When all was finally settled my elation was supreme. The feeling that
school grind was past and gone, that the world was open to me, and that
I was free to do and act as I would was exhilarating. I felt that I had
already attained to manhood, and that the world was at my feet, and a
glorious life before me; well, I suppose most boys prematurely let loose
would think the same, and I don't know that it is any harm to start
under the circumstances with a hopeful and happy heart.

The day of parting at length arrived. It was a bright and lovely
morning, about the middle of April, when I said goodbye to all my
playmates at the old home, took a last look at the guns and
fishing-rods, visited the various animals in the stables, gave a loving
embrace to the great Newfoundland Juno, whom I could not hope to see
again, submitted to be blessed and kissed by the servants and labourers,
who had assembled to see me off, and took my seat on the car with my
father, mother, and eldest brother, for the railway station, where C----
was to meet us.

C---- and I went direct to Liverpool from Drogheda, to which place my
eldest brother accompanied us. My father and mother, having business _en
route_, were to meet us there on the following day.

We had a rough passage to Liverpool, and the steamer was laden with
cattle and pigs, the stench from which, combined with sea-sickness, was,
I recollect, a terrible experience, and it was in no enviable condition
of mind or body we arrived at the Liverpool Docks on a foggy, wet and
dismal morning. My mercantile brother, Tom, came on board, and had all
our belongings speedily conveyed to the lodgings we were to occupy
during our stay. On the following day my father and mother arrived, and