In a state of indecision, Miles found himself borne along by a human stream to the booking-office. Immediately in front of him were two soldiers,one a sergeant, and the other a private of the line.
Both were tall handsome men, straight as arrows, and with that air of self-sufficient power which is as far removed from arrogance as it is from cowardice, and is by no means an uncommon feature in men of the British army.
Miles felt a strong, unaccountable attraction towards the young private. He had not yet heard his voice nor encountered his eye; indeed, being behind him, he had only seen his side-face, and as the expression on it was that of stern gravity, the attractive power could not have lain in that. It might have lain in the youthful look of the lad, for albeit a goodly man in person, he was almost a boy in countenance, being apparently not yet twenty years of age.
Miles was at last roused to the necessity for prompt and decisive action by the voice of the sergeant saying in tones of authority
Portsmouththirdtwosingle.
Thats the way to go it, lobster! remarked a shabby man, next in the line behind Miles.
The grave sergeant paid no more regard to this remark than if it had been the squeak of a mouse.
Now, then, sir, your carridge stops the way. Eave aead. Shall I elp you? said the shabby man.
Thus admonished, Miles, scarce knowing what he said, repeated the sergeants words
Portsmouththirdtwosingle.
Vy, you aint agoin to pay for me, are you? exclaimed the shabby man in smiling surprise.
Oh! beg pardon. I mean one, said Miles to the clerk, quickly.
The clerk retracted the second ticket with stolid indifference, and Miles, hastening to the platform, sat down on a seat, deeply and uncomfortably impressed with the fact that he possessed little or no money! This unsatisfactory state of things had suddenly burst upon him while in the act of paying for his ticket. He now made a careful examination of his purse, and found its contents to be exactly seven shillings and sixpence, besides a few coppers in his trousers-pocket.
Again indecision assailed him. Should he return? It was not too late. Yes, said Conscience, with emphasis. No, said Shame. False pride echoed the word, and Self-will re-echoed it. Still our hero hesitated, and there is no saying what the upshot might have been if the bell had not rung at the moment, and, Now, then, take your seats! put an end to the controversy.
Another minute, and Miles Milton was seated opposite the two soldiers, rushing towards our great southern seaport at the rate of forty miles an hour.
Chapter Two.
Shows some of the Consequences of the False Step, and introduces the Reader to Peculiar Company
Our hero soon discovered that the sergeant was an old campaigner, having been out in Egypt at the beginning of the war, and fought at the famous battle of Tel-el-Kebir.
In his grave and undemonstrative way and quiet voice, this man related some of his experiences, so as not only to gain the attention of his companion in arms, but to fascinate all who chanced to be within earshot of himnot the least interested among whom, of course, was our friend Miles.
As the sergeant continued to expatiate on those incidents of the war which had come under his own observation, three points impressed themselves on our hero: first, that the sergeant was evidently a man of serious, if not religious, spirit; second, that while he gave all due credit to his comrades for their bravery in action, he dwelt chiefly on those incidents which brought out the higher qualities of the men, such as uncomplaining endurance, forbearance, etcetera, and he never boasted of having given a thorough licking to the Egyptians, nor spoke disparagingly of the native troops; lastly, that he seemed to lay himself out with a special view to the unflagging entertainment of his young comrade.
The reason for this last purpose he learned during a short halt at one of the stations. Seeing the sergeant standing alone there, Miles, after accosting him with the inevitable references to the state of the weather, remarked that his comrade seemed to be almost too young for the rough work of soldiering.
Yes, he is young enough, but older than he looks, answered the sergeant. Poor lad! Im sorry for him.
Indeed! He does not seem to me a fit subject for pity. Young, strong, handsome, intelligent, he seems pretty well furnished to begin the battle of lifeespecially in the army.
Things are not what they seem, returned the soldier, regarding his young questioner with something between a compassionate and an amused look. All is not gold that glitters. Soldiering is not made up of brass bands, swords, and red coats!
Having read a good deal of history I am well aware of that, retorted Miles, who was somewhat offended by the implication contained in the sergeants remarks.
Well, then, you see, continued the sergeant, all the advantages that you have mentioned, and which my comrade certainly possesses, weigh nothing with him at all just now, because this sudden call to the wars separates him from his poor young wife.
Wife! exclaimed Miles; why, he seems to me little more than a boyexcept in size, and perhaps in gravity.
He is over twenty, and, as to gravitywell, most young fellows would be grave enough if they had to leave a pretty young wife after six months of wedded life. You see, he married without leave, and so, even if it were a time of peace, his wife would not be recognised by the service. In wartime he must of course leave her behind him. It has been a hard job to prevent him from deserting, and now its all I can do to divert his attention from his sorrow by stirring him up with tales of the recent wars.
At this point the inexorable bell rang, doors were banged, whistles sounded, and the journey was resumed.
Arrived at Portsmouth, Miles was quickly involved in the bustle of the platform. He had made up his mind to have some private conversation with the sergeant as to the possibility of entering her Majestys service as a private soldier, and was on the point of accompanying his military travelling companions into the comparative quiet of the street when a porter touched his cap
Any luggage, sir?
Luggage?anono luggage!
It was the first moment since leaving home that the thought of luggage had entered into his brain! That thought naturally aroused other thoughts, such as lodgings, food, friends, funds, and the like. On turning to the spot where his military companions had stood, he discovered that they were gone. Running to the nearest door-way he found it to be the wrong one, and before he found the right one and reached the street the two soldiers had vanished from the scene.
You seem to be a stranger here, sir. Can I direct you? said an insinuating voice at his elbow.
The speaker was an elderly man of shabby-genteel appearance and polite address. Miles did not quite like the look of him. In the circumstances, however, and with a strangely desolate feeling of loneliness creeping over him, he did not see his way to reject a civil offer.
Thank you. I am indeed a stranger, and happen to have neither friend nor acquaintance in the town, so if you can put me in the way of finding a respectable lodgingaa cheap one, you will greatly oblige me.
With pleasure, said the man, if you will accompany
Stay, dont trouble yourself to show me the way, interrupted Miles; just name a house and the street, that will
With pleasure, said the man, if you will accompany
Stay, dont trouble yourself to show me the way, interrupted Miles; just name a house and the street, that will
No trouble at all, sir, said the man. I happen to be going in the direction of the docks, and know of excellent as well as cheap lodgings there.
Making no further objection, Miles followed his new friend into the street. For some time, the crowd being considerable and noisy, they walked in silence.
At the time we write of, Portsmouth was ringing with martial music and preparations for war.
At all times the red-coats and the blue-jackets are prominent in the streets of that seaport; for almost the whole of our army passes through it at one period or another, either in going to or returning from foreign parts. But at this time there was the additional bustle resulting from the Egyptian war. Exceptional activity prevailed in its yards, and hurry in its streets. Recruits, recently enlisted, flocked into it from all quarters, while on its jetties were frequently landed the sad fruits of war in the form of wounded men.
Have you ever been in Portsmouth before? asked the shabby-genteel man, on reaching a part of the town which was more open and less crowded.
Never. I had no idea it was so large and bustling, said Miles.
The crowding and bustling is largely increased just now, of course, in consequence of the war in Egypt, returned the man. Troops are constantly embarking, and others returning. It is a noble service! Men start in thousands from this port young, hearty, healthy, and full of spirit; they returnthose of them who return at allsickly, broken-down, and with no spirit at all except what they soon get poured into them by the publicans. Yes; commend me to the service of my Queen and country!
There was a sneering tone in the mans voice which fired his companions easily roused indignation.
Mind what you say about our Queen while in my company, said Miles sternly, stopping short and looking the man full in the face. I am a loyal subject, and will listen to nothing said in disparagement of the Queen or of her Majestys forces.
Bless you, sir, said the man quickly, Im a loyal subject myself, and wouldnt for the world say a word against her Majesty. No more would I disparage her troops; but, after all, the army aint perfect, you know. Even you must admit that, sir. With all its noble qualities theres room for improvement.
There was such an air of sincerityor at least of assumed humilityin the mans tone and manner that Miles felt it unjustifiable to retain his indignation. At the same time, he could not all at once repress it, and was hesitating whether to fling off from the man or to forgive him, when the sound of many voices, and of feet tramping in regular time, struck his ear and diverted his attention. Next moment the head of a regiment, accompanied by a crowd of juvenile admirers, swept round the corner of the street. At the same instant a forest of bayonets gleamed upon the youths vision, and a brass band burst with crashing grandeur upon his ear, sending a quiver of enthusiasm into the deepest recesses of his soul, and stirring the very marrow in his bones!
Miles stood entranced until the regiment had passed, and the martial strains were softened by distance; then he looked up and perceived that his shabby companion was regarding him with a peculiar smile.
I think youve a notion of being a soldier, he said, with a smile.
Where is that regiment going? asked Miles, instead of answering the question.
To barracks at present; to Egypt in a few days. Therell be more followin it before long.
It was a distracting as well as an exciting walk that Miles had through the town, for at every turn he passed couples or groups of soldiers, or sailors, or marines, and innumerable questions sprang into and jostled each other in his mind, while, at the same moment, his thoughts and feelings were busy with his present circumstances and future prospects. The distraction was increased by the remarks and comments of his guide, and he would fain have got rid of him; but good-feeling, as well as common-sense, forbade his casting him off without sufficient reason.
Presently he stopped, without very well knowing why, in front of a large imposing edifice. Looking up, he observed the words Soldiers Institute in large letters on the front of it.
What sort of an Institute is that? he asked.
Oh! its a miserable affair, where soldiers are taken in cheap, as they say, an done for, returned the shabby man hurriedly, as if the subject were distasteful to him. Come along with me and Ill show you places where soldiersay, and civilians toocan enjoy themselves like gentlemen, an get value for their money.
As he spoke, two fine-looking men issued from a small street close to them, and crossed the roadone a soldier of the line, the other a marine.
Here it is, Jack, exclaimed the soldier to his friend; Miss Sarah Robinsons Institoot, that youve heard so much about. Come an Ill show you where you can write your letter in peace
Thus much was overheard by Miles as they turned into a side-street, and entered what was obviously one of the poorer districts of the town.
Evidently that soldiers opinion does not agree with yours, remarked Miles, as they walked along.
Mores the pity! returned the shabby man, whose name he had informed his companion was Sloper. Now we are getting among places, you see, where theres a good deal of drinking going on.
I scarcely require to be told that, returned Miles, curtly; for he was beginning to feel his original dislike to Mister Sloper intensified.
It did not indeed require any better instructor than eyes and ears to inform our hero that the grog-shops around him were full, and that a large proportion of the shouting and swearing revellers inside were soldiers and seamen.
By this time it was growing dark, and most of the gin-palaces were beginning to send forth that glare of intense and warm light with which they so knowingly attract the human moths that constitute their prey.
Here we are, said Sloper, stopping in front of a public-house in a narrow street. This is one o the respectable lodgins. Most o the others are disreputable. Its not much of a neighbourhood, I admit.
It certainly is not very attractive, said Miles, hesitating.
You said you wanted a cheap one, returned Sloper, and you cant expect to have it cheap and fashionable, you know. Youve no occasion to be afraid. Come in.
The arguments of Mr Sloper might have failed to move Miles, but the idea of his being afraid to go anywhere was too much for him.
Go in, then, he said, firmly, and followed.
The room into which he was ushered was a moderately large public-house, with a bar and a number of tables round the room, at which many men and a few women were seated; some gambling, others singing or disputing, and all drinking and smoking. It is only right to say that Miles was shocked. Hitherto he had lived a quiet and comparatively innocent country life. He knew of such places chiefly from books or hearsay, or had gathered merely the superficial knowledge that comes through the opening of a swing-door. For the first time in his life he stood inside a low drinking-shop, breathing its polluted atmosphere and listening to its foul language. His first impulse was to retreat, but false shame, the knowledge that he had no friend in Portsmouth, or place to go to, that the state of his purse forbade his indulging in more suitable accommodation, and a certain pride of character which made him always determine to carry out what he had resolved to doall these considerations and facts combined to prevent his acting on the better impulse. He doggedly followed his guide to a small round table and sat down.