elf in the white cotton nightcap and the blouse of the
craft was the work of a few seconds; and then, with a great knife in my
girdle, and a capacious pocket slung at my side, I looked every inch a
'Marmiton.'

In the kitchen the bustle had already begun, and half-a-dozen cooks,
with as many under-cooks, were dealing out 'portions' with all the speed
of a well-practised performance. Nothing short of great habit could
have prevented the confusion degenerating into downright anarchy. The
'service' was, indeed, effected with a wonderful rapidity; and certain
phrases, uttered with speed, showed how it progressed. 'Maigre des
Cures,'--'finished.' 'Bouillon for the "expectants,'"--'ready here.'
'Canards aux olives des condamnees,'--'all served.' 'Red partridges for
the reprieved at the upper table,'--'despatched.' Such were the quick
demands, and no less quick replies, that rung out, amidst the crash of
plates, knives, and glasses, and the incessant movement of feet, until,
at last, we were all marshalled in a long line, and, preceded by a drum,
set out for the prison.

As we drew near, the heavy gates opened to receive, and closed behind us
with a loud bang that I could not help feeling must have smote heavily
on many a heart that had passed there. We were now in a large courtyard,
where several doors led off, each guarded by a sentinel, whose ragged
clothes and rusty accoutrements proclaimed a true soldier of the
Republic. One of the large hurdles used for carrying the prisoners to
the Place stood in one corner, and two or three workmen were busied in
repairing it for the coming occasion.

So much I had time to observe, as we passed along; and now we entered a
dimly lighted corridor of great extent; passing down which, we emerged
into a second _cour_, traversed by a species of canal or river, over
which a bridge led. In the middle of this was a strongly barred iron
gate, guarded by two sentries. As we arrived here, our names were called
aloud by a species of turnkey; and at the call 'Tristan,' I advanced,
and, removing the covers from the different dishes, submitted them for
inspection to an old, savage-looking fellow, who, with a long steel
fork, pricked the pieces of meat, as though anything could have been
concealed within them. Meanwhile, another fellow examined my cotton cap
and pocket, and passed his hands along my arms and body. The whole did
not last more than a few minutes, and the word 'forward' was given to
pa