they belonged were stationed, and of the part they had taken during the
last year's fighting. News travelled slowly, and was circulated
principally by means of travelling peddlers, who hawked their wares from
village to village, and reported what was going on in the outside world.
Thus, although the peasants were aware of the general details of the
fighting which had taken place, they knew nothing of the part which the
various regiments had borne in it. Reading and writing were rare
accomplishments, and the post was altogether interrupted, so that many
remained in suspense, from the beginning to the end of the war, as to the
fate of those who had left them to take part in it.

The friends did not make long journeys, for Walter was unaccustomed to
walk barefooted, and his feet at first were very sore and tender; but by
the time they reached Dublin they had hardened, and he was able to stride
along by the side of Larry, who, until he started with him for the war,
had never had on a pair of shoes in his life.

As soon as they reached Dublin, they made their way to the quarters
inhabited by the working classes. There Walter purchased shoes, and made
such alteration in their attire as to do away with their country aspect,
and give them the appearance of two young fellows belonging to the town.
Having hired a room, and made these changes, they sallied out.

The streets were thronged with foreign troops, who behaved as if in a
conquered country, swaggering along the streets, pushing the citizens out
into the middle of the road, abusing the tradesmen who refused to part
with their goods at nominal prices, making insolent remarks to any woman
who hurried past them, and behaving with a freedom and license which
showed how completely all bonds of discipline were relaxed.