Here, Gordon, let Captain O'Malley have the despatches for Sir Henry Howard, at Cork." As he said this, he turned towards me with an air of affected sternness in his manner, and continued: "I expect, Captain O'Malley, that you will deliver the despatches intrusted to your care without a moment's loss of time.

You will leave London within an hour.

The instructions for your journey will be sent to your hotel.

And now," said he, again changing his voice to its natural tone of kindliness and courtesy,--"and now, my boy, good-by, and a safe journey to you.

These letters will pay your expenses, and the occasion save you all the worry of leave-taking." I stood confused and speechless, unable to utter a single word of gratitude for such unexpected kindness.