unmerited sufferings."

Hereupon I proceeded without more ado to open a negotiation with the
Savoyards. The judicious application of a few Napoleons soon brought
about a happy understanding between the contracting parties, when the
Savoyards transferred to my hands the strings which confined their
vassals, as the formal and usual acknowledgment of the right of
ownership. Committing the three others to the keeping of Mr. Poke, I led
the individual in the hussar jacket a little on one side, and raising
my hat to show that I was superior to the vulgar feelings of feudal
superiority, I addressed him briefly in the following words:

"Although I have ostensibly bought the right which these Savoyards
professed to have in your person and services, I seize an early occasion
to inform you that virtually you are now free. As we are among a people
accustomed to see your race in subjection, however, it may not be
prudent to proclaim the nature of the present transaction, lest there
might be some further conspiracies against your natural rights. We will
retire to my hotel forthwith, therefore, where your future
happiness shall be the subject of our more mature and of our united
deliberations."

The respectable stranger in the hussar jacket heard me with inimitable
gravity and self-command until, in the warmth of feeling, I raised
an arm in earnest gesticulation, when, most probably overcome by the
emotions of delight that were naturally awakened in his bosom by this
sudden change in his fortune, he threw three summersets, or flapjacks,
as Captain Poke had quaintly designated his evolutions, in such rapid
succession as to render it for a moment a matter of doubt whether nature
had placed his head or his heels uppermost.

Making a sign for Captain Poke to follow, I now took my way directly
to the Rue de Rivoli. We were attended by a constantly increasing crowd
until the gate of the hotel was fairly entered; and glad was I to see
my charge safely housed, for there were abundant indications of another
design upon their rights in the taunts and ridicule of the living mass
that rolled up as it were upon our heels. On reaching my own apartments,
a courier who had been waiting my return, and who had just arrived
express from England, put a packet into my hands, stating that it came
from my principal English agent. Hasty orders were given to attend to
the comfort and wants of Captain Poke and the strangers (orders that
were in no danger o