This continued for five days, by which time, being constantly on the stilts, we became very expert; and although I could not dance a gavotte--for I did not know what that was--I could hop about with them with the greatest ease.
"One day's more practice," said O'Brien, "for our provisions will last one day more, and then we start; but this time we must rehearse in costume." O'Brien then dressed me in the poor girl's clothes, and himself in the man's; they fitted very well, and the last day we practised as man and woman.
"Peter, you make a very pretty girl," said O'Brien.

"Now, don't you allow the men to take liberties." "Never fear," replied I."But, O'Brien, as these petticoats are not very warm, I mean to cut off my trowsers up to my knees, and wear them underneath." "That's all right," said O'Brien, "for you may have a tumble, and then they may find out that you're not a lady." The next morning we made use of our stilts to cross the ditch, and carrying them in our hands we boldly set off on the high road to Malines.

We met several people, gens-d'armes and others, but with the exception of some remarks upon my good looks, we passed unnoticed.
Towards the evening we arrived at the village where we had slept in the outhouse, and as soon as we entered it we put on our stilts, and commenced a march.

When the crowd had gathered we held out our caps, and receiving nine or ten sous, we entered a cabaret.

Many questions were asked us, as to where we came from, and O'Brien answered, telling lies innumerable.