When we stopped at night, my youth excited a great deal of commiseration, especially from the females; and in one instance I was offered assistance to escape.

I consented to it, but at the same time informed O'Brien of the plan proposed.

O'Brien kept watch--I dressed myself, and was at the open window, when he rushed in, seizing me, and declaring that he would inform the Government of the conduct of the parties.

Their confusion and distress were very great.
They offered O'Brien twenty, thirty, forty Napoleons, if he would hush it up, for they were aware of the penalty and imprisonment.

O'Brien replied that he would not accept of any money in compromise of his duty; that after he had given me into the charge of the gendarme of the next post, his business was at an end, and he must return to Flushing, where he was stationed.
"I have a sister there," replied the hostess, "who keeps an inn.