Tract Society. A thrilling narrative, of which the Quarterly Review
says:--"The facts are more interesting than fiction, and the incidents
not less strange."]

"But now we come to Bordeaux," said he, at length; and in fact, the
increase of traffic on the water was sufficient of itself to tell us
that we were approaching an important commercial city, while in the
distance were seen the masts of ships of many nations. Nearer at hand
the richly-wooded heights were studded with the country seats of opulent
merchants, many of whom either were Huguenots or had made their fortunes
by Huguenots. It was to be supposed, therefore, that we had many friends
here; and, indeed, many were favoring our escape as much as they could
without compromising themselves; but such jealous watch was being kept
on the port that this was extremely difficult. Soon my companion ran his
boat in between two others similarly laden--as far as vegetables when,
that is, for I know not they held any fugitives; and a great war of
words ensued, in which it was difficult to know whether they were really
quarrelling or not.

At length I got ashore, and found my way to the counting-house of my
father's correspondent, Monsieur Bort. He was a very business-looking
man, with a short, hard, dry way of speaking. I found him immersed in
his books. Directly he saw me, he said, abruptly.

"You are young Bonneval. You come too late. The others are gone."

"Oh" And I dropped into a seat, quite stunned by this reverse.

"Mais que voulez-vous?" said he. "They could not wait. The opportunity
would have been lost."

"Are they really off, and safe?"

"Off they are, but whether safe--." He shrugged his shoulders and raised
his eyebrows. However, seeing my chagrin, he added, "I imagine they are
in the river Thames by this time."

"Do you mean they are ascending the river to London?"

"Precisely. It may not be so, but we may hope the best. And
you?"--eyeing me inquiringly.

"What am I to do, sir? Did my father leave me no word of direction?"

"He left you his blessing, and bade you be a good boy, and submit
yourself to my direction."

"That I will gladly do, if you will direct me."

"Well, I am pledged to do the best I can for you. But, unhappily, the
surveillance is now so strict that I know not how to smuggle you on
board."

"In a box--in a cask," said I, desperately.

"Have you really courage to be packed in that manner?"

"Yes, if there is no alternative