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but finding all in order, they asked me the cause of last evening’s bustle. I frankly told them by what it had been occasioned; on which they desired me to call my little favourite. I whistled, and it immediately leaped upon my shoulder. I solicited its pardon, but the officer of the guard took it into his possession, promising, however, to give it to a lady, for whose care he would answer. Turning it afterwards loose in his chamber, the mouse soon disappeared, and hid itself in a hole. But at the usual hour of visiting my prison, when the officers were just going away, the poor little animal darted in, climbed up my legs, seated itself on my shoulder, and played a thousand tricks, to express its joy. Every one was astonished at this striking instance of animal sensibility. The Major carried the mouse away, and gave it to his wife, who had a light cage made for it; but the little animal refusing to eat, was, in a few days after, found dead.
In this seclusion, the Baron remained about nine years, when the King probably tired of punishing, consented to his release. After which, he retired to Vienna, where he was confined a short time at the instigation of those who enjoyed his property, under a false charge of madness. He found himself necessitated to withdraw his pecuniary claims, and for all his losses, only received the brevet rank of Major in the Austrian service.
No doubt the Revolution in France pointed out that country as a place where he might finish his days in liberty and peace; what then must be
