There were speculators in New Orleans, engaged in buying land warrants
from the returning volunteers. I sold mine to one of them, for one
hundred and ten dollars. Besides this amount, I had about fifty dollars
saved from my pay.
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I shall now have the pleasure of recording the fact that I made one move
in the right direction. I set sail for my childhood's home.
Conscience had long troubled me, for having neglected to look after the
welfare of my relatives; and I embarked for Dublin with a mind gratified
by the reflection that I was once more on the path of duty.
So much pleasure did this give me, that I resolved ever after to follow
the guiding of reason, as to my future course in life. The right course
is seldom more difficult to pursue than the wrong one, while the wear
and tear of spirit in pursuing it is much easier.
How many strange thoughts rushed into my brain--how many interrogations
offered themselves to my mind, as we dropped anchor in Dublin Bay.
Should I find my mother living? Should I know my brother William and my
sister Martha? What had become of Mr Leary? Should I have to kill
him?
Such questions, with many others of a similar nature, coursed through my
soul while proceeding towards the city.
I hurried through the streets, without allowing anything to distract my
thoughts from these themes. I reached the house that had been the home
of my childhood.
At the door, I paused to recover from an unusual amount of excitement;
but did not succeed in quelling the tumultuous emotions that thrilled my
spirit with an intensity I had never experienced before.
I looked cautiously into the shop. It was no longer a saddle and
harness-maker's, but a dingy depot for vending potatoes, cabbages, and
coals!
I thought a great change must suddenly have taken place in the whole
city of Dublin.
It did not occur to me, that six years was a sufficient period of time
for turning a saddler's shop into a greengrocer's--without any reason
for being surprised at the transformation.
I stepped inside; and inquired of a stout, red-haired woman the
whereabouts of a Mrs Stone, who formerly occupied the premises. The
woman had never heard of such a person!
It suddenly occurred to me--and I heaved a sigh at the recollection--
that my mother's name was not _Stone_, but that she was _Mrs Leary_.