undred per annum; but,
as my uncle said, `It was quite enough for a Talbot, who would push
himself forward in his profession, as the Talbots had ever done before
him.' I soon found out that my income was not sufficient to enable me
to continue in the Guards, and my uncle was very anxious that I should
exchange into a regiment on service. I therefore, by purchase, obtained
a company in the 23rd, ordered out to reduce the French colonies in the
West Indies; and I sailed with all the expectation of covering myself
with as much glory as the Talbots had done from time immemorial. We
landed, and in a short time the bullets and grape were flying in all
directions, and then I discovered, what I declare never for a moment
came into my head before, to wit--that I had mistaken my profession."

"How do you mean, Talbot?"

"Mean! why, that I was deficient in a certain qualification, which never
was before denied to a Talbot--courage."

"And you never knew that before?"

"Never, upon my honour; my mind was always full of courage. In my
mind's eye I built castles of feats of bravery which should eclipse all
the Talbots, from him who burnt Joan of Arc down to the present day. I
assure you, that surprised as other people were, no one was more
surprised than myself. Our regiment was ordered to advance, and I led
on my company; the bullets flew like hail. I tried to go on, but I
could not; at last, notwithstanding all my endeavours to the contrary, I
fairly took to my heels. I was met by the commanding officer--in fact,
I ran right against him. He ordered me back, and I returned to my
regiment, not feeling at all afraid. Again I was in the fire, again I
resisted the impulse, but it was of no use; and at last, just before the
assault took place, I ran away as if the devil was after me. Wasn't it
odd?"

"Very odd, indeed," replied I, laughing.

"Yes, but you do not exactly understand why it was odd.--You know what
philosophers tell you about volition; and that the body is governed by
the mind, consequently obeys it; now, you see, in my case, it was
exactly reversed. I tell you, that it is a fact, that in mind I am as
brave as any man in existence; but I had a cowardly carcass, and what is
still worse, it proved the master of my mind, and ran away with it. I
had no mind to run away; on the contrary, I wished to have been of the
forlorn hope, and had volunteered, but was refused. Surely, if I had
not courage I should have