Page:A French Volunteer of the War of Independence.djvu/216

192 bolical spirit incarnate in him advised him to return to France.

He told us of his intention, and Colonel Hamilton remarked that the country was still in a very disturbed state, whereas in the United States he could live at ease.

"Yes,"he said, "but I understand France and the French. Have you never been in a stable when the stable hands have forgotten to give the horses any hay? The horses neigh and stamp."

We on our side represented to him the dangers he ran as a priest, as an emigrant, and finally as himself. Any one of these reasons would have sufficed to deter many a brave man, but had no effect on him. "No," he said laughingly, as he stepped on board the ship which was to take him back, "I have nothing to fear over there; I am up to all the tricks of revolutions."

It was not without difficulty, however, that he could find a vessel to take him. No American captain was willing to give him a passage, perhaps on account of his political importance, or perhaps because he was so much disliked.