Terence, despite his cousin's ill-humour, was in great spirits. Eagerly he conducted his friends into a remote boudoir. He was dying to tell his news, and to hear theirs. So earnest was he, so strong a ring of truth was in his voice, that the delegates could doubt no more. Bond, Russell, gathered round as anxiously as the two Emmetts. Cassidy's broad visage was alight with grins. He slapped his thigh in huge delight as Terence unfolded his budget. He had been treated with every civility at Brest. Hoche, his fears removed, was taking up the matter with all his might; his rival, young Buonaparte, was getting on too well. Both these generals were straining every nerve to outstrip each other. The Irish envoy had seen Tone in his uniform as général de brigade. He was to sail in the expedition aboard the _Indomptable_. The force was of fifteen sail of the line, ten frigates, and seven transports. There was some diversity of opinion as to the plan to be pursued, for Admiral Gardner was cruising in the Channel with the English fleet, and, crowded as the ships were with troops, it was well to avoid a sea-fight if possible. The message to the Irish Directory was that their allies might be expected at any moment--_where_, it was impossible to say--for much would depend on events, and it was taken for granted that on the first signal the country would rise _en masse_. Terence, indeed, was surprised that nothing had yet taken place, for when he left Brest on the 10th all was ready, the men embarked--thirteen thousand strong--the état-major prepared to follow. He, the envoy, had been compelled to travel through England, which had delayed his coming; but he had ridden as fast as possible, lest all should be over before he could arrive. 'Started at last!' exclaimed Robert, full of glee. 'Ready to start twenty days ago!' ejaculated Emmett, with a long face. 'Please God no evil has befallen them.' The conspirators looked one at the other uneasily. What if that English fleet should have intercepted the convoy? 'They've bin weather-bound,' Cassidy declared with confidence. 'Bad news flies quickly. If the English had done anything, we should have had them crowing over us long since.' 'There were fogs in the Channel, I remarked that,' assented Terence. 'I went down into the great cabin of the _Indomptable_ on the evening of the tenth, to wish the officers God-speed. It was an exhilarating spectacle. The ceiling was a mass of firelocks; the candlesticks were bayonets, stuck in the table. A fine band was playing the "Marseillaise;" the officers, in full fig, were lounging about, some playing cards, some singing to the time--all full of hope. As my boat rowed me away, the effect of the grand hymn on the water, diminishing as the black hull seemed flitting into haze, was delicious. It is surprising, though, that they delay so long.'