His wound was of that severe description that he was obliged to quit the service, and, for a time, retire upon his half-pay.

For many years he looked forward to the period when he could resume his career:--but in vain; the wound broke out again and again; fresh splinters of the bone continually worked out, and he was doomed to constant disappointment.

At last it healed; but years of suffering had quenched the ardour of youth, and when he did apply for employment, his services had been forgotten.

He received a cool negative, almost consonant to his wishes: and returned, without feeling mortified, to the cottage we have described, where he lived a secluded yet not unhappy life.

His wants were few, and his half-pay more than adequate to supply them.