Page:Memoirs of a Huguenot Family.djvu/230

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MEMOIRS OF A HUGUENOT FAMILY.

of my sons as a hostage for the payment of the remaining £70. He paid her many compliments upon the courage she had displayed, and told her he looked upon her as a second Judith.

She replied, "I should have felt more honored if you had compared me to Deborah, but I am far from being surprised that you should not be well versed in books that you are prohibited from reading."

My liberty was restored to me, but it was upon very painful conditions, and I felt melancholy indeed at having to leave my poor boy in my stead.

When I left the ship, it was that traitor, of whom I spoke before, Sullivan, who took me on his shoulders and climbed up the rocks. He had waited upon me all the time I was on board the Privateer, for I was as helpless as an infant. I reproached him with his ingratitude and treachery. "How could you find in your heart," said I, "after all that I had done for you and yours, to act the part of guide to my enemies?"

He replied, "I have not a word to say in excuse for my conduct."

It was late on Monday night, almost Tuesday morning, when I was ransomed by the exertions of my wife, and the tenderness of my sons; I say sons, because, though only one was left, they were all equally anxious to have taken my place. James could not be spared, he was old enough to look after the farm, and take care of the few cattle remaining to us. Peter, being next in age, would not hear of any one but himself being selected.

On the night of Tuesday, the eleventh day of October, I slept at Bear Haven at the house of Mr. Hutchins, and the