Page:A French Volunteer of the War of Independence.djvu/55

Rh the thought. When the breach was opened, I did not know what height I should have to descend, therefore, during the night, I cut up my sheets and linen to make a rope if necessary.

At last the hour struck, the lock turned, and the gaoler entered, and wished me good day, as usual. My five comrades soon appeared; one of them said to me, in a mocking voice,

"Well, let us know this fine plan."

"The plan," I replied, "is in this corner, behind this wall—which is only paper. Let us make haste."

"Is it possible?" they cried.

"He found this hole ready made.—It is not finished. What is there gained by that?"

"It is not finished—but it can be with a single push.—Let those who love me follow me."

We fastened my sheets to the leg of my bed; I took the end of this hastily devised cord, and entered the narrow passage. I was in a nankeen vest, and had in my pockets six cartridges, a double-