The thought of escape was my only one; but how to accomplish it! Every stir without suggested to my anxious mind the approaching tread of horses--every rattle of the harness seemed like the clink of accoutrements.
While I yet hesitated, I felt that my fate was in the balance.
Concealment where I was, was impossible; there were no means of obtaining horses to proceed.

My last only hope then rested in the courier; he perhaps might be bribed to assist me at this juncture.
Still his impression as to the enormity of the crime imputed, might deter him; and there was no time for explanation, if even he would listen to it.

I returned to the room; he had finished his meal, and was now engaged in all the preparations for encountering a wet and dreary night.
I hesitated; my fears that if he should refuse my offers, all chance of my escape was gone, deterred me for a moment.

At length as he wound a large woollen shawl around his throat, and seemed to have completed his costume, I summoned nerve for the effort, and with as much boldness in my manner as I could muster, said-- "Monsieur le Courier, one word with you." I here closed the door, and continued.

"My fortunes--my whole prospects in life depend upon my reaching Strasbourg by to-morrow night.