me to accompany him as far
as Murray Street. He said there was a most extraordinary dispute
between a white woman and a black lubra about the ownership of a
girl, and he had some doubts whether it was a case within the
jurisdiction of a police-court, but thought we might issue a summons
for illegal detention of property. He wanted me to advise him, and
give my opinion on the matter, and as by this time my vast experience
of Justices' law entitled me to give an opinion on any imaginable
subject, I very naturally complied with his request. He was,
moreover, a man so remarkable that a request by him for advice was of
itself an honour. In his youth he had been complimented on the
possession of a nose exactly resembling that of the great Duke of
Wellington, and ever since that time he had made the great man the
guiding star of his voyage over the ocean of life, the only saint in
his calendar; and he had, as far as human infirmity would permit,
modelled his conduct and demeanour in imitation of those of the
immortal hero. He spoke briefly, and in a tone of decision. The
expression of his face was fierce and defiant, his bearing erect, his
stride measured with soldierly regularity. He was not a large man,
weighing probably about nine stone; but that only enhanced his
dignity, as it is a great historical fact that the most famous
generals have been nearly all small men.

When he came into my office, he always brought with him an odour of
peppermint, which experience had taught me to associate with the
proximity of brandy or whisky. I have never heard or read that the
Iron Duke took pepperment lozenges in the morning, but still it might
have been his custom to do so. The sergeant was a Londoner, and knew
more about the private habits of his Grace than I did. If he had
been honoured with the command of a numerous army, he would, no
doubt, have led it onward, or sent it forward to victory. His
forces, unfortunately, consisted of only one trooper, but the way in
which he ordered and manoeuvred that single horseman proved what
glory he would have won if he had been placed over many squadrons.
By a general order he made him parade outside the gate of the station
every morning at ten o'clock. He then marched from the front door
with a majestic mien and inspected the horse, the rider, and
accoutrements. He walked slowly round, examining with eagle eye the
saddle, the bridle, the bits, the girth, the sword, pistols, spurs