cquainted with those in office, offered to accompany me. I gladly
accepted his offer; and the next morning he called for me in his
carriage, and we went there. Mr Wharncliffe sent up his card to one of
the secretaries, and we were immediately ushered up, when I stated my
wishes. The reply was:--"If you had time to procure a substitute it
would be easily arranged; but the regiment is so weak, and the aversion
to the West Indies so prevalent after this last very sickly season, that
I doubt if His Royal Highness would permit any man to purchase his
discharge. However, we will see. The Duke is one of the
kindest-hearted of men, and I will lay the case before him. But let us
see if he is still at the depot; I rather think not." The secretary
rang the bell.

"The detachment of the 47th Fusiliers from the depot--has it marched?
And when does it embark?"

The clerk went out, and in a few minutes returned with some a papers in
his hand. "It marched the day before yesterday, and was to embark this
morning, and sail as soon as the wind was fair."

My heart sank at this intelligence.

"How is the wind, Mr G---? Go down and look at the tell-tale."

The clerk returned. "East North East, sir, and has been steadily so
these two days."

"Then," replied the secretary, "I am afraid you are too late to obtain
your wish. The orders to the port-admiral are most peremptory to
expedite the sailing of the transports, and a frigate has been now three
weeks waiting to convoy them. Depend upon it, they have sailed to-day."

"What can be done?" replied I, mournfully.

"You must apply for his discharge, and procure a substitute. He can
then have an order sent out, and be permitted to return home. I am very
sorry, as I perceive you are much interested; but I'm afraid it is too
late now. However, you may call to-morrow. The weather is clear with
this wind, and the port-admiral will telegraph to the Admiralty the
sailing of the vessels. Should anything detain them, I will take care
that His Royal Highness shall be acquainted with the circumstances this
afternoon, if possible, and will give you his reply."

We thanked the secretary for his politeness, and took our leave. Vexed
as I was with the communications I had already received, I was much more
so when one of the porters ran to the carriage to show me, by the
secretary's order, a telegraphic communication from the Admiralty,
containing the certain and unpleasant informati