to Culoz.

My friends were found expecting me upon my arrival, and joined in
congratulating me upon my happy escape. A night and day were passed
very pleasantly, and then arose the question of return.

I suggested telegraphing to Geneva for my passport, but that
was vetoed, and it was decided that I should return as I had
come--passportless. I confess that the attempt seemed somewhat
hazardous. If it was dangerous to attempt an entrance into France,
how much more so to attempt an exit, especially when the custom-house
force had been doubled with the sole object that all possibility of
escape might be precluded, and that any one passing Culoz might be
stopped at Belgarde! It was urged, however, that our seats had been
engaged in the diligence for Friday morning, and to send for the
passport would consume considerable time--would certainly delay the
party until Saturday, and perhaps until Monday, which delay would
seriously affect all their plans, time being so limited and so many
places remaining to be visited. I had passed once, why not again?
Influenced by these facts, and thinking what a triumph it would be
once more to baffle French vigilance, I determined to attempt the
return. There was a train leaving Aix about eight P.M., reaching
Geneva at eleven: it was decided that I should take this train. I had
arranged a vague plan of action, although I expected to depend rather
upon the suggestion of the moment.

It was quite dark when we reached Culoz. As the train arrived at the
platform, and we were obliged again to change cars, I thought of the
friendly restaurant; but no! the restaurant was closed, and moreover
a company of gendarmes was present to see that every one entered the
door leading to the custom-house. There was no room for hesitation or
delay. I entered under protest, but still I entered.

In a moment I perceived the desperate situation. The room had two
doors--one opening upon the platform from which we had just come, and
now guarded by an officer; the other leading to the opposite platform,
and there stood the custom-house officer receiving and inspecting the
passports. It was indeed Scylla and Charybdis. If I attempted to pass
the officer without a passport, I was undone; if I remained until all
the other passengers had passed out, I was undone. For an instant I
felt as if I had better give up the unequal contest. The forces of the
enemy were too many for me. I saw that I had been captured: why fight