260 THE PLEASURES OF MILITARY SOCIETY. 



Presently a second squadron advanced, and proceeded at once to dis- 

 perse among the adjacent villages. I now began to think it high 

 time to return, as I foresaw the advanced squadron was en route for my 

 own place, and would arrive before I could possibly reach it. The 

 first object I encountered, on nearing home, was a group of peasants, 

 armed with muskets, scythes^ and implements of all kinds, making 

 their way towards the village. No sooner did they see me, than they 

 insisted that I should take the command, and drive " those French 

 thieves" from their houses. I found that a regiment of cavalry had 

 taken possession of the village ; and no one being able to speak 

 French, the soldiers had become impatient, and were helping them- 

 selves without much ceremony. I quieted the enraged people as 

 well as I could ; telling them that open violence would only bring 

 upon them certain destruction ; and proceeded with all speed to my 

 dwelling, followed by my rustic neighbours. 



The first person I met was my steward, Belliard, who, with tears 

 and lamentations, informed me that people had been despatched for 

 me in all quarters that this was the worst lot we had yet had that 

 they were committing all manner of atrocities : and he finished his 

 consoling narrative, by informing me, that the captain and twenty- 

 eight men had done me the honour to quarter themselves upon my 

 premises. He had, moreover, been favoured with sundry lashes from 

 the captain, because he could only give him the common wine for his 

 dinner. I was somewhat incensed at this part of the story, and said, 

 if the French were determined on such a course, I would at once 

 head the people, and drive them out. This resolution was hailed 

 with cheers by the villagers, and forthwith they began to form them- 

 selves in order of battle, ready to act whenever I gave the signal. 

 The dragoons hearing this commotion, rushed from all parts to learn 

 the cause ; and I, armed with my fowling-piece, made my way into 

 my house, to confront the captain. Here a pleasant scene presented 

 itself. 



The hall was strewed with saddles and horse-equipments ; chairs 

 and tables were topsy-turvy ; and two dragoons were hurrying 

 across, one armed with a pistol and a crow-bar, and the other hold- 

 ing a light. No sooner did they perceive me, than one exclaimed, 

 " Ah! cochon ! que tu es-t' arrive, a la bonne heure ! We were just 

 about to blow off the lock of your wine-cellar/' Before I could 

 reply, he continued, " Is this the way to conduct yourself, when 

 military gentlemen do you the honour to take to your house? to 

 absent yourself, and leave them nothing but sour German wine ! 

 Sacre matin ! if I were the captain, I'd fire your hovel, with you tied 

 to the rafters." 



. " Silence, you ruffian !" I cried, exasperated beyond endurance, 

 " do you think I keep an hotel for brigands ? If you dare stir ano- 

 ther step, I'll make crow's-meat of you." 



As I clicked the cock of my fusil, he levelled his pistol ; and wil- 

 ling to save the desperate consequences, I dropped my weapon, and, 

 rushing forward, threw up his arm, and struck him with my clenched 

 fist full on the throat. His bullet passed through the pannelled par- 

 tition, and the report was followed by a most diabolical explosion of 



