."

"Come, you are un brave garcon! I respect you for your resolution. There
is a vessel of mine being loaded now, and if you will really go on board
in such a way as you propose I think we can manage it, and your durance
will not last more than a few hours. You will be a Regulus without the
nails."

Smiling grimly at this allusion, he went out, and left me to meditate
on what lay before me. It was not pleasant, certainly; but then the
incentive was so great!--to join all whom I held dear, in a free land!
The light affliction would be but for a moment.

Monsieur Bort returned. "All is arranged," said he complacently.
"I have taken the porter who will roll you into the secret. He promises
to be as careful of you as he can. An officer on board is likewise in my
confidence: he engages you shall be released as soon as the vessel is
fairly under weigh. So take heart; it will be but a short trial compared
with what many Huguenots are put to. Take this money and these papers--"

After some business directions he accompanied me to the warehouse, where
the cask awaited me, with some hay to soften my journey in it.

"You are a pipe of Bordeaux, going as a present to my particular friend
in London," said he, smiling. "Now, behave yourself as a good pipe of
wine should; and don't cry out even if you are hurt. See, there are some
air-holes. You won't stifle."

"They are very small--"

"How can that be helped? Who would have doors and windows in a
wine-cask? You will get on board alive, will be released when well
to sea, and must not mind a little discomfort."

We shook hands, and I stepped in and settled myself as well as I could,
with my mouth close to one of the air-holes; and the cask was closed
upon me. The next minute I was rolled slowly off; and a most odd
sensation it was! I advise you to try it, if you would like something
perfectly new; but have bigger air-holes if you can; and even then let
your experiment be short.

I verily believe the porter did his best for me; but how slowly
he rolled: and even then what bumps and jolts I had when we came to
uneven ground! Now and then he stopped, to wipe his face and rest,
seemingly--then on we trundled again Meanwhile I was getting exceedingly
hot; all the blood in my body seemed mounting into my head: and
unpleasant ideas of smothering obtruded themselves. The noises around me
told me we were on the wharf; then the jolting and bumping became worse
than before: I fancied