SUFFERINGS OF LIEUTENANT o'bRIEN. 211 



events, he declared we were perfectly safe under his roof, and he would pro- 

 ceed to see what he could accomplish. We were greatly elated, and were 

 almost certain of succeeding, from his not raising any obstacles. Our anxiety 

 for this fellow's return is not to be described ; every individual that passed 

 appeared to be some one that he had sent, or was about to bring, to agree 

 with us for our passage. The much-wished-for moment at length arrived. 

 The old shepherd, with a demure countenance, opened our door, and having 

 closed it again with the utmost caution, began to inform us, that all his 

 searches to procure a boat had been fruitless ; that the fishermen all along 

 the coast were obliged to bring their boats to Estaples, and lay them up there 

 whence they dared not move, without a passport from the commandant of the 

 town, and a soldier, as a guard, in each boat, to prevent their having com- 

 munication with the English cruisers, or going without the limits. They were 

 under the necessity of going out and returning in the day-time only : he added, 

 that we could riot remain in his house any longer than the dusk of the evening ; 

 that he was obliged to return an account to the mayor of the village, of every 

 stranger that might be in his house after dark ; taking their passports at the 

 same time for the mayor's inspection : and he concluded by observing, with 

 a grave face, lifting his hat, and scratching his head, " I hope, gentlemen, 

 you will reward me for my pains, and for keeping counsel." This relation of 

 the wretched animal was so unexpected, and so contrary from what we had 

 every reason to hope from his previous promises, that we were absolutely 

 confounded. We stood amazed : staring at one another, and could not help 

 observing, that it was the fault of his better half, who appeared to be a bitter, 

 detestable creature. She, no doubt, had been consulted ; and her sour looks 

 and conduct upon all occasions, convinced us our opinion was well founded. 

 Having nothing to expect from this good couple, we paid them for every 

 thing in a very handsome manner, and at daik departed from them : they 

 repeatedly threatened to bring the mayor to us, if we remained a moment 

 longer ; but all their threats were in vain, we were resolved not to move un- 

 til dark, least we might have been arrested, or some plot have been laid by 

 the inhospitable pair. We were now puzzled to know how to act, and ima- 

 gined that the account given, with respect to the fishing boats, was partly 

 true. Sometimes we supposed it would be better to proceed towards Rotter- 

 dam ; at others we thought of crossing the Canche, and directing our course to- 

 wards St. Vallery ; but at last we all accorded unanimously to cross the river, 

 as the safest method for that night, and then proceed to some villages that 

 were close down on the sea coast. We were thus consulting, when the shep- 

 herd's daughter appeared, and told us, that her father had sent her to show 

 us a house, where we were certain of finding a person that would be of 

 service to us, and who would put us across the river, which was by far the 

 safest side. We thanked the girl, who appeared the whole evening very- 

 much affected at the conduct of her parents; and she returned, begging us 

 not to mention, at this house, who had directed us there, which, of course, 

 wc promised, and performed. 



To he continued. 



