Paddy Finn | Page 5

been laid by, and was
now by unanimous consent devoted to my use. The breeches were very
full, Pat observing that I should be after growing rapidly on the salt sea,
and would require room in them. White cotton stockings covered the
lower part of my legs, and huge silver buckles adorned my shoes; a
cockade, manufactured by my uncle, was stuck in my hat; while a
frilled shirt and red silk handkerchief tied round my neck completed
my elegant costume. Having once donned my uniform,--if so it could
be called,--I was unwilling to take it off again; and, highly delighted
with my appearance, I paced about the hall for some time. My father
watched me, while he laughed till the tears streamed from his eyes to
see me draw my sword and make an onslaught on one of the mailed
warriors in the corner.
"Hurrah, Terence! Bravo! bravo!" cried Maurice. "But just be after
remembering that a live enemy won't stand so quiet as old Brian Boru
there."
The toils of the day over, my father, in spite of his gout, was wheeled
into the supper room, when he, in a glass of the strongest whisky-toddy,
and my uncle in one of old claret, drank my health and success in the
naval career I was about to enter, my brothers joining them in other
beverages; and I am very sure that my fond mother more effectually

prayed that I might be protected from the perils and dangers to which I
should be exposed.
CHAPTER TWO.
I COMMENCE MY JOURNEY TO CORK.
It was on a fine spring morning, the birds carolling sweetly in the trees,
that I set forth, accompanied by my uncle and Larry Harrigan, to
commence my career on the stormy ocean. My father had been wheeled
to the hall door, my mother stood by his side with her handkerchief to
her eyes, my sisters grouped round her, my brothers outside tossing up
their hats as they shouted their farewells,--their example being imitated
by the domestics and other retainers of the house. The major rode a
strong horse suitable to his weight. He was dressed in his red
long-skirted, gold-laced coat, boots reaching above his knees, large
silver spurs, three-cornered hat on the top of his wig, with a curl on
each side, his natural hair being plaited into a queue behind. A brace of
pistols was stuck in his leathern belt, while a sword, with the hilt richly
ornamented,--the thing he prized most on earth, it having been
presented to him for his gallantry at the capture of an enemy's fort,
when he led the forlorn hope,--hung by his side. I was mounted on my
own horse, my legs for the journey being encased in boots. A cloak was
hung over my shoulders; I also had a brace of pistols--the gift of my
brother Maurice--in my belt; while in my hand I carried a heavy
riding-whip, as did my uncle, serving both to urge on our steeds, and to
defend ourselves against the sudden attack of an unexpected foe. Larry
followed on a pony, with uncombed mane and tail, its coat as shaggy as
a bear's; his only weapon a shillelah; his dress such as he usually wore
on Sundays and holidays. I need not describe the partings which had
previously taken place. The major gave the word "Forward!" and we
trotted down the avenue at a rapid rate. I could not refrain from giving a
lingering look behind. My sisters waved their handkerchiefs; my
mother had too much use for hers to do so; my brothers cheered again
and again; and I saw Larry half pulled from his pony, as his
fellow-servants gripped him by the hands; and two or three damsels,
more demonstrative than the rest, ran forward to receive his parting

salutes. My chest, I should have said, was to come by the waggon,
which would arrive at Cork long before the ship sailed. The more
requisite articles, such as changes of linen and spare shoes, were
packed in valises strapped to Larry's and my cruppers; while the major
carried such things as he required in his saddle-bags. We soon lost sight
of the Shannon, and the top of the castle tower appearing above the
trees. For some time we rode on in silence, but as neither my respected
relative nor I were accustomed to hold our tongues, we soon let them
wag freely. He talked as we rode on in his usual hearty way, giving me
accounts of his adventures in many lands. Larry kept behind us, not
presuming to come up and join in the conversation. He was of too
happy a spirit to mind riding alone, while he relieved himself by
cracking jokes with the passers-by. I have spoken of his warm