These were first handed to a number of men relieved from other duties who, after scraping the under side, rubbed them with fat, and kneaded them until they were perfectly soft and pliable.

The shoemakers then took them in hand and, after a few samples of various shapes were tried, one was fixed upon, in which the sandal was bound to the foot by straps of the same material, with a double thickness of sole.

Terence tried these himself, and found them extremely comfortable for walking; and gave orders that one company should be entirely provided with them.

As to appearance, they were vastly superior to the cracked and bulged boots the men were wearing.
After a week of sharp drill Terence was satisfied, and proposed to Ryan that they should now ride over to Portalegre, and pay a visit to their friends of the Fusiliers and, accordingly, the next day they went over.

They were most heartily received.
"Sure, Terence, I knew well enough that you and Dicky Ryan would be back here, before long.