and of some of the boys near us, when they heard that I was
starting on a voyage round the world.

At last the chest was packed, and lashed on behind the post-chaise. A
few minutes more, and the old home which knew me would know me no more
for many a long day. Can I describe that parting? Still, all bore up
heroically. I did my best not to give way, but there was a hot, choking
sensation in my throat, as if a Thug from India had got his fatal noose
tight round my jugular vein; and a pulling away at the heart, as if the
fangs of a stout double tooth were firmly clenched in it, and a
strong-fisted dentist was hauling it out. My father and Jack were going
with me to see me on board. I believe Jack envied me, and wished that
he was going too, instead of having to pore over dusty parchments. My
mother folded me in her arms, and kept me there. That was the worst.
Still, I could not bear to break away.

"Come, Harry," said my father, "we shall miss the train." He took me
gently by the shoulder, and guided me into the carriage. I took a last
kiss from Mary's dear lips as I passed her. "I shall be back to-morrow
evening, I hope," said he, following me.

"I say, Harry, don't forget the bows and arrows you are to bring me from
the Tonga Islands!" sung out Willie.

"Or the hunting-panther from South America!" cried Georgie.

"Or the parrots from Africa!" exclaimed Mary through her tears.

"Or the love-birds from India!" said Julia.

"Or my ivory fan from China, young sailor boy!" said Isabella.

"Don't forget the journal you are to keep, or the subjects I asked you
to note for me!" exclaimed the studious James.

Thus, amid various shouts and exclamations of a similar character, the
moment Jack mounted on the box we drove off towards the nearest station
on the railway which was to convey us to Liverpool. My father said
nothing for some time, and I felt that I could not utter a word without
allowing my feelings to get the better of me. However, by the time we
reached the station, I had much recovered my spirits; and when once we
were in the railway, Jack had so much to talk about, and cut so many
jokes, that I became very happy, as he did not leave me a moment to
think about the dear home I had left. I have often since thought, when
I have seen people grumbling at home, or finding fault or quarrelling
with their brothers and sisters or parents, let them go away and get
knocked and kicked about the world, and th