I have often thought of taking a look round there, but the truth is that I was never much of a credit to the family, and I doubt if they would be so very glad to see me.

They were all steady, chapel-going folk, small farmers, well known and respected over the country-side, while I was always a bit of a rover.

At last, however, when I was about eighteen, I gave them no more trouble, for I got into a mess over a girl, and could only get out of it again by taking the queen's shilling and joining the 3d Buffs, which was just starting for India.
"I wasn't destined to do much soldiering, however.

I had just got past the goose-step, and learned to handle my musket, when I was fool enough to go swimming in the Ganges.

Luckily for me, my company sergeant, John Holder, was in the water at the same time, and he was one of the finest swimmers in the service.