The Project Gutenberg EBook of Paddy Finn, by W. H. G. Kingston

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Title: Paddy Finn

Author: W. H. G. Kingston

Illustrator: Archibald Webb

Release Date: May 15, 2007 [EBook #21473]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PADDY FINN ***

Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England

Paddy Finn, by W H G Kingston.

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This is one of Kingston's longest adventure stories, but possibly also
one of his best. The eponymous hero is tracked through his time at sea
as a midshipman. Exciting events follow on each other's heels, fast and
furious. Very well written, showing the extraordinary depth of
knowledge that the author possessed. You will definitely enjoy reading
it, if you enjoy this genre at all. You may care to listen to it
instead, in which case it makes an excellent audiobook.

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PADDY FINN, BY W H G KINGSTON.

CHAPTER ONE.

THE HOME OF MY ANCESTORS.

"The top of the morning to you, Terence," cried the major, looking down
upon me from the window of his bedroom.

I was standing in front of the castle of Ballinahone--the seat of the
O'Finnahans, my ancestors--on the banks of the beautiful Shannon,
enjoying the fresh air of the early morning.

"Send Larry up, will you, with a jug of warm water for shaving; and,
while I think of it, tell Biddy to brew me a cup of hot coffee. It will
be some time before breakfast is ready, and my hand isn't as steady as
it once was till I've put something into my inside."

The old house had not been provided with bells for summoning the
attendants; a loud shout, a clap of the hands, or the clatter of
fire-irons, answering the purpose.

"Shure, Larry was sent to meet the postboy, uncle, and I'll be after
taking you up the warm water; but Biddy maybe will not have come in from
milking the cows, so if Dan Bourke is awake, and will give me the key of
the cellar, mightn't I be bringing you up a glass of whisky?" I asked,
knowing the taste of most of the guests at the castle.

"Arrah, boy, don't be tempting me!