This led, amongst the prisoners, to a strong spirit of competition.

Some were neat of hand, and (the genius of the French being always distinguished) could place upon sale little miracles of dexterity and taste.

Some had a more engaging appearance; fine features were found to do as well as fine merchandise, and an air of youth in particular (as it appealed to the sentiment of pity in our visitors) to be a source of profit.

Others again enjoyed some acquaintance with the language, and were able to recommend the more agreeably to purchasers such trifles as they had to sell.

To the first of these advantages I could lay no claim, for my fingers were all thumbs.