Time slipped away. Christmas was drawing near, and kind invitations came from numerous friends--the Stolls, Cloetes, Lorentz, Ebdens, and others. A kind letter from Lady Mary Fitzroy to our Captain caused leave to be given to any but the actual perpetrator. Now, as I had the morning watch, and had not, at the time of the guinea-fowl’s escape, been relieved, Christmas Day found myself with that bright and happy family, the Fitzroys. [Sidenote: 1829. January.] After a while I had a latch-key, and a room adjoining the entrance; became an honorary member of the 98th mess. I invested in a couple of horses that I could not afford, and deluded a messmate, young Armytage, into doing the same. He was a lighter weight than myself, and could ride well. Glanville kept a fast horse with a bangtail. He was older and a more experienced rider, and had also learnt the noble art of self-defence. One day, at Morrison’s Hotel, I heard a man requesting to be taken to Major Keppel. This proved to be the famous blind traveller, Joseph Holman. He had heard my voice, and took it for that of his friend, my brother, who was then in England. [Sidenote: Jan. 15.] Commodore Schomberg hoisted his broad pendant, which was saluted by us. In the midst of our little gaieties _Tweed_ was ordered to the Mauritius. Our kind Captain allowed Glanville and self each to take a horse, as we could there get rid of them to advantage. [Sidenote: Feb. 7.] We sailed. Showed colours to vessels in St. Paul’s Roads, Bourbon. [Sidenote: Mar. 10-Mar. 29.] Arrived Port Louis, Mauritius. The Governor, Hon. Sir Charles Colville, and family, continued the same kind hospitality as their predecessors. I have often regretted our inability to return in any way their kindness. A mid’s was thought a hard life, but on active service what had not these gallant soldiers gone through? I had a brother, a youngster, at Waterloo, who, for many years in the latter part of his life, tried to recount various incidents of that day. Sir Charles Colville’s division appears to have been placed at Hal, on the extreme right of the British army, Wellington believing that was the point on which Napoleon was advancing. The General made up for it by the gallant manner in which he stormed and captured Cambrai, the last French fort to surrender. [Sidenote: April.] Races took place, which we enjoyed. Our sailor horses were entered for anything that could afford sport. Glanville’s bangtail was a clever horse: won everything he ran for. Armytage rode a light weight for the garrison with success. I rode a couple, but my horse had not time to be properly trained; afterwards he bolted, rolled over the rails, nearly killed an Irish jockey; but I got double what he cost me. Glanville did better still. [Sidenote: April 20.] Mail arriving, was disappointed to find that my passing certificates had been returned by some smart Admiralty clerk for “Mr. Keppel’s signature.” [Sidenote: May 3.]