The fact was, that the man to whom the gardens belonged waited until more company should arrive, although the place was already very full of people.

Now the first lieutenant had ordered the boat to wait for us until twelve o'clock, and then return on board; and, as we were seven miles from Portsmouth, we had not much time to spare.

We waited another quarter of an hour, and then it was agreed that as the fireworks were stated in the handbill to commence precisely at ten o'clock, we were fully justified in letting them off ourselves.

O'Brien went out, and returned with a dozen penny rattans, which he notched in the end.

The fireworks were on the posts and stages, all ready, and it was agreed that we should light them all at once, and then mix with the crowd.