CHAPTER XV.

IN BELGIUM.

There was a general feeling of depression in the regiment when it was known that the transports had arrived in harbor.  As a rule regiments embarking for service abroad start in high spirits, and whatever private regrets are felt at parting from friends, the troops march gayly down to the point of embarkation.  But this was not the case as the Twenty-eighth with the band at its head playing “The girl I left behind me,” passed through the streets of Cork on its march down to the spot ten miles away where the transports were lying.  There was not one from the colonel down to the youngest drummer-boy but felt that he had been deprived of the chance of taking part in a stirring campaign, and that he was going into a sort of exile.  The baggage had been sent on the previous day, and the regiment on arriving at the harbor was speedily transferred in large lighters to the two transports.

“They are two fine ships, anyhow,” Captain O’Connor said to Ralph as the barge carrying his company approached the side of one of them.  “Rather different craft to that in which we made our last voyage together.  We shall have comfortable quarters on board her, and ought to make a pleasant passage if we have but decent weather.”

“Yes, if anything could make our voyage pleasant under the circumstances,” Ralph replied dismally.

“Oh, it’s no use thinking any more about that,” O’Connor said cheerfully.  “We must make the best of matters, and hope that we shall soon be on our way back again; if not, I dare say we shall have a pleasant time in Canada.  With your knowledge of French, Conway, you will make a great hit among the fair Canadians.”

“I didn’t think of that,” Ralph laughed.  “Yes, the prospect is a cheering one.  I promise you, O’Connor, that I will do the best I can for you.  Well, here we are alongside.”

“Good afternoon, captain.  When are we going to sail?” O’Connor asked the master of the vessel as he stepped on deck.

“You must ask the clerk of the weather,” the skipper replied.  “At present there is not a breath of wind stirring, and from the look of the sky I see no chance of a change at present.”

Day after day passed, and still the vessels remained at anchor.  Not a breath of wind stirred the water, and the troops had nothing to do but to lounge idly about the decks and whistle for a breeze.  Whenever a vessel came in from England boats were lowered and rowed alongside to get the latest news.  This was little enough.  It was, however, known that all the powers had determined to refuse to recognize Napoleon as Emperor of France, and that a great coalition against him was being arranged.  There were rumors that Belgium was likely to be the scene of operations.