298 THE FOREST AND THE FIELD. 



our stay ; so, availing ourselves of this hospitality, 

 we paid him an early visit, and soon made our- 

 selves at home in his comfortable quarters. We 

 called at the barracks, upon the oihcers of the 

 2nd West India Regiment, and Deputy-Assistant 

 Commissary -General Blanc, one of the best officers 

 in that department, and the kindest-hearted soul I 

 ever met. I found that it was always " thirsty 

 weather in St. Mary's Isle," and wherever we went 

 we were expected to " liquor-up." This little 

 game would not suit " the child with a tre- 

 phined cranium," so, after explanation, followed by 

 occular demonstration, he was allowed " grace." 

 However, I never met a more hospitable set of 

 fellows in my life than one and all in Bathurst 

 proved to be. Blanc gave a very jolly party the 

 evening of our arrival, and we had a " wet 

 night." Songs were the order of the evening, 

 and the Judge greatly distinguished himself by 

 his vocal powers. When my turn came round 

 I gave them a stave somewhat suitable to the 

 occasion, which has since become a standard Coast 

 chaunt. 



