Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/232

 Charleroi, about seven in the evening, and supped with some countrymen, who informed us, the road to Charlemont was impassable for a "cabriolet," and that we should be obliged to go round by Namur. After a savoury regale upon fricandeau and garlic, I retired to a comfortable bed; but my mind was so wholly engrossed by the pleasing reflections of meeting, and delivering my friend from bondage, that I could scarcely close my eyes. The next morning, we set out for Namur, and arrived about noon. At three, we proceeded on our journey, intending to go no further that night than Dinant, about three leagues from Givet; so that the horse might be fresh on departing thence, with our prize. Just as we were approaching the southern gate, to our astonishment, and, I may add, confusion, we met Moitier, on his return from Verdun, who, no less surprised than ourselves at this unexpected "rencontre," demanded where we were going, adding, without giving us time to reply—"Follow me," and went into an adjoining hotel. On retiring into a private room, he gave me a