4 WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



and had nearly completed my college course, when an 

 unforeseen event changed my prospects and profes- 

 sion. It was the death of both my parents within the 

 brief space of a month. 



My father's affairs were in great disorder — ^his estate 

 was heavily embarrassed, and if his debts were paid it 

 was ascertained that I should be left nearly destitute. 

 The intelligence reached Mr. Wamsley, and, to the 

 astonishment of all acquainted with his unrelenting 

 animosity to my deceased parents, a letter was received 

 from him, inviting me to visit him at his magnificent 

 place, Lalworth Castle. 



The invitation was of course accepted. I arrived, 

 and found him a stern, disagreeable old man. My 

 first appearance was against me — for the resemblance 

 I bore to my father was most striking, and it seemed 

 to recall my uncle's long-cherished prejudices. He 

 abruptly asked me on the succeeding morning, " What 

 course of fife I had selected ? " I replied, ** That the 

 army appeared best adapted to my taste and broken 

 fortunes." His only observation was, " Be it so " ; 

 and here this laconic conversation ended. 



That evening, Mr. Wamsley wrote to his neighbour, 

 Lord Ulverston. The peer was his debtor to a large 

 amount, and generally trafficked with him for his borough 



of bury. My uncle's request was promptly 



attended to. Lord Ulverston stood well at the Horse 

 Guards, and in a few weeks, to my unfeigned 

 satisfaction and surprise, I was gazetted to a 

 Cornetcy in the Blues. 



But my joy at this event was but of short duration. 

 The miserly disposition of my uncle took alarm at the 

 large outlay attendant on entering an expensive corps 



