312 AN ESCAPE FROM THE GUILLOTINE. 



into the wood-cellar, we dropped them into a hole which was fortu- 

 nately found there, and covering the spot with wood, we returned to 

 wait the threatened return of Canve, and his band of ruffians. 



We were fortunate in completing our task, for scarcely had we 

 composed ourselves after our hasty labour, when the door with one 

 blow was shattered to pieces, and in rushed Canve, accompanied by 

 four men, all armed. 



" We have come," answered Canve, who appeared to act as the 

 leader, " to search your house for a man called Le Cour." (The 

 husband of my youngest sister, who was at this moment lying ill at 

 our country seat.) Saying this, and without further remark, they 

 rushed past us. 



Expecting that in the course of their search they would visit my 

 chamber, I repaired to it to hide a few little articles which were on 

 my dressing-table. As I anticipated, they came to examine my 

 apartment, but as if fatigued with their undertaking, they contented 

 themselves with examining the closets, and thrusting their swords 

 through the bed, saying at the same time, " If he is here, this will 

 spare the guillotine one job." 



Having completed their survey, they repaired to the drawing- 

 room, seated themselves without any ceremony, and ordered my 

 sister to supply them with some of the best wine. By this time the 

 poor girl had recovered herself, and indignation took the place of 

 fear. She treated this demand with contemptuous silence, and Canve 

 started up, I believe, with the intention of striking her. I laid my 

 hand on the pistol which I always carried, but perhaps awed by her 

 firm bearing, he departed, without making any remark, in the direc- 

 tion of the wine-cellars. He returned shortly, loaded with several 

 bottles, having to appearance previously satisfied himself of its 

 quality. Having regaled themselves until they became in a state of 

 beastly intoxication, they left us, having first, out of mere wantonness, 

 destroyed a large quantity of china and glass, which unfortunately 

 lay in their way. 



For three days we continued unannoyed by any of the revolu- 

 tionary spirits ; at the end of that time we learnt with horror that 

 poor Le Cour had fallen into their hands, and would on the following 

 day undergo his trial as a Royalist. 



The next day came, and the hour was fast approaching appointed 

 for the commencement of the trial. 



I had ever remarked that my sister possessed a certain noble- 

 mindedness and contempt of self which had insured her my esteem 

 and affection ; but I was yet to learn that she was a heroine. In the 

 present instance she was the only one whose presence of mind re- 

 mained unshaken. Well knowing the disregard paid to any defence 

 proceeding from the unfortunate individuals whose deplorable fate 

 had brought them before this bloody tribunal, as also the unwilling- 

 ness evinced by legal characters to undertake it, she determined to 

 perform the part herself. I was astounded at the extraordinary re- 

 solution she had formed. A young and beautiful girl, who had 

 hitherto appeared to me timid as a fawn, to array herself in a court 

 of justice and such a court in defence of one whom it was a crime 



