CHAPTER XI.
THE GALLEY "L'HEUREUSE." The archers, or constables, in charge of the slaves took them through Ypres and Furnes; and as the distance is about twelve leagues, it was not till the third day that Tristram saw the spires and fortifications of Dunkirk rising against the greyish sea.
But in that time he learnt much, being tied to a brisk rotund Burgundian, the cheerfullest of the gang, who had made two campaigns with the English Foot Guards in Turenne's time, and had picked up a smattering of their language.

He knew, at any rate, enough English to teach Tristram some rudiments of French on the road, and gave him much information that went far to alter his notions of the world.
Tristram was deeply shocked at the sight of one or two of the men whom he had left in the hands of M.de Lambertie.

He now ceased to wonder at the agony of apprehension they had exhibited, and, while compassionating their horrible case, did not forget to thank God for having interposed to save him from a similar fate.
"Ah, yes," said his comrade tranquilly; "they are deserters.
Formerly they used to have their noses cut off, as well as their ears; but this was found to breed infection, and now they are merely slit--besides, of course, being branded with the fleur-de-lis on either cheek.

But what matters their appearance to them, seeing that their sentence is for life ?" Tristram shuddered.

"This King of yours," said he, "must be the first-cousin to the devil." "They are all alike, _mon cher_.