POST-CAPTAINS OF 1821.
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re-entered the wood, in which I remained all day. At night I recommenced my journey, still embarrassed in consequence of the weather to know which way to go. This was the most severe night (if possible) I had yet experienced – the roads, pathways, and fields were deep and heavy from the constant rains; rivulets had become dangerous rivers, and I had to wade through several. I had an opportunity again this night of feasting upon cabbage stalks, leaves, and turnips, and filled my pockets also.
“My feet now began to get blistered, and very sore. I was also becoming excessively weak, it being my fifth day of living upon cabbage leaves and stalks. About half-past 2, in the morning, I perceived a lonely house on the side of a wood. I imagined I might approach it and thus endeavour to procure some refreshment; being of opinion, that after so long a ramble (even allowing for the traverse I must unavoidably have made) I was still a great distance from the place whence I had escaped; I was therefore tempted to try. Accordingly made towards it. Saw a light in the window, got close to the door, peeped through the key-hole and window alternately, and at last saw a woman spinning by a rousing fire. How anxiously did I wish to be seated by it! Twice had I the knocker of the door in my hand, and as often did I drop it; so great were my apprehensions and fears of approaching any dwelling place. My last rencontre had greatly heightened them, and not having plenty of cash to purchase myself off, was another powerful reason for alarm. Notwithstanding all my fears and all the embarrassments I laboured under, I at last seized the knocker the third time, and rapped. The door was opened by a man, who surveyed me from top to toe. I was covered all over with mud and dirt, and dripping wet. He could clearly perceive from my appearance and miserable aspect, that I had been secluded for some time from any fellow creature, and had been doomed to associate or rather herd with the animals that inhabit the forests; indeed the voice of the screech-owls, during my night wanderings, was the only one I had heard for some time, which had become quite habitual to me. Whilst this fellow remained with his eyes rivetted upon me, I assured him in French, that I was very thirsty, and asked him if he would have the kindness to give me something to drink? – He could not speak French, but made me understand he had nothing whatever to give me. – I discovered a pail of water and pointed to it, upon which he brought me a ladle full. I then took the liberty of sitting down by the fire, though this inhospitable boor never asked me. I did not much like the appearance of the place, nor did it offer any thing that could be of the smallest service. I asked him the road to Strasbourgh – it was close by. I was about to quit his fire side, when a tailor arrived to work for the family; and he also began to survey me very closely. I heard him whisper to the man of the house, and mention very distinctly the words Englander and Bitche. He then addressed me, and asked, if I were authorised to travel? whether I had a passport? &c. &c. I replied, he must be a very impudent fellow to ask such inquisitive questions, that i should not gratify a gossiping rascal of