CHAPTER XLVII
Departure from Horncastle--Recruiting Sergeant--Kauloes and
Lolloes.
Leaving Horncastle I bent my steps in the direction of the east. I
walked at a brisk rate, and late in the evening reached a large
town, situate at the entrance of an extensive firth, or arm of the
sea, which prevented my farther progress eastward. Sleeping that
night in the suburbs of the town, I departed early next morning in
the direction of the south. A walk of about twenty miles brought
me to another large town, situated on a river, where I again turned
towards the east. At the end of the town I was accosted by a
fiery-faced individual, somewhat under the middle size, dressed as
a recruiting sergeant.
"Young man," said the recruiting sergeant, "you are just the kind
of person to serve the Honourable East India Company."
"I had rather the Honourable Company should serve me," said I.
"Of course, young man. Well, the Honourable East India Company
shall serve you--that's reasonable. Here, take this shilling; 'tis
service-money. The Honourable Company engages to serve you, and
you the Honourable Company; both parties shall be thus served;
that's just and reasonable."
"And what must I do for the Company?"
"Only go to India; that's all."
"And what should I do in India?"
"Fight, my brave boy! fight, my youthful hero!"
"What kind of country is India?"
"The finest country in the world! Rivers, bigger than the Ouse.
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