ople that we met near
Montpelier, who came from the landes, walking about on their stilts for
the amusement of others, to obtain money. In their own country they are
obliged to walk so. Now, Peter, it appears to me that the man's clothes
will fit me, and the girl's (poor creature, how pretty she looks, cold
in death!) will fit you. All we have to do is to practise a little, and
then away we start."

O'Brien then, with some difficulty, pulled off the man's jacket and
trowsers, and having so done, buried him in the snow. The poor girl was
despoiled of her gown and upper petticoat with every decency, and also
buried. We collected the clothes and stilts, and removed to another
quarter, where we pitched upon a hovel and took our meal. "Peter," said
O'Brien, "lie down and sleep, and I'll keep the watch. Not a word, I
will have it--down at once."

I did so, and in a very few minutes was fast asleep, for I was worn out
with cold and fatigue. Just as the day broke, O'Brien roused me; he had
stood sentry all night, and looked very haggard.

"O'Brien, you are ill," said I.

"Not a bit; but I've emptied the brandy-flask; and that's a bad job.
However, it is to be remedied."

I did not go to sleep again for some time, I was so anxious to see
O'Brien fast asleep. He went in and out several times, during which I
pretended to be fast asleep; at last it rained in torrents, and then he
laid down, and in a few minutes, overpowered by nature, he fell fast
asleep, snoring so loudly that I was afraid some one would hear us. I
then got up and watched, occasionally lying down and slumbering awhile,
and then going down to the door.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

EXALTED WITH OUR SUCCESS, WE MARCH THROUGH FRANCE WITHOUT TOUCHING THE
GROUND--I BECOME FEMININE--WE ARE VOLUNTARY CONSCRIPTS.

At day-break I called O'Brien, who jumped up in a great hurry.

"Sure I've been asleep, Peter."

"Yes, you have," replied I, "and I thank Heaven that you have, for no
one could stand such fatigue as you have much longer; and if you fall
ill, what will become of me?" This was touching him on the right point.

"Well, Peter, since there's no harm come of it, there's no harm done.
I've had sleep enough for the next week, that's certain."

We returned to the wood; the snow had disappeared, and the rain ceased;
the sun shone out from between the clouds, and we felt warm.

"Don't pass so near that way," said O'Brien, "we shall see the poor
crea