Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/231

 jumped out, and called for the "garçon d'écurie," with an air of importance, in imitation of that French dignity, with which travellers are not unacquainted, gave the necessary orders, and mounted up the steps to the door, the two gens d'armes opening, right and left, to make room. In passing, I saluted them with "Bon jour, Messieurs, peut on trouver à déjeûner ici," to which, reply was given in the affirmative; we walked in, and ordered breakfast: soon after, these fellows entered, and marched up, as if to question us; I forestalled them by an appropriate observation on the weather, and asking them if they had breakfasted, followed up this address with so rapid a succession of interrogatories, and remarks, as to lead them into conversation, and prevent their being too inquisitive: when, proposing we should all breakfast together, they were so completely diverted from their intention, that we sat down in a very friendly manner, and fared sumptuously, without any embarrassing inquiries. Having paid the host, we continued our route, arrived at