I had but one consolation all this while; it was this, that as my quarters lay immediately behind the mess-room, Tim's excursion would soon come to an end, and I should be free once more; but guess my terror to find that the drunken scoundrel, instead of going as usual to the left, turned short to the right hand, and marched boldly into Ship Quay Street.

Every window in the mess-room was filled with our fellows, absolutely shouting with laughter.

'Go it Tim! That's the fellow! Hold him tight! Never let go!' cried a dozen voices; while the wretch, with the tenacity of drunkenness, gripped me still harder, and took his way down the middle of the street.
[Illustration: THE ADJUTANT'S AFTER DINNER RIDE.] "It was a beautiful evening in July, a soft summer night, as I made this pleasing excursion down the most frequented thoroughfare in the maiden city, my struggles every moment exciting roars of laughter from an increasing crowd of spectators, who seemed scarcely less amused than puzzled at the exhibition.

In the midst of a torrent of imprecations against my torturer, a loud noise attracted me.

I turned my head, and saw,--horror of horrors!--the door of the meeting-house just flung open, and the congregation issuing forth _en masse_.