Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/44

 *tended by imposition and insolence. Proceeding on our journey, we were occasionally lodged in a tavern, or a prison, at the caprice of the guard; who happily on the 29th, were superseded by a more rational set. These we instantly began to flatter, and to abuse their predecessors; a method of ingratiating oneself, and turning to account the proverbial vanity of such people of this country, generally successful, and it here had the desired effect. On our arrival at Argentan, I purchased of one of my companions an old horse for 12s. 6d.; this poor jaded animal afforded amusement for several days, till at length I sold him for 3s. 6d. We quitted this town on the 1st of January, 1804, and passing through a beautiful country, reached Chateauroux, and there remained the following day.

The gendarmes, whom flattery had so much influenced, now left us; and notwithstanding they recommended us to their successors, as "de braves gens," we experienced different treatment; they frequently spoke harshly and insolently,