you wish?" said he.
"What have you to eat?" asked the man of physic. "Eggs, a fowl, and some
excellent ham." "Let us have them," cried I, "as soon as possible." Whilst
these good things were getting ready I bathed my feet in warm water, they
were much swollen, and the blisters on them had broken. I afterwards
rubbed them with brandy. The dinner was put on table, and the gendarmes
took their seats _sans facons_. After I had taken my second tumbler of
wine I began to revive. The dinner was not bad, and by the time it was
finished we were in good humour. "Now," said I, "doctor," for he was my
factotum, "tell our attendants if they will not allow me to have some kind
of carriage I will not step a foot further. My feet are so bad I cannot
walk, and they must carry me." The Brigadier was sent for, and after a
consultation of a few minutes I was told I might have one if I paid for
it, but it could be only a covered cart. "Very well," said I, "any port in
a storm." We were now informed it was time to go to rest. This was no
punishment; and notwithstanding being bug- and flea-bitten, I slept well
and forgot all my sorrows. At six I was roused by the men at arms, had a
tolerable good breakfast, and stepped into my travelling machine with two
of my officers, the top of the cart being so low we were obliged to lie
down, and if it had not been for its abominable jolting we should have
found ourselves snug enough.

CHAPTER XXV.

AT CAMBRAY.

Meet an Englishman--At last put on parole--Dine with Lieutenant
Horton--Proceed to Cambray--Relics of Archbishop Fenelon--Meet
Captain Otter at Verdun--Prisoners' amusements--Author and Captain
Otter establish a school for midshipmen--Author moves into country
quarters--Severe censorship of prisoner's letters--Ordered to
Blois--Purchase a cart and horses.

We reached Arras in the afternoon. On entering the town we were followed
by a crowd of idlers, who I rather think took us for a caravan of wild
beasts. Among this choice assemblage I perceived a sailor who looked like
an Englishman. "What are you doing here?" I called out at a venture. "I am
Lieutenant Horton's servant," answered he. "Pray," said I, "who is he?"
"He is the lieutenant of the sailors at this depot."

"Then," said I, "take this to him," giving him a piece of paper with my
name on it. "Aye, aye, sir," sa