Page:Memoirs of Vidocq, Volume 1.djvu/54

 were passing by, and everybody was at peace except myself whom the old woman began to threaten with her obliging favours. This unfortunate passion brought on a scene which must still be remembered in that part of the country, where it made much noise at the time.

It was the village feast, dancing, singing, drinking went on; and I bore my part so ably that they were compelled to lead me to bed. The next day I awoke before daybreak: as after all similar orgies, I had a giddy head, my mouth parched, and my stomach disordered; I wanted something to drink; and on rising I felt a hand as cold as a well-rope encircling my neck; my head was still wandering and weak from the over-night's debauch, and I shrieked out lustily. The mayor, who slept in an adjoining chamber, ran with his brother and an old servant, both armed with cudgels. Cæsar had not returned, and reflection had convinced me that the nocturnal visitor could only be Sixca; and pretending to be greatly alarmed, I told them that some hobgoblin had come to my side, and had glided out at the foot of the bed. They then laid on several blows with their sticks; and Sixca, perceiving that she would soon be killed, cried out "Gentlemen, do not strike, it is I—it is Sixca. I walked in my sleep to the officer's bed." At the same time she showed her head, and did well; for although they recognised her voice, yet the superstitious Flemings were about to renew the application of the bastinado. As I have said, this adventure, which almost realizes certain scenes of "My Uncle Thomas," and "The Barons of Felsheim," made much noise throughout the place. It spread even to Cassel, and procured me many intrigues. I had, amongst others, one with a pretty bar-maid, whom I should not allude to if she had not first taught me, that at the counter of some coffee-houses a good-looking fellow may get change for cash which he has not paid.

We had been quartered for three months when the division was ordered to Stinward. The Austrians had