehaltedlT "'""^ '°'- ^"■^ «™ '°«g- I] H 1 ^^^^^^H ^I^^H ' 1 • ■■l ( 1 H^^9H , ^B ^^^^^^^^l^^ra 1 ' ^^^^^^^^■^P' BBI y. ! i 1 I j 1 I ; ( ;| t 274 Michmond'a Pludk Admired. I'i! ^^ "Are you quite prepared, sir ?^ said he in a whisper. " If your heart fails, in heaven's name let us turn back, for the least evident terror will be as much as your life is worth !" " You have convinced me that I can trust you^ re- plied Richmond softly, "and I have no fears ; my present object is one as strong to me as life, therefore lead on and have no fearg for me." " I would we had a light," rejoined Joe, musingly, " I should like to see your face, but will you dve me v'our hand, sir?" Richmond gave him his hand, and Joe held it in his own for more than a minute, and then exclaimed softly :— "Egad, sir, I wish with all my heart that you were one of us, you would live a brave man and die a game bird, your pulse is like iron and your hand does not sway, no, not so much as to wave the down of a dove's feather, it would be a burning shame if any harm came to so stout a heart. Mark well," continued Joe, in a whisper, " I shall leave the bolts of the front door un- drawn, the door opens with a spring latch which has a knob close to the inner edge of the door. It is easy enough but peculiar. Should you be forced to run for it, you will also remember above all when you are outside of the door to turn to the right and then go straight forward. Now, sir," he whispered, "remember your slang phrases, but talk as little as you can. I have per- sonated you to represent one of our biggest swells whose eiub name is Jim Blinker. He has gone off to Chicago Within the Bastile. 275 this morning ; of his departure the o ';her members of the club are ignorant, therefore you will be able to pass off for hira by attending to the instructions which I have given you, and I will keep old King Cole occupied as well as I can, and perhaps get ^him to bed while you are preparing to release your friend." " All right," replied Richmond, as he looked well to his revolvers and cartridges. " Do exactly as I have directed you," said Joe, "and be sure to sit away from the light, should we be in com- pany." With these words he stooped and bent down, appar- ently in a listening attitude. Presently he tapped three times on what Richmond thought was the wall, and soon after a low voice uttered some sound which Rich- mond could not understand. Joe replied in the same key and in words which were perfectly unintelligible to Richmond. Joe then moved round as if turning a cor- ner and Richmond heard the heavy bolts and bars of a door slowly withdrawn, and in a few moments the heavy door swung back on its massive hinges, and a harsh voice spoke in the thieves' dialect, to which Joe answer- ed in the same slang and they were admitted into a dark passage. " Go for a glim, old King," said Joe, « while I close the gig of the crib." ■ At this order delivered in an authoritative tone, the man mumbling strange oaths to himself moved away. When he was out of hearing Joe whispered to Richmond, 276 Occupants of thelDen. Old Ki„„ o 1 ''''™ '° "■"•' for it." ceased ^ Itt rH;"?"'! ""'> '"^ ''Sht. and J„e »atte;. an3wr;dl the "t "' ''^ '""""^ °' -"h ^ ooeded onwarlLl^ I ;ffi™at>ve. They then pro- openod a sZu d!^^^' f rj^f' 7™! ""'■ "" "" «<"' into a ,a,.ge oha^be, :h : * ■/" -trodueed then. already occupied by eTe Il'of th ™?' "'^^ '"""^ round on benCe., and Tthe 1 '^' ^''° "^^"^ '^'"^ all sound asleen Tb. ' *^«"»"Sly drunk and smoke, andT e Les of 7"" T ''"' "'"^ '"^-"o as the; entered A I„ TZ '''"°'' '"»"'«=^^^d ">«-» tMs rol, .th ^. 'ZalHovr Z^l T^ canters and glasses h«lf n^ f . ^ ^°^^^^«' ^e- --P3 Of eia:::',:f::n,;^^^^^^^^^ -^ *->* . -ith dirty cards .strewn 'il7.Tr' ^eZT T^"' On a large sideboard were varZ bo tl^ .T '"°''- ent liquors ffenerpU,, • '^ °* ""> differ- legs, to,2T:^ZlZT'"°'" ''T' -''' "'«=^- laneousarticlesfort^e „se of 'thT \ "'^^^ ">-^'- They proceeded a short Z wh ' M "' ''^ "'"'• a door which Joo openld T ^ ''"'' ''°PP''^ ''^ --We hy . ,:r; ' — - *-^s.%hted w : oTh /r *■ ^"^*^ ^" " ^^- »-"-■>': - ,-noth.r.»mi,, oeueath which Joe opened a closet iiili Blake's Cell Discovered. 277 and revealed rows of keys hanging on hooks, with num- , bers correspoP'^' ng to the doors to which thev belonjred. " There," said he, " do you think you would have found this closet by the instructions I gave you ?" To which Richmond answered in the negative."" " Ah, sir ! " said he, " men that have been here for years could not find it." Then taking down a key he handed it to Richmond saying, " This is the key of your friend's room, you see it's number twenty." They then proceeded up the passage till they came to another flight of steps which led to a door. " There," said he, pointing at the door, " is Old King Cole's room which I have already [told you of, but I don't know whether ho is gone in there yet or not. I will go down and see if he has yet retired, and see if the coast is clear, while you unlock Blake's room and conduct him through the front passage. to the front hall, where I will wait on the lookout." After this speech Joe departed, and Richmond proceed- ed by a door at the opposite end, which showed him a passage similar in extent and fashion to the one they had left below. At the very extremity of this was the door on the right, number twenty. He then applied the key to the door, and the next moment he was in Blake's cell. No sooner did the latter perceive by the dim light from the hall lamp that it was ••••■ '-•JvLTt-vi, inau hu juaipcu xrom the couch on which he was sitting, and cried out in that peculiar 278 The Thieves' Armory, tone of joy which seems to throw off from the breast a suffocatmg pressure of previous terror and suspense. They embraced each other with feelings of emotion and gladness. Nothing could exceed Blake's transport of joy and gratitude. ^ j j ^ "Oh ! thank God," he exclaimed, in a feeble tone "it IS you at last. I thought you were never coming to re- lease me from this horrid dungeon." " Don't say a word." said Richmond, " until we get out- side of this den of thieves and robbers, if indeed we ever can escape with our lives. Here is a seven shooter which I have brought for you and some ammunition '; we may have yet to encounter some of these rascals, and fight for our lives, before we get clear of this infernal pandemonium" As they were standing in the passage waiting for Joe's return, just opposite the cell vacated by Blake, Richmond leaned accidentally against a door, which gave way • the ordmary consequence, in like cases, is a certain precipita- tion from the centre of gravity. Richmond was not exempt from the general lot, and accordingly entered the room in a manner entirely contrary to that which his natural inclination would have prompted him to adopt. By the light of the hall lamp they were enabled to see the in- tenor of the room, and were much surprised at the sight that met their view. There, arranged on benches, were all sorts of burglars' tools ; and in arm-racks along the walls were disposed in military order, rifles, swords, pis- tols and daggers. From these arms Blake supplied him- seL with a dagger, which he slipped under his coat in A Critical Moment. 279 I case he should want such a weapon. Richmond was al- ready supplied with one, so they locked the door and Richmond put the key in his pocket, which act proved afterwards the saving of their lives, for when the alarm bell rang all the thieves rushed to this room for their arms, when to their consternation they found it locked, and the key gone. Richmond and his companion then proceeded along the passage very cautiously until they saw Joe, who beckoned them on towards him. " They are all asleep," said he, " Jim Blinker as well as the rest ; indeed the old boy has bushed so well at the Cingo, that he sleeps as if his next morrow was the day of judgment. I have also seen that the street door is still unbarred, so that, upon the whole, we have perhaps, as good a chance to-night as we may ever have again. I have also left Jem's doc wide open, so we have nothing to do but creep* through ; as for myself. I am an old file, and could steal my way through a sick man's room, like a sunbeam through a key-hole." " Well," replied Richmond, in the same strain, " I am no elephant, and my dancing master used to tell me that I might tread on a butterfly's wing without brushing off a pellicle or single tint, so now let us be quick, Master Joe." Blake and Joe went first along the narrow passage, Richmond followed, till they came to the chamber of the sleepiuii Jim Blinker. Jop hpnf. oonro,.iv f^. — f- v,~ ten before ,they entered. He then took hold >i Blake's i" r.i '■'llr'iil iSiJ twTT^ 280 Old Jim Blinker. \ I I i i I arm, and beckoning Richmond to follow, stole with a step that the blind mole would not have heard across the room. Carefully did the practised thief veil the candle which he carried in his hand, as he now began to pass by the bed. Blake was so weak and exhausted from starvation dur- ing his imprisonment that he trembled like a leaf, and the tremor of his limbs made his ste|) audible and heavy. Just as they had got half-way past the bed Richmond turned his face \\nvdi Jim Blinker and observed, with a shuddering thriii, Isjh eyes slowly opening, and then fix them on his ''ompaoion. Blake's gaze had been bent in the same directiij). but no sooner had Jim's eyes rested on Blake than he started up, and sat erect in his bed, gazing with mingled wrath and astonishment. That was a fearful moment to them, there they stood, riveted to the spot as though they were spell-bound, for some seconds not kribwing what course to pursue. "Oh ! ho ! my kiddies," cried old Blinker, at last find-, ing his speech, " you are in queer street, I trow ! Plant your stumps. Master Jebo, you are going to steal off Mr. Blake in prime style, eh ! But old Jim stags you, my cove ! Jim stags you ! " Joe looked irresolute for an instant, but the next mo- ment he had decided, and cried out : " Run, run for your lives ! " And he, himself, to whom fear did ind'^'^'^ lend wino-s was out of the room in an instant. Richmond and Blake lost no time in following his ex- The Alarm Sounded. 281 ^im ample, but the vigilant and incensed old rascal Blinker, was too quick for them. He pulled violently at the bell, on which he had already placed his hand. The alarm rang like the echo in a cavern, below, around, far, near, from wall to wall, from chamber to chamber; the sound seemed m-ultiplied and repeated, and in the same breathing point of time he sprang from his bed and attempted to stop Blake just as they had reached the door. With a firm, masculine, ner- vous grip, which showed Herculean streng+h, old Jim Blinker clung to Blake's throat. Their fate seemed fixed, but despair gave them strength and energy, there was no time to think ; with a superhuman effort Blake dashed old Blinker from his grasp, and with one stroke of his clenched fist Richmond felled the ruffian to the ground. " On ! on ! on ! " cried Joe's voicfe as he had already gained the passage, and left the room and stairs in utter darkness. They both then fled down the narrow stairs with all the precipitation the darkness would allow. Behind, among the numerous rooms along the passage they had left, they heard sounds which told too plainly how rapidly the alarm had spread. They gained the passage, at the far end of which hung the lamp, now weak and waning in its sock. . They flew down the passage guided by its faint, glimmering light. The staircase th^y had left shook with the footsteps of their pursuers. They rushed along the passage to a door that Joe had fortu- nately left open, flung it back upon the face of their ?hil IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I Hi 50 ™^» ^ us, u ■yuu 11:25 II I..; !2,5 22 IM 18 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 # ^ iV V> ^Q) V ^^ 282 A Desperate Encounter. advancing f<«, and found themselves in the long narrow thiekeat darkness. As theypa^ed along thi p^ssagra door opened, and two of the gang (one holding a Wht) tned to intercept their flight, but they knocked tC over and darted by them and gained the front dZ gujded by the lantern which lay upon the ground Imagine their dismay when, either through accident or by the des.re of the.r fugitive companion to impede pur- suit, they found it 'unexpectedly closed ! The two villains had now come up to them, and close behind several more of the gang. Providentially for then, however, the pas! sage was extremely narrow, and having had the !Z fortune to lock the room where the arms tore kept, fhey had no fear of Hrearms being used. Therefore the; fell «,nfident of being able to keep the villains at i^/^i Rchmond hit upon the method of springing the latch aa^jo^ winning their escape from the inferLl den „f While Richmond's left hand was employed in feelin. for the spring of the latch, he made good L of his ri^t n assisting Blake to keep their antagonists at a safe lis- ^nce. But two of the ruffians came so close up to thl with daggers in their hands that Eichmond and Blake unultaneously Bred in their face and dropped them close to the door where they stood. This enraged the others them, before they open the door; stab them through and througn. if they get olf we will all be hanged. 'Fight Liberty or Death ! £83 for yer lives boys," were shouted. " Go for shooters, break the door and fetch the arms ! " In the confusion and uproar Richmond had not been able to recall Joe's instructions in springing the latch. But at last, after puzzling his brains he remembered Joe's instructions and hit upon the spring correctly, and to his infinite joy the latch rose and he opened the door but not wide enough for them to escape through the aperture consequent on two of the enemy whom they had shot being lying against the door. The ruffians saw their escape at hand and cried out furiously • "Rush them through, stab them, fell them." With these words the rascals pressed forward. "Stindback, you cowards," cried Richmond, "or I'll fire on the first man that advances." With that the two front fellows made a sudden rush and a stab at Rich- mond and Blake, when they both discharged their re- volvers right into the villains' faces ; they both fell at their feet, the next two also advanced, when they met the same fate. " Have you brought the shooters, Dick Firebrand ? " shouted several rough voices. "No," was the answer, "the armory is locked and the key cannot be found." This caused a tirade of oaths and curses. in," cried several " Oet an axe and smash [the door voices. ' """^no picBHuu iurward, and as quickly were they levelled with the dust by the sure hands and dead- ly bullets of Richmond's and Blake's revolvers. i J." I ,/tt 284 The Pursuit. The move which the rascals thought would prove their destructioD^|)ecame their salvation, the dead and dying lay in piles two deep in the narrow passage, blocking up the hall, and forming a barrier against their further ad- vance. Staggered by the fate that met so many of their companions, they relaxed a little in their efforts, so as to gain strength and to wait for the expected arms whicff an expert had gone to fetch. Richmond seizing the ad- vantage of this momentary confusion, stooped down and pushed the two dead bodies from the door, thereby en- abling him to open the door wide enough to make their escape, while Blake kept his revolver pointed at the fore- most of the enemy if they attempted to advance. Rich- mond then threw wide the door and he and his comrade rushed out just in time, for the bullets from the expect- ed arms came rattling against the door which they closed after they passed out. As they emerged from the den they met the detective of rubicund rocollection with his seven-shooter ready waiting for them at the door. This gave our heroes fresh strength and courage, and minaful of Joe's admonitions, they turned to the right and fled on- ward with a rapidity which bafiled and mocked pursuit, firing at their pursuers and knocking them over as fast as they closed upon them. The robbers having broken open the armory at last, armed themselves and gave chase, but seeing so many of their comrades fall from the sure and steady hands of Richmond and Blake, they gave up the chase, but our heroes and their mulberry- faced friend flew on, continually widening the gap be- Joe Jeho Appears Again. 285 tween them and their enemies ; at last they left the rab- ble far behind, and soon lost sight of them altogether. The dayhght was just dawning, but all was still and silent ; their footsteps smote the solitary sidewalks with a strange and unanswered sound. Nevertheless thouc^h all pursuit had long ceased, they still continued to run on mechanically till faint and breathless they were forc- • ed to pause. They looked round, but could recognize nothmg familiar in the narrow, filthy streets ; even the names of them were to our heroes like an unknown lan- guage. After a brief rest they resumed their wander- ings, and at length came to a stan^ of two or three sleepy cabmen, and after rousing the fronf one they flung themselves into his vehicle and drove to Madison Square, where they parted with the detective, and after paying the cabman hastened to their rooms, and were soon in their beds fast asleep. It must be confessed that they had deserved "tired Nature's sweet restorer" Richmond had not been more than two or three hours in the land of dreams when he was awakened by some one grasping his arm. The events of the previous night were so fresh in his memory that he sprang up as if the knife was at his throat ; his eyes opened upon the peaceful countenance of Mr. Joe Jebo. "Thank heaven, you are safe, sir !" exclaimed Joe «'I had but a very faint hope of finding you here when I came. Why, fi.aid Richmond, rubbing his eyes, " it is very true that I am safe, honest Joe, but I believe I have few B 28G He Demands His Reward, thanks to give you for a circumstance so peculiarly agreeable to myself and my friend. It would have saved us much trouble, and some of your worthy chums their lives, if you had left the door open — instead of shutting myself and my friend up with your aristocratic club, as you are pleased to call it ! " " Very true, sir," replied Joe, and I am extremely soiTy at the accident, but I can assure you, sir, that it was done through utt^r unconsciousness on my part. I had not the remotest idea that the door closed behind me, and I made sure that you and your friend were close to my heels at the time, until I had run on a long way from the house, when I paused in my flight to take breath, and on looking behind, lo ! I beheld you not. Therefore I knew it would be utterly useless to return then, but assuredly I had made up my mind that if you did not escape with your friend last night, that I would take the whole police force to the den this morning, and by turn- ing state evidence have yourself and friend released." I knew that I could be of no earthly use to you last night, and that if they had caught me it was all up with me in this world, for I well know what they are, and how little they think of taking away a man's life." I shall be on the road for Canada in less than three hours. I expect to be there before to-morrow night. Therefore I will thank you to furnish me with the ten thousand dollars at once, as my movements will be uncertain. Where I shall live hereafter is at present uncertain, but I dare say there will be few corners except New York in which I shall not make merry on your bounty*" •Joe Turns (ker a New Leaf. 287 "tou kik lion3en8e, my good fellow," rejoined R.Si, »ond, "never desert a country to which yortalfte do yo„ such credit! Stay her. and reform on yo„?tt housand dollars. If over I accon,plish my own " I will consult youra still further ■ for I ,I,.n T ' think of you with ffratit,.d„ *!, u *'™->'' door in my facT" "^^ ^™ ^''' '''"' "»> "No, air, I could not entertain it for one momenf •> P .ed Joe. ..life u a blessing I would fain ~' few yean, longer, and at present ray soionrn in T v , would put it woefully in danger of ZZZ 7 ■J'"'\ begin to think that a good ohtracter a very frrS/ thing, when not too troublesome and a, T Z '"""■^^'' in New York or in any princ H own in TheT ''' Imayaswell^ake the oxperiLtTn OaJd; Th'"" are some smart rising towns in that rural dUtrl, V «3 the Bay of Quints, or along the 1.^ of h P ""^ Trunk Railway between Montreal andT . ^™'"' think I could establish myselflnd r ' "'^''' ^ 1 purpose going to a tow„':meS::,^f;.''~- «d m that rich and fertile county of pArce Ed" T' that equally smart commercial ciL of bT ^f ^'^' ^ Bay 0. Quints I think in eUh f„f l '""' "" ""^ *^wns there would be a fall oltTf:'''"''™'"^ ente^rise, ability and speculation irer^J:^." """ °^ -:ri^Thri::::if,t:r'r''e-odup your scoundrels' co-m-tT-" f fda.med, "Curse regain my natuml tl ' i • '° ''''"=" ""> ' «ver to g »y natural comple^on ? Look ye, sirmh I You ii 288 0/f to Canada. have painted me with crow's feet around my eyes, as if I were sixty years old, and deep wrinkles each side of my mouth, big enough to engulf all the beauty I ever had ! Why water seems to have no effect upon it whatsoever." " To be sure not, sir," replied Joe calmly, " I should be but a poor dauber if my paints washed off with a wet sponge." " Great heavens ! " cried Richmond, with impatience and a real panic, "you scoundrel ; how in the name of Moses am I to get them washed off? Am I, before I have reached my twenty-second year, to look like a Quaker with a face the length of my arm, or a latterday saint on the wrong side of forty, you rascal ! " "The latter question you can best answer," returned Joe, "but with regard to the former, I have an ointment here, if you will suffer me to apply it, which will remove all other colours than those which nature has so lavishly bestowed upon your manly countenance." With that, Joe produced a small box of unguent, and after a brief submission to his skill, Richmond had the ineffable joy of beholding himself restored once more to his original complexion, which elated his ruffled commo- tion. His toilet being concluded, he sat down and signed a draft on his banker for ten thousand dollars, and hand- ed it to Joe, who thanked him with his usual politeness. " Joe," said Richmond, " when you get settled in Can- ada, I should be glad to hear of your experience and achievements with the Canadians, and how you like that country. I may visit there myself before I return to Europe." Mulberry Seeks His Reward. 289 Joe promised to write and let him know all about himself, the country and the Canadians. They then took an affectionate farewell of each other, and parted. •' Adieu, sir," said Joe, " I depart into a new world, that of honest men ." " If so," replied Richmond, " adieu indeed !, for I sup- pose on this earth we shall never meet again." As Joe was leaving the room he was met by the de- tective of rubicund recollection, who was calling on Rich- mond for the same purpose as Joe, i e., to receive his wages according to agreement. " I think sir," said he, looking after the man of so many virtues," that I have had the pleasure of seeing that gen- tleman before." " Very likely," replied Richmond, " he is a young man of very peculiar abilities and very much about town." Richmond then settled with the mulberry-cheeked de- tective to his entire satisfaction, and they parted with many expressions of friendship, well pleased with each other. Blake was so completely exhausted by the super- human exertions of the previous night, together with being so weak and macerated at the time, for the want of proper food and nourishment during his incarceration in the den of thieves, that he was unable to leave his bed for several weeks, during which time Richmond's unre- mitting attention and assiduity soon restored him to his usual strength and vigour. His money, however, he never recovered, nothwithstanding he and Richmond ac- tf •>', ill 290 •' Off to Dixie." companied by the detective and posse of police went in search of the den. but could not find it or any of the thieves. Whereupon they determined upon leaving New York ; Richmond having his mind fixed upon the pur- chase of a plantation, they both decided on goin^. down South for the double purpose of pleasure and business combined. The steamer for New Orleans was to sail at nine o'clock the following day. They therefore packed their portmanteaus and at the appomted time they were promptly on board, and soon afterwards the vessel swung clear of her moorings along- side the wharf and moved out slowly among the shipping in the harbour. They stood upon the deck inhaling the freshness of the morning air, and enjoying the varied and picturesque scenery that unfolded itself to view as the noble steamer glided swiftly along the coast. Here we will leave them for the present, and return to our heroine. ij CHAPTER VIII. Thk Phisonkhs-Thk Ecssi.n Camp-Pbikce Menchikoff-Thk Cos SACKS' E800UT-THE Prisonkr8-Thb Mahch-Pat MoAvoy Pro ery-Reskrve your fire. Boy8 -The Chase for Lifk- T». \T as our brave trio were being marched as prisoners of war to the rear of the Russian army, and the ex- citementof the battle over with them for t^ Mme being- it was found.by the dripping of blood as .h^ marched along that Sergeant Clanronald and Pat McAvoy had been wounded, the former by a lance thrust in the shoulder, and the latter by a sabre cut on the head which they took no notice of during the excitement of battle. But now as they rode along it became painfully evident that they were getting faint from the loss of blood. Sergeant Eyre, our heroine, was the first to de- tect the blood oozing from their wounds, and immediate- ly requested the officer in charge of the party to allow him to dress their wounds, to which he very reluctantly 291 M " i The Trio lochd Up. compliod. After our heroine h„d staunched and bound up the wounds with a bandage which she carried with her for such emergencies, they resumed their march. As hey rode along, the roar of big guns, the crackling „f musketry, the rumbling noise of artillery and ambulance waggons, wore deafening. They moved slowly, as the waggons were loaded with wounded soldiers. It was a sad and frightful sncctacls to «„. ti, o »ui 8|)cctacie to see these poor wounded Russians as they were crammed together side by side in the waggon their ghastly wounds opening with every motion the vehicle, while their wan, pale faces we™ convulsed wth agony and suffering. Of every rank from the captain to the humble private, and from every arm of the service, from the heavy dragoon to the i-olish lancer, they were there in heaps. On arrival at the Rus- sian camp our trio were confined in one small compart- ment by themselves with a sentry before their doorf and without the slightest pretence of furniture or beddin., of any description, save three dirty gray blanketa which ThTh T ;t ''T ^ " -edy-lookiug Russian soldier. their doubtful appearance, and were therefore obliged to wrap heir martial cloaks around them, and sleep on the bare, damp earthen floor or walk about in their cell dur- ing the night. At daybreak next morning the deep full soun the Russian bugles announce! the Z^. Forgetful of where they were, they jumped up from the floor where they had stretched to rest their weary limbs, and r„.,hod to the hole that served for a window Tlie Prisoners Visited. 293 Tho prospect before them at onco .veiled to ti.eir mom- ory that tl.ey were prisoners in the Russian camp on the north side of Sehastopol. _ Fresh arrivals of wounded Russians continued to pour m from the battle-field, and the moans of the wounded and dyng soldiers were heart-rending. The surgeons weresobusUy occupied amputating legs and arms that Sergeant C anronalds and Pat McAvoy's wounds were totally neglected by them, but thanks to Sergeant Eyre our herome), whose skill and attention soon restored them to their former health, and at the end of five weeks their wounds were almost healed. Our heroine being flush with money, was enabled to bribe the Rus- sian soldiers to furnish thommany luxuries, which other- wise they could not procure; by this means she was able to nourish het patients, and restore them to their ori.-in- al strength. *= the wall already mentioned, watching the Russians with an eager eye, they heard the tramp of horsemen comi„» Wards them which consisted often or twelve cava! hem r.!r ^ ""' ":'' r ' ^'■""■'"^ ""'f"™^- •'-poke out and the sentry presented arms. This left no doubt upon their mmds but that some officer of superior rank was amongst them. Soon afterwards, however, they 'ZLt'ZTZZll' '""' '-'"' "'^ ■"-^^' '»'"' , and ihe next moment an officer in staff unl- form accompanied by an officer and six privates made 294 Prince MenchiJcoff: their appearance. The officer entered their cell and bowed politely as he advanced towards them, and re- questd they should follow him. Then they were marched into another hut a few yards from where they had been confined. On entering they noticed a handsome military man of about forty years sitting at a table in the middle of the room, engaged in writing. They judged from his general appearance, the amount of gold lace on his uniform, and the number of stars and orders with which his breast was decorated, that it was no other than Prince Menchikoff before whom they stood. About a dozen of his staflf officers stood round him chapeax in hand. As the prisoners en- tered, the Prince (for it was he who sat at the table) and all his staff gazed with admiration on the three noble specimens of British cavalry. After feasting their eyes on the trio, the Prince then addressed them as became His Royal Highness, and asked to what corps they belonged. To which Sergeant Clanronald answered in a soldierly manner. He then asked several questions of much military importance concerning the strength, position, the sort of arms used by the British army, and how they were off for rations and clothing, and many other questions of a like nature, to which Sergeant Clanronald and his com- rades declined to answer, but politely replied that they did not feel at liberty to give such information. TV cii, aaiu thu Irnnce, ir you do not answer my questions candidly, I will have to send you to St. Peters- Off to St. Petersburg. 295 burg, the capital of the empire, there to be imprisoned during the pleasure of our venerable and much beloved and mighty father the Czar of all the Russias." To this decree the prisoners answered not a word. " Captain Orandoff," said the Prince, " let the prisoners be marched off at five o'clock to-morrow morning under a strong escort for St. Petersburg. The officer assented with a profound bo\>, and the prisoners were then marched back to their cell. At an early hour next morning a Cossack officer strode into their cell and informed them that they were to march immediately for St. Petersburg. He was a thorough specimen of the Cossack lancer, yet a good- natured fellow, but who firmly believed that Russia was the greatest nation on the face of the earth, and the Czar the climax of the Russians. The prisoners were well pleased at their removal from the hovel in which they had been so long incarcerated, and were soon in their saddles, guarded by an escort of Cossack lancers, which consisted oi one officer, one sergeant and six privates. Having been inspected by a superior officer, they were marched off. As they marched along, the road which had been broken up by heavy guns, and ploughed up by artillery, cavalry and infantry, was al- most impassable. They could distinctly hear the roar of the heavy siege guns as the opposing armies replied to each other, while to their right they could plainly see the interminable white canvas tents of the British army in the distance. They rode forward at a trot, but in the i , f: W Pat McAvoi/'s Plan. deep clayey soil, the horses sunk to their fetlocks at each step. The three prisoners rode side by side, and there- fore were enabled to converse without being understood by their Cossack escort. As they drew near the Russian Bazaar, Pat. McAvoy, whose mind had been preoccupied in concocting plans of escape, had now commenced to enlighten the two sergeants on the subject. "Begorra sergeant," said he, "its raeself that's been thinking an' planning, how we can make our escape from these thi 'in' Rooshans." " What IS your plan, Pat ? " queried Sergeant Clan- ronald. " Well, sergeant avick," replied Pat, " aisy a while an I'll be afther tellin' ye. Its loike this, as we pass through the Russian Bazaar ye must ax lave of the officer to purchase some purvisions at one of the stores, an' be the way of good nature ye can thrate the officer an' escort to some av their native tangle-leg, for ye know that these Russians are moighty fond av liquor, an' while yer thrat- in' them I'll purchase a sufficient quantity av the same sort av fluid to set the whole av the thieves dhrunk to-nirrht. an' when we get f^em asleep we can make our escape. Therefore as we pursue our journey we must take the lie av the country so as to enable us to find our road to- night in the dark, af we can succeed in giving them the shlip, d'ye mind ? " " Pat," replied Sergeant Clanronald, " I am proud of the country that gave you birth. It's only an Irishman that would propose such a courageous undertaking. We Irish "Mountain J)ew:* 297 will aid and abet you to the utmost of our power and ability to carry out your plan, and frustrate these semi- savages." "Ah, then more power to both av ye." replied Pat. "Sure I well knew that the rale ould Irish blood wor in yer vains, an' wid the help of God we'll put the cum- hither on these haythens afore mornin'." As they marched through the bazaar Pat's sharp eye detected a large liquor store, with the words, "Kinahan's Irish Whiskey." painted in large letters on the window. " Be jabors." exclaimed Pat, " here's where they sell the rale ould stuff itself sure it does me heart good to see the name av Irish whiskey in these foreign parts, but to taste m a hathen country loike this goes beyond my com- prehension entirely. Sergeant, avick. ax the officer to halt the party while we test it, for the sake av ould Ire- land." Accordingly Sergeant Clanronald requested that official to allow them to purchase some groceries and other necessaries for the line of march, and also invited himself and escort to have some drink and refreshments to which he gladly acceded. While they were getting their spirits up by pouring spirits down. Pat had purchased a sufficient quantity of tangle-leg (as he chose to call it) to set the whole escort drunk that night. The party having indulged freely at our heroine's expense (for she had supplied Pat with funds for such emergencies), they mounted their horses feeling in the best of spirits from the quantity of spirits imbibed, and resumed their march. Although the three prisoners appeared equally s^ much i • n 'J • .i , ( ■ (, • 1 n \i m Ml rgs Pat Plays His Cards. Under the influence of liquor as their escort, yet neithei* of the two sergeants had scarcely swallowed any of the soul-stirring element; but Pat was not so, he paid deep i-espect to the whiskey-flask and partook of a sufficient quantity to bring out his native Irish wit and humor and gesticulations with which he had the Cossack escort in roars of laughter during the remainder of the day's ttiarch • whenever they flagged he handed round his flask to help themselves, which they freely accepted and drank heartily. '' Now, sergeant," said Pat, "ye see them crass roads fornint ye ? " The sergeant assented, " Well, if ye do, well an' good ; that road on yer right leads to )3alaklava, and crasses the Worenzoff' road on the left bank of the Tcher- naya river, just the other side av that mountain ye see ^over beyant to yer right. I know that same road well ■ enough an' so ought ye too for the matter av that. Ye must remember the day when Lord Cardigan took the light brigade acrass that mountain on a reconnoissance, : an' more betoken a purty severe brush we had that day wid General Luder's advance guard." " Yes," replied the sergeant, " I rocollect that memor- rable day well, Tor we lost a brave officer and six troop- ' ers on that occasion." "Ah ! then be me soul 'tis true for ye, we did that f same, and more wor the pity," replied Pat, "hewora brave soldier sure enough. I ought to know him, seeing that he wor the captain of my own troop, poor Captain -Howard i it's himself that wor well loiked in the regiment, On The March. 299 ofTh: , V ' "' '"° '■'S P'"" '^«'^^. one on each side of the road where we'll have to tu™. do ye pensave !" notic!:, trtt':;.:r"' " -^ -- -^^^^^<^ "All right then," said Pat, "he the piper that played afore Moses, my name isn't Pat Moa" av we dl't r aTo ""iT'r '-' "'' '"' ""■■ '--'^ "fo'-oTn- ing Af^er we halt for the night, wherever it may be we must ush these murtherin' hathens well, so that thly may sleep soundly. I have got a plentiful supply of thi needful for their delicate appetites. Sergeant cLnro„lld hi: heOos*".''^ "''°''' ^°' «-^-^%-you „ help the Cossack sergeant wid adhrop of the crathur. an' avidont attend to the privates ye may call me an aumathme I" ■^ ™ "AH right. Pat," said the sergeant, "you may rely upon us to act our part to your entire satisfaction'^ "^ Ah then," said Pat, " be me soul it's myself that knows that same." '' "But supposing that they lock us up i„ a room" quened Sergeant Eyre, "what are we to do in tha't llrnild US fur the mght, Vll be yer bail. Hovvsomever, ^e'll be bether able to jidge av that same, when up our bivouae fur the niffht." we take 11 !l 300 ''Five Thousand Killed and Wounded." As they rode along in the midst of the escort, they could not help remarking the effect the liquor had taken on the Cossacks, and the good-natured smile that over- spread their weather-beaten faces. The spirit of excited gaiety prevaded the whole party, as they watched the humorsome manner that Pat would pull out a skin of rnm from the breast of his tunic, and then pass it round freely to the Cossacks, from hand to hand, and jests and jokes passed from one to the other. From the Cossack officer they learned that the Russians had really been beaten at Balaklava the day they were taken prisoners, and had fallen back behind the heights, where they are now encamped. " They are, however" said he, " preparing for another attack on your lines, when we hope to retrieve our fortune." " Bah," said Hubert laughing, "what could you do against the Bi-itish army ; you do not expect to beat us surely ? " " Ah ! " said he, " the Prince is enraged with General Laprandi for having retreated that day at the battle of Balaklava ; he says he could have advanced upon your cavalry after the charge. As it was, your columns gob away without much loss. Ah ! that was a fine charge." •' These words he muttered to himself, adding between, his teeth, five thousand killed and wounded." " What was that you said ? who were they ? " queried Hubert. "Our fellows," replied he frankly, "your cavalry swept !Die Old Watch-Bouse. 301 over us as if we were a mass of broken infantry or rebels, you have seen the number of dead and wounded as you passed along from the battle-field the day your- self and two companions were taken. That was the result of your terrible charrre." Hubert and his two comra^les could not restrain an outburst of triumphant pleasure at this heroic feat of their gallant comrades in arms. " Yes, yes," said the officer, " it was a gallant charge, but a heavy reckoning is at hand, mark me. But come along now, let us trot, the sun is getting low, and we have ten miles to march yet," They rode along at a brisk pace for about an hour, when they came to the foot of a steep hill, and as they mounted the high ridge the sun was just setting, when the officer pointed at a two-story house which, standing alone in the distant plain, commanded an extensive view on every side of it for miles around. " There," said he, " we are to halt and rest for the night." Hubert, seeing that they were so near their halting place, and mindful of Pat's injunctions, produced his flask, handed it to the officer, and politely invited him to help himself, which that cavalier gladly accepted, and clearly demonstrated his taste for the soul-stirring element, by the vacuum visible in the flask on its return to its owner. Our heroine and Pat were not backward in helping their Cossack escort to partake freely of their hypochondriac, and by the time they had reached the old watch-honse, S f ■ 302 The Cossack Escort Ilors-de-Comhat. for such it was, they were pretty well corned. On arrival they dismounted, groomed, fed and watered their horses, during which time the three prisoners were tak- ing a perspective plan of the house and its surroundings On ascertaining from the officer that their quarters were to be on the second floor, they lost no time in making the Cossack escort drunk before retirinfr for the niidit While they were boozing and carousing Pat slipped out, walked round the yard and stables where he possessed himself of; an old axe, a bill-hook and some rope halters, which he secreted under his cloak. The officer cunnino-- ly enough, on finding that the liquor was getting the upper hand of himself and his escort, ordered the three prisoners to their room. Before going, however, Pat left his skins of rum, unintentionally as it were, on the table, and hung up their three water-bottles, which were partly full of liquor, where the Cossacks would be sure to find them, well knowing that they would help them- selves. The officer and sergeant having shewn the prison- ers to their room, locked and bolted the door on the out- side, placing a sentry with a drawn sword on the outside to guard the three unfortunates. This done they went down stairs and continued their libations, sinffin-j- and carousing until they all fell down drunk, and shortly afterwards their nasal organs belched forth such inhar- monious sounds as to indicate very perceptibly that their owners were sound asleep. After the officer had locked the door, the prisoners examined their quarters and found that it was almost impossible to make their "Faint Heart Kevev Won Fair Lachj." 30;] escape. The c]o.,r w.s .solid oak. an-l thorouglily secured by strong, iron l,olr,s. The .s.nall and only window was aisohnnly secm-.l l.y strong, iron bars. After survey- inc. the a,.urt,n,.„t, and exa.nininj. the door and win.low they were, sii..nr, and looked at eac. otiier with a de- spairino- cou„t.Ma,ice fur suM.e seconds before either .spoke At last Pat broke the silence and exclain.ed, " Be jabers thisisastronghould an' no mistake, I never dreamt av bein confined in such a fortress as this ! But howsom- ever the ould saying 'pears to be true enough, that 'faint heart never won fair lady.' " At this quotation of Pat's our heroine could not re- frain from smilino-. Pat then took off his cloak and exhibited the rope-hal- ters the axe and the bill-hook wliich he secure.l under his cloak while out in the stable-yard. He then put out his head between the bars of the window to ascertain how far they were from the ground; tlie moon was shin- ing brightly so that he could plainly see that they were a great height from terra firma. He then contrived a rope out of the halters and their three blankets sufhci- ently long enough to reach the ground. _" Now," said he, " af I can get a couple av bars off the wmdy. I think we will be able to make our escape. But before we commence operations we must ascertain that they are all asleep, for I know they are all drunk, an' when wanst asleep Pll be yer bail it'll be hard to waken m Accordingly they listened at the door; they could hear 804 Pat^a tngenidty. the sentry stagger about tlie hall, and the carousing flown stairs growing fainter and fainter, at last after waiting a while longer the noise ceased altogether, and a short time afterwards they heard the sentry fall down, and soon had the consolation of hearing him give lucid demonstrations of being in the land of dreams. Pat then went to work with the bill-hook and axe, and by strength and persever- ance inside of an hour he had removed two of the iron bars from the window. The opening thus left was just sufficient to* admit of a man's body passing through. Having secured the rope to one of the remaining bars, Pat was enabled to pass out feet first and slide down the Tope. But before he left the room, it was decided that in case he should not be able to procure a ladder, that the two sergeants were also to escape through the window. When Pat reached the ground he started in search of a ladder, but not finding one stood under the window and informed his comrades of the fact, whereupon the two sergeants escaped through the window and slid down the rope in safety. They then went around to the front, aud peeped through the window at the Cossacks ; everythino- inside was quiet except the simultaneous sounds of their nasal organs, which gave satisfactary evidence that the inmates were in the land of Nod. Pat then raised the latch, and entered softly with a step like that of a creeping panther, possessing himself of three sets of arms and ac- coutrements which he handed to the sergeants who stood outside as receivers. He then secured their own three water-bottles, and haversacks, taking in his hand the old ing flown waiting a hort time soon had istrations to work persever- P the iron was just through. ling bars, down the ided that that the window. arch of a idow and the two lown the ront, and erything I of their that the ;he latch> creeping 3 and ac- ho stood wn three i the old TBE ESCAPE PEOM THE 01 D WATCH-HOUSE. 306 On the Road to Lihm^ lantern wliieli stood sinouMcringon the table. The little noi.se he made was drown(Ml by the chorus of the sleep- ers, who lay promiscuously around the loom, He then closed the door gently and locked it. They then hasten- ed to the stables-saddled and bridled their own three chargers, put out the lamp, mounted and moved off stealthily from the house until they got out of ear-shot from the Cossacks, when they gathered speed and rode along at a topping pace until they reached the two large pine trees at the cross-roads already mentioned, when they turned ort' the main road, and struck on to an un- frequented one, leaving Sebastopol on their right and Balaklava straight before them. On qiPHing the main road they slackened speed in order to rest their horses. Huge masses of fog-like vapour were fast succeeding the bright, cloudless night, but one by one, they moved on- wards towards the sea, disclosing as they passed the darkly shadowed mountains which closed the back-ground loom- ing even higher than they really were, while their summits were tippe.; with the silvery rays of the declining moon. On reaching the foot of a steep hill they halted for a short time and dismounted in order to rest c-,.d water their horses at a clear stream by the way -side. Here they examined their water-bottles and found that two were empty, the Cossacks having guzzled their contents and i. -.- than half the third, a« well as two skins of rum. " Faith," said .a,n. " - '•• iucky for us that the thieves - have left us a d m-n '11 at all. ^M A Night View of the Theatre of As he spokf) he applied the bottle to h W (tr. 307 I , , , , . , • - Jus month am helped hnus.a, thon handed to Sergeant Eyre (our hero- ine.) " I (ore ser-cant avick," said he. take a gallo-ue av thH It 11 be afther warnnu' the cockles uv yer° heart afoiv wo start up this big hill." "No, thanks. Pat." replied the sergeant, " I could not touch It for the world." "The dear knows," rejoined Pat. "one would think you wor a young lady, you are so particular about tastin' a drop av the blessed spirits." Pat's remark caused our heroine to smile instinctively "Here Ser-eant Hubert," said Pat. handing him the' bottle. " help yourself. I know that you won't refuse a drop this cowld night, sure it'll keep the life in ye." Hubert took the bottle and helped himself to a little, as the night was cold and damp. They then fdled the empty bottles with the blessed clear water from the stream, mounted their horses an.l proceeded slowly up the hill. On reaching its summit the waning moon was f;.st sinking below the horizon leaving the sole vS.e of mother earth to the myriads of tv/.nkling stars. The watch-fires of the Russians who occupied the mountain ridge along the valley of the Tchernaya River, the shells of the opposing armies as they described a circle in the air. and the lurid Hashes of big guns and bursting of shells, were clearly visible while the booming of cannon and vollies of musketry told them plainly that a fi.rce battle was xaging towards Sebastopol. They halted to gaze with awe and profounu »'.[} m m 't,l 308 The Prisor.ers Hold a Council of War. ad™„.at.on at the sublimity of the panorama now before hen,; the p„n.te,.;., .kill fails to in.part an idea of it, and the water eols incompetent to describe its grandeur in the vernncukr with such vividness and force of language ^ to brn.g out the details of such picturesque and pecuhar scenery with sufficient clearness as to do it )ust,ce m the reader's imagination. I will therefore leave It to him to conjecture. They then held a council of war, and decided that it was nnposs^ble to escape to the British lines without feeding and resting their horses, besides, they were very much in need of rest and sleep themselves; they walked on slowly talking the matter over, until Pat's sharp eye caught sight of a white house nestled among a clump of pme trees about a hundred yards from the road, with an avenue leading up to it. "Begorrr comrades," exclaimed Pat, pointing with hi« hand, "look there d've see a hnn.^ ' L beyant?" « ">e see a house mong them trees "VVhere, where ?" cried the sergeants eagerly. There, said he, still pointing with his hand, "can't ye " ^es yes ! we can see it now," exclaimed the two sergeants simultaneously. milhTv"" u'™ 7' """ ""' «°'"'-" "'''^ P'"- " i»'t that murhty obl,gn.g for that house to meet us here, just when we want it. Let us ride up to it an' rouse C people, sure we can rest for a couple av hours an'feeci our horses auj-how," " God Save All Here" 309 "Maybe they'ud'nt have tlie heart to refuse beniglited strangers lodgings such a late hour of the night as'' this. Ye who talk the Rooshan language can tell them that we're apostles av the Greek church goin' on a pilgrinia-e to the shrine av St. Spero. The Rooshans are micdity superstitious an' they'll only be too glad av havin' such pious pilgrims as ouiselves under the same roof with them. I wish I could spake the Rooshan languac^e, I'll be yer bail I'd be afther tellin' them plenty ar^'how, divil a lie in it." They rode up to the house, Pat dismounted and knocked at the door, but no answer; he repeated it several times without success, at last he raised the latch, the door opened and in he went, " God' save all here." sail he as he entered, but there was no answer. "Be the lace-o-my-coat ! what heavy sleepers ye are in these foreign parts," said he. as he struck a match, and lit a candle, which he had the fore- thought to purchase at the bazaar the same time as the whiskey, when to his surprise he found the house empty. He then went and informed his comrades, when they dismounted, and the trio took possession of the house yro tern., putting their horses in one room and occupying another themselves. After feeding and at- tendmg to their horses, and partaking of a slight lunch- eon, and a drink of cold water (Pat of course helping himself to a drop of something else to keep out the cold), they wrapped their martial cloaks around them ftnd stretched themselves on the floor with their valises 1^ in 310 "One Struggle More." under their heads, and were soon in the arms of Morpheus —tired nature's sweet restorer. The sun was sheddin^^ his bright, warm rays in at the window next morninc? when they awoke, gave a stretch, a yawn, jumped up and rubbed their eyes. " Be-the-lace-o-my-coat!" ex- claimed Pat, " we've overslept ourselves as sure as my name is Pat McAvoy ! " "No matter" replied Hubert, "we were tired, and now we are refrcslied, and capable of fighting our way through the Russian lines, if forced to do so." " Be my sowl, sergeant," said Pat, "yer just shoutin', divil a lie in it." " Here, Pat," said Sergeant Eyre, our heroine, stretch- ing out her hand with a towel wrapped round it, "spill some water on this towel till I wipe my face a little, for I feel half asleep yet." " Ah, then avick machree," replied Pat, " sure I'll be after do in' that same for ye." While the two sergeants were wiping their faces with a wet towel Pat was cleaning and feeding the horses. That duty being performed, they partook of a little breakfast from their haversacks and washed it down with a drink of water, Pat, as usual, taking the soft taste off the water with a little rum. Breakfast over, they looked well to their arms and amunition, brought their horses out, tightened their girths, mounted like one man and rode off As they proceeded down the side of the steep mountain they had a perfect view of the Rus- sian camp on the side of the opposite hill. Two hours' "Reserve Your Fire, Boys." sil ride brought them within two hundred paces of the old bridge which they had expected to cross in safety but to their surprise and confusion they beheld a Cossack vidette in front of some tents by the wayside between them and the bridge, they then knew that there must be a strong picquet there. They saw also on their left a httle cloud of dust, and heard the clatter of hoofs as a doz'.i: mounted Cossacks dashed across the level space from the south, led by a sergeant; they were approachino- at a rapid pace. The fates seemed against our trio ; thei^ was no time to spare nor to think. Nothing but a des- perate attempt at flight was left them. The picquet in front had also detected the three British Hussars advanc- ing along the road, and were already fast closino- on them. ° " Reserve your fire, boys," cried Hubert, « until we are cornered, and make straight for the river, forward !" With these words away they flew as fast as their horses could run towards the Tchernaya river, opposite Inkerman, pursued by the Cossacks on each flank On on, on dashed the brave trio. It was a race for life' Ping, ping, ping, went Cossack bullets past them but they took no notice of them, but continued their lliaht as fast as their noble steeds could bear them The ground flies beneath their horses' feet, they roach the bank of the river, they dash into the stream and swim to the other side. Thickly flow the bullets tearing, the ark waters into foam as they crossed. On reachin'r the bank in safety they saw that their pursuers had"also iri V e4 I : P4 o Fh M ta of te in de fu ef ti ec m C ec 01 bi fr ai ti tl V, 111 I ; !i Pi o n iT/ie Zouaves to the Meacue. S13 taken the stream, when the trio wheeled round by word of command from Sergeant Clanronald and delivered a telling volley at the foremost of the advancing foe, knock- ing three of them over. This sudden shock somewhat deterred their pursuers. Taking advantage of their con- fusion our trie drew their pistols and fired again with effect, and continued to load as they retired. By this time a picquet of the French Zouaves who had witness- ed the chase from their redoubt on the heights of Inker- man, ran to their rescue and just arrived as part of the Cossacks were emerging from the water, when they open- ed such a hot iire upon them that all who were not killed or wounded turned to the right about and skedaddled back as fast as they came. Thus our brave trio escaped from the thraldom of Prince Menchikoff and that potent despot, the Czar of all the Russias. Hubert addressed the Zouaves in their own language, and thanked them most graciously for their timely assis- tance on that most auspicious occasion, and finished off by proudly and politely raising their busbies high above their heads with three cheers of Five Francais, and Vive VHmpereur, to which the French responded heartily by waving their chapeaux high in the air, with vociferous cheers of bono Anglais, and bono Victoria ! Amid much cheering, bowing and raising of chapeaux our trio rode off towards the British light cavalry camp near Kadiki, to join their squadrons. Great was their joy as they rode through the French lines, and be- held their own countrymen in dense columns of infantry 314 Safe Arriva? in Camp. alternating with squadrons of cavalry, or parks of artil- lery, the bright steel of the British cohnuns glittering in the sun as they performed their field evolutions in *the open space between their camps. On arrival at the light cavalry camp they rode to a group of their own officers who stood gaily chatting and laughing together before their lines. . They halted within a few paces of the group, when Hubert moved forward and, perceiving the adjutant, saluted him; and reported the escape of himself and com- rades from the Russians. The officers having heard the news, gathered around and greeted the new arrivals, whom every body believed to have been killed at the celebrated light cavalry charge, but now seeing them safe, and alive, their joy and admiration knew no bounds. The commanding officer being in the orderly-room tent at the time, the adjutant conducted the trio before him, and reported their escape from the Russian camp. ' The colonel was agreeably surprised at their appearance, and complimented them on their bravery in a very flattering manner, then addressed the two officers whose lives they had saved at the celebrated light cavalry charge, and afterwards with Pat McAvoy's assistance, rescued from the Russians, who were marching them off the field prisoners of war. "Are those the two sergeants whose bravery and gal- • lant conduct at the memorable charge you have spoken so highly of, the details of which have already been rot in writing to the Field Mciishal ? » aporfced "Ko, in Troth, Yer Honor." 315 :.s of artil- itterinsT in ms in the il at the their own ; together up, when adjutant, and com- leard the lis, whom elebrated safe, and d.s. The nt at the Win, and ip. The nee, and tattering ves they rge, and led from •he field md gal- oken so oporfced " The same, colonel," replied both officers, " but as they were reported killed, there was no more notice taken of the matter then, but now, sir, as they have turned up alive and well, we hope their gallant conduct on that oc- casion will not be overlooked." "Certainly not," replied the colonel, " I am not only too thankful to have such brave non-commissioned officers and men in my regiment, but am proud to have the honour of reporting their gallantry to Lord il iglan. I shall forward the report at once to the Commander-in- Chief." He then questioned Hubert concjrning their cap- ture by the Russians, and how they had succeeded in making their escape, which Hubert answered, as I have already related, but with such an ease and grace as to confirm the colonel and officers in their high opinion of his birth and education. He then asked Sergeant Eyre, (our heroine) several questions which were answered in a similar manner, and to his entire satisfaction. He then said, " Pat McAvoy," as he rea' '" '"=1'»1 wi'M I wor only the ho.ghtavyer knee, till I grew up a brave lump av 322 Pat and the Cockney Flunkey. I 1 a gorsoon, but divil a thing I could lam but to ride asses an' mules. At last young Miles O'Grady took a loikin' to me on account of my smartness 'mong horses. He took me wid him to all the fairs an' markets to help to sell an' buy horses. One time he bought a pair of ould stagers for little or nothin', that drew Bianconi's car from Dublin to Sligo for many a long year. He groomed an' fixed them up for a couple av' months, and then took them up to Dublin for to sell as a brave team av' car- riage horses. ' " Miles himself wor as fine lookin' a young man at the time as ever got into a saddle. Well, if he was well and good, one day says he to me, ' Pat I am goin' out for a ride, an' I want you to dress yourself sprucely, an' follow me at twenty paces, wid Timbletoes, (that was the name av the horse I rode.)' ' All right master, I'm yer man,' re- plied I, As he were ridin' round Merrion Square an' I after him wid my corduroys and top-boots, au' by the same token my master wor forty pound woise nar nothin," but no matter for that ; ye see luck wor afore him. What do ye think, but a richly dressed livery servant came out an' stopped meself an' axed whose servant 1 was. ' Why then,' says I, ' bad luck to ye for a spalpeen, what a question do ye ax, an' ye having eyes in yer head ! Hard feed in' to ye for a vagabone, don't ye see I'm my master's ?' The Englishman laughed (for he wor a a cockney flunkey). ' I know that, Paddy,' says he, fur they call us all Paddies, as if we had only the one name among us, the thieves. "But I wish to know his name,' says he. It Buns in the Blood. 323 " * Ye do/ says I, ' an' by the powers but ye must tell me which side of the head ye'd wish to hear it on.' '" Oh ! as for that,' says the flunkey, not up to what I meant, ' ye see I don't care much, Paddy, only let me know it, an' where he lives.' " ' Just keepyer ground then,' says I, 'till I alight from this blood horse av mine, (the old garron not worth forty shillins',) and I'll be afther tellin' ye.' So down I gets, an' lays the flunkey sprawlin' in the middle av the road. ' Take that ye vagabone,' says I, ' an' it'll larn ye to call people by their right name again. I was christened as well as you, my name is Pat, there's none av yer Paddies about me, d'ye mind.' "'All this time the lady worlookin'out av the windy, breakin'her heart laughin' at myself an' the servant, but behould she knew a thing or two it seems, for instead av sendin' a man any more at all at all, what does she do but sends her maid, a very purty girl, who comes up put- tin' the same question to me. What's his name avourneen ? ' says I, meltin' to be sure, at the sight av her ! 'Why then darlin' who could refuse yer smilin' sweet fac3 anything. But, ye jewel, be the hoky, ye must bribe me, or I'm dumb,' says I. '"How could I bribe you?' says she, with a sweet smile— for I was a good-lookin' slip of a young fellow at the time, not all as one as now. "Til show you that,' says T, 'if ye tell me where ye live, but for fear ye'd forget it with them two ruby lips av yer own, me darlin,' says I, givin' her a alusther av a kiss that ye could hear across the road. 324 P^ggy McGidnness. Come behave yourself, young man/ says she, as she wiped her lips with the corner of her white apron, 'don't make so free till yer better acquainted. If ye want to know where I live,' says she, pointin' with her finger 'there in that great house. My mistress is one of the beautifulest an' richest young ladies in Dublin, an' she wishes to know where yer master can be heard av.' "'Well, acushla,' says I, 'ye've a purty an' innocent- lookin' face, but I'm tould there's many a trap in Dublin well baited. Just only run over while I'm lookin' at ye, • an' let me see that purty face av yours smilin' at me out av the windy that the young lady is peepin' at us from.' " This was done by a good deal of persuasion. " My master, thought I, while she was gone will aisily ' find ouL what kind av a house it is anyhow. In a short time I saw her in the windy, an' I then gave her a sign to come down to me again.' "' My master,' says I, afther she ha(i returned, 'never was afeard to show his face, or tell his name to any one. He's a might sergeant in a great* militia regiment ; he shot several men in his time, an' the 3's not a gentleman in the whole country he lives in that dare say boo to him. And now what's yer own name, ye flatherin' little blackguard,' '^ays I. " ' My name is Peggy McGuinness,' says she. "'An' next what's yer mistress' name, my dailin',' says I. 'J'here it is,' says she, hand in' me a card. (I t How Pat Got Jilted. Yery well my dear,' says I, lookin' at 325 it wiJ a cfreat air, makin' out that I could read, ' this will just do my sweet colleen •"Do ye read with the wrong side of the print up- wards, says she, witli a smile that revealed a purty dimple m her cherry cheeks. " ' Up or down,' says I, ' sure it's allone to me, but any- how, I m left handed ye little deluder.' "But to make a long story short, the upsliot of it was that her mistress turned out to be a great heiress, an' a great beauty, an' herseK an' Miles O'Grady got married in less than a month. "Myself wor payin' my respects to Miss Peo-ay McGuin- ness in the kitchen from that out. till one night thinkin' 1 had gone on a message into the country, she walked in aser,eantavthellth Hussars an' wor treatin' him to cowld mutton an' Guiness's xx'porter in the kitchen, when in I walked an' caught the pair, with his arms around her waist an' her head laid against his breast as loving fts ye please. Oh ! divil a lie in it. ^ "Well, to tell nothin' but the truth I was mad ontirel v ;or I was mighty fond av the gid ; I thought she was as innocent as a new-born babe, but ye see I was desaved I never spoke a word to her after that night except in conmion discoorse. The sergeant continued to visit her in the kitchen an' I went an' 'listed for a soldier in the cherry picki^rs.'as we used to call them." Hubert and our heroine laughed heartily at Pat's love V the time it was finished camp. they had reached the '1f m Ill > 326 The Sultan's Firman. Next day the two newly-made cornets, amid hearty cheers from the officers and men, proceeded to head- quarters to fill their respective positions on Lord Raglan's staff, which thev did with the greatest ability and honor to themselvss.. One month after the interview with Omar Pasha, a large official letter was received at head- quarters by Lord Raglan, with the royal ar;ns of his Majesty the Sultan stamped in red sealing wax, the size ofa silver dollar. This letter contained a firman from die Suitan conferring the order of the first class of the Medijee on our heroine and Hubert. 'I'Le readers of Eastern tales are aware that next to the huperna ural power of the genu, a wonderful lamp, or a magic ring, there is nothing so potent as a firman of the Sultan, My gentle reader may therefore wish to see in plain English the contents of a document which enters so frequently into the composition of the Eastern story- teller, ^ The firman issued by his Majesty, the Sultan, confer- ring upon Cornets Robe-t Eyre and Hubert Clf.nronald, officers of H. M, British army, the order of the first class' Medijee, runs thus :— " Whereas Cornets Robert Eyre and Hubert Clanronald, the exalted in station, the en- dowed with sagacity and understanding, the companions of wisdom and superiority, the chosen amongst the elect of the British officers, the bravest of the brave among the followers of their wise and mighty commander,°and superintendent of that powerful army belonging to the An Elaborate Document. 327 great British nation, now before Sebaiopol, having, on all occasions treated with due respect and marked consid- eration the loving subjects of our sublime Empire of Turkey, and whereas the nature of these services have been acceptable in the sight of the ministers and grand vizar of this victorious government. His Majesty, the Sultan, out of consideration and favour for the above named officers, and for the sake of the friendship and •unity subsisting between the two great and powerful empires of Turkey and Great Britain, has in this auspic- ious year of the Lamb, measured the height of his ability, and ornamented and adorned their persons by bestowing upon them the decorations of the first class order of the Medijee, that they may make this order brilliant as the rays of the sun, the boast and glory of their own exalted breasts. "Be it known to them that the excellences of their services have found favour in the sight of His Majesty the Sultan, and that by reason of them, and the fulness of His Majesty's bounty, the servants and loving subjects of our mighty empire, the centre of equity and justice, are commanded to be diligent in paying the above named officers every tribute of distinction and respect. " The Secretary of State has received orders to register this in our everlasting archives. Given at our Royal Palace of the Sublime Porte in the ancient city of Con- stantine, in the month of Saphar, in the year of Heiira c xi^jv \^uaxiuary, loyo, ") ' "■ The above firman was read at head-quarters by a staff 828 Captain Eyre. officer in the presence of the Field Marshal, generals brigadiers, Omar Pasha and his staff and officers com- manding regiments, in the midst of a hollow square formed by tlie light cavalry brigade, Omar Pasha, him- self pinning the order on their breasts. The ceremony having heen performed, the officers were dismissed after a short address delivered by Lord Raglan, when the light brigade weie marched off to their respec- tive camps. The promotion so graciously conferred upon our hero- ine and Hubert had raised them from the common drudcy- ery of camp life and the misery of a crowded canvas tent. They now had a comlortable little bedroom each, close to Lord Raglan's, besides the honor and pleasure of living with him and being do.se to his person. Our heroine had not been many days at headquarters before she found a vacancy for a mounted orderly, and Pat McAvoy was selected to fill the situation. This arrangement was entirely satisfactory to Pat, who also got his share of a comCortable room with others of the houseliold, where he was enabled to attend more easily to the wants of our heroine, (Captain Eyre). During the Crimean campaign promotion in the British army was rapid, and in the case of our heroine and Hubert, though their first great step from the rank* of non-commissioned officers to that of cornets was due to those heroic deeds of valour and devotion in which men and officers of the light cavalry brigade vied with each other on that memorable day, yet it cannot be denied Prejudice in the Army. 329 that every action in which our heroine and Hubert were engaged proved amply that the promotion and decor- ations conferred upon them were most richly deserved. Our heroine's duties were to translate messages and let- ters entrusted to her, verbatim, into the language requii-- ed, and also notes from Lord Raglan to expand into the necessary formal communications with the commanders and others of the allied armies. Hubert's duties were not quite so onerous, having only to accompany the Field Marshal and carry despatches. Lord Raglan's gratitude and good fe-ling for having secured the services of two such useful and intellectual officers on his staff, led him to be one of the first to notice them otherwise than officially, and his example was soon followed by many other officers of superior rank and station. It requires only a very slight ac- quaintance with the condition of the British army in those times, to be well aware thpt the aristocratic feel- ing prevailed lar more then, both in military, civil and social affairs, than it does at the present time. The superior accomplishment and refinement, however, and the simple unassum'ng manners and mental acquire- ments, which our two newly appointed officers possessed, and which they were enabled to adopt towards the offi- cers who now made them their companions, must have met with high appreciation, in order to overcome preju- dices at that time so deeply rooted in the minds of mili- tary men toward those who won their promotion from the ranks by merit. ^ il 330 Adieu ! We W.1I now leave them for the present, plodding throngh the quagmire of the Crimea, on L„,d Raglan'a staff, and follow Richmond to the United State, «f America. CHAPTER IX. The Vovaoe-The Nkoko Tradkh-Thk Dialcooe-Nevv Ouleans-Thk Gambling Ho„se-Reserve Your FiBE- The Fight -The ImsHMrr -THE YicxoRv-THE Ce.ebbaxiok-The Speeohks-Bg P To" OF Fux-Cal. a Cab-Th. Eioe bt Rail- The Hor..-'Z.cZ P:k::-Vh?L™"T'"^ D-0Hn.IO.-THE DBivE-GrEH ±'iece Thb Planters Luncheon-The Introdhction-The Pur- Zh7p """ Negbo-Chakoe vouR Glasses-The Toast-Pabt. mHE sun was climbing up into a cloudless eastern 1 sky, bathing in a flood of golden light, and tinting with silvery colours the undulating surface of the fretted waters, as Richmond and Blake walked up and down smoking their cigars and admiring the dense woods and forests along the banks, which were clothed with a mantle of deep green, in contract with the snow-white sails of the numerous vessels that moved slowly to and fro as they glided along. After enjoying their smoke and the scenery they descended to the cabin, and saunt- ered about taking stock of the passengers, in the hope of meeting some genial spirit whom they could make them- selves agreeable with during the voyage, but none could they fand. After dinner, concluding that they were des- tmed to make the trip by themselves, they were deter- tioL '1 I 'fl I I it 332 A Conventional Yankee. mined to make the best of it, so they went on deck again and took up their position near the bow of the boat, whence they had an uninterrupted view of the sur- rounding scenery, and ligliting their cigars gave them- selves up to the enjoyment of the picturesque scenery and tlie soothing influence of the weed. " Kunnel," said a man addressing Richmond, " kin you giv' me a light? " The voice proceeded from a person standing near him, leaning against the bulwark, Richmond turned round quickl}^ and looked at his interrogator with a searching glance. He was a tall, thin, wiry-looking individual, with red hair, gray watery eyes, a carefully-curled mustache and a goatee of a red-pepper and salt color. The rest of his face was closely sluiven, revealing a physiognomy, not remarkably prepossessing ; he wore a light coloured suit of home-spun material, a black felt hat, with a low crown and broad brim, and sported a massive gold watch- chain, and cuff-buttons the size of a Rix dollar. These observations Richmond made as he passed his lighted cigar, saying: — " Certainly." "Much obliged, kunnel," said the stranger, with a polite bow as he handed back the cigar. " Nice sort o' mornin,' kunnel," continued the stranger- in a pleasant tone as he puffed away at his five-cent cigar, desirous of entering into conversation. " Very pleased indeed," replied Richmond. " Goin' ter New Orleans, kunnel ? " said he. it on deck )ow of the of the sur- ijave them- ue scenery , "kin you near him, ked at his 1, with red stache and rest of his aomy, not oured suit ith a low >ld watch- ir. These is lighted r, with a e stranger five-cent Too Inquisitive hy Half. 333 Richmond had no occasion to ask what countryman he W.S. for he well knew that he was a Southerner."^ The fact tha he called him ' colonel' .satisfied him on tha pomt; for everybody down South is either a colonel captam or ,udge. and accepts the title as a mattlof and yet he put his questions so pleasantly and with such good-natured expression of countenance' that h could no^ well refuse to answer them, and beside, both he and Blale,e,e as anx.ou. for conversation as the stranger lie therefore replied :— ° " Yes, that is my immediate destination." " Bon't b'long thar' I reckon ? " said he coLlS'"'"'' ""'''""'' "' '""' '^^"'^^ '' ^^- ; Jes so, I guessed ye wor a stranger in these nart." rejoined the stranger. ^ "^' "Might I take^the liberty ter inquire yer name an' kuntry, kunnel ? " continued he. "Oh, certainly. My name is Richmond Clanronald and my country is Ireland." 'inronald, " Ah ! jes so That's a strange name to mo. IVe heerd a name somewhat like it, though " "I've heerd of Lord CtanricaTd. one^f the Irish peers yer name kums pretty near on ter it. Doin' business n New Orleans, I reckon ? " ^^usine^s m thlf !lt'"""''' ."""" ^'*""'°''' " "^"^ I - going U 334 JosJma Upjohn. " Zactly ! " .said the stranger, with a nod. " Goin' South ter^invcst, 1 calkerlato ? " " By Jove you have just hit it this time," replied Rich- mond, with a smile. Now Richmond thought it was no more than equitable that the stranger should be as communicative as he had been, and so he assumed in turn the roll of catechist, and asked : " May I inquire your name ? " "Of course. I hain't nary objection ter tellin' my name. It ar' Joshua Upjohn, but they also call me Joss for short. I live down 'mong ter plantations mostly, 'cept when as at present, I ar ofl' on biz." " You own a plantation there, probably ? suggested Richmond. " Darn yer plantations," ejaculated Joss, " that hain't my style, kunnel. I buy tools for them as hev' planta- tions, an' wants suthin' ter work 'em with. I'm a nigger trader." " Oh, indeed ! Going to New Orleans to buy, ar* you ? " queried Richmond. " Wal ! may buy a few ef they kin be got cheap. I wants ter pick up about fifty, besides what I hav', an' then I'll mfike tracks with the lot down ter Louisiana 'mong the plantations. I hev' an order for thirty on 'em already." " ^^'^here did you purchase those you have ? " asked Richmond, with some curiosity depicted in his counte- nance. " Wal," replied Joss, tossing the butt of his well-smoked ! I Southern Politics. 335 cabbage loaf overboard, and replacing it with a quid of Virginm twist, " .some of 'em I bought over ter Yerkville an t others I scraped up long ter banks of Mississippi' It took me nigh on ter a week ter buy a dozen. I kin remember when I could buy twice as many in a sin^ ^^^ to his fancy we are not all constituted with the same tastes." '' ^acly, absented Joss, " that is so " io over then wine and smoking their cicrars laugh.„g and talking gaily as only young „en with l2 hearts and no earthly troubles can ^ "I say old fellow," said Richmond, as he wiped and ^.actodh^Hps after tosaing off a glass of cri^ port, wha say you to trying our luck to-night at one of hose ga„bhng houses to pass the ti»o for a few hou^ shal we venture a few dollars once more ? I feel ZZ' -..ent that the blind jade fortune wi„ faJr IZ "Agreed- replied Blake, starting to his feet, " but I hopethaU won't turn out with n,e as it did in New York, but where shall we go to ? We are both ..r in the city." "« are both strangers "Well," said Richmond, "look well to your revolver, ^'ew Orleans Gambling Houses. 389 and come along, we shall soon find a place, I'll v^arrant you; but stay, let us drink success to our adventure ere we start." ' They filled and drained their glasses, lighted their cigars, and went forth in search of a gambling house which they soon found, and entering took their seats' with others at the table. ^' Blake won and lost alternately, but luck was against Eichmond at first, the Ifty pound note which he had changed for Americ.. ..oney was gone. It was necessary for him to apply ^ . U. purse for more. As he did so he saw the greedy eyes of the surrounding gamblers endeav- ouring to make out its contents It was impossible for him to detach a note from the roll of bills without ex- posing the fact that there were many others of equal value. Richmond surmised this, and also knew that his very motions were watched by over a dozen pair of greedy, eager eyes, However, he continued to play on barely holding his own. At last after long patience on his' part, suddenly the luck changed, and he won more rapidly than he had before lost. Being a professional gambler, he could detect the strange excitement the game had caused on the losing par ties. Richmond continued to win heedless of the ominous signs, whispers, murmurs, and occasional insultinc re marks and rough slang directed at him for the purpose of exciting him and drawing him into a quarrel, of which he .ooK no notice but kept cool and attended to his ^ame determined not to fall intt, the trap. The more he won 340 Again in Peril. playing against the bank Te W on. IT ' "'^ "" the bank, but never suceeeded in^- ^"'''''"' '"""^ ing heavilv B.Vl, ™°^'"<' '" ^'™">g. ,'eneraljy los- » 'K^avijy. Kichmond now b«i^'''^<'o- "Ah, that's business," was the rejoinder. But Rich- mond won again. "This can't be fair," cried the loser, furiously «let'. have the deal over again ! " ^' ^^ ^ "No," said Richmond, coolly, "I will not have the Richmond's Nonchalance. 343 deal over again, but I will stake all I have won on the table if you will cover it." "Agieed," replied his opponent, producing a roll of bills from his pocket and laying the required amount on the table. The. cards were then carefully shuffled and dealt, when the play went on in breathless silence, when Richmond won again. He then coolly and deliberately gathered up the pile of bills from the table, rolled them up and placed them in his pocket-book without taking the slightest notice of the signs and ominous glances which were passing from one to the other of the sharpers, who had, it seems, on this occasion at any rate, met with their match at cards. "Are you deaf?" shouted the last loser across the table, seeing that Richmond took no notice of his clatter. " I'll go you for the whole." At the same time Richmond saw him substitute an- other pack of cards for the one with which they had been playing. It was clumsily enough done, as the fellow was excited and furious at his heavy losses; he was nervous and lost all control of himself. " Wait a minute till I light my cigar," said Richmond, as he rose from his seat and walked across to the side- board on which the refreshments were kid and where a taper burned, and there deliberately lit his cigar with an air of the greatest nonchalance, at the same time glanc- ing at Blake, who was standing in the place indicated to him and, catching his eye, knew he was ready. Rich- 1 344 " Give Us Our Revenge.' mond then returned as if going to resume his seaf slip t.'rj.ir„ A:- «:--■- At this they all started to their feet »„rf . i • . loudly: and exclaimed, "But you will though," shouted all the losers Vn,, Shan t leave this room until youVe given us TT T retrieve our losses, it haint'gentlelnTy" o tZ72 ■'orMb!r "', ^'™ '" "" ^^™"Se," cried several, or icii be worse for you. ,t."urf '™'/'"' "" ''"'"■■" "="^'' "■""her who moved tow en^E^r '^ ""''^' "PP^^^""^ »'»' o„g:ttL„ between Richmond and the door S^'^'^ng Richmond in a sharp, quick and decided tone "lean not stay any longer." °^"" No sooner were the words out nf i,- ., , Bl^e d.hed With all his"4r:gi::\ird" rt^ being a strong powerful y^ ung fellow, with plent; of P ok and metal, it gave way outwards before h m ifke a io be losf r ; ''"''"°"''' '^^'"« "■- -- -oZ: B lake H r^ *Tr ^o'""' -^ ->.e.i after The Desperadoes Foiled. 345 full betweea the eyes of the fellow who attempted to intercept his egress, flooring him half way across the room, making the claret flow profusely from his nasal organ. " Give him a slug shot ! " " knife him," shouted others, as they rushed after him. However, one bound brought him through the opening where the door had been at the head of the lobby, whence he could see Blake at the bottom of the stairs trying hard to open the front door. J Kick it open," cried Richmond, "if you can't open it." At the same time pointing his revolver at the gam- blers in the room, threatening to shoot the first man that came near the door, or attempted to draw a pistol. The door way was narrow and only one man could pass through at a time. Click, click, went several pistols at Richmond, who retreated slowly backwards still keeping his revolver levelled at the party in the rpom. Blake worked hard to force the outer door open, which was ^ considerably stronger than the one he had already burst through. The door fastened with a spring and Blake was unable to find it, still he tried hard to foice the door. Ah ! it yields slightly ! Richmond still retreated slowly backwards down the stairs, keeping his seven shooter levelled at their heads. He hears a click and sees a pistol uplifted among the crowd in the room. He knew there was no time to be lost. After discharging his pistol at the foremost of the gang he turned suddenly around and rushed down the stairs, dashing himself with ill m '^^^ ' In the Open Air. \ strength of Blake coming agaimt it, the lock already be- gmn.ng to yield, now flew open, when they fell head ^.g into the vestibnle, but they were ...on L til again and in the street. with shouts of rage, oaths, and threats of vengeance, fir- ing their revolvers in rapid succession a^ they advanced no" t: :,T7 """^ '°° """=" ^^""^'l and^nervouTo; no their bullets missed their mark and whistled harm- leasly over the heads of the pursued On emerging into the street Richmond noticed that a la go crowd had gathered in front of the gambling-house shots He noticed also that a considerable portion of the crowd was composed of strapping big Irishmen, and that many of them belonged to the navvy and the labour- .r.g class. He thought it unlikely the crowd would all side against him, though it was of co„i.e to be expected that the rowdy portion would naturally take the part of tne gamblers. ^ When however, the baffled ruffians came rushing down pay- Richmond and his companion by no means felt in- hned to make a bolt of it, notwithstanding the gam- blers numbered over a dozen desperadoes, and by their cries aod the responses from the crowd he knew th;it thev -u many fi-iends there. But Richmond, knowing that " Hurrah Boys for Ovid Ireland." 347 jrvous or the Hibernians were numerous there, and well knowing how to touch their Irish hearts and gain their sympathy, sings out at tne top of his voice so as to be plainly heard, " Hurrah boys for ould Ireland an' the sky over it," put- ting on the biogue as strong as he knew how. " Come an ye divils, every mother's son av ye an' don't see a real Irish gentleman thrashed by these murtherin' thieves an' blacklegs ! " " Eh ! what's that, Barney ? " queried a tall, sturdy Irishman, in the crowd. " Be jabers ! Pat, there's goin' to be a free fight an' lots av fun, A'ye mind. That tall, gintlemanly young chap wid the long surtout cries cut ' Hurrah for ould Ire- land an' the sky over it.'" " Bedad, I'm wid him there, Barney, an' no mistake, ar'nt ye, eh ? " " Troth am I wid him to be sure, for the sake av ould Ireland. D'ye think I'd be afther goin' back an my country in these foreign parts. The nara wan av me thin." " All right, yer sowl ! Come along then ! " said big Pat, tossing his hat high in the air, and jumping about three feet from the ground in the height of his mirth, and an Irish hurrah, which the other Irishmen responded to, by shouting " come along my boys, we'll give these thieves a taste av the Connaughtman's rambles in fine ould Irish style ! " Suiting actions to words they were instantly in the thick of the fiorht, O Then the wild Irish hurrahs were mingled with the ii 348 ■11 i The B'uj Irishman. oaths of tho gamblers, and those of the rough crowd who took their part. The gamblers used their revolvers with some effect at first, but the figlit was so furious and hand-to-hand, that the revolvers could not be used without endangering; frien^l as well as foe. The party of Irishmen who gathered round and took Richmond's part were fully as numerous as that of tho others, and although they were unarmed, except that most of th^m carried a klpyeen of a stick, they were far superior in strength and courage, so that the battle was short and decisive, the defeated gamblers and the roughs who backed them seeking safety in flight, leaving Rich- mond and his party victorious. " Be gorra ! " exclaimed Pat, the big Irishman, address- ing Richmond after the fight was over, " I'm proud av the country that gave ye birth, it's yerself that fought loike a divil entirely, so ye did. Here," said he, handtng Richmond his well-filled pocket-book. " Bedad, sure enough I saw it drop from yer coat pocket when ye wor nearly upset by two av them thieves. I jist put my foot an it till I could pick it up widout gettin' a crack on the skull for my pains d'ye mind. Ah !" continued he, " if we wor back again to the ould sod it's yerself 'ud be the houchal I'd be afther choosin' to go wid to the fair or the pathern. Be me sowl I'd pity the faction that 'ud stand up against us. But thunder-an-ages what am I thinkin' av at all at all ? I wish T hadn't Kar».,n + ,1 -, account av it anyhow, 'tis loike a hungry man dhramin' Blake Wounded. 349 av good feedin' and aftherward.s awakin' an' findin' his belly an' buck-bone on the point av union. This little scrimidge reminds lue av ould times, God be wid them, when we used to have such purty fi^ditin' ^n' divarsion at the fairs an' patherns in the ould coun ;hry m.i,.-,y years agon, when the real ould factions wor Vdif to m^jt each other in mortal combat wid their nate aii' well ; c^asoned kippeena, an' our spirits well up by the amou.it av the real spirits we used to pour down ; but agra, them good ould times are past an' gone an' more wor the pity, avick machree. The divil a lie in it." Had it not been for honest Pat Richmond would have lost his pocket-book and its contents after all the pluck and courage himself and Blake had evinced in the de- fence of it as well as their lives. Thus it very frequontly happens that a man fights desperately for the attainment of an object which at last is placed in his grasp by pure accident or the humblest agencies. " All right my lads," cried Richmond, " you are all honest, brave fellows ; come along and have something to drink in order to celebrate our victory over that rabble of thieves and blacklegs." A loud hurrah greeted these words, and Richmond was pronounced a hero by those good-natured, simple sons of Erin. " Blake, where are you ? " shouted Richmond. " Here I am," was the reply. The voice proceeded from the opposite side of the street. Making his way over there, ho discovered that V ', n Iff I I m i i Big Pat's Plain English. Blake had received a rather severe wound in the head, and was having it dressed and bound up by one of their allies. " Are you much hurt ? " asked Richmond. " No, not much, only a slight scratch," replied Blake, "the bleeding has stopped now, thanks to this good fel- low's assistance. I am at your service." So saying he rose from the door step, where one of the Irishmen had dressed and tied up his wounds. Taking Richmond's arm they walked off in search of a saloon wherein to celebrate their victory, followed by their allies, who shouted and cheered them lustily. On entering a saloon Richmond was shown up stairs to a large sitting-room, followed by Blake and the Irish- men, the latter cheering and laughing in the height of their glee. " Order, lads, if you please," cried Richmond. " Here, Pat, you sit beside me and assist in keeping these com- rades of yours in proper order." ^ " All right, yer honor," replied Pat, proud of the dis- tinction. "Be-jabers! I'll keep ordher fur ye; I'll be yer bail. Will ye be quiet, ye set av spalpeens," he shouted, "an' listen to what the foin gintleman has to say to ye. Ordher there, don't ye hear me speakin' in plain English ? none av the bog Latin that ye've been used to, ye parcel av omathauns, that can't conduct yerselves while the gin- tleman spakes, bad luck and hard feedin' to ye. Ill fnr^ tune to me, bud I'll be a^her crackin' the skull of the Richmond's Harangue. 351 first spalpeen who spakes a word above his breath, I will, be me sowl. Arrah now, be aisy wid ye, an' if ye can't be aisy, be as aisy as > e can." Richmond took his seat at one end of the long table After order had been restored and a sufficient supply of the needful placed on the table, Richmond arose and ad- dressed the company in something like the followino- words : — "Fellow countrymen,! thank you kindly on behalf of my friend Mr Blake and myself, for your timely assist- ance in helping to repel such a cowardly attack, and gaining such a decided victory,— a victory of honest men over a pack of thieves, blacklegs and cutthroats. We are now here to celebrate your noble achievement and glorious victory ; thanks to your strong arms and stout hearts, the arms and hearts of Irishmen. Yes, of Irish- men I say, who have fought, bled and conquered on al- most every battle-field on the face of the earth; and I myself am proud of having the honor to be reckoned amongst the brave sons of the Emerald Jsle. Now fel- low citizens of this fair and free land of America, charge your glasses, I'll give you a toast :—' Here's health and success to all honest men, and confusion to all blacklegs, thieves and vagabonds. ' " The glasses were drained, and Richmond resumed his seat amidst the most tremendous cheers and hurrahs when big Pat got on his legs once more to keep order the toast. \ »A yJ )OliU " Will ye be quiet now," cried he, " while I mak spache, an' thank the gentleman. e a n '11 ; '») jit 352 Big Pat Responds. H,s honor he" ,^,j ^^^ „ ^^^ ^^^_^ _^ Ph.l MeQowan, why don't ye sit down an' keep yer tongue ^,th,„ y,, „h^^^ ^_^ ^^^.^ ,^^ _^^^_^^^ P y omathaun av ye.el£. interruptin' „,e in ™e .pacho, bad uck ter ye ; sure any dacent man that 'ud see yer MiJe- Wthe?'! ° '"'' '^ "'"'" '^''^«"'>' »^'h-g else from he o.kes av ye. I tiil ye, Phil, m. 6<,„oW, ye wor an v^n"'.^!'' ""^Tf-"' - ""= hemp manufacture an yell d,e purmotm' it. Now. gentlemen, as I wor a aayin when I wor interrupted by that blaelcgZj Now ,ts only puriiteness, education and good b^eedi,; to dnnk another toaat to his honor's self, d'ye mind countrymen. Now comrade fill , '^ ' an' let th„ tn, . comrades, 611 yer glasses to the brim an let the toast go round; we'll drink the health av a rale ngntdownsmashin' Irish gentlen.an that's as .entlet war as he's terrible in pace. Ye „,ay laugh, ve^ hi? rmtal,rn' f """""= '""' '"^ «-P^" 'ruthrat Imtellm yo. Now, mind, J waut every mother's son av ye to empty yer glasse. in regard av Ihe gen w; and more power to him, do je mind." The glasses Te' d amed am.dst cheer after cheer, and singing "He 3 a potent whiskey asserted its sway. At h^t the worthy host entered and reminded them of the small hour.,, when Richmond consulted his chrono meter.and suggested the advisability of an adionr^.I"" ZZ7 "T"" '■^''"' "**' " ^^ «»« t; break up the party and retire. ^ Off to View the Plantation. 353 " Barney avick," said big Pat, "run off an' fetch a cab fur the two foine gentlemen, sure yer the srraitest, sein' that ye wor always good at runnin' iu Ireland, more 'specially whin the peelers wor afther ye. Maybe ye'd find a cab over beyant at the next co .-ner forninst ye." The cab was soon in readiness, when Richmond and Blake, followed by Pat and his companions shouting and singing, passed out into the street. The fresh breeze blew softly in their faces, fanning their flushed and feverish cheeks, while their blood-shot eyes told a tale which no one could mistake who was interested enough to take the trouble to look. , " The St. Charles Hotel," said Richmond to the driver, at the same time waving an adieu to his gallant defend- ers. After about ten days' sojourn at New Orleans, Rich- mond and his comrade prepared for departure to Ginger- piece plantation. Joss, the nigger trader, having r^dled according to promise during the interim to inform them that he was through with his " bit of biz.," as he called It, and was now at their service whenever they thought proper. Accordingly they started at nine o'clock the following morning accompanied by Joss, and were driven to the railway depot by the carriage from the hotel. On reach- mg the station, after tickets were purchased and baggage checked, the trio entered a Pulman palace car. Just as the shrill whistle of the locomotive announced their de- parture, they settled themselves comfortably at the win- S54 A Southern HostUry. dows among the ,oft cu,' ^o„., of the elegantlyfitted car togazewuh ad^iratiou on .ho panorama of woodlaTd eenor, along the line of ...ilroad, the t^ain r^ „! along ga,ly at the rate of thirty n.ile, an hour, stopping however, for a short time at the i„tern-.ediat s.at on!' They scarce y noticed the time passing, their minds were ao preocc„p,ed by the picturesque scenery, when They were aroused from the sublime to the reality by th on ■ Oatir '";^r ^"'"""°" °" ^' '^^ -P of'his vie, af?e . .v" f ""^ '^"'''' ^'""o"' ^"'3 a short time after^^rd they found themselves on the platform and saw the tram of cars rushing out of sight around a ca.^ than a d,nkey runner sings out at the top of his lusty lungs, "Confederate Hotel, sah?" " ha^l"^'!''" 7""'? ^''''""°"''' ^ "'^'"'S Wm his checks, have our trunk, taken to the hotel . -. -,„^e" "Yes, sah, massa, me (ote 'em righ;, thar in no time." The hote .as only a few |,aoes from the station, and he. walk ther.to had ,ho desired effect of stret chin. ho,rhmbsaftera ride of sixty miles in a railway car! nage. On reaonmg the Iwtel, which was a frame build- Zm' t^.^r'' "^ " ™*' "f I'"'"*- ">« l-^dlord met them m he hall and greeted them with "good mor,,ing gen men, and a splendid smile all over his .ubicnd facf wh.ch had once no doubt been rather prepossessing, Z now the purple t.nge and blue little veins on the top of ms nasal or^an demonsf.rflied m'^'o HpC-4. , ■• - describe, that m bygone days that necessary appendage Oinger-Piece Plantation. 355 had snuffed more than its quantum of the soul-stirring element rather freely. His wig was pushed a Kttle to one side, which made him look somehow as if he was going to say something to make every body else laugh. " D'ye want rooms, gen'men ? " said he. "Not at present," Euswered Richmond, "but we want a conveyance to Ginger-piece plantation. Can you let ^is have one ? " " ' Zactly, kunnel, I've jes' got whet ye want. Please walk inter the front parlor and set down fur a few minutes. I'll order the kerriage an' team at oncet an' hev ye toted right thar in less than two hours." The carriage was soon brought round to the door when the trio entered it. The darkey who fetched the trunks from the station was their driver, and a genuine nigger, whose phreno- logical developments took shelter from the rays of the scorching sun beneath a broad-brimmed straw hat, en- circled and adorned with a broad red ribbon and a bunch of maple leaves. He wore a blue coat of antique r%ime, adorned with large brass buttons. The coat must have done faithful duty to its predecessor, for it was thread- bare and sadly out at the elbows. His nether garments must have been fashioned before he quit growing, for they were at least six inches too short, thereby display- ing to advantage his mammoth understandings, which were innocent of covering. His shoes he said were a great bother to him, "de wan't ob no sort ef use." 1 ex- pect the truth was that he could not find any that r i« ■ il fJ f m 'I'ti I mi III nar. Whar I Hang Ov.t My Shingle.- • would fit him. A. ho cracked his whip b«I,i„d the horses ear the animal shoolc his head, lied h" lot tail across the dark^v*. fo«« i . , ^ us long Wit; uarKeyc tace and started off ,- .. u^d. pace An hour's drive brought them wi hi„ . e^ ' the Village of Milford. ^ ^lew >t As they approached it " Kunnfil " oo,*^ t •orUi. u- X . ' "^^""©l, said Joss, pointi'^w as JK^htu: """ '■• '"'^'"»" -'^"-hiugier- "I mean tliet ar' my domicile whar I ke.iy on biz" Oh 1 1 understand," .aid Richmond, "I am dad 1 know where you can be found should I want yonrl vice at any future time." ^ _Z^y so," replied Joss. " Wal," continued he G,ng.r.p,ece plantation ar> ten miles from my house I ought .0,- know the distance, seein' as how ofLnTve been thar on particular bi. wid old Gates " ;; We sh 1, ^ ^^^^„ ^^^^^^^^ guess so, repbed Joss, as he consulted his watch t ar now a quarter ter twelve, we'll get thar I reckon bout half past one, jes in time to lunch wid old olt , We shall see the old mansion arter we pass thZI fcheyar village. Kim Judas," continued the 3 dress., tbe driver, -lay on the gad, an' stir up ttem er^^nag, ef yourn, an' push them through T little hi-"m"a"^'',''-'"'^'^' '"^ --^erwithab^ad^in iii= muuUi extended from ear to .u^. °" Old Gates' Domicile. 357 " Darn you fur a nig," said Joss, " what d'ye mean by grinnin' like thet when I speak ter ye ? " " DuflLo any pusson ob de name ob Judas roun' har, sail Ef ye means dis chile, ye mus call um 'Gustus," 'eplied the darkey, laughing heartily at his attempt at wit, showing a . double row of ivories as his embrasure expanded to a prodigious extent. Satisfied that he had turned the laugh on the nigger trader, he yelled at the horses and then laid on the gad, which made the poor animals spurt at a topping pace through the village, if I may be pardoned for the appellation, as it only could boast of about two dozen frame houses, a small grocery store and a whiskey mill. On they drove past the latter institution a motley crowd of questionable exterior greeting Joss with a familiar nod and a smile of recognition, A short time after passing through the village they came in sight of Ginger-piece plantation. They could plainly see the red brick chim'neys of the mansion above the trees that surrounded it, " Thar," exclaimed Joss, pointing at the house nestled among the trees, " ar' old Gates' domicile, an' a scrams- bunctious place it ar'." " ' Haint the view from hyar purty, kunnel ? " " Yes, indeed it is," replied Richmond, " the surrounding prospect is charming." " Ah," rejoined Joss, " a purtier situvation ar' not ter be found in Louisiana than that ere." A little further on they entered a broad avenue that II "Ef ; s 358 "Hov) Do, B088." led to the mansion, which, although built of wood, seemed substantial, airy and comfortable. It was surrounded with an abundance of shade and ornamental trees. The grounds were tastefully laid out, and adorned with shrubs, vines and the choicest of flowers. Away towards the south, nearly as far as the eye could see, spread large fields of cotton, corn and other crops, all in luxuriant growiih. On reaching the house they alighted from the carriage, and rang the bell. Their summons was answered by a negro girl, to whom Richmond made known his desire to see Mr. Gates, at the same time handing her his card. The girl took the card and showed them into a large and well furnished parlour, in which the evidences of wealth, luxury and comfort were abundant. A square American piano, splendid mirrors, pictures, and a carpet of velvet pile, assured the visitors that the proprietor wanted for nothing that was to be procured bv money. They had sat in the parlour but a few moments when the door opened, and the lord of the manor and planta- tion entered the room, holding Richmond's card in his hand. He was tall and well proportioned with black hair slightly tinged with gray, and small piercing eyes well shaded by a heavy pair of shaggy brows? and a chin whisker. As he entered. Joss stood up, and greeted him with " how do, Boss." " Ah I Joss, you here, eh ? " said he. Southern Hospitality. 359 Joss then introduced Richmond and Blake, as well as he knew how. The introduction and salutations havinjr been gone through, Ridimond at once opened negoti- ations. " Having heard that your plantation w;is for sale," said he, " I came to have a look at it, and if I tind that it would suit me, and that we can agree on the terms of purchase, I will buy it." " Well," replied the planter, " I have advertised the property for sale, some time ago. My wife and daughter think this country place too dull for them, and want me to vsell out and go live in the city. I have a fine town house in New Orleans, so, taking every thing into con- sideration, 1 have made up my mind to sell this prop- erty. I've had a list of everything on the estate drawn up b}' my foreman, showing the lowest possible price opposite each article, also a map of the whole institution, which you can have a look at." With that the negro girl announced luncheon ready. " Come along, gentlemen," said the host, " wVll feel better able to talk business after we've had lunch ; there's a time for everything." At this invitation they all rose, and, preceded by the planter, entered a large and well-appointed dining-room, where the large family dining-table literally groaned un- der the supercibundance cf "ood things, as if nature was lavish with her gifts. F' liichmond and his compan- ion were introduced by the planter to his wife and daughter, the former, a stout, matronly woman of about I : i J; 560 Tlie Planter Orotvs Eloquent. forty; the latter, a tall and well proportioned youn. lady, apparently in her teens, and lookinrr v. . ' ashful before the august strangers. Her blush of female modesty had the effect of heightening her beauty, wliich was fas- cmatmg enou^^h to strike the visitors with admimtion bright, laughii,,, hazel eyes, light brown wavy hair fresh rosy cheeks (taut bespoke pure couutry air), with two bewitching (..tie dimples ; and when her ruby lips parted into a charming smile, they revealed two rows of pearly white teeth. ■^ During luncheon the host showed his guests a good example by partaking freely of the excellent wine which he said he had purchased many years ago when the gen- uine article could be got, and he got " keyed up " to a good pitch~a height from which he surveyed all the g ory of his ancesters, and felt that nothing but royal blood flowed in his own veins, and who knows but the blood was royal ? It migh^ have been the v ine -br.t no matter for that, the old man descanted a long time on the glory of his family and the pride of his race, claimin<. relationship to that great Am.ncan General elates, who^ he said, intercepted Burgoyne and his army of 7^00 mer in their advance on New York, and aU th. Gates by name, who were of any account ; spok " their natural pride, and that they were always rea- to enge any insult to their name or their country, come from what- ever sou...e it might, and so forth. It was in vain that Kicnmond trifid tn tn^n +^f^ -^]:^^^,,_„- •__ i j.^r ' ■ • " ""^ (ii^^ouisv into a difieient chan- nel. Talk the old man would in his own way of his an- The Negotiations Proceed. 361 cestors. At lant Richmond, after being nearly talked to death, thought it best to let him Imvo his talk out, and blow oft his extra gas ; so he turned his attention to the young lu<"y, whom he found much more agreeable. Joss however, encouraged the old man and drew him out. Blake kept silent, except now and then, a^'^.er tossino- off a glass of the planter's best wine, smacking his lips ap- provingly, ai.d praising the excellent beverage. At last, like every thing else in this material world, that pleasant little tiftin camo to an end. When Ll«e ladies retired the gentlemen lit their cigars, and the planner proposed that they should take a ride around the ^ >unds, in order that Richmond might view the property, 'i his proposition being agreeable, horses were ordered aid awf v they rode, the old planter lead- ing the way. After ))easant ride around the planta- tion, partly of inspection, they came to a halt before the hall door, where they dismounted and entered the house, after giving over the horses to the foreman and his as- sistants. The planter then ushered thi (u into the par- lour, when they sat round tue table where wiiie and ci- gars were ready for their use. After discussing the merits of the wine, they lit fresh cigars, and then the proprietor laid a maj. of the estate and a list of the pro- perty before Richmond with the terms of the purchase. "Thest/'said he, as he laid the papers on the table '"' are my terms. I have had many offers for the proper- ty, but I never would alter my pri^'e. I don't belong to the class ot people who ask and take as much as they . m 111 362 Tlie Farces are AmemUed. can get. Those aro not ms ,,olitica. I belong to the old Democratic party, and always kee,, to my text " ■■ X an, thankful to have the honour of dealing with such a man ■ replied Richmond, ■■ those aro ,d»o „,y ^l t.C3 Now contmued he, "while wo have my frLd Jo» here, had we not better have your stock of nig... passed m review before us, in order that he may atis" me to determine their value." "Certainly, by all means," replied the planter, at the same fme rmg.ng the bell for the servant. When the r.Ctr^''''^''" -"»-•■--■ 'Heforema: " Yes sah massa," answered she with a courtesy and ~ Shortly afterwa^s the foreman made hi:: h,If?'?;"?''^ "" P'™'*''' ""'«"■'''> "« whole of the rrix:'^"""'*''''"""'^^'"™™-^--'- " wi ?"" f''L ''"""* ^'''•"'' "■' •>" ""'de his exit. Whats ole Ruben a comin' dis way fur at such a rampageous pace I" exclaimed a gray, fri^ly.bead Id negro woman, "he 'pears ter be in a great hurry. IVe Oder gen men. I 'spect the massa ar' a goin" ter sell ::: fhet ir'r' '-- "- ^-^ '--^ '^'«"°' ^"^'^- -" eoei thet ole Joss am aroun'." The old woman had scarcely done speaking when the overseer, a burly-looking man. came up to' them 1. a.nea aa the niggers, when they came running from" the>r cabins and stood before him waiting for orders. " Success to the New Propiietor." 303 " The boss," said he, " wants all you niggers up at the house right away. So you must jes' pick up your feet an' tramp. Fred," said he, to one of his subordinates, " tell them niggers sunning themselves along the fence ter kim along, for the hull lot of ye ar' wanted. Don't make me kum arter ye agin, for I warn ye thet I won't kum fur nuthn this hot weather." So saying he turned round and walked briskly towards the house, turning round frequently to satisfy himself that they were all following him. " I 'spect de boss been drinkin' too much ob that niew brandy an' gin," muttered the old negro woman, as she headed the gang, " an' wants ter count us double, or else ter sell us ter ole Joss. From sich a misfortune de good Lor deliber us. I don't know how I could lib widout Topeey an' Liz an' der two babies." When they arrived at the house they were drawn up in single rank, and numbered forty, exclusive of children. All being reported present by the overseer, Richmond accompanied by Joss and the planter inspected them, and found they were healthy -looking and in good con- dition. They were then marched back to their cabins, and Richmond closed the bargain. He then dismissed Joss after paying him liberally for his trouble, telling him at the same time that should he wane liiii services again he knew where to find him and would either write to him or call upon him. iii\/iiiOill, caiU. fixe uiaiihx^if drink success to the new proprietor." uuiixc Hi uiii/ii nc .. ' 364 "Death to the Abolitionists." tared theT "" '^''^ ""^''*'' *°' ""^ ">^y - tered the dmmg-room where well-filled decanters and wme^glasses had been previously placed on the table in anticipation of the event. J' Charge your glasses, gentlemen." said Mr. Gates, filled h -^'T ''™ "■'°^*" ^' ''''' i-itation they al filled their glasses with the .sparkling wine "Gentlemen," said the planter, "here's sucess to the plalt'Z'T.?* ,*^"'^"""'" >""'^"°"' -d »V the pant that clothes the world and helps to keep it spin mng flourish under his special care, and may ^rolX ^tare h.m in the face." This toast wa. diunk w thl hearty good will. "" " "Qenmen," said Joss, "charge yer glasses again I teTt'h: 'Zr^T'^ ■*°- Here is." said he.° Death ter the. Abolitionist.,, may the Confederate eagle spread an flap hi. wings over the Yanks, and the older he |rows the louder he screams an' the higher he flies " .esra'ndd ' "" '""' ""'^ «''"™ '''■""'«^ "'h ^ hearty tons to Richmond and the planter, Joss took his depar- room, fitted ..p for guests, and I think you will be more comfortable here than in the vilWe " "Thanks," replied Richmond, w'e'will accept 6f your generous hospitality with great oleasur. " ^ When Richmond and Blake had retired to their ™ms The Worthies Form a Partnership. 365 for the night they had a long conversation concerning the recent purchase. « Here, Blake, old fellow," said Richmond, " what say you of going halves with me, and let us run the concern jointly as partners ? " . "Agreed," responded Blake, "I will go you halves by all means, for I think you have made a good specu- lation." Here we will now leave them for the present, pro- pounding the best theory of running the plantation busi- ness jointly, and return to our heroine. W ?!'?! ■ ^ i ■ t III il li . J ? ' 1 lilii /^l ..V. V ' CHAPTER X. The PiERciNo Cold Blast-The Vast Camp-The Dkkam-The Ek- EMV AovANcma-THE Battle of IxKERMAN-CAPTAm Clanronald -CAPTAmEvBE-PAT McAvOV-PaS DK CHAROK-Bcoon ANB CaK nage-The Victoby-Capt Evbe-The Wouxded-God Save the Sr~T ^^'^™«-0- Hkkoz.e-Hobert-Bubv1 the Zo™ T ^J^^"-^"^ Flirtatiok-The Vivanoxeke-The Zouave -1 HE Embabkation-Th. EuxmE-TaE Golden Horn-! Description-The Bazaab-The Departdre-Pat McAvoy Th,. DZALOaUE-THE ^aEAN ISLES-QCEBNSTOWN-THE lIve Se Hotel-The Letter Wuztzno-The Chance of CosTaME-THE SuBPRisE-THE Love Scene-Ihe Marriace-The Honeymoon mUE piercing blast that chilled the very mprrow in 1 the bones of the brave warriors who lay huddled together for warmth around the tent pole; the cold mist of ram and fog that hung heavily over the dreary pla- teau of the Chersoneas ; the dark, starless night the sol- emn challenge of the sentinel, his muffled spectral figure slowly pacing up and down ; the feeble flicker of the wan- ing watch-fires that served as beacons to the field officer going his weary rounds of duty ; the unusual silence of the Biege guns before Sebastopol, seemed the precursor of to-morrow's winding-sheet, and of the grave yawning for t..cu.y .iiousana dead. Ail in that camp of the belea- 866 ''■'*5!!»'^,HA/* Fond Dreams of HoTne. SG7 guering armies were as silent as the tomb. But hark ! what sour a is that which the damp wind, shaking the sash and agitating feebly the loose pane of glass in our hero- ine's bed-room window, bring to the ear of the sleeper and alter the current of her dreams? Far over the sea fancy has wafted her. The sterile plateau with its mantle of fog has vanished. Her sword she has sheathed and •doffed her soldier's unifoi-m, and all the glory of a bright May morning smiles on the gay landscape of the Emerald Isle. The aroma of a thousand flowers perfumes the zephyr that fans her peachy cheeks. The little birds cooing and nestling in the ivy-clad battlements of her father's ancestral castle all seem to welcome her. The village girls are gathered on both sides of the en- trance to the little church, ;yith bouquets of fresh flow- ers, with which to strew her path, as she, crowned with a briJal wreath of orange blossoms, alights from her car- riage, and leaning on Hubert's strong arm, passes into the ancient edifice, while from its tower comes forth a measured chime. Then he whom she loves fondly steps down and sweetly whispers in her ear. " The bridal morn has come at last." Oh ! phantom of hope, and omen of delusion vainly cherished !— faintly borne upon the night wind from Se- bastopol, comes the «low and solemn toll, toll, toll. Not for a bridal chimes yon distant bell. Oh, no ! it is for something more solemn. Amid the light of wax torches and the pomp of gorgeous ritual, the Greek priests excite to frenzy the Russian soldiers, who at dawn of day will r , > i I 'I. 'I 1 1 i i 'M 'm ■ i { il 368 The Enemy Advancing! sally forth like semi-savages upon the uanuspectina sleepers in the British camp. ° Next morning (5th Nov.), Captain Eyre (our heroine) awoke from her slumbers with a pleasing smile of plea- surable delight on her classic features, after a ni^ht of sweet repose and pleasant dreams. But the latter have faded away like castles in the air, and she finds herself m her military suit translating letters and despatches in the next room, when she was startled by a mounted officer dashing into the court yard, who, throwing the reins of his bridle to an orderly, dismounted in great haste, and abruptly entered the room where she and Hubert were occupied over their official documents exclaiming in an excited and nervous voice, " Captain Clanronald please inform Lord Raglan at once that the Russians are advancing in immense force ! " The wordc were scarcely uttered when his lordship who was dressing in the adjoining room, and having over- heard the report came forward at once and said: " The enemy is advancing, did you say ? " " Yes, my lord," replied the aide-de-camp, « the outly- mg pickets who occupied the advanced posts on the ex- treme right of Inkerman heights were surprised early this morning and forced to fall back on their camp but contested every inch of ground bravely as they did so On arrival, the sergeant quickly made the report that the Russians were advancing in great force from the valley choking up the passes and covering the ridges, swarmin..' rusiiing and roaring like a pack of hellhounds that had ***WW(®«I« Lord Raglan to the Front. 369 just broken loose from the bottomless pit. Vainly did the picket discharge several volleys into their huge expand- ing masses before they were shelled from their post. The fog had rendered their forms dim and indefinite at first when the picket had perceived them, but they soon came lear enough to see their long grey coats, black belts, and broad forage caps with narrow bands of red cloth. " Captain Clanronald," said his lordship, " go and order our horses at once." " Yes, my lord," answered the aide-de-camp, touching the peak of his cap, and then withdrew to perform that duty. " Well, Sir John," said his lordship, addressing Sir John Campbell, who was the bearer of the sad tidings, " what has been done to repel the attack ? " " On the first alarm being given," began Sir John, " the first regiments that got formed were marched at the double to the front in order to check the advance of the enemy's columns from the valley, while orders were given to the -artillery to cover the advancing columns of our infantry." " Well done," exclaimed Lord Raglan. " Here come the horses, let us now away to the scene of strife." So saying, he wrapt " his martial cloak around him," with the greatest sang /raid mounted hie charger and rode ofi towards the heights of Inkerman, accompanied by his two aides-de-camp, Captain Eyre, Captain Clanronald and his other staff oincei;:, as fast as their noble chargers could bear them through the deep quagmire. As they approached .' i\ \il ■■ I' I' !:'•! ii t 370 Fond Recollections. the oontendmg armies, the thundering of big guna, the wh,sthng and bursting of shells, and the continuous roll of musketry told them plainly that a terrible battle was rawins-. raofinff On arriving at the scene of action, his lordship, with his staff on either side of him. took up a position on the op of a knoll in the hope of getting a view through the fog of the fierce battle which was raging in the ravines and up the side of the hill among the thick brushwood. The round shot and shell fell thick and fast, tearing and wounding many of the latter fearfully. "Captain Clanronald," exclaimed Lord Raglan to his aide-de-camp, "go over and tell Gouldie to reinforce Sir George Cathcart, I see that lie is closely pressed by the enemy who are trying to surround him in the ravine " "Yes, my lord," replied the aide-de-camp, saluting with' his sword and bounding off heedless of the numerous missi es which flow past his ears. His thoughts then flitted to other scenes. He remembered his dear Iris to whom he had bid a fond adieu. He seemed to see her handsome face lighted up with the same sweetness of expression, sincere love and regard for him. which it had worn at the last moment when they parted in her father's castle He thought of how she would mourn his loss, and the deep grief and pangs of sorrow that would rend her tender, sympathetic heart, should he have the mis- fortune to fall a victim to one of the many iron mes- senffera of rl*»nfh *h«f « — t---^ !• - -- " vn„v ^cw puao aim. j^ittie did he think at that time that his dear Iris was then sharing r ■■• •(•■' The Battle Rages Fiercely. 371 the same danger as himself at that moment. Had he known it, his thoughts would have been different. How- ever, he kissed the ring which she had given him before they parted, breathec^ ^ silent prayer, then, committed himself to the Giver of victories, nerved himself for the danger before him, and dashed forward with renewed vigour. After he had delivered the message, he was about to return when ho saw Sir George Cathcart fall from his horse as he was rallying his brave men on against columns of Russians. Captain Clanronald, see- ing the danger and the party without a leader, rode for- ward and encouraged his men by his personal bravery. A remnant of the 88th regiment got so far towards the front that they were hemmed in and surrounded by the Russians, who would certainly have annihilated the brave fellows only for the timely assistance of Captain Clanronald and his gallant band, who charged the enemy, broke through their ranks and released their noble com- rades. Soon after this heroic feat Sir George Brown got struck with a bullet and fell from his horse. At this time a fearful contest was going on between his division and overpowering masses of Russians who were five times their number. Lord Raglan, having observed through his field-glass this terrible but unequal battle, called Captain Eyre, whom he always kept by his person as an interpreter, but now having despatched all his aides-de-camp, was forced to send him with orders of emergency. " Ride over," said he, " and tell General Pennefather il f il i; ^ \\l\ ,1!^' 372 Captain Eyre as Leader. I \ ! ii to send four companies to the right attack where our gallant fellows are fighting against five times their num- ber. As you go past Dickson's battery tell him from me, " well done!" I see that he is doing good work with his battery." " Yes, my lord," answered Captain Eyre, as he put the spurs to his horse and dashed off at the top of his speed. The bullets fell thick and fast past him, but he heeded them not. His solicitude for Hubert's safety drove all other thoughts out of his mind, save that of his duty. Pat McAvoy, who was present as orderly to Lord Raglan, heard the order given and saw Captain Eyre, his companion in many dangers, despatched, and, anxious for his safety, dashed off after him in order to watch over him should any danger befall him. After Captain Eyre had delivered the order to Pennefather, that officer told off the four companies under the com- mand of the senior major. When the party marched off, preceded by the young aide-de-camp, whose rosy cheeks, flushed with such thrilling scenes of battle, to- gether with his youth and gallantry, drew great admir- ation from the major and his party of brave soldiers for the noble young officer who led the way through brush- wood amid all sorts of iron messengers of death and de- struction. At last they arrived at the scene of action, all that was left of them, for many had already fallen during their advance. Here they found their comrades overnoTO-ftrfifl \\\t fho P>iogi»»n u,,* i ^ ^-x -" _; » ......sictiio, DUu ciitjuuxiigeu oy uap- tain Clanronald's bravery, they never wavered in the Tlie Noble Brunswick ! 373 least, though mass after mass came against them. When Captain Eyre's party arrived they gave one loud hurrah, and then charged with all their might against a phalanx of Russians who howled like demons. As fast as a column was repulsed another advanced in their place against our blood-stained and war-begrimed poor fellows who were falling fast. While this dreadful slaughter was going on another reinforcement of the guards, led by their right royal commander Prince George, rushed forward at the paa-de-charge. This gave fresh im- pulse to their wearied comrades, who joined in the on- slaught with renewed vigour and a loud British cheer that struck terror into the enemy's other advancing columns, which paused instinctively for a moment ere they encountered such Alcideans. But their officers hav- ing rallied them, they came on again with renewed cour- age, when a desperate hand-to-hand struggle ensued, and for a short time victory seemed to hang in the balance. But Adam's and Pennefa ler's brigades with the light di- vision made another heroic charge, while our field batteries swept their columns down like the hand of the destroying angel. The volleys of musketry, the clash of steel and the salvos of cannon, resembled one of those thunder storms with bolts of lightning which sometimes raze houses to the ground and uproot monster trees in its fury. Notwithstanding this infernal roaring of big guns, bursting of shells and rolling of musketry, the sharp ears oi our cajjuu-ucu Duiuicio ii'->^t. -i ausj — of battle the joyful notes of the French trumpets soiind- '.i * ?»' iS^i 374 Yictoinf Once More. ing the chcarge, when the French Zouaves rushed forward to their assistance with the light of battle on their bronzed and weather-beaten features. The Russians, al- ready broken severely by the impetuosity of our charges which were renewed again and again, were now attacked by the Zouaves, together with the French artillery, who co-operated with the British all along the line. This on- slaught became over a match for the Russians, who, see- ing that the fortune of the day was lost, began to retire, and at last their broken and discomfited battalions were driven pell-mell towan^^ the gates of Sebastopol, and history inscribed an -ifr victory for Great Britain on tablets more durabl 1, id marble, and whenever the flag of Old England unf u;:(? to the breeze it shall reveal the word "Inkerman !" THE BATTLE OF INKERMAN. 'Twas nigh the noon of night before the roaring guns did cease, And at the smouldering fires of war we lit the pipe of peace. At four, a burst of bells arose thro' night's cathedral dark, It seem'd so like our Sabbath-chimes, we could but lie and hark ; So like the bells that call to prayer in the dear land far away, Their music floated on the air, and kiss'd us— to betray. Our camp lay on the shadowy hill, all silent as a cloud, Its very heart of life stood still— and the white mist brought ita shroud. For death was waking in the dark, and grimly smiled to see How all was ranged and ready for his sumptuous jubilee. O, wily are the Russians, and they come to their wild work— Their feet all shod with silence in the heart's blood of the Turk ! - While on the heights our fiery tide of war serenely slept, Their subtle serpentry up crept and stealthily they stept \ ' The Battle of InJcerwan. 375 In the ruins of the valley do the birds of carnage stir 1 There's a rustle in the gloom-like wheels ! feet trample— bullets whirr — Great heaven ! the foe is on us- Now the trumpets with a start Thrill— like the cry of a wronged queen— to the red roots of the heart ; And long and loud the war-drums with throbbing clamour roll, — A sound to set tlio blood on fire, and warm the shivering soul. The worn and weary soldiora leapt up, ready, fresh, and true ! No weak blood curdled white i' the face, no valour turned to dew Majestic as a god defied, arose our British host- All for the peak of peril rushed- each for the fiercest post ! We thought o" queen and country, and we swore to strike fierce blows ; Then all along the leaguered line the crash of battle rose, The banners waved like blessing hands, and we knew it was the hour For a desperate grip till fingers met in the throat of Russian power; And at a bound, and with a sound a coward's heart might kill, The Lion of old England leapt like lightning from the hill. All hell seemed bursting « morniDg', quick The hon.^»,«u J "®™es> cut in precious human clay— devas at,„„. Captain Eyre (our heroine), hada „.ost won derful escape. Whilfi mllTMr^^k- , xnusu won- Dressed Iw ^>, .^ ^ ^ '' '"^"' ^^^° ^^^^ sorely pres ed by the enemy, his horse was shofc under him in W of the Russians, four of whom were charging th.n r-„ (.ur iie was uadiy stunned - ■ and bruised from the fall) Captain Glanronald 'Wounded. 377 only for the timely assistance of the redoubtable Pat McAvoy, who followed him up closely, and seeing his horse fall, dashed forward to the rescue, and with his carbine and holster pistols knocked over three of the ruffians, while with his long sword he cleft the other to the' ground, jumped from his charger, took the handsome young captain in his arms and placed him on his owa horse, sent him back to Lord Raglan, and returned himself on foot, covered with bruises, blood, wounds and glory. Captain Clanronald had received a bullet wound in the left arm, while gallantly leading his men, but the greatest wonder was that he had escaped so well from the murderous onslaught directed at him, in the position in which he was placed. It is remarkably strange what marvellous escapes the most daring and reckless of life had experienced, while others more cautious and less daring perhaps, suffered the penalty of death, on that memorable morning. How wonderfully an over-ruling Providence biffles the most ingenious designs of human invention, mocking the counsels of craftiness, and turning wisdom and strength mto folly. This marvel is nowhere more conspicuous than on the battle-field, where the most extraordinary blunders have been so often crowned with success. Everything, however, that could be done to ensure vic- tory to their arms was done by the Russian authorities, besides the presence of their Grand Duke (who was re- garded hj the soldiers as super-human), who harangued his army with false anticipations of driving the allied armies into the sea. 1 : m I 9 ■ \m ■ ^^ ^"^ ^'^""l' ^9ain Complimented: Yet, however laudable it m»-„ l,„ . protecting hand of the Go oHatU /"^ *° '"^' ""^ victory over five ti^es our null t^ """^ "'"" ■ :;ro"° ^^ ^'-"'-'--^ "nHirr r wa. too freely oxecutedT J^" '''"' °" ^''''''''''™ But let that beTs t 'lv% r -""^ '""'"""' "'""^• of their defeat waVth^ i^lt : :™ '''" '"^ ^^"^ »- brought against thon> by To Its '"""" "' ""'' ^'^" had fallen in the' auCtini"n:°" ^.T'"" ""^ ^^''-' ^-^ifnothingunusu^^l^Zprel"' "r""^" Eyre wa. n.uch .ore solicitous' ^3!^^ sa^^ ^V" h's own. Captain Clanronald on the ot f ^ *" agreeably surprised at seeing hi In. c! "" arma approach them apparenOv !«!*: ''*'""" ^ fearful encounter BurVr .. ^ ''°'^^ '<"■ the atedhisnuraeulu,!: ;t"?,T",^^'^ ""^ Oe'ine- Pat McAvoy>3 hraverv 1 '''"'"""'y >nterposition of and Pat's gallanTrv Li, ' T™"°" -- spontaneous and his staff. ^ """' ''^^'^"^'^ ^ ^-ord Raglan By two o'clock there was not a Russian tn h -de tbe fortifications of Sebaatopol ^ '''" ""'" ine wounded ha. vm^ }...., - ,' , , • -■ -5 bccxi curea for, the commander- " God Save The Queen:' 379 in-chief, with the co-operation of Marshal Canrobert issued orders to the officers commanding divisions to march the remnants of their gallant corps to their respec-" tive camps ; let the men have dinner, call the roll and report to headquarters the names and number of killed wounded and mssing. ' Soon after t le victorious allies were in motion, plod- ding wearily across the mud-covered plateau. Yet al- though much fatigued, hungry, torn by brambles and bloodstained, with melancholy thoughts for their fallen comrades, their hearts bounded and responded with the light of a glorious victory in their eyes as the bands struck up " Rule Britannia," « Garryowen," or '> Scots wha hae wi' Wallace uled." While the French also, with their bands playing, drums beating and trumpets sound- ing in the distance, were no less enthusiastic. " Now then, gentlemen for luncheon," exclaimed Lord Kaglan, as with an easy and tranquil smile he turned his horse's head and cantered across the plain towards head- quarters, accompanied by Marshal Canrobert and all their staff. As they passed through the lines a cheer burst forth and corps after corps took it up so simultaneously that It must have been heard by the discomfited Kus.ians in the beleaguered city. He lifted his plumed hat above his hoary head, and with a slow and graceful bow acknow- ledged their devotion, while acclamations burst forth m joyous and triumphant strains of God Save the Queen and Vive VEmpereur. ■f' t: ■ lill i '■ M iM ;■' J J 380 Two Waterloo Veterans. The thought that two veterans who met in mortal comba on the memorable 18th of J„„e, at Warerio^ under the command of the two greatest chiefs t^worid ever produced, now rode side by side warm friendrand v,e^r.o„s allies who by their united efforts anTh .1 that day on Inkerman Heights vanquished, like Z7 stroking angel the mighty hosts of the C»r of alUhe R 3s,as, and that the two flags of two great and p wt with the bitterest animosity are now nnfurled in a com- mon cause calls back the days of chivaliy whence -^^of F^nce and England went fortfaVn^: le fo th in all his glory between the dark clonds that iZd ttemselves from the moist soil and floated with ligM wmd towards the sea. while the bright steel Zyl^^ the receding columns glittered in the sunbeams. That night, before retiring to rest her bruised and weary hmbs Captain Eyre (our heroine), prostrated ^ZuZ Lr tole T'r^'r' thanksgiving in the secrecy of Godwh „'"";■:■ --^Po-d out her soul before tL uod Who in H,s inanite mere/ and almighty strength dlTd7\*'!;-7""" *"<■ "^'-r'd'the: from thl ?h '"! '''"'^"'* «'''•- that stood up against them. Then she went to bed, and with asmile of imio- eence on her handsome face was soon asleep, and weZt adm, deserved well tired nature, sweet i^'storer W mv/rning sne rose with ight heart and as fresh as a "A MiniaUring Angel Thou." 381 daisy, but rather stiff from recent bruises. Durin.. the ensuing week she felt indisposed to perform any out^door duty, but was quite able to perform her allotted task within. , Hubert was placed by the doctor on the sick list, and by the professional skill of that gentleman, as well a^ our heroine's unremitting attention to his wants, his wound, though a severe one, began perceptibly to heal in a few weeks. Our heroine would gladly have read to him during his convalescence, but she was fearful that he might by any chance whatever detect her sex which wo. Id entirely frustrate her plans. Instead of which she took good care to keep him supplied with interesting books, that amused and occupied his mind, which she well knew would wander instinctively far over the sea where he expected the darling of his heart was solioi' tous for his safety, and in suspense awaiting his return • little dreaming that the young aide-de-camp, who now watched over him like a guardian angel, attending to his smallest wants, was no other than his affianced bride the thoughts of whom had brought fresh strength and courage to his genial spirits in the hour of danger and difficulties. Besides what he had to suffer and contend with in the Crimea, the thoughts of his uncle's dis- pleasure with him for a crime of which he was innocent had often filled his heart with sadness that overshadowed his manly features. Our heroine, anticipating what his thoughts would dwell on, did all in her power to amuse and interest him during the monotonous hours of his IP ! If I \\ m ' ' 382 The Redan Tower. illness. At the end of two months, though not quite recovered from the effects of his wounds, Hubert buckled on his sword once more and took a share of his com- panion's toils. Now began the dismal reign of mud, cold and stormy weather. liay after day, week after week, month after month, Captain Eyre (our heroine) and Hubert per- formed their usual duties in cold, rain, snow and frost, . while the men were dying off daily from hunger and ex- posure to tlie terrible winter, fattening the inhospitable soil by their ashes. Patches of rank grass wave high above the mound in the enclosure which marks the spot where many brave fellows rest from their labours. On the 18th of June, our heroine and Hubert were in attendance on the commander-in-chief at the assault on the great Redan. Their duty on that memorable oc- casion was of the most arduous nature, and fraught with danger, dashing to and fro with orders and despatches to the different points of attack where the bullets whizzed thickest, and the iron storm of grape and canister had swept past them, after fulfilling its message of death on the blood- begrimed stormers. Amid the toils, dangers and struggles that surrounded them on that eventful day, while traversing a great portion of that Haceldama, they displayed a degree of fortitude which no doubt was equalled, though it could not have been surpassed. Next day, during an armistice to bury the dead, it was their sad duty to ride over the battle ground., where lay in ghastly heaps the mutilated remains of the brave Blood! Blood! Blood! 383 fellows whose heroic assault on the Redan had failed through some mismanagement of the authorities Here were a party of men standing over a yawning grave from ten to twenty feet wide, five feet deep and thirty feet ong. at the bottom of which in every conceivable atti- tude, lay packed closely together, the bodies of the dead Some m the act of taking aim. others with hands up- turned as If in supplication, others with earth and grass chitched in their hands as they caught it in the last throes of agony. Fatigue parties with stretchers toiled slowly alon- with a heavy burden for the grave, or, subject for thl doctors care. Other parties were searching through the grass and brambles, or among the rocks and chasms for dead or dying who had crawled there for protection when wounded. Here and there were pools of blood in wb' h the flies were battening, and from whence the honey-bee and the snow-white butterfly strove in vain to free their tmy pmions, and before the apex of the Redan were men of all regiments blended together, some without heads or legs or arms, bowels torn out, brains scattered, blood oozmg from the eyes, or ears, or mouth-blood ! blood ■ shells, had bowled through the advancing columns " Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust ' " the dry mould IS thrown upon them, and the last shovelful is smoothed over with a silent prayer bv th.ir ^orrow.'n. and faithful comrades, and they were left alone in their gore and glory. No, not alone, for the affections of wives ^ in S84, Sad Recollections. and children, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and may- hap sweethearts, lie buried with them, The hillside and the space between the quarries and Redan, and all along towards the Malakoff, afford such sights as these. Many Russians were also buried by the French and English. •Oh, Despot, behold thy work ! Thy human brethren mangled with shot and shell and buried in heaps, whose blood cries from the earth for vengeance. Tes, thy Maker's image defaced ! Behold, I say, thy work'l and envy the meanest serf in thy vast-spreading empire whose hands are free from the blood of his fellow ; who, far re- moved from scenes of grandeur, knows neither the splen- did dreams of ambition which haunt the minds of the great, nor the dark desolation in which they often vanish amidst the tears of the widow and the fatherless. Those by whose sanction war comes— those who make men resemble savage beasts and kill their fellow men- will have a fearful account to render to the righteous Judge above. Say, wouldst thou learn, relentless autocrat, how glow the hearts of thy vassals with holy zeal for a sacred cause. Many of the wounded who were borne away to hos- pital, were fitting subjects for Chelsea, " the poor soldier's last home in the land of the living," but many were fated to die of their wounds ere the sun of the morrow lit up the waters of the Black sea. One day after the assault on the Redan, our heroine Tlie Vivandiere. 385 was sitting at her window translating some despatches which Hubert was waiting to transmit to General Canro- hert, when she was rather disturbe 1 in her composition, by a flirtation going on under her window by a Trench Zouave and a pretty little vivandiere who belonged to the same corps, whom our heroine remembered well, for she saw her fie(jiiently under ciicumstances that could never be forgotten, in fact, under tire at the head of the regiment, on the heights of Iiikerman, on the day of the terrible battle. She was a smart little 2\ir'isenne, possessed of great beauty, with eyes that sparkled like the diamonds in her ears. She wore a pretty blue Zouave jacket, fringed with silver lace, over a pretty chemisette, and her black hair smoothly braided under a coquettish little scarlet kepi, which bore the regimental number. As our heroine peeped out of the window to ascertain what was going on, she saw the fair Amazon helping the soldier to a mouthful of b.,- .dy from her little keg which she carried over her shouider. Our heroine, full of love and romance herself, sympathized with the lovers, but not wishing to be an eavesdropper or to disturb their flirtation, resumed her writing, but she could not sit at the window without at least hearing some of the banter. "Ah, Mademoiselle Josdphine," said the Zouave, in his most dulcet tone, " you~mon Dieu ! you look so lovely that " "That what— what—Jules ? " asked she. " Well, so lovely this morning that I am quite afraid " i i} • ' i : 886 A Military Flirtation. " To kiss me— is it not so, Monsieur ? " " Yes, ires hien. Take courage, mon comarade." " Mademoiselle Josdphine, you quiz me," said he. " A Zouave and afraid," exclaimed the vivanditire, and then followed a little smack, there was no mistaking, which made our heroine long for the time when she could make herself known to Hubert and divulge her secret to him. « "You are indeed btiautiful, Josdphine," said he. " There is not a viv^ndi(5re in the whole French army like you." " Ye*i, I may die an old maid," said she, demurely. " You may, eh ? " replied he, with a smile. " Yes, Jules," rejoined she, coquettishly. "Then it will be your own fault, ma belle coquette, and not the fault of others," said he, touching her under the chin. " Parhleu ! I sha'nt marry a Zouave, at all events." " Don't speak so cruelly, ma cJiere. When I look on your charming face, I always think of glorious Paris,— Paris ! Ah, mon Dieu ! shall we ever see it ac^ain ? " " Why did you leave it, Jules, and your studies at the Fcole de Medecine to fight and starve here ? " " Why ? " exclaimed the Zouave, rather nonplussed. " Yes, mon ami," reiterated she, emphatically. " Sacre, if you must know," replied he, I will tell you. 'The old girl at the wheel, Madame Fortune, proved false to me. I lost my last money, fifty Napoleons, at the rouge-et-noir table at the Palais Royal, I was ruined, Josephine, and as I had no wish to jump into the Seine, A Conaolation. 387 and then to figure next morning on the leaden tables of the morgue, like a salmon at the fishmongers, I joined the 2nd Zouaves in the snapping of a trigger, and so am here and at your service, my most adorable, en amou- rette." "You will return with your epaulettes and the cross of the legion of honor," said she, teasingly. " I don't think so," said he, " kiss me at all events, mahelle." " I see you are getting spooney, Jules," said she, with a laugh. "Jlfon Dieu, I can't help myself when I gaze into them black, bewitching orbs of yours." " Well, camarade, if a kiss will console you take it." Another sound reached our heroine's ears which made her feel quite nervous, when she tried to cluso the win- dow quietly, but the lovers outside heard her, on which Jules saluted the staff officer as he thought and looked very unconscious, while the pretty vivandiere gave a military salute, and tripped laughingly away singing La Manmllaiae. Everything in this world comes to an end some time or another, and so did the Crimean war. Corps after corps marched to the place of embarkation with a joy- ous heart and a light step, preceded by their bands playing lively airs, and embarked at Balaklava. The French embarked at Kemisch bay. As thqy marched Zouaves with their vivandicJres at their head and their 388 EmharUny for Home. Me stock of supplies strapped over their shoulder This corps preseuted a stirring spectacle, those swarthy ithe and black-bearded fellows, their faces bronzed by the hot sun of Africa. Their turbans, and ba^.y breeches of scarlet, gave them a very Oriental Aspect, to their swmgmg gait and rollicking air, together with the free-and-easy roanner in which they marched at ease, aud the songs thev sang, announced them all sons of la oeUe J^ ranee. Their long brass trumpets played some strange but not unwarhke measures, to which they all stepped in rap,d time and in the intervals of the music many of .w"T ." ' '°"^' "''""^ ^"^ I^'' ^y Maden,oiLle Jo^phney^ho was riding d la cavalier at their head in rear of the staff officers, with her little brandy ke. slung over her left shoulder. " . About the 15th May our heroine and Hubert joined their corps wh.ch embarked at Balaklava with other detachments-hospital staff, and many wounded; the at er were borne to the ship on stretchers, some minus ImLTted. ' ^"'^ '"'' ''-' ^'* '-- P""^ -1 AH that were able assembled on deck, with tears in the,reyes, to take a last look at that dreary Chersonese where they had left so many noble comrades behind 1 far away from friends and relatives These thoughts filled them with sadness, as they re- ponded to the cheers of the crows on other transp^o L that were waUmg to receive their living freight, as the " Green Be Their Graves.' 389 shoulder, e swarthy, •ronzed by id baggy Aspect, but ' with the 1 at ease^ sons of la ange but iepped in many of enioiselle head, in ndy keg ft joined th other ed ; the e minus ale and tears in Jrsonese lind, so hey re- nsports as the noble ship steamed out between the rocks which over- hang the narrow entrance to the harbour. The recedincr shore, where the iron voice of the cannon so frequently rang the death knell of many a brave human life from battery and bastion; the last rays of the sun, as they lit up the impending bluffs of Cape Aya, and ruddied all the rocks of red and white marble that guard theruo-o-ed coast and repel the storms of the Euxine, all these, as they had melted into sea and ':y, seemed like an old dream now to our heroine and Hubert as they stood on the quarter-deck watching the receding shore. It seemed but yesterday all those hussars who had died of cholera at Varna or elsewhere, and those whom they had seen cast into the yawning grave, had been alive, and by their side. They now thought of those comrades with tears in their eyes. Be a soldier but for six months and you will never forget the new world that is open to you, a respect for your comrades, and a kindly feeling for the old number of the regiment ; it lasts all the days of your life. "'..-t their minds dwelt on that ghastly trench in the valley of death, and the pale upturned faces of their comrades who slept there, as they watched the receding shore. " God bless all who lie there, and green be the graves of our sddiers in the Crimea," was their prayer, as they bid farewell to the land where so many of their comrades lay sleeping. After these sensations had passed away our heroine li ' 'I i ' 1 ' '■ \ 'i-m-- ,1* 390 Anchored in the Bosphorua, turned her thoughts to other events, after giving thanks to God for the great mercy He had shown in bringing them safely through all the dangers and death-struggles that had surrounded them. Her heart was overflowing with gratitude, and joy filled her breast to see Hubert by her side. The weather was all that could be desired, and their progress across the Euxine was rapid. As they entered the Bosphorus their speed was increased by the strong current that sets in from the Black Sea, and which runs at the rate of five miles an hour, together with the united influence of fair wind and steam, and they were en- abled to reach Constantinople before sundown the third day, and anchored at the mouth of the Golden Horn Our heroine was greatly impressed with the panorama of scenery which was presented to their view, as the ship swung to her moorings. The sun was fast sinking behind the hills, throwing the city inte shade, but lighting up the golden summite ot the numerous minarets like balls of fire. For a time the bright glare dazzled the view, and rendered indistinct the prospect, but as the evening fell once more all was fair, and bright, and rich before them. ^ The night at length closed in, when all was involved m darkness and silence, save the Sultan's harem which was the only place lit with gas, and the silence wis only broken by the voice of the patrols, the challenge of sen- tries, and the howling of dogs that prowl through the streets. The moon rose about eleven from behind the Gonstcmtinople ! 391 distant mountains, lending to the landscape a hue of sombre shade, while the outline of the objects appeared spangled with silver, and marking the calm waters with a tall pillar of light. Next morning our heroine and Hubert, with other officers, were rowed ashore by eight blue jackets from the ship. Having been chumming it together since they landed at Varna, they now struck oft" by themselves to see what they could of that historic city. But those who landed with no other ideas of the Orient than such as were inspired by the "Arabian Nights" and Byron's poetry were somewhat disappointed on beholding dingy, queer, and quaint dilapidated rows of high houses on either side of the narrow, dirty, tor- tuous and ill-paved streets, of this ancient cathedral city. They were amused at seeing the various groups which gathered about the bazaars, and the coffee-houses. There was the grave Armenian with his black fur cap, and long flowing robe ; the great solemn Turk with his Tar- boosh, ample breeches, vast green turban and silver beard, which steel had never profaned ; the dirty, hawk-vis- aged Jew, attired like a stage Shylock, waiting for his pound of flesh , and the half naked Nubian slave. They looked in vain for pretty women, but not a trace of the boasted Eastern beauty was to be found in those females whose costume seemed a mere bundle of clothiner. the feridjee surmounted by the yashmak, through which peered two black eyes like those of a white owl, and IH '- I.'t: f > 492 4 Hubert Rememben Sis Loved One. ended m boots of .yellow leather, as they flitted like ghosts about the street, and gates of the baz..r. TW were all mdeed plain, even to ugliness ^ In the bazaar Hubert purchased a beautiful little box r ehest and most exqu.s.te workmanship and design and ^ther rare articles of great value, all 'of which'hLTn' tended for a present to a lady. Although our heroine was not naturally inquisitive bes.des well knowing the intended donee; yTZ IZ and d stance have not banished from your thoughts those nd'ed ; ^' '°'"^- ^'^^^ ' "* " "-- varuabl^are intended for a present to a lady ? " ." I"'"™ been acquainted since she waaachild- -e.ng these rare curiosities I gladly secured them f^ her; knowmg that she will graciously accept them from ' lT\7f. ': "^^"^ ""^^^ 'he'circuLtanc s I should think she would," said our heroine " hev a.e .ally very handsome presents and from suZ bit With that they heard a shrill whistle Then they repaired to the ship, which was alreadv fo ward, while the sailors and soldiers kept time to was tupped, the sails were unfnrlprl and thp- - i down stream, rounded the Seragli7p:i„V;i:7tre The Dardanelles. 893 Sevei. Towers on the right, and slowly the pictur- esque scenery of the Bosphorus, with the ancient city of Constantine, faded away in the distance, as they stood away into the sea of Marmora. Next morning at ten o'clock the ship was running in smooth water along the banks of the Dardanelles, the weather was fine, and the air salubrious. Our heroine and Hubert were standing at the taffrail admiring the picturesque scenery, when Pat McAvoy came along and (pointing with his finger towards a Tur- kish shepherd, who stood before a cot tending his sheep), exclaimed : " That I raay'nt sin, but there's the greatest sim'larity betune that there an' the purty little burn above Portumna, an' the banks av the Shannon, which all the world knows^ wants only houses an' inhab- itants to be as big a place as the great town av Cork it- self. At the foot av the little hill, just undher the shelther av a dacent pebble av a rock, ye could see if ye knew how to look sharp, otherwise ye might n't be able to make it out, from the gray rock above it, 'cept by the smoke , that riz from the chimbley, Ned Mallory's cabin, for all the world like that one fornintst ye ; an' there's ould Ned himself with his caubeen pulled down over his eyes. Divil a lie in it. " Upon me reputation, bud for I know that this is a h'athen land, I 'ud be afther takin' me dav^y that it wor ould Ireland." " Well, Pat," said our heroine, " you will soon be back to your native hills once more." '1 i -1 •ti:: II;: il 1 r* 4 1 17" I-IJ H 1^ 394 Briney Meelian'a Cross Eye. "l^usha Captain Eyre, agra," replied Pat, "I wish ye sS ''^'^'^^'^ ''''^''' l^ow I've only tin yea': "Ah, yes," said the captain, "I forgot that you told me so once before. But when you complete your time a g^od pension will be your reward, then you can IWe on the Shannon in peace." "A good pension, eh? yes, av I can keep dare av a captain an' four." ^ ^^ * "What do you mean by a captain and four, Pat?" asked Captain Eyre, our heroine. " Oh, a coort martial, to be shure." " Oh, I perceive," said the captain, " in order to secure beTearT"'' ^"/^"^^^^^' '' ^ absolutely necessary to oe clear of a court martial." "That's jist it," replied Pat, ■' an' a purty l>ard job it is to steer cl'ar av that s.„e. Shure if a L only ,1 orucked somet mes, he'il he tried. I know an oufd s" at hon,e named Briney Meehan, who sarved in the pI agin Bony. Shure he often tould me that only he had a crueked eye he'd hev' got one shillin' a day " •• Well, aisy a while, an I'll be afther tellin' ye. One day Bnney wor at dhriU, an' the sargeant giv' the word •Eyes frunt. an' divil a one of Briney eoufd do it" ' ■■ 'BekLT.?,' l; bS;: "^ ''''' *''^"^^-"'- A Wooden Leg and Sixpence a Day. 395 " ' Is it givin' back talk ye are in the ranks V says the sargeant. " Bad end to me, if ye spake agin ar' look crucked, bud I'll put ye where yer neighbour's dog won't bite ye.' "'An' Where's that?' says Briney, lookin' over his nose loike a fifer goin' to church, as innocent as ye plase. 'In the guard room,' says the sargeant. An' shootin' the action to the word, marched poor Briney to the guard-room. " Nixt day he sint in a crims agin Briney that ud' hang a man, presarve the hearers. Anyhow, he wor tried be a coort-martial, an' whin he wor discharged, shure enough it stood up agin him, for he only got sixpince a day fur two years. " Shure there wor more nor twinty others that I know in the same parish, some is blind, some has lost an arum, loiko that poor man there," says Pat, pointing to one of the wounded men on board who had lost his arm ; " some has ne'er a leg left to stand on, an' others is broke up en- tirely, an' the divil a ha'porth one av them has got be- kase they had'nt their time in. At laste there's a boy called Terry M'Guire, an' he's the best off, fur they give him a wooden leg an' sixpince a day fur six months." Several officers who had gathered round to listen to the loquacious Irishman, said something to one another in hearty condemnation of the iniquitous system pur sued with regard to disabled soldiers discharged ho n the service ^with insufficient pensions. At six next morning they passed Gallipoli, and amid • I II li 'IJ ii-; I 'I I ! 396 Studding Sails Aloft and Alow. the haze of a summer's evening shot past the famous castle of the Dardanelles where Sestros and Abydos stood of old, guarding its entrance, whose cannon now saluted them, while the Turkish sentries presented arms. The following day it was the Lemnos, where Vulcan feU from heaven and where his forges blazed. Then Mytilene, the most fertile of all the ^gean Isles " where burning Sappho loved to sing," and where Terpander strung the lyre anew. One day it was Siphanto's marble shore, where ireful Apollo flooded the golden mines; Chios, in .pagan times the land of purity, in latter days the land of slaughter; then Milo, with Elijah's lofty peak, its smoking spring and hollow sea-soaked rocks that rose upon the lee. They pass the coast trending away to the right, showing rugged masses of mountains capped by snowy peaks, and occasionally some good- sized towns were visible on the brown hill sides. Here they thought that the ship's captain had succeed- ed to the bag of wind which King ^olus gave to the wise and gentle king of Ithaca. Thus a few days more saw them running before the wind at the rate of thir- teen knots an hour, through the classic waters of the Mediterranean. The homeward voyage was rapid and pleasant, now passing the old rock of Gibraltar, rearing its lofty bald crest to the sky; on through the straits with studding sails set, like some huge bird of prey, and four dayt afterwards entering Queenstown harbour, where they had to run in for coal, not having sufficient to take them to Portsmouth. ' nj "Home, Sweet Home." 397 During the latter days of their voya^re our heroine and Hubert, after much debating, had finally decided on ap- plying for three months leave. They made out the applications, got them endorsed by the commanding officer, and placed them in the mail-bag ready for despatch to the War Office on arrival. They also applied to the colonel for temporary leave to stop off at Queenstown, where they intended to stay until their official leave from the War Office had arrived. This the colonel willingly granted, when they prepared to disembark. As the ship was not to leave port before the following day, many officers availed themselves of the favourable opportunity of visiting that famous summer resort. Therefore our heroine and Hubert were not the only ones that went ashore. After landing they were driven, with other officers, in a 'bus, to the Royal Hotel, where those who came ashore had a good time during the evening. Our heroine before landing had written a telegram which she marked " pri- vate." It was for her old nurse Nanny, directing her to forward her trunk by express at once to the Royal Hotel Queenstown. After despatching the message she joined Hubert at the hotel where he had secured rooms for them. Next day after dinner she and Hubert drove down in a carriage to the wharf to bid their friends a good-bye, and wave farewell to their gallant comrades, as the trans- port moved slowly out of the harbour and stood out to sea. Hi . i 1 i ! ft 398 Lady Iris is Herself Again. I 1 After this they drove back to the hotel. On alight- ing from the carriage our heroine intimated that she ought to write some letters. " Ah ! " said Hubert, " that reminds me that I have a similar duty to perform also." " "What say you then if we go and write our letters before dinner ? " " I am quite agreeable," replied Hubert. " Ah, yes, I forgot," said our heroine, with a smile, " you must write to that fair young lady for whom you pur- chased that beautiful present, and acquaint her with your arrival ; she may be solicitous." " That's a fact not to be questioned. Come along then," replied Hubert, laughing. So saying, they proceeded to their rooms for that purpose. Instead of writing letters, however, our heroine started to unpack her trunk (which had arrived late the previous evening), and attire herself in female costume. After spreading out her clothes on the bed, chairs, and tables, in order to take out the creases and see how they looked, she found that Nanny had taken good care of them. It took two long hours to complete her toilet, during which Hubert came to her door twice, and called out " Eyre, are your letters ready ? The mail closes in half an hour, you will have to look sharp." " All right. I will soon be ready," was the reply. At last she had finished, and after satisfying herself before the large mirror that she looked herself again, though sadly tanned from long exposure to an Eastern The Revelation. 390 sun, and tho recent voyage, she tapped on the wall and called Hubert, whoso room was next to hers, and in less than one minute that gentleman was standing before her in amazement, but more like one under the influence of mesmerism. Lady Iris seeing hiin get very pale, like one going to fain<:. threw her arms around him and exclaimed, " Oh, dear Hubert, I am your own Iris ! Do you not know me ? " There was a long pause, but no answer. At last. Lady Iris, terrified and fearful for his mental equilibrium, helped him to an arm chair, loosened his necktie, sprinkled his face with a little rose water and opened the window, then sat down beside him and com- menced fanning him. She just made a move to ring for the servant when he opened his eyes and exclaimed, " Where am I ? or do my eyes deceivb me ? Is that really you. Iris ? When did you arrive ? Where is Captain Eyre ? I thought this was his room ! " " I was Captain Eyre," she answered, " but now I am your own dear Iris," He then looked around the room, and seeing the hus- sar's uniform thrown on the bed, the truth flashed to his puzzled brains that Captain Eyre was no other than Lady Iris. He then seemed to lose himself in the delight of being with her. There he sat looking at her with fond, ad- miring eyes, as if she had come upon him suddenly as a revelation of hitherto unknown loveliness and delight. At last he found his voice, but not for any brilliant ut- i ? \ li ■ ij 400 Hubert* Emharraasment itrance, — " Iris, do really tell me what does all this mean, or if it is a dream ? " said he. " My dear Hubert, cheer up, it is no dream ! I am your own Iris who accompanied you through all your trials, dangers and difficulties, watched over you in the hour of peril, and you never suspected that it was I. Have 1 not carried out my secret cleverly, eh ? " There is a subtle power in the love which keeps silence, mightier than all love's eloquence. A hand that trembles when it touches another, one swift look from loving eyes, a sigh, a tone, will tell more than an oration. He then took her in his arms, and impressed several kiss- es on her white forehead, uhich still bore a red mark left there by the hussar's forage cap ; then bent his head and kissed her bare hand — a lovely, tapering hand, that could only belong to a lady ; a hand which any lover might be proud of, that bore on its third finger the very ring which he had given her. He then stepped over to the bed, and lifted the hus- sar's jacket, forage cap, and sword, so lately doffed and thrown aside by Iris, and examined them with doubt and curiosity. It demanded every effort of his reason wiiich was {joraewhat overbalanced for an instant, to believe in the testimony of his sight. When suddenly it recovered its 'i;aniraifcy and he exclaimed, — " Dear Iris, do you mean i> -^^l ine : aat you have been personating Robert Eyre thy»;i rlj iiXi the h-i'dships, privations, sickness and battles of the Crimean campaign along with me ? " Lady Iris's Ex'planntion. 401 "Yes, dear Hubert," answered Lady his, with an einjdiasls, " in truth I have, and stuck by you thruiifjh thick a, id thin, and now am here of a certainty, little the worse of the wear, except a little bronzed ; but beauty you know is only skin deep." " Tell me, darling," asked he, " what was your motive for undertaking such a dangerous ane, witli her hand in hi, her head leaning against his breast, his arm round l"er it W eyes h.dden under drooping ,ids, ,« Jy Ta d d,eam,y downwards at the bright flowers of the el t beneath their feet "wo «r,Mi r, .. «"'« i-arpec Him for th ,t t\ !. ™ P*""'"'^'' """' '™»' '0 Have you any preconcerted plans for our future » " No. dear Hubert," rephed she, raisin, her Ion. las es and looking at him with a roguish smiie ^it ,! Yorshl.! H " T""^"" *° ^""^ "iae consideration ^ urlittie u "^ '"' T" ■"""'^' ">^ -" ™^ -ntr .Z "'° """''"*■ "'J ™y general counsellor" inen in virtue of mv nrpmcratUr^ » • i i down anri .nfH,. u- ^ P^^^^^^S^^i^e, said he, stooping uown and sottly whispering in her ear «« .'f . , able bashfulness seized him !f !I ? "'''^''^^" "IproDosethrf . that particular moment, i propose that we get married at once " "What a proposition! "cried Iris, with pretended as do nn M ' '' ''"'^ ^'' " ^^ ^« '^' best thing we can do now, then proceed incog, to Dublin, where we can bu " a house or rent one somewhere in the suburbJ IthinT Kmgstown or Black Rock would be a charmi g 1 ca 1 We could then sell out of the armv T -ii '^^^'^'y- with Cox & Co." • ^' ^ ""'" "'""''^S^e that Jyf'^^^^" ^""""'y "''''' y«" will be able to join your lather at Marconi-f lia II vr -n ''"j^i^youi shortlv for T : "^'^^ ™°^' *^ ^^« t^^n house Ichen K H r "' "^'^'^ "^" be favorable to our ^cheme. I shall live in seclusion and disguise trustin J Providence will dear up the mvst^rv f h.f f " wrL„. , ^ "'^ raysc3iy that hangs over me W hat do you say to this project I " said he coa.ingly i% am-j,,'a,'p^^i3yj-i^ I Am Quite Ready. 405 Iris was so full of delight and laughter at the thought of getting married so soon, and under such quiet roman- tic circumstances, that she could not answer his question for a few seconds. When equanimity returned, she wiped the tears of love an I joy from her eyes, and answered with a bright smile : " Dear Hubert, I am so delighted with your arrange- ment that I can scarce repre-ss the laughter. It is just as I had been planning during the last days of our voy- age. Do you not think it a most singular coincidence that we should be of one mind in that respect ? " "Yes my love, and I trust it augurs well for our future destiny," said he, toying with her hand which he held in his. "When will we bo married ? " continued he ; "we ought to get it over as soon as possible. Have you any preparations to make ? " " None whatever, dear," was the reply, " I am quite ready." " Then I will go to-morrow and buy the ring, get the license, and see the clergyman," said he, drawing her closer to his heart. They were both happier that evening than they had ever been before. The room lit dimly by a waning fire- glow in the polished grate, threw grotesque shadows on the wall behind them, like phantom forms of guardian angels hovering round them as they sat side by side coo- ing like two doves. They had opened their hearts fully to each other during tliat long suuimer's evening, until the silvery rays of the declining moon shone in at the window, when they 1mm reluctantly sepaiated for the night, ■; f ^\ I n ■I . J ; t 1 1 5 I ■ f ■ 406 M I Tlie Bridal Ring. both bemg much in neoJ of repose after the Ion. vov- ived, wh,Je I„., knelt down in her room ere she we,.t to bed, an, thanke,! God with a. light a heart as Ju let's when she came to the friar's ceil to be married. ' beantlL^'rrred ZT U^ '''' ^''' "" ''"^ J xuiiLonefi, Che lollowinir rnorninrr a** breakfast Hnhert set out with a h^ht hrr^- per'o t ho,, pleasmg m.sions whieh ho had imposed on him Txt d, ; '';"";"-«:• -''-h was .ot,.ke place at eleven ce-Uirf ■"'« 7 views when I told him tht for marriage to be kept q-iiet." and 1 11 take care that „,y clerk does the same " During the afternoon they made the acquaintance of a young lady and gentleman who were sLpin! I the -me hotel, to whom they made known th■« Never had Irk looked lovelW thin f . "°™-" »ide her husband in the vest " to J T " ''~' '" oM register, never had she ft haZ ^h" "T " "" wanted away fro,,, the hith aft a f ^ "? '"'^ for the substantials before them Then .h sr^Sh:~!-rr^^^^^ pt^rm rer -' °^ "- ^--^^ CHAPTER XI. Ginoeb-piece-Thk Surprise— Peter Quigley -The Stort-Thb Prison- er— The Trial- llKscuED— The Election— The Nigger Trader— The Abduction— The Halt-Who Comes There?- The Confeder- ate Chief -The Execution— The Yankees are on us -The Seces- sionists-Louisiana —Volunteers -Peteh— Quigley— The Attack —The Defence- The House on Fire— The Letter— New York. THE lingering rays of the setting sun poured a flood of golden glory between the openings of large pines, oaks and shade trees, one summer evening as Rich- mond sat on the veranda of Ginger-piece mansion, solac- ing himself with a highly flavoured cigar, and enjoying the cooling zephyr that wafted the aroma of flowers and shrubs, while a young negro with a large banana fan kept at wheeling distance from his person the mosquitos and other insects peculiar to the Southern clime that terrify flesh and blood during the hot seasons, when, to his surprise and consternation, Peter Quigley, whom he never expected to see In the flesh, or to cross his path again, entered the front gate and advanced boldly to- wards him with a broad grin, exclaiming : " Musha, masther dear, how is every lingth and breadth av ye ? shure I thought I'd niver see ye agin." 409 r '\ il • il i • 1 1;) ■j ; * 9 ' a i I Old Acquaintances Meet. Riclimond wiw so thunde.struck with (!,„ ., apparition, that in bis i„.„i„ati„„ ho saw the f girl when ho threw over k.^Z.CZlt 7T^ Hrean, beneath, now co,„i„g to:a Js ht I v p". ? which caused him to grow de-tdlvt, f . ' '"'''■ he couid not articniat! for tZ'Z^' ^^I^T '"" what revived, and cried ont excitedly tpe;Xt the denco have you come from? I nevfr thouVht T n see you again, eh ? " ^^' ' '*'"»'''l " ^'^g"™. yer honor, neither would ve onlv w i, penedtomeet in these foreign parts, shlrth^saTi :"; lucky th,ng fur ould friends to meet anyhow "^Zthil's meself that's frlad entirplv i^ / ^"^^ d'yemind." ^'"^ '"'^'^^^ *^ «^« Jer honor wonst more. IreiaTdl "''^*"' ''" '^^^ ^^" ^^^ ^ -- - parted in " Begorra, bad enough yer honor." " How is that, Peter ? " "Well, yer honor, aisv a \wh\}^ ,-» rativt •• """" ""'"' '""'"°™''' "S» » «th your nar- af:rro:';:::?:f;:,trr'" ^ "^'r ^-^^ ">- Mrs. McGee a thrkef ow" h r an' IT "'f '" ^'' few dacent nabors afore 72 d We U Tl L^ " ^ anVood Whin T ™- . • ., ' "^ air pray ers,' says the turnkey ' '^ ' " '_ Musha. thin, sweet bad luck to yc fur villains, is it gom to put me in <,„od ye are fur no rason whatsome- diver. lo the divil's warmitf pan wid ye all f„r a pack av spalpeens, Divil fire mo, bud ye'll suffer fur this false prisonment. What can ye do bad hang or thrans- ^rtr,e ye pack av hell hounds that ye arel Be the Rock Cashel, .f a man's sowl had a crust av sin a foot thick, the best way to get it aff 'ud be to shoot a few do^en lo,ke ye. Divil a bether waj he could 'complish coiporal works av marcy. Hell saize the day's pace or happmess ever '11 be in the oounthry till jidges. ^olers an hangmen are all swept out av it. Sure they call this a free counthry, divil fire me av its half as free as ould Ireland, oad as it is. I scarce landed when I wor pounc- ed upon be two fAieves, robbed and aftherwards crammed t ^,... t.. „..hiu at ah at alJ. Och ! murt^ .r, sheary ^f I wor baok wonst more in the ould sod the diyil Jn> i! " From Post to Pillar." 421 Docthor Fosther 'ud niver pursuade me to come to 'Merikey agin, worra, worra.' " ' That's a purty spache/ cried the turnkey, ' it '11 sarve ye very much I don't think whin yer thrial comes on.' " I consigned him to a very warm climate in reply an' lay down on the floor from sheer exhaustion, where ye may 'asily 'magine what I felt an' thought. I cursed the day I ever came to the counthry. Whilst thus dis- pensin' me execrations, I fell off into the arms av Mur- phy, an' niver awoke till the turnkey introduced the toe av his brogne to me posterior nixt mornin', sayin' : " ' Get up an' pay fur yer doss.' " I wor knocked about from post to pillar by thim thievin' turnkeys, who have no more feelin' fur a human bein' thin af he wor a nager. At last the day av thrial came, an' glad T wor fur that same. I wor paraded wid a pair av bracelets on me wrists an marched atween two peelers from the cell to the court-room. What a strange feelin' came over me afther lavin' the lonely cell, in re- gard av the crowded court whose looks av eager curi- osity turned towards meself as I enthered the dock. The usual ceremonial went forward, the ji y wor 'pannel- led an' the state clerk read aloud a whole rigmarole av charges agin meself. " ' Are ye guilty or not guilty av these charges?' says he, afther he had read them. " ' Pon me faix, thin I'm not,' says I. This answer he wrote down carefully in his big book, The jidge then I I ! I 422 The Counsel for the State. axed if I wor purvided wid a counsel. 'Divil a won av me knows what ye mane/ says I, in bewilderment Have ye any won to spake fur ye/ says he " 'The nana won yer honor/ says I. Then he 'pointed a lawyer to act in me behalf. 'Musha, thank yer honor fur that same, says I. ' Keep silence/ says he "Inthemanetimethe counsel fur the state surweyed me wid that eagle glance peculiar to his purfession. Frst he looked at me through his gog, es, an' thin he stared at me above them, he measured me from head to feet, he noticed every little circumstance av me dress an' behaviour, as though to catch some clue to me thou^^hts ' Never did a kingfisher look so sharply at the unf^rtu- nate mnocent little fi«h in the clear blue wather, upon which he was goin' to pounce with his talons with more penetratin' eyes than did the lawyer regard moself . -Yer name is Pether Quigley/ says he in a manner calculated to upset me equanimity. "'Yes, sur, an' it's meself that isn't ashamed av the name/ says I. "'Hav'ye iver been called be any other name?' says he starm at me as if I wor a thief. " ' The narra name but Pether Quigley did I iver pus- sess. cept when I wor a gorsoon the boys used to call me a blockhead. "This answer drew a big laugh from the audience which caused the lawyer to look very crass at me over Ills specks. " Thin the two peelers who arrested me wgr sworn an' Permitted to Speak for Himself. 423 'dentified me as the man they caught burstin' in the door, and purduced the crowbar wid which I war armed. " Everything now seemed to go agin me. I thought I was doomed to crass the says agin. Heretofore I 'udn't be allowed to spake a word to clear up the mistake that I well knew the peelers made in arrestin' me instead av the rale thieves. " Bud now the judge says to me, ' Have ye any witnesses to call in yer defence ? ' '"The narra wan, me lord, 'sept perhaps the captain av the ship.' " ' What ship d'ye mane ? ' says he. " ' The ship I came acrass the says in, me lord,' says I. Thin I tould him the name av the ship, when he sint for the captain an' two sailors who had seen me an board.' " ' Well, ye see there's conclusive evidence agin' ye,' says he. ' Hav' ye nothin' to say in yer own defence ? ' " ' Faith, me lord, I ''idn't be allowed to open me mouth in me own behalf till now.' " ' Well, it's time enough now. What have ye to ad- duce now that can confute the testimony already against ye ? ' says he. " ' I thin up an' tould him ivery word as I have tould you, how I lost me four hundred pounds be puttin' it in a bogus bank.' " Sometimes a flash av lightnin' will disclose what in the sunshine has escaped the eye. So did conviction break upon the minds av judge an' jury that I wor inno- cent av the charge preferred agin' me. 424 Pdev Crosses Swords tOith the Laimjer. "From that out I could plainly .ee that the judge an' jury wor all an me side -That's a very fea.,ible story, me lord, it's jist loike what an accomplished housebreaker 'ud concoct. Wil ye allow me to swear the fellow ? ' • Yes.' ,,ays the judge"^ Atther I wor sworn. . s„r<,'H™/° "^q^inted wid any persons in New York r saj^s the lawyer. Quent^an' '' "" '"^' ''' '""'^^' "^^° ^^^ ^ fre- quently an unceremoniously introduced the toe av his saT; ':t^ '"^'? ''-' ^^ '"^ --'^-y' ^" ^^e cj Zence.) " '" "'"" ^' ^"^^^'^^^' ''"^"^ ''^ " ' I see ye'r a wit, Pether/ says he. " ' Bedud I'm not. sur. Af I war sure I 'udn't be here afore this coort to-day.' " ' Do ye mane to tell me that ye don't know any pick- pockets or thieves ? ' says he. ^ "I thought he wanted to 'trap me in regard av the fellows that robbed mp '^n r ^ j s«iu dv cne answerin'. ^" ^ ''"'"^'"^ ^^"^ ^''^'^out m'eZn wtf ^' ''"'"'' "' ^"^'""^ • You look at me as it i wor a rogue,' says he tatZ; '^ '"" ' ''°'' '''' ' (^'« '^"^^ '-"Sthe spec. Pon me faith, to teU nothin' bud ths truth. I don't ivi/er. the judge an' ^er stands up it's jist loike Oct. Will ye the judge. Sew York ? ' has so fre- B toe av his in the cell,' 'mong the In't be here 7 any piek- ird av the (1 M'ithout )u look at ^the spec- he. ■h, I don't Menyment in Court. 425 think yev an honest man,' says I. (Continued laugh- ter.) " ' Ye swear to that an yer oath ? ' " Troth I do, to be sure ; an* what else could I be afther thinkin," says I. " ' Now, be good enough to tell me why ye think so,' '' says he. " Bnd-an-agers bekase ye'r doing ye're le\ el best to make me perjure meself, says I.' (Roars of laughter.) " Wid that the lawyer jumps up in a rage an' cries out at the top of his voice, ' Me lord, I appeal to ye for pur- tection; will ye suffer a man that's been through the several degrees of the legal purfession, to be made a laughin'-stock av in an open court, by such a bull-dog lookin' scoundrel as this ?' " Musha then devil fire ye for an omathawn, what mat- her how many degrees ye've been through, faith me mo- ther had a calf that sucked two mooly cows, an' she found that the more he sucked the bigger calf he grew, d'ye mind, says I,' as cool as a cowcumber. " Wid that the decorum av the audience gave way en- tirely to the wildest excesses av applause — the court, the jury, an' even the old jidge himself laughed till the tears came to their eyes, an' though the crier loudly purclaimed silence, the tumult continued ; all simblance av respect seemed suddenly annihilated. At last ordher was partly restored, an' while the sounds av mirth wor subsidin', the jidge stands up, takes aff his glasses, an' looks at meself wid 'stonishment an' a repres't smile on his ruddy face an* exclaimed, 'Do ye know where ye ar', sur ?' 2 426 Peter is Acquitted. " 'Faith thin I do, me lord, wid submission ; 'tis the first time I wor iver in such aa awkard situation as this, an' I hope It'll be the last.' " Wid that the cap'ain an' two sailors av the sh p which I come over in made their appearance, an' wor examined separately. They testified that I came acrass from Cork wid thim, an' afther landin' they saw two land-sharks grab me, an' walk me aff. They did'nt think I had any money aij me or else they'ud hav' given more attention to me welfare. "Besides this, the police wint down to the bo^u. bank where I had deposited the money, an' found it an empty room which had recently been oecu- pied by thieves, who wor obliged to fly, afther takin' me money. Afther all. the testimony wor heard wid the greatest attention. "The jidge briefly addressed the jury an' directed thim to deliver a werdict av not guilty. The word wor reiter- ated be the jury amid loud cheers av applause from the audience, whin I wor borne from the dock on the shoulders av me counthry-men who wor there watchin' the trial an well plased at my release. "They thin made up tin dollars 'mong thim for me an' afther purchasin' a railroad ticket fur Albany started me ott on the cars wid seven dollars in me pocket. "When I arrived in that city Robinson's circus wor purformm there. So what did J do bud hire wid the manager fur twenty dollars a n>onth. In which situva- tion I continued till the sheriff sailed on the circus for debt, in a town called Algiers on the Mississippi Perambulating the Country, 427 " They owed me over six months' wages at the time, bud divil resave the keenogue av it I iver got. I wor thin as poor as a church mouse, begorra I did'nt know what to do. " Any way I started for the count! iry, where I wint into a farmer's house while the family wor at dinner, an' bein' ould counthry people they wpve very friendly an' axed me to join thim. Not wishin' to make strange at sich a time I gladly 'cepted their hospitality, havin' pre- viously put four bricks into me valise to make people bleeve it wor full av valuables ; while it didn't contain any thin' else 'sept a little hay wrapped round the bricks to keep thim from quarellin' wid each other. " Afore I sat down I handed the valise to the landlord, sayin', ' plase take particular care av this.' Bedad durin' the male we gosthered foinly. I could pursave be the discoorse that they wanted to pump me regardin' me business. " ' In troth I'm goin' to purchase a farm of land some- where round these parts, I loike the locality moighty well.' There wor two marriageable daughters listenin', an' whin they heard I wor goin' to bu}' a farm they kind av warmed to me an' axed me to stay wid thim while I wor lookin' round fur the farm. Afther a great dale of pur- suasion I consiuted to stay. " ' I thrust ye're an 'onest man,' says I, * bekase I'm abou^ to place great confidence in ye.' ' Well, sir, if I turn out dishonest to you, it's more nor I did in me 'hole life to any person, 'sept to Ellen there,' says he, pointin' j 'jj ■ s i ; 11 ill 428 " The Gray Mare the Better Horse." towards his wife. ' Here thin.' says T. dhrawin' out a large black leather pocket book, well secured by a strap that locked wid a spring, 'keep this safe till I want it. I'm goin' to lock round fur a suitable farm, which I can invest the money in.' That book contains all the money I'm worth, there- fore ye'll pardon me to be cautious about whose hands I trust wid it.' " ' Och, alan7ia ! I'll warrant ye it'll be as safe as if it wor tin fatloms undher ground.' "'I'll pud it wid our own thrifle that's in small bills • an' afther that, let Ellen alone foi* keepin' it safe.' says' he. gom' up stairs wid it at the same time callin' meself to follow till he'd show me a bed room. "I stayed there fur a week, an' made thim bleeve I wor lookin' out fur a farm. « 'I'm goin' about tin . .iles to-day to see a property that s fur sale.' says I, one mornin' afther breakfast 'I may be back by supper time. Bud stay hud-an-cu'inra 1 m gom' wid enii>ty pockets, give m . a few dollars ' says I to the landlord. ' " ' How much '11 do ye,' says he, goin' up stairs. " ' Oh I 'bout thirty or forty dollars.' "• Begob, sur, here's all the small change Ellen has a twenty dollar goold piece an' a dollar in silver bud I'd take it as a favour if ye'd be contint with the gould piece, and lave me the small change, fur ye see the fact 18 this, sur, plase, she .' savs he. wid « .-u.^r^A Wliitv an a nod, pointing wid his thumb over his shoulder as he spoke, she wears the what ye know, sur.' I A V'tdim of Mi8j)laced Confulence. 429 '"Ton mo reputation I thought ho bud a man av yer ■size to bo hin-picked, mu.st bo a doludor entirely, or yer bother half 'ud allow ye more liberty. Ton rao veracity, I ahan't giv' ye a cent till afther I return, then if it be agreeable to yer wife I may giv' ye a thnfle,' says I walkin' aff. " I heard that about a month afterwards ihe family opened the pocket-book an' found a large sheaf of circus play bills packed closely together, an' on openin' the valise found it contained four red bricks carefully wrapped up in a hay sugawn. "Afther that adventure I done a littlo with the cards that kept me in spendin' money. " Whin I got to New Oj ' is .1 lieard thao a rale Irish gintleman bought a plantation. " ' Begorra,' says T, to meself, ' I'll bet me reputation that's me ould masther.' "Sure I often h;nd him spake av purchasin' a planta- tion down South. Bad sess to me ef I don't go down an' see ef it's hill at any rate, maybe I'd get a job any how down 'mong thim rich planters. So r^vay I came an' here I am yer honour's' most obedient servant." " Pether, said Richmond, "it's a great pity that they did not hang you before you got this far." " Och ! murther sheery, masther dear, why do ye spake loike that, afther all I have done for ye ? " " Have I not paid you well for your services ? " said t\ V " Paid me well, did ye say ? AA I wor the manes av 430 Bichmond's Remorse, winnin' fifty thousand pounds fur ye on the Curraugh and all ye iver giv' me wor five hundred pounds, afther promisin' to make a man av me, ef ye won the races A purty man ye made av me, be sendin' me out to this hathen land loike an exile of Erin. Ef ye call that payin' me well, it goes beyant me comprehension entirely Bud in regard av what I did fur ye in the horse jockeym' an' horse docthorin' Ime I don't value it a thraneen compared wid that murtherin' business on the bridge, preserve the hearers. Bad sess to me af there's a night since bud I see that sweet colleen in me dhrames 'sept when I go to bed, tossicated, which I often do 'pur- pose to get a night's rest in pace. Sometimes I see her strugghn' in your arms an' hear her call on me to save her. Other times I 'magine I hear the splash in the wather. whin her heart-rendin' screech wakes me an' I jump up in a fright. I don't want any more sleep that night lest I'd be afther seein' her agin." " Oh, for heaven's sake, Peter," "exclaimed Richmond " don't talk to me any more about that night or you'll' drive me mad. I thought you had forgotten it before this." "Faith,soI 'ud af I could, sur, bud me conscience wont allow me to forget it at all at all. Pon me faix It's true enough what ould Nanny tould me that the colleen's spectre 'ud haunt me an' disturb me dhrames wherever I wint. In troth, af the truth wor known sur, yer own pace av mind ^nn't Ko ,r^-„ „,— -^ . ,. \ ' "^ -— r^Tj a\vviM, cordin to ould Nanny s purdictions, an' I bleeve every word she tould me." He Pays More Hush- Money. 431 " Peter, you had better go down to the kitchen and tell the cook to get you some dinner and something to drink, for you must be thirsty after all you have been talking." " Bedad, sur, I'll do that same fur I'm much in need av 'freshments. Bud afore I go, sur, wid submission, I'm entirely out av money, an' I'd take it as a great favor af ye' let me have a few dollars." Richmond, glad to get rid of the loquacious rascal, put his hand in his pocket and handed him fifty dollars, say- ing, " There, don't let me ever hear you mention that transaction acrain." " Musha, then in troth, there's little fear av that as long as ye don't see me short av a few dollars whin I want thim." Richmond sat motionless and in deep meditation after Peter's reminder. His deranged thoughts reverting back to that dark night on the bridge when that poor farmer's daughter whom he seduced, struggled in his arms and prayed for mercy. Peter, well knowing by his ghastly features and vacant stare that his thoughts were far away, started for tho kitchen where he introduced himself to Phillis the col- ored cook, who soon dished up a good dinner for him. Richmond, on returning to his usual equanimity after Peter's exit, exclaimed with vehemence, "Curse that scoundrel ! I thought I should never see him again. But now I have a presentiment that he'll do me some mischief if I don't have him put out of sight some way or other. He-knows very well that I am in^hisjpower, f" y 432 Revolt of the Southern States and will have to come to his terms every time whatever tfeey may be. What misfortune I had to leave myself m the power of such a base villain." Meanwhile Peter initiated himself amongst the hands round the house and did almost as he pleased at Oinger- piece. Richmond was obliged to supply him with money whenever he wanted any, and that was often enough for he was continually drinking and gambling with 'the vulgar herd of the village. Confident that some favour- able opportunity would unfold itself of driving Peter from his path for ever. Richmond closed his eyes to many of his rascalities. At last, after suffering untold mortifications from the frequent blackmailings resorted to by Peter to extort money for villainous purposes the time had arrived for Richmond to move in the matter without any danger of having his own neck stretched' Ihe country was in an uproar over the presidential elec- tion, which took place on the 6th November, 1860 and resulted in the choice of Abe Lincoln, when the' am- bitious and unprincipled leaders of the Southern States set diligently to work to accomplish the long cherished design of upsetting the government established in the days of yore by their forefathers, that they themselves might rise to power and position. By means of inflammatory speeches and appeals to the masses, they succeeded in "firing the southern heart" plainly shewing that madness had usurped the throne of reason. Shortly after the secession of Southern States, the Jo88 on the Warpath 433 Union troops were soon on the march, and great was the terror and commotion amongst the inhabitants. The most bitter feelings of animosity were engendered against the Northerners residing in the Southern States. Many were floggad, mobbed, tarred and feathered, or hanged, according to the whims of passions engendered. Merchants, peasants and others were robbed of their goods, and notified to leave without time to collect their debts or dispose of their property. Traders on the Mis- sissippi wor- diiven from their schooners by gangs of marauder " How f io, Joss ? " said Richmond, on meeting the nig- ger-trader one morning while out walking. " Purty well, sir, contiderin' the onsettled state of the kentry," was the reply. " Yes, indeed," said Richmond, " it's troublesome times. Have you heard," continued he, " that we have seceded from Abe Lincoln's government and have set up one on our own account ? " " Oh, yes," answered Joss, " and I know thet the hull kentry ar' up in arms. Troops ar' bein' concentrated on the banks of the Miss. Thar' ar' awful work agoin' on, I reckon we ar' a hangin' every cussed abolitionist we kin katch, Thar's no use in foolin any longer. It's got ter kum ter blows at last, an' we calculate on gettin' the fust shot at them darned Yanks ef we kin. By hangin an' tarrin' a few on 'em at oncet '11 have the efiect ef checkin' their little game, I reckon." "I quite agree with you," said Richmond, "every 434 Richmond at His Old Tactics. abolitionist in »tie country ought to be hanged. The time Has arrived for every true Confederate to .stand up and do his duty." "That's so, sir," said Joss, "an' ef thar' be any persons har 'mong us who ar' gettin' thar livelyhood at our hands, an' yit ar' ag'in us its time thet we ought ter know it. So as ter help him to leave, or hang him " " Well," said Richmond, " there's a cursed Irish-Yankee around here that ought to be seen to atopje, for he's stir- ring up the minds of my niggers. Yesterday in the hear- ing of my foreman he told them that inside of a month they would be set free by the Yankees." " What's his name ? " asked Joss, " he ought ter bo seen ter at oncet.'' "Peter Quigley," replied Richmond, " one of my own hands, he's an idle, good-for-nothing scoundrel, that's always hanging round the tavern either gambling or drinking," " Oh, oh !" exclaimed Joss, "it's my friend Peter, is it. I should think I do know him, an' I'd like ter see the one, that don't round these parts. He's alus purty flush with money at any rate. But no matter that's neither her nor there. Ef he's an abolitionist, he's got to get up an' get, or we'll help him purty quick I reckon." "Here are two hundred dollars," said Richmond, hand- ing Joss the bills, "I want that scoundrel put out of sight, so that 1 may never see him again. But what- ever you do don't hurt him," continued he with a know- ing wink, "you understand what I mean, don't you, eh ? " "Hanging Don't Hurt" 435 " 1 rather think I do," replied Joss, " hangin^ don't hurt, does it sii- ? " "Don't know," was the answer, " I never tried it. But, I never heard of any one that was hanged complain af- terwards !"_ With that they joined in a hearty laugh. " We'll see to this Irish Yank any how," said Joss. " The time hav' kum to do our duty," continued he, " an' ef thar' be need we'll hav' t'jr proceed to the front an' giv' them blarsted Yanks a good lickiu'. But I don*t calcu- late we'll be called on, fur them cowardly Unionists hav' no spunk ter light any how." " But stay," cried Richmond, " return to me by the end of this week with some satisfactory testimony that this job has been successfully carried out, and you shall have a rich reward. Deliver this note," continued he, handing Joss an envelope addressed to Gen'l. Ewell, Conf'd Army, Miss., " he is an old friend of mine and will give you any assistance you may require." " All right, sir," said Joss, " trust to me and let mum be the word." About nine the following evening Peter Quiglev with a few others of his convivial associates, were enjoying their wonted social dram, debating rather boisterously the probabilities of a free tight between the North and South, not suspecting for a moment the plans that were then being propounded for his capture and execution as a "i'ankee spy, by the nigger trader whom he had often treated to his skinful ot tangle-leg, at the whiskey mill, 11 fl 436 Jo88 Earns The Bribe. but who was then the leading member of a party in an adjoining room of conspirators against him. "WaUads," begun Joss, " what I vvant to enli..liten you pon ar' this.-l calculate thet it ar' a darn^tion shame fur us to stan' round hyar a doin ef nuffin an' the huJkentry busily hangin' an' tarrin' those hyar cussed abolitionists. I kin tell ye thar's a fell.r livin' ri<.ht hyar m our midst, thet ar' a blarst^d Yankee Irishm^an an or ter be swung right away, for he's raisin' particular fats mong the nigs on Ginger-piece, fillin' them with false hopes of freedom." ' " Who is he ? " cried his compatriots. " Peter Quigley," replied Joss, "don't you hear him in the next room backin' up the Yanks ? " "But, maybe his boss, who ar'all right fur the South wouldntloiketer hav' us a meddlin' with his hands" suggested one of the conclave. "Oh ! I'll answer fer thet," said Joss, "as I happen ter be posted on that point. He'll not only be thankful ter us fur the job, but he'll recompense us handsomely an' you all know he's got the stamps ter do it with." " Wal, whet do ye calculate to do with this hyar Yankee-Irishman, any how ? " asked one of the gano- " Hold on a few minutes, let's hav' a drink firs\ all ta k an no cider ar' very dry biz," said Joss, touching the bell as he spoke. "I'll tell you my plan arter I wet my whistle. Waiter, saiH Hp no fKo* n^i--? » ^ I.- „,. , ' "■ "^ P^rouHttim; "laae his appearance, bnn us a quart ef your best Bourbc;i, some ice-water lemons, two dozen cigars and some matches." " Good Night, Peter. 437 varfcy in an ' enlighten darnation ffin an' the ynv cussed ivin' right Irish man particular with false ar hi m m he South, s hands," appen ter nkful ter tnely, an' h." his hyar gang, first, all Jhing the whistle. )earance, ;e-water, i^£ After the soul-stirring-element was placed before them they drank deeply to the cause of the Confederacy, and death to abolitionists. After lighting their cigars and placing their feet on the table. Joss commenced : " Dick, you'll go down to old Buza an' get his hack, thar's the stamps ter pay fur it," said he, throwing the bills on the table. "You kin thin drive down toward Ginger-piece an' wait fur us on the road. " We'll watch an' wait on the skunk, I know he'll be well corned. We'll help him inter the keerage an' take our seats each side of him. Then you'll drive ter camp where thar stringin' up Yanks by the dozen. He bein' a spy, of course, we'll have him hung at oncet. Old Ewell '11 send an escort with us ter do the biz. I know the old cuss like a book, I does. He thinks no more on shootin' an abolitionist than he would of a woodchuck." Accordingly they started out on their nefarious mis- sion, after getting their flasks filled with Bourbon at the bar. Dick got the carriage and drove slowly, while the other three marked time on the road v/hich they well knew Peter would return by. They had not long to wait, however, for soon after the tavern was cleared of the whiskey-sucking loafers and closed for the night, they heard Peter coming, staggering from one side of the road to the other. " Good night, Peter," said Joss, as he came up to them. " Musha, thin, Joss, ma bouchal, is that yerself ? " at 438 Within the Rebel Lines. ing manner ' ^ J°^'^^ ^'^^^'ck- .»;!:;:::;::■ ;-----. ......... "Certainly, ju,„p ;„_.. „^ j^^ , therd:::?::'::' -" '"■ ""-'^^ '" '"^ "^"'-' -'< ^m- mile PetorCs faT°f '^^ "''"" '"'^ '"'<' '1-- - rebel oimp The Tl""- " "" '"""'» "■"- '^ ">= ^ho. were searUed ., .eX ^C^^i! VZ who ened out at the top of his voice ^' h Jltett:^:;?::;' '^t^ '^^-^ '^-^ ''■■'"^="=" bayonet gUstenin/i': th^Xr^" '" ''' ''''''■ '"^ va":z2t::::rrr;r--^-otont,ad. cHed in a ....d ,one, ^It a^^^ ^r '^ ^" Advance friends, all's well" "Sentry, haint there a General Evvell amnn^ n parts ? » enquired Joss. ^"""^ *^^'''^ " Yes, there's his quarters " renlip^ ih^ ing toward a large fa^™ houie rlgslV:: f' C I ve neard, said Joss, " fhat he's a fin f^v. ' ^ 0"-. I hov a dispatch fur HunZ]^TZ I^p"" Se- ■I.iece with a bla,.ted pestiferious ZITJJ^T *"'"■ offl^t'" -tf""* ""' '''"'■^' "'>-^ eom'ert'he orderly oihcer, he will instruct you." oraeuy I General Ewall. 439 When that personage came up Joss laid his case be- fore him as above, uj)on which that official showed them into an empty room, saying, " You can occupy this room to-night. The chief is a- bed and don't wish to be disturbed unless there's some- thing very pressing, but this job will keep till morning." They carried Peter into the room where they laid him on the floor and soon had the satisfaction of hearino' him give lucid demonstrations of being in the land of dreams, when they slipped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists. Dick put up the horses, after which they drew forth their flasks of liquor, lit their cigars and lounged round the room till morning, drinking and smoking, " Comrades, you keep your eye on thet skunk," said Joss next morning, pointing to Peter as he lay asleep, " while I go with this hyar dispatch ter the general." "All right," replied his associates, "we'll 'tend ter him." " Tell the boss," said Joss to a rebel soldier who an- swered his summons at the officer's door, " that I want ter speak with him on particular biz." " Walk upstairs, sir," said the rebel chief, who over- heard the discourse. " What's the matter ? " said he, as Joss approached him. " Here's a dispatch sir, from Squire Clanronald," said Joss, handing him the letter. " I hev' travelled twelve miles durin the night," continued Joss, "fur the good ef the Confederate cause, seeing as how the kentry are ) ft t. " Ml V it! I' i I 440 " MuHher Elish ! " over r„„ ,;„, Yankee »pies. Wo h„rpe„od tor nab one path • 77 7' ■""'""■ 'I- -k" a«in the Soutl,, an' playm particular fits with the cause " wmL?''''"™'V'""''''^' "'"■'••'' -^'""oon stop his w md bag, as wo ve done manj more. Orderly," said he tel Lieutenant Gilbert I want hin,." Soon afterwards that ofteer stood before him. ..There's another Yankee m to be executed to day," said he, addressing the sub- altern march him under the usual escort to the place of execution and string him up in the usual manner. It's the only way of striking terror into these cussed Yan- kees. I calculate they'll get tired before we do," .said m ' .f'"'^*^ •■" ^""y "t W^ cigar. When the officer entered the room" Peter awoke, and tanned ""^ 7"'.' ''"""'^'' *'"• " ^^^ "' "^-'o'^. J"mped „p stared at the soldiers and exclaimed in a very exeiled tone, •■ MuMer eluk ! what 'ud ye be afther doin' to me, ye parcel av thieves ? " •' time admrmstenng such a blow with the butt of his mus- ket as laid Peter measuring his length on the floor and closed his mouth fromfnrtherpalaver. Then he shoved him down stair^ without ceremony and marched him off to the place of execution, which was a clump of oak trees a out a niile from the camp. As they marched alongt ».lence Peter ventured to address the officer, althou^ n aoinof so he ran f.hp vi^v ^e #.„i:„., ., . . - ° bed musket " Sir " ' "Vi '^ "^^'^''^ ^*' ^ *'^'^^- «»"sket. Sir, said he m a supplicating tone, " I'd In l^eter is RcaUjned. 441 ter nab one LJ South, an' oon stop his ly," said he, afterwards her Yankee ng the sub- he place of 'finer. It's ussed Yan- 3 do," said k^oke, and, bracelets, imed in a to me, 3'e the same his mus- floor, and oved him im off to )ak trees along in lough in f a club- ne, "I'd take it as a great favour if yer honor 'iid allow me to spake a few words ?" " Yes," replied the officer, "your time in this world is drawing to a close pretty fast, you haven't many minutes to live, anyhow. So you can go on and make the best use of the short time you have. If there's anything very heavy disturbing your conscience repent at once ! " " What have I done ? " queried Peter, " to be handcuffed an' a prisoner loike this ? Please tell me who is the cause of it ? " " VVal," replied the officer, " you've been sent here a prisoner by Squire Clanvonald, of Ginger piece, for being a renegade Irishman and a Yankee spy, and one of the worst and meanest kind ! The death of a dog is too good for such varmint ! A strong rope and a good lift is the best persuader to cure such scum as you of your Yankee proclivities ! " The truth flashed on Peter's mind that he was sold by Richmond, in order that he might get rid for ever of the only witness (as he thought), to that murder which he had committed on the bridge. Peter knew there was no use in further palaver with the escort, so he said no more, but resigned himself to God. On arrival at the spot whereon many Yankees had suffered the penalty of death at the hands of the rebels, for their fidelity to their country the officer gave the command ; " Halt, bring a rope here, one ot you ! " A good sized rope was then produced, this being an indispensable part of camp-equipage among the rebel array. Besides it cost less money than powder and bullets. i \\ \ I *42 Asahlamx Amma None Too Soon. The no„,e wa, placo,! u.a,.n,l Pete.'., neck, who closed his eyes and offered his »„ul to Ood i " Get up one of you," said the oHicer. " and slip the rope over t a sfon. ,i„,b.» One of the sold.e,.., got on hi conwades .shoulders for the purpose of reachh.g the r .iu.red branch, when a bullet passed through his head a", down he fell lif„le.,s to the ground, ht life bo;; pattenngover Peteras ho stood resigned tohis fate with the rope round his neck. A volley of musketry rang on his ears knocking over .several of the party. " " '^)l ^'-"f^^ "re upon us," was the sudden crv, and away the rebels ran as fastas their legs could carry thm pursued by the Union troops who ca,ne upon the,."' awareswhde advancing to surprise the rebel ea,np and »ee.ng the man about to be launched into eternity fired upon the party, and doubled to the rescue. All the rebel rascals t ey did not shoot down they took prison!:. They then released Peter, took the handcuHi from his wr.s s.Pnd sent him back to their own eamp, who,, he gladly jomed the Louisiana volunteer, off totl'T "V'" "'"P"" ""^ ''"" fo'-'-rched offto the place of execution, they entered their carriage ad drove back, but not before Jo.,s had obtained a certi! hcate from the rebel chief, verifying the completion of his commission. ^ with the demeanour of a man who had n.rf„.„„j _ .^... important and trying task for the cause' of" '^hTco'nfX Ginger-Fiece Besieged. 443 racy. Richmond being satisfied witli the authenticity of the document handed Joss the promised liberal reward. In the meantime the Union troops advanced cautious- ly, and surprised the Confederate camp, dealin- .leath and destruction to the foe, who fled fror, tho fri^ditful on- slaught and took to the woods, hot y pursi,: d by their bitter and determined enemy, ola i.^vell, t^ieir cliief, barely escaping tlie death which ho s v^aly deserved by a precipitate retreat across the country as fast as bis horse could carry hiu). The surprise of the Confederate camp was hailed with demonstrations of joy throughout the state by the Unionists, while the Secessionists raved and swore with bitter indignation. The commotion increased hou. ly, placards were posted all over the Crescent city, and intelligence of the disaster spread like wild-fire all over the country. The Secessionists now driven to desperation, rushed headlong toward the levee, hurling incendiary torches among vast quantities of cotton-bales and other stores. »vhen clouds of smoke and lurid flames burst forth rol- ling in opaque volumes heaven-ward. In the meantime tlie Union gun-boats appeared on the river and threatened the Confederate cause with destruction. The gallant Unionists advanced rapidly after the retreating rebels bearing their proud flag of liberty flaunting in victory's van, striking terror into the hearts of Secessionists. As the Louisiana volunteers advanced on Ginger-piece mansion, -There's the house, sur," exclaimed Peter Quagley, addressing the captain of his company, « where :j. ■ .4 ! ' f S i'l 1 444 IiichmOnd\H and Blake's Defence. I B that traitor Clanronald lives (that I tould ye av) who belied an bethrayed me into the hands av the robeb to iiave me hung." The report was duly made to the commanding officer who ordered the house to be attacked, the rebel proprie- tor captured, and his property confiscated. Richmond having been warned of the enemy's advance barricaded the lower part of the house until it was pro-' nouneed impregnable by the garrison. Then after arm- ing himself. Blake, and the foreman with revolvers, and the niggers with a couple of shotguns and other missiles of destruction, took post at the upper windows deter- mined to hold the fortress or die in the attempt On approaching the mansion the troops were deployed into line and halted in front of the house, when Rich- mond was called upon to surrender. " What do vou want ? " cried he. ^ "We want you down here at once or you'll have to put up with the consequences." was the stern rejoiuder. Then you can't have me, and I want yourself and your cursed followers to get off my premises at once. A man's house ought to be his castle." With that the window from -hich he spoke was made the target for over a dozen of bullets. A party of sol- diers advanced with clubbed muskets to break the door open. But all thei' strength and ingenuity to force an entrance was futile, when they were forced to retire throuffh the heavv ^va nf+i,f. v-i— J -' -■> JNow the fire opened with a vengeance on both sides; Escape of Richmond. 445 the besiegers, who were without cover, suffered severely from the steady aim and sure fire of Richmond's and Blake's revolvers. The officer, seeing so many of his men fall without making any progress, or even breaching the fortress, ordered the house to be set on fire and sur- rounded, This movement had the desired efiect. As the flames increased the besieged were forced out to He knocked over, shot down, or stabbed by the troops. Richmond now in despair cautiously crept through a man-hole, known only to himself, at the back part of tlie house, and succeeded in making his escape to the wood,s unobserved, while Blake, in attempting the same plan, was knocked over insensible. The foreman and the nig-' gers who took part in the fight were either killed or wounded. The troops scoured the woods after Richmond, but could find no tidings of him. He had run over twelve miles through the woods as fast as his legs could carry him till he reached the railroad station, where he took the cars for New York, and put up at his old rooms, Madison-square. The morning of the raid Richmond had received a let- ter which bore the Canadian postmark. But though he shoved it into his pocket without opening it on account of the excitement, the next morning after breakfast, how- ever, he opened it and found it was an effusion from the pen of the exemplary Joe Jebo, the contents of which I trust will be sufficientlv intprfistmn- ir. ,"- — nf i^- perusal : BB lit- 446 Joe Jeho's Fffusion. PiCTON, Ont., 18—. Sir,— Having promised to vrrite you from Canada, I hasten to do myself the honor of redeeming my word. I reached Belleville safely about eight o'clock the evening after parting with you, and rode in Lake's 'bus from the railroad station to the Dafoe House. I cannot refrain from the liberty of congratulating you upon the success of your newly acquired enterprise, an account of which I have had the pleasure of reading in the Louisiana Herald. I have heard that the den are greatly incensed and swear vengeance against me, but as I have not betrayed a tittle against them except to re- lease your friend, I trust ultimately to pacify the club and return again like the prodigal son to be received and affiliated onca more with the society, for I do assure you, sir, when I gaze into the blue and interminable vault of the firmanent and behold the myriads of bright stars that illumine the earth, my thoughts wan- der to that glorious and beloved flag of liberty which dips not to thrones nor powers nor principalities. I am convinced that a true patriot never leaves his native country if he can avoid it. Even should I, through the little delicacies of art which I execute so well, ever have the misfortune of falling into the hands of the Philistines and be compelled to board at the public expense, the ties of birthplace and my old as- sociates are so strong within me as to induce me to embrace the first favourable opportunity of returning. I cannot say that I am very fond of the Canadians ; the majority of them are a penurious people compared with the Americans. The only way that can be accounted for is that the country is over- run by " cannie Scots," who know how to cling to the bawbees. A few days after I arr d in Picton, where I went after I left Belleville, I saw, while sitting at dinner in the hotel, a young fellow of the most prepossessing exterior secrete something which I could not clearly perceive, as he stowed it away carefully in a table napkin before placing it in his pocket. I calculated that it must have been something valuable, a silver tankard or something of t^B gork. Hnw^Vfir. T frtllnnroil Jiim ann ar\nn ^«t «^ «_ i. -i — __ !; — = I. - . — J „..„ .,H,!s gvu an uppuii,uini,y of transferring this purloined treasure to my own pocket. Imagine my astonishment after hastening to my room where I opened the A Canadian Politician. 447 m little parcel carefully^ to find — yes, to find a dozen of common crackers. Oh, the meanness of some people. The fact is I would have despised the lower order of the profession had I not valued myself upon giving them a charm, and investigating them with a dignity never bestowed upon them before. Who would be a slovenly thief when there is such respect and a autages in being a high-toned smart one. I was greatly surprised &t meeting one of our hive located in this country. He had to fly from New York like mysell for betraying the boys to the bobbies, selling his birthright in the club for the paltry sum of two thousand dollars. He started operations here in the County P. E., under the alias of A. Oeeley. He bought Sve hun- dred acres of land by paying c couple hundred dollars down, then mortgaged it for all it was worth. Would you believe it ' Ke once ran for member of parliament and actually got elected. He after- wards, through politica]|influence, got sheriff of the county, a lucra- tive office by-the-by. But, I was glad to hear that he never de- meaned himself or his old 'profession by hanging a man during his shrievalty. He was what they call in these parts a smart man. But when he let the bank and a few of the leading politicians in for a few heavy drafts, they came to the conclusion that he was also smart at penmanship, for some of the names he so cleverly forged had to respond and pay the notes. But he had to fly to a fresh field ; some of the names (had he stood his ground), would be apt to get him ten years free rations in that strong boatding-house at Kingston. Bat the meanest trick he played round bare was to let an old soldier and an honest carriage-builder in jointly for a large amount. '* I might have related many amusing and interesting incidents that came under my notice in Picton. But already I have in- truded too much on your patience, and apologize for the prolixity of this epistle which has grown beneath my hands to a lengf/x I had never anticipated. I hope I shall soon be able to return to New York again. And now wishing you all the happiness this world oaii afford - I beg to remain your obedient, humble servant, JOE JEBO. 448 Bomeward Bound. I Richmond knowing that Lady Iris had returned from her mission of mercy in the East, and trusting that time, and the privations which she must have suffered during that memorable campaigu had obl.'tered all her preju- dices against him, and cleared her mind from romantic ideas, had now made up his mind to return :.o his uncle's castle and sue once more for her hand, the possession of which he had no doubt would be easily secured. Accordingly he took a passage in the steam ship "Adri- atic," Captain Cameron, White ^tar Line, and embarked at New York for London. I might state here also that the author of this story had the pleasure of crossing the Atlantic in the same ship. The voyage was a memorable one, for many reasons of a pleasurable reminiscence. Although we had heavy gales and :.. head wind during the whole voyage, the waves rolling mountains high, still the good ship braved the mighty billows majestically, and the passengers had the greatest confidence in the ability . '^.xptain Cameron to n? vigate the ship safely into port. CHAPTER XIT. The Honkymoon— The Shamrock Cottage— Lady Iris— Thb Casti.e— The RKfKPTiON— The Chamber— The Congratulations— The Din- ner Party— The Dialogue— The Parties— The Train to Dublin— The Town House -The Ball -The Coup-de (Jrace-She Visits Hubert— Richmond's Return-The Reception— The Invitations- Sir Charles Lamb- The Dinner -The Ladies Retire— The Sing- ING— What Rare Claret— The Soliloquy-Iris and Maud— The Mission op Mep.cy- Old Kitty Dalton's Mystery— The Dialogue —Visits Betsey— Dublin- Peter Quigley's Letter— The Guests —Hubert and [Richmond Meet Face to Face Suddenly - Hubert Proves His Innocence— The Evidence -Richmond Flies for his Life— The Chajse— Hubert- The Restoration— The Confession- Rejoicing— The New Will— The Vast Possessions -Riches and Honour— The Conclusion. 6ADY IRIS und Hubert had been enjoying the sun- shine of their honeymoon at Queenstown one week when their leave of absence, which had been en- dorsed at the War Office, arrived, whereupon they proceeded by rail to Dublin thence to Black Rock, where they rented a charming residence which rejoiced in the emblematical title of "Shamrock Cottage," nestling amoncr ornamental shrubs and shade trees in a secluded and picturesque locality. In the interim they had sent in their papers to the army agent, with a view of sellin\ WrS ^Cs"" r 470 Lady Ms is Amazed. " Kitty, for pity sake ! what do you mean ? love whom ? pray tell me at once." 'lAh then mavourneen villish !" replied Kitty mys- teriously, " I wiU relate what's troublin' me mind in re- gard avyer sweet self, af ye promise not to be crass wid me fur that same 1" " I have already declared," said Iris, " I „m „ot be dis- pleased whatever vo„ say.- "That will do then, alanna: Ba.d K.tty and thep commenced with a peculiar gravity ot expression. 6 "^^i-.y " Shure, avourneen, the nabours say as how yourself m the hoy bands shortly, that yer father and his uncle .mT^T^""""^ "■ '"'"■™«'^ '~'"' to take place," -dLadylns, "would there be anything wrong aboJt .nl'^^K ■"? 'T"'" """""""^ ^'"y' '■ ■' '»'! be natural enoughonly he's not worthy, av such an innocent sweet thJ l7^' '''1 '" "''' ""'^ '"' "'* "PP-he-ion at " whit ha : , "''''""'"" '^"'"^ '' ^- -'— '. what has he done to make him unworthy of me ? " ■■ heW ! I ■',' ''P""' '^'"^- "'•"P'""^ ■■> her ear. he s a murdherer ! presarve tho'hearers i " W.th that Iris started as if she had been stabbed, and stannga K.tty with amazement, wonder and emoti n- exclaimed, ' " What do you mean ? " Murder Will Out ! 471 " Troth, alanna, I mane what I say, and what I can prove ! " You remember that sweet colleen Maggie O'Shea," continued Kitty, " who wor dhrowned at the bridge, an' the inquest brought it in shusy-side ! " Lady Iris assented. " Well, asthore, af ye do, well a^i' good. Shure the villain couldn't be satisfied wid seducin' that creathur, but to add more wickedness to his crime, threw herself an' unborn over the bridge (an that dark night which I can niver forget). He thought there wor no witness to his dreadful crime, 'sept Pether Quigley, his varlet, who helped him wid more villainy nar that ! Och hone, alanna, shure her screams an' cries fur marcy as she struggled in his arms 'ud have softened the hardest heart, wf)rra ! worra ! "Throth, alanna, meself wor so frightened that I crouched down in a dark corner on the bridge close to where they stood, wid me heart in me mouth, lest he'd see me; faith af he did its little he'd have thought av pitchin' me afther his victim ! " " Kitty," cried Iris, with a shudder, " can you swear positively to this statement ? " " Throth, can 1, alanna, a'fore God and the saints, an' so can Pether Quigley, fur he wor wid his masther at the time!" " Where is Peter Quigley now," asked Iris, anxiously. " Shure he's out in the American war," replied Kitty. ' Betsey Flynn, wid whom he v/or puUin' a cord a'fore he wint away, got a letther from him last week." .._._ii 472 Lady Iris Finds a Glue. " What caused Peter Quigley to leave Richmond's ser- vice? asked Iris anxiously. "I know he had a good place there,' ® "Dear knows asthore, there's somethin' mysterious about ,tl" exclaimed Kitty, "fur he wint awVsoon afther that attempt on the life av Lord Clanronald > It alus peared to me." continued she, "that Hubert wor too onorable to make sich an attempt on his uncle's life as wor laid to his charge, an' fur which he Md to liy the' counthry, poor boy ! " ^ "I quite agree with you." rejoined Iris, « I will go and see t... Betsey," so saying she arose shook hands with Kitty, leaving something substantial in her palm pro- mised to call again, and departed. Next day Lady Iris drove to the little co' . bv the lake-side. wherein lived Betsey, whom sh .stLed carerully concerning Peter Quigley 's movements. "I think, continued she, " that Old Kitty Dalton has told me that you got a letter from him." ; Yes me Lady, here it is, perhaps ye'd loike to read t '''. t\ T?^^"^ ^'' '^'' ''^^''''^^' d««»«^ent, a copy of which I hercm transcribe for the edification and curiosity of my gentle reader:— 'listedln'tS'v'T^*'? "'^'^ '' ^^'^'^ ^« «"'P"««^ *° t-r that I l«ted in the Yankee Amy. an' got wounded stormin' a forthress Bud now I'm invalided wid a broken arm an' a pinaion ' That murdhenn' villain Richmond Clanronald bethraved me into the hands av the thievin' rebels, as a Yankee sDvan'i'?^? have been hanged bud fur the TTn,v^ So'-"-- 4 ^^' . the rope around me neck an^ ..u;^ ^' ^ ^^J ^fj^^ The Love- Letter. 473 ond's ser- •d a good ysterious ^ay soon laid ! It )ert wor cle's life, 3 % the I go and 3s with [m, pro- by the stioned s. "I as told 10 read lent, a )n and r that I thress. 'ed me 1' I'ud iy had worse nor that to his own innocent brother, whom he pursonated, 'an thin shot his uncle, in orther to have him banished that he might come in fur the estates as well as that innocent creature Lady Iris. Bud, it'll all cum lioi an' heavy 'pon him whin I get back to ould Ireland, I'll be yer bail, 'd ye mind ! " Faith he had tr run fur his life from here any how, or he'd be shot as a rebel, ' ivil a lie in it ! The counthry is greatly dis- turbed entoirely, as I write this, the Yankees are chasin' the murtherin' rebels, so that every thing here is at a standstill. While I'm armed to the teeth wid a gun in each hand an' me sword in the other. I hope ye'll excuse this lift handed writin' as me right hand is powerless ! The day I got wounded we give the rebels a good batin' entoirely, not a mothers' son av thim escaped 'sept a few who wor dhrowned in the Miss. , an' soon af ther, divil a thing wor heard but silence. " Remember me to Mr ^. McGee at the crass roads, and tell her the sarra dhrop av dacent spirits to be got in this counthry fur love or money, 'cept what the lanks' call tangle-leg, which the timper- ance people have stopped the dhrinkin' av be day light. I 'spect to be home "oout the beginnin' av agust, God willin', whin I'll boord wid Mrs. McGee till what ye know be settled, d'ye persave, ye deluder ? "Shure I need'nt be sindin' me love in this letther ; I'll soon be there meself. "Addhress, av ye write, to — ^ , "Peter Quigley, Louisiana Volunteers, Miss., Union Hospital, America. "P. S. — Av ye don't write an' answer, ye need'nt sind the ad- dhresB. "Yours, dead or alive, "PbTER QUIGLBY." After she had perused the letter, she requested Betsey to allow her to retain it for a short time. " jxlusha then, aluuua," said she, '* yc can keep it an wol- com', as long as ye loike, I only wish it wor betther worth keepin'." 474 Hubert in Rapture. Aftc her .questing Betsey to be sure and write .u „ei directly Peter had arrived, she handed her a few glitter ing coins that brought a bright smile to her face Having, received a satisfactory answer in the affirma- tive she entered her photon and drove home with a heart full to overflowing with joy at the clue which she had discovered through her own assiduity and unremitting exertions, to the Ion- wishsd-for secret. She then acquainted her father with the desire she entertained of visiting a friend in Dublin (to which he willingly acceded; being an only child, her will was his pleasure). ^ Next morning she left the castle in time for the ten o clock tram to Dublin, and at two was with Hubert in he Shamrock Cottage at Black Rock. Here she hurried- hj and briefly detailed, with enthusiasm, to Hubert the discoveries which she had made. "Oh! that I may have heard you aright, my dear!" exclaimed he with animation, as he gazed with amaze- ment at her wondrous blue orbs. " There," said she, with a radiant smile, her cheeks like a new-blown rose, and a beatin,. heart, as she handed him Peter Quigley s letter. " Fead that, and believe >" "Oh, my own dear Iris !" exclaimed he with fervour as he kissed and embraced his wife, after he had read the letter "you are the light of my soul! You have dissipat- ed that cloud of obscurity which seemed to overshadow our future existence, and brought that mystery to which we have both been a sacrifice for nearly seven years to light by your unremitting exertions !" < ■ J. The Day is Breaking. 475 What a number of bright anticipations glimmered around that loving couple, as they laid their plans for the purpose of clearly asserting Hubert's innocence, and re- instating him in his uncle's good graces ? What years of ha{)piness unfolded themselves before their imaginations, how quickly past sufferings were forgotten in those mo- ments wherein a whole future was revealed ! Duiing the interim, while anxiously wailing Betsey's announcement of Peter Quigley's arrival, the presence of Lady Iris amidst her little family circle lent a charm to the scene. There herself and husband rejoiced with rap- turous emotions at the angelic voices of two cherubs wak- ing the peaceful echoes in their sequestered cottage ; there a blooming little Iris, with bright, blue laughing eyes and golden ringlets, and a curly-haired Hubert, gambolled round their parents' knees, or, perchance, learn a taste of her native brogue from old Nanny, who amused them during their mother's absence. At last the much desired epistle from Betsey had arrived, which informed her of Peter Quigley's arrival. Therefore after deciding with Hubert on their future procedure, she started for her father's country-seat, where she arrived at three p. m. Her father was delighted with her elated appearance, and suggested that she ought to visit more frequently, since it made such a wondrous change in her physique. Next morning she visited Peter Quigley, who verified the statements made by old Kitty Dalton, as well as that mentioned in his own letter to Betsey i. e., that tlichmond 476 Cav^ht In iris Own Trap, personated his brother Hubert bv ^ • • and changing his features ^ the hetT' " ""•' °^^^'" into his uncle's room with V V .! ^o^n^etics, went it at his lordship c ;: ; I r'^'-' ^^^ «-^ changed his dreL, wIlV he taL :ff't T '''''' went down stairs in err. . . ^'^ ^^«^' and Peter Quigley and Old KiulT "^nging with any pe,.on tohorohJ^l! t P"'"'''''' unotoervod by -iay, .he drove hoi :t:r; ""t *^ ^""-'"^ a desire to give a l„nl! . , ^'^'''"' '" •""■ fa'h*"- -phew, to wh™h he -- ." '"''"'•°°'"'' ""'' ■'i^ g^phed to Hubert oT""'^ ""'''"• ^'^ ""'" '^'^■ and Kich^ond Zu^^^d ^^ "^'■='' >-'-- ^ady Iri, whom he instructed tn b. • "^^^^ ^"^ *"<> policemen, '■ Oh ! ■■ said h t ht^, ".;: T ?™ "'"'^ "p°-- from n>e, she has thatX^^her tf" ""^^^^'-o-'-^ged had fled the countrv T '°'' ^''°'" ^ ">°"ght clandestinely b"t I will *'? '"'"""'' -'» "-«ng her ieaat e.pec^' it" tC Tle^T "'^ ''^'"•"' ""» "^ himself as he entered tl!^ '^°"'^' ^^ <^'>''*'^d to The 'unoheon™ r:::;:,-^ j-ed ""^ ^"^*- prattled away in her r <. 7 • ''^'' 'J"""?; J^'-""! , . . , , way ,n her wonted amusing strain. J. h Lady Iris Plays Her Part his clothes tics, went and fired wn room, face, and 'g not to ?ing with 'erved by following >r father and his ^en tele- finy and fd CJan- idy Iris I one of 't enter fcemen, i upon, ranged loiight ng her len he led to quests. Maud 477 1^ Richmond sat moodily, scarce taking notice of any- thing that was said. Iris was not aware that he had detected Hubert enter- ing the room. Luncheon being over, the ladies retired ; Iris joined Hubert in her own room to wait while the gentlemen finished the subject they were discoursing upon. After the ladies had departed, Richmond arose and said, " Now uncle if you come with me I will show you where Lady Iris .has that scoundrel, who made that dreadful attempt on your life ! " " What," exclaimed his uncle, " can it be possible that he is round here after what he has done ? " " Yes, he is now concealed in her room," asserted Rich- mond exultingly. " Tut, tut ! " exclaimed her father with excitement, " surely you must be mistaken, my daughter could jt be guilty of such a misdemeanour as that in her father j house ! " " Well,come'and see for yourself," replied he, advancing followed by the two noblemen, and seeing the two policemen in the hall he beckoned them to follow. On approaching the room they were met by Lady Iris in the hall, who, anticipating Richmond, opened her room door and asked them to walk in. After they had entered, not seeing Hubert there, Rich- mond exclaimed with emotion, " I am quite positive I saw him going into this room." " I knew you must have been mistaken," cried Lord Marcourt with an emphasis. DD 478 Richmond in the Meshes. " No," rejoined Lady Iris, " he is correct there, Hubert is here." So saying, she oi)oned another door and desired him to come forward and answer for himself. Whereupon Hubert came foith boldly, and standing before them, exclaimed in a manly, firm voice : " Uncle, here I am, an innocent and much persecuted man, who has been driven away from your protecting hand, to wander as an outcast under the ban of an assassin for nearly seven years, through the deceit, treach- ery, and villainy of that unnatural brother of mine ; who, in order to have me banished that he might get into your favour, committed that fearful crime which has been laid to my charge ! I now stand here to prove to you my inno- cence, and assert that he personated me, went into your room, and fired that shot at you ! " Richmond attempted to interrupt him several times by protesting against his allegations, but was sternly sil- enced by his uncle, who now observed the picture of guilt in his ghastly countenance. " Can you in any way prove these statements ?" ask- ed Lord Clanronald, with emotion. " Yes, my lord," replied Hubert, " I have the proof here." ^ With that Peter Quigley and old Kitty Dalton came forth from the inner room. When Richmond saw Peter Quigley, whom he imagined had been hanged by the rebels in America, he staggered and turned pale as death. After recovering from the sudden shock he glanced ex- citedly toward the door, which was guarded, according to i: E e t V h Escape of tJie Assassin. 479 ?, Hubert lI desired standing jrsecuted rotecting n of an J, treaeh- le; who, ttto your een laid ay inno- to your imes by •nly sil- ;ture of ?" ask- 9 proof n came V Peter by the ; death. 2ed ex- iing to his own instructions, by the two policemen. Peter Quig- ley having been examined by Lord Clanronald, detailed all the circumstances of his evidence clearly and distinct- ly, how Richmond personated his brother and shot his uncle as already detailed. Also, how he seduced Maggie O'Shea and afterwards threw her over the bridge. They then questioned old Kitty Dalton, who fully corroborated Peter's evidence. Richmond, appi-ehending the danger ' in which he now stood, gathered all his strength for the occasion and with one sudden and mighty effort dashed through the door, knocking the two policemen over as they attempted to intercept him, and tore from the room. " Catch the villain ! " cried his uncle, at the top of his voice, passionately. Cries of " catch the murderer ! " rose fast and loud from those around, when the excitement became general. The two policemen, who soon picked themselves up, were joined by the male servants and gave him chase, but be- ing much smarter on foo; nan those who followed him, and knowing the woods so well, he got away from his pursuers. " My dear boy," exclaimed Lord Clanronald, on return- ing to Lady Iris's room with Lord Marcourt, after further pursuit of the fugitive had been abandoned, " I regret exceedingly that I have been so villainously duped by that scoundrel. I often thought over the matter and wondered what could have induced you to inflict such DO(i!!y injuries on me who aiways loved and cherished you as if you were my own son. I thank God with all 480 A Happy Reunion. my b^art that the fellow's wickedness has been brought to hght. and that you will now once more be reinstated "1 my conHdenco and your rightful possessions." Hubert thanked him fervently. " My poor boy," continued he."" where have you been and what have you done with yourself since that un' lortunate occurrence ? . Here Hubert related what the reader is already ac- quainted with, i. e., that he joined the British army as a private soldier, had been through the Crimean campaign dis inguished himself, and had been promoted to the rank of captain, and his appointment on the field mar- sha s staff. This recital brought the tears down his uncle s sympathetic cheeks. "Thank providence." exclaimed he through his tears • though I heartily regret that you should have been driven to such an extremity, yet lam proud and thank- ful that by the impulse it gave to your life you enter- tained within your manly breast that fire of ambition and ^eal for your country's cause to embrace the honour- able profession of a soldier, which has been your beacon- light to honour and distinction." "Bear uncle," exclaimed Hubert, with a serenii, of counenance peculiar to a brave and honourable man. all the wealth and distinction that has been acquired by me m this world, I value as nothing when compared with the honour conferred upon me by Lady Iris; who has made me the proud possessor of her faithful heait and hand. , coi. 1 brought einstated 'ou been, that un* 'eady ac- rray as a impaign, 1 to the Bid mar- 3wn his is tears, ' i^e been thank- 1 enter- nbition ionour- beacon- nity of e man, jquired npared is, who I heaii f \i All Forgiven, 431 "Allow me. dear uncle, to have the honour of introduc- ing to you my beloved and beautiful wife, who has been my companion in trials, difficulties and dangers." After he had Hn-shed speaking he took his wife's hand, and they both kneeled with humility before the father and uncle. Lord Marcourt sat staring in silence at Voth of them in amazement and wonder, vacillating between joy and admiration. Here Lady Iris modestly implored forgiveness for the step she had taken without lier father's consent. " God bless you both, my chiMren," exclaimed Lord Marcourt with enthusiasm, and tears of joy in his eyes. " Arise, you have my forgiveness and my earnest blessincf ! " While they were yet kneeling, old Nanny advanced with the two beautiful children from the inner room. "This little boy and girl," said Hubert, as he presented his two children, "are the precious fruit of our conjugal and happy union." "^ "Arise, my children; God bless the happy family" ex- claimed both the noblemen, and taking a child each in their arms, kissed and fondled them with joy and pater- nal affection. "I say, Marcourt," cried Lord Clanronald, "do you know that all this excitement has made me wonderfully thirsty. What say you to a glass of wine?" "I quite accede to your proposition," said that gentle- man, " I feel very thirsty myself." 482 Lady Iris Explains. Therefore they all arose and advanced to the dining- room preceded by the father and the uncle bearin"g the children in their arms. Here they charged their glasses and drank toward the health and happiness of the newly acquired young family. Lady Iris now made a full confession of how she had deceived her father in leading him to believe that she had accompanied Miss Nightingale, instead of which, through the love for Hubert (whom she well knew had been wronged), and the fear of being forced by her father to marry Richmond, disguised her sex and enlisted as a trumpeter in a light cavalry regiment, and like Hubert distinguished herself— was promoted, and placed as an interpreter on Lord Raglan's staff. Having thus briefly recited her adventures, she drew forth her own and Hubert's medals and decorations, and laid them before the uncle and her father, with a copy of their commissions and discharge from the army, and lastly, but not least, their marriage certificate. " You are a brave, noble girl," exclaimed her father, " and well worthy of the honourable name you bear ; you have my forgiveness for everything you have done, but you ran a terrible risk of being killed or disabled for life in that memorable campaign." The joy and happiness that existed in the minds of the two noblemen, as well as the young couple, can be more easily imagined that described. Suffice it to say, that the father and uncle laughed heartly over their wine, I ' All's Well That Ends Well 483 J and much hilarity existed throughout the household. After a sumptuous luncheon next day at Lord Clanron- ald's Ciistlc, where the distinguished young couple and Lord Marcourt were the principal guests, Lord Clan- ronald had a new will drawn out (by the solicitor who had arrived from Dublin), bequeathing everything he possessed to Hubert. ThiSjtogether with Lady L vast inheritance, amount- ed to an immense fortune. Thus riches, as well as honours, have fallen to the lot of our hero and heroine, their heirs and successors. The silken thread of our narrative is now nearly spun out. The gentle and patient reader who has followed us through 30 many thrilling scenes and intricacies so far, however, deserves to be informed what has become of the other characters. Therefore, in order to satisfy that in- dividual's curiosity, I take great pleasure in stating that Maud Cuffe, still in single blissfulness, visits her cousin at the castle, where a Galway man frequently calls to see ..t.-, Peter Quigley had to take the temperance pledge before Betsey would marry him. They now live happy and comfortable in the stone cottage by the lake side, where Betsey has converted him from the wickedness of his ways. Pat McAvoy is now coachman to Hubert and Lady Iris, who bought him out of the army. Richmond escaped the pursuit of the police by taking refuge in a friendly farmer's house, where he disguised himself in a peasant's costume for a few days, until he saw a favour- able opportunity^to proceed incog, to Cork, where he took 484 Adieu ! passage in a steamer about to sail for New York ; but of him more anon. And now, gentle reader, before the finale, believe me, whatsoever you may think of the author's narrative or his frailties, it is with a genuine desire that you may gain both knowledge and pleasure by its perusal, that I now bid you a kind adieu ! ^ ork ; but of believe me, laiTative or it you may usal, that I