Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/32

 the town hall. After remaining about an hour, surrounded by military and an immense populace, the guard was withdrawn, and we were desired to consider ourselves on parole; permission was given to take lodgings in the town, and we were further directed to apply for a passport, whenever we felt disposed to go beyond the suburbs.

The general, on being asked if our paroles were to be signed, replied, "No; a British officer values his honour too much, to render his signature necessary;" when this was repeated to us, it may easily be imagined with what patriotic importance the compliment to our national character was received; with what feelings of pride his Britannic Majesty's midshipmen resolved to merit the eulogium of the enemy. On being told we might retire, the crowd fell back, opening a lane with a degree of civility and politeness that somewhat surprised us: we strolled up the nearest street, for all were alike to us, not knowing where to go, or what to do. To those who have never quitted their own fire