I was not kept long. Instead of finding myself ushered into the presence of a potentate with twenty A.D.C.’s, I found His Excellency in plain clothes: his only companion, a parrot on his finger. He was kindness itself. I had been but little in the London world, but he seemed to know everybody I had seen, or even heard of. The ship arrived in the afternoon, and anchored off the esplanade. Although many fine Indiamen and larger ships were here, nothing came up to _Magicienne_ in appearance. In due time His Excellency paid an official visit. [Illustration: Magicienne _at Calcutta_.] A salute with yards manned is a pretty sight, and our _Magicienne_ was, even for a man-of-war, unusually _taunt_, and on shore attracted a large concourse. The Hooghly was not a bright and limpid stream. Of a morning we often had to clear our hawse of dark bodies, hardly visible from the darker mud. Quarters were provided for officers in Fort William. The ancient one, in which was the famous Black Hole, was two miles farther up the river. We were kindly invited by H. E. to Barrackpore. But it was the height of the season, balls, pig-sticking, parties, picnics, and private theatricals going on. The hunt meet at Dum-Dum (five miles from Calcutta) I could not resist. There was an extensive horse establishment, from which I obtained a horse. I was never without a correct get-up, and, weighing something under nine stone, was frequently offered a mount. [Sidenote: March.] My hunter, from Mr. Cook’s establishment, sent on, I drove in a buggy, syce seated on the step. It was a bright and cheery meet. Jackals were hunted instead of foxes, the latter being small, and not so fast. I was welcomed as an old sportsman. A find and a cheery “gone away,” my horse inclined towards a wood on the right. He jumped a small nullah against my will; the bit broke at the joint. My next recollection was from a bed in Fort William, with my Captain and officers of both services standing round. I soon recovered senses, but for some days was told to keep quiet. It appears that my mount, after taking me across the nullah, bolted for the wood, and my head striking a bough, brought me to the ground. The Tent Club had been kind enough to make me an honorary member. After some days’ quiet enjoyment at Barrackpore, I returned to the city. On my promising proper behaviour, I joined a small party. Stopford, a merchant, was one. He was so like the Admiral, and naval relatives of that name, I cottoned to him at once. On approaching the ground, we came on thirteen or fourteen elephants tethered in regular order, with their attendants. Beyond were marquees, arranged and fitted with every comfort of bed and baths that a sportsman could wish. A large mess marquee stood out by itself, with passages for cooks and attendants, and piles of ice, (brought to Calcutta by American ships).