him for it. Perhaps,
during the day, we may yet get him a proper passport; for if the
authorities are so anxious to get rid of our godly ministers, surely
they will not hinder their departure. However that may be, you are to
convey your uncle and aunt towards the coast tonight."

"She goes with him, then?"

"She will not leave him. They have lost all their money, but we have
made a little purse for them. Oh, my child, what times are these! You
have scarcely had any rest these two nights; but do not forget to say
your morning prayers."

And kissing my forhead, she left me, that I might obey her injunction.

It may be said that trade was at a standstill that day. The weaver at
his loom, the jeweler behind his counter, the baker at his
kneading-trough, all thought and talked but of one subject, the expected
visitation of the dragoons.

My father, with vexation, gave me back the passport, saying, "Your uncle
will not use it, so you must return it to Romilly."

Romilly raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders when I did so,
saying, "What will he do, then?"

"I know not. Take his chance, I suppose."

"Here, take you it," said he, thrusting it into my pocket "He may be
glad of it at the end."

It was a sad day. Mothers were weeping over their new-born infants; men
were talking to one another in anger and sorrow. The Catholics were
already carrying their heads high, and smiling scornfully as we passed
them. I thought, "Oh that we were in a desert, all to ourselves, with
none to impugn our faith!" But then I called to mind that without
needing to be in a desert, people might dwell in happy countries where
each man's faith is respected and tolerated. I hoped my uncle would
safely reach one of these happy countries; but yet one's native land is
very dear after all!

Twilight came; the parting took place amid tears and embraces and
benedictions; and soon I was driving my good uncle and aunt towards the
coast. We had gone some miles, when a man, scarcely distinguishable in
the dark, emerged from a corner and said, "Who goes there?"

I was greatly alarmed, but my uncle, recognizing the voice, said, "Oh,
Joseph, is it thou? Whither art thou bound?"

"Fleeing for my life," said Joseph, "as I take it you are doing. It is
well you have escaped, though I cannot make out how you come to be so
far on the road. I have just left your neighborhood; the dragoons are
turning your house out of window."

"Give him a lift, Ja