mistake between my name and Mr. Brine’s: however the moment, which left no hope of avoiding detection, was approaching fast. The commandant, and all the other officers of the fortress of Bitche, descended about 9 o’clock, to see the havoc that had been made the night before. They were all astonished how we could have made so much progress in so short a time, and with so few tools; having only found a broken saw, a hammer, and a couple of old chisels. I had a great deal of difficulty to conceal myself while below, but effected it; although it seemed to be of little consequence, as I imagined that 11 o’clock would decide my fate.
“At about 10, a waggon of wood came for the prisoners. Permission was then asked to have the doors opened, that they might come up for it. This was denied, and the prisoners in the rooms were ordered to throw the billets down into the dungeon, through the liars of the air holes; but fortunately for me, the wood was too large. They were then compelled to open the sonterrain, and allow a certain number up to take it down, a guard being first placed on the door. I got some clean things conveyed to me through the bars, and concerted a plan with one of those who was bringing the wood down: he was to make a particular sign when the guard’s eyes were off the door; which he did, and I that instant jumped out. The sentinels seized me, and desired I would descend again. I asked why they had just before permitted me to pass them and go down? That I did not belong to the souterrain, and went merely through curiosity, to see what the prisoners had been about the last night. I reminded them (who had been in the habit of mustering the room I belonged to) of the mistake they were making. They were convinced, and supposed they had actually let me pass a few minutes before; begged my pardon, and suffered me to return to my apartment, where I was in a few seconds indisposed, and snug in bed: Thus did I avoid being sent to the gallies, since I had often been informed that my next attempt to escape would be punished in that severe and horrid manner.
“There was no danger now of my being discovered, until the gend’arme who gave us permission should be liberated. In the afternoon, I obtained leave to go to the dungeon, to see my poor comrades, and condole with them. They were much rejoiced at my good fortune, but feared it would soon be found out. Eight days passed on. – I frequently paid those poor fellows a visit during the time, Buché was then released, and I was obliged to keep constantly in the room when he was on duty; and, when he came to muster us, I was covered over in bed. They never call the names, to count beads is their method, which suited me admirably. Five more days had passed away in a similar manner, when we received orders to prepare for a general review, which usually takes place once a month.
“August 4th. On this day we were all placed in ranks and minutely inspected. It appeared to my friends and myself, that I could not now avoid discovery, as all the gend’armes attended. There is no exception or excuse of sickness to be made; if a prisoner be able to crawl he
