ze-money, though not much pay, due to me," I answered,
"and I shall be very glad to hand it over to Denis for the purpose you
name."

"No! no! I could not allow that. It's little enough you'll get out of
the estate, and you mustn't deprive yourself of funds, my boy," answered
the major. "We will think of some other plan."

I observed the next day a great improvement in the general state of
things about the house. The furniture had been repaired and furbished
up. There were clean covers to the sofas and chairs in the
drawing-room, and a new carpet in my mother's chamber, while the
servants had a less dingy and untidy look than formerly, showing that
they had received their wages.

I had spent a few pleasant days with my relations, when I received a
letter from old Rough-and-Ready, peremptorily ordering me to return. I
concluded that the letter I wrote from Portsmouth had not reached
Nettleship, and consequently that my request for prolonged leave of
absence had not been received.

As there was no time if I wrote to receive an answer, which very
probably would not reach its destination, my uncle advised me to set off
at once. I must pass over my parting with my mother and other members
of my family. My mother had greatly recovered, and I had no reason to
be apprehensive about her health. The major announced his intention of
accompanying me, with Denis, as far as Cork.

"I wish that we could make the journey with you to Plymouth; but to say
the truth, I find it prudent not to be longer away from Ballinahone than
can be helped," he observed. "My superintendence is wanted there as
much as ever."

We accordingly the following morning set out, Denis in high spirits at
having to make the journey, for hitherto his travels had not extended
farther than Limerick. The major rode ahead, and he and I followed,
talking together, though occasionally we rode up when we thought that
our uncle wanted company. A journey in those days was seldom to be made
without some adventures. None, however, occurred that I think worth
mentioning. On our arrival at Cork, I found a vessel sailing direct for
Bristol. My uncle advised me to go by her as the surest means of
reaching Plymouth quickly.

Wishing him and Denis, therefore, good-bye, I hurried on board, and two
days afterwards was on my journey from the great mart of commerce to
Plymouth.

Part of the distance I performed by coach, part by post-chaise, the rest
on horseb