ght just strikes
me: we'll be over in Carrick with you about six o'clock; well have our
breakfast, whatever you like to give us, and dine with you about eleven
or twelve afterwards."

'Oakley liked the project well; and before we parted the whole thing was
arranged for the next day.

'Towards four o'clock in the afternoon of the following day Mr. Green
was informed by Daniel that, as we had made an engagement to take an
early breakfast some miles off, he ought to be up and stirring; at the
same time a pair of candles were brought into the room, hot water for
shaving, etc; and the astonished cockney, who looked at his watch,
perceived that it was but four.

'"These are very early people," thought he. "However, the habits of
the country must be complied with." So saying, he proceeded with his
toilette, and at last reached the drawing-room, just as my drag dashed
up to the door--the lamps fixed and shining, and everything in readiness
for departure.

'"We''ll have a little shooting, Mr. Green," said I. "After breakfast,
we'll see what my friend's preserves offer. I suppose you're a good
shot?"

"'I can't say much for my performance; but I'm passionately fond of it."

'"Well," added I, "I believe I can answer for it, you 'll have a good
day here."

'So chatting, we rolled along, the darkness gradually thickening round
us, and the way becoming more gloomy and deserted.

'"It's strange," says Mr. Green, after a while; "it's strange, how very
dark it grows before sunrise; for I perceive it's much blacker now than
when we set out."

'"Every climate has its peculiarities," said I; "and now that we 're
used to this, we like it better than any other. But see there, yonder,
where you observe the light in the valley--that's Carrick. My friend's
house is a little at the side of the town. I hope you 've a good
appetite for breakfast."

'"Trust me, I never felt so hungry in my life."

'"Ah, here they come!" said Oakley, as he stood with a lantern in his
hand at the barrack-gate; "here they are! Good-morning, Mr. Green. Bob,
how goes it? Heavenly morning!"

'"Delightful indeed," said poor Green, though evidently not knowing why.

'"Come along, boys, now," said Oakley; "we've a great deal before
us; though I am afraid, Mr. Green, you will think little of our Irish
sporting after your English preserves. However, I have kept a few brace
of pheasants, very much at your service, in a snug clover-field near the
house. So now