Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/141

 a conversation with him relative to the truce which he had informed them was agreed upon between the two powers. He spoke both the German and French languages tolerable well, and they found no difficulty in making him comprehend they were men of family and fortune, and were desirous of returning into Germany as soon as possible.—They besought him, therefore, to let letters be conveyed to their friends, and to let information of their existence be expedited to the Emperor, that they might hope soon to be included in an exchange of prisoners.

This Ismael promised with much seeming sincerity, to undertake for; and assured them, he would exhibit his power and influence to procure for them a speedy release from captivity; giving them to understand, that their rank was known, and that he was answerable for their persons. Far different was the truth; their death had been generally credited in the Imperial army; the little inquiry that had been made relative to their bodies, had been unsatisfactory, and 'twas