ders. I mean,' added he hurriedly, 'wiser ones. Men more
conversant with the actual state of events, more fit to cope with
the great difficulties before them, more ready to take advantage of
circumstances, whose outward meaning will often prove deceptive. In
fact, Irishmen of character and capacity, tried soldiers and good
patriots. Well, well, let us hope the best. In whose division are you?'

'I have not yet heard, sir. I have presented myself here to-day to
receive your orders.'

'There again is another instance of their incapacity,' cried he
passionately. 'Why, boy, I have no command, nor any function. I did
accept office under General Hoche, but he is not to lead the present
expedition.'

'And who is, sir?'

'I cannot tell you. A week ago they talked of Grouchy, then of Hardy;
yesterday it was Humbert; to-day it may be Bonaparte, and to-morrow
yourself! Ay, Tiernay, this great and good cause has its national
fatality attached to it, and is so wrapped up in low intrigue and
falsehood, that every Minister becomes in turn disgusted with the
treachery and mendacity he meets with, and bequeaths the question to
some official underling, meet partisan for the mock patriot he treats
with.'

'But the expedition will sail, general?' asked I, sadly discomfited by
this tone of despondency.

He made me no answer, but sat for some time absorbed in his own
thoughts. At last he looked up, and said, 'You ought to be in the army
of Italy, boy; the great teacher of war is there.'

'I know it, sir, but my whole heart is in this struggle. I feel that
Ireland has a claim on all who derived even a name from her soil. Do you
not believe that the expedition will sail?'

Again he was silent and thoughtful.

'Mr. Madgett would say yes,' said he scornfully, 'though, certes, he
would not volunteer to bear it company.'

'Colonel Cherin, general!' said the valet, as he flung open the door for
a young officer in a staff uniform. I arose at once to withdraw, but the
general motioned to me to wait in an adjoining room, as he desired to
speak with me again.

Scarcely five minutes had elapsed when I was summoned once more before
him.

'You have come at a most opportune moment, Tiernay,' said he; 'Colonel
Cherin informs me that an expedition is ready to sail from Rochelle at
the first favourable wind. General Humbert has the command; and if you
are disposed to join him I will give you a letter of presentation.'

Of course I did not he