"That is the best thing," the doctor said. "You have not had a long night's rest since you rejoined. I am going myself, and I see that some of the others are getting up, too, and it would be a good thing if all would do so, for, with such work as we have got before us, the more sleep we get, while we can, the better." As nearly half the officers now rose from their seats, O'Grady was mollified, and as he went out he said: "I think, after all, Terence, I will try one of those cigars of yours." On the 14th of October Fane's brigade left Torres Vedras. [Illustration: 'I AM TOLD THAT YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO ME, GENERAL.'] A number of the troops had been stationed along the line of route to be followed, and these had started simultaneously with the departure of Fane's brigade from Torres Vedras. The discontent as to the reduction of baggage ceased as soon as the troops were in motion. They were going to invade Spain, and ignorant as the soldiers were of the real state of affairs, none doubted but that success would attend them there. Among the officers better acquainted with the state of things there was no such feeling of confidence, but they hoped that they should at least give as good an account of themselves as before, against any French force of anything like equal strength they might encounter. O'Grady, influenced by the doctor's threats, which he knew the latter would be firm enough to carry out, had obeyed his orders, and had confided to Terence, when the regiment formed up at daybreak for the march, that his arm felt much better. "I don't say that the doctor may not have been right, Terence, but he need not have threatened me in that way, at all, at all." "I don't know," Terence replied. "I feel pretty sure that if he hadn't, you would not have knocked off spirits. Well, it is a glorious morning for starting, but I am afraid the fine weather won't last long. Everyone says that the rains generally begin about this time." As Terence fell in with his company the adjutant rode up. "Mr. O'Connor, you are to report yourself to the brigadier." Wondering much at the message, Terence hurried to the house occupied by General Fane. He and several officers were standing in front of it. "I am told that you wish to speak to me, General," he said, saluting. "Oh, you are Mr. O'Connor! Can you ride?" "Yes, sir," Terence replied; for he had often had a scamper across the hills around Athlone on half-broken ponies, and occasionally on the horses of some of his friends in the regiment. "I have a vacancy on my staff. Lieutenant Andrews was thrown when riding out from Lisbon with a despatch last night, and broke a leg. I was on board the flag-ship when your colonel brought his report about the fight between the transport and the two privateers. I read it, and was so much struck with the quickness and intelligence you displayed, that I made a note at the time that if I should have a vacancy on my staff I would appoint you."