"Well, my dear-----, how have you sped with the Prince?"
"Why, colonel," said my protector, in his calm way, "as well as I expected.
I was of some service to him when he was here before, at the time he was
taken so very ill, and he has not forgotten it; so I am not included
amongst the unfortunate detenus for the payment of the fine. But that is
not all; for I am allowed to go tomorrow to my father's, and here is my
passport."
"Wonders will never cease," said the colonel; "but who is that boy?"
"He is one of the crew of the English boats which tried to cut off
Colonel-----the other evening, near Cuxhaven. His life was saved by a
very laughable circumstance certainly; merely, by the marshal's sword,
from resting on the stove, having become almost red--hot." And here he
detailed the whole transaction as it took place, which set the party
a--laughing most heartily.
I will always bear witness to the extreme amenity with which I was now
treated by the French officers. The evening passed over quickly. About
eleven we retired to rest, my friend furnishing me with clothes, and
warning me, that next morning he would call me at daylight, to proceed to
his father's country--seat, where he intimated that I must remain in the
meantime.
Next morning I was roused accordingly, and a long, low, open carriage
rattled up to the door, just before day--dawn. Presently the reveille was
beaten, and answered by the different posts in the city, and on the
ramparts.
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