Mr. Mahony, the landowner, drove to Blackwater to meet us, and from there took us to Loch Brine, where the fish were plentiful. He with H.R.H. went out in a boat to fish leaving us to pursue our sport from the bank. I scrambled on to a rock from which I cast my line, when alas the rubber soles on my shoes played me false, and I was in the water, and the rod in pieces. What was to be done? All sport was at end for me! I turned to my companion who advised me to say nothing about it, and give it to the coxswain to mend. In a weak moment I resolved to keep my own counsel, but imagine my consternation a little later, when the Admiral joined us for luncheon, and exclaimed, "You are a nice fellow, breaking my rod!"
I had quite forgotten how water carries sound. Every word of the discussion had been overheard by H.R.H. I was non-plussed and the matter passed off without further comment. Then we all sat down to lunch with a good appetite, but it was a poor day's sport for me, and we returned to the Lively, and dined at 9 o'clock.
The next day Mr. Mahony and his family came on board; later in the day we returned to Bantry, and shortly after the Bacchante came into the Bay. The young Princes lost no time in paying their respects to the Admiral, who at once invited them to dinner. I sat next to Prince Eddy who was a perfectly natural boy, and to my mind immensely tactful, for he immediately commenced to tell me of the success of my latest cartoon in Vanity Fair—which happened to be Lord Shrewsbury. On the next day the combined squadrons weighed anchor and started for the ten days' cruise to Vigo.
SEVENTH EARL OF BESSBOROUGH. "M.C.C. Cricket." 1888.
REV. F. H. GILLINGHAM. "A hard hitter." 1906.
ARCHDEACON BENJAMIN HARRISON. "Canterbury Cricket." 1885.
The naval evolutions and drill were exceedingly interesting to watch by day, and, on the second night out, came the great excitement of a "Night Alarm." This proceeding might be described as the supreme episode of naval drill. It may come at any moment, and although I was let into the secret it seemed to arrive with startling suddenness to me. We were at dinner when the alarm was given. "There's not a moment to be lost," said the Duke. "Stick to me and we'll go down." A fleeting impression of the blue jackets and marines turning out of their hammocks like one man, then in a flash every officer gave his word of command—All hands were at the guns—Every man in his place!—Lights out! and so on.