was, and
what was wanted? I was obliged to mention my name, but I assumed a
plaintive tone, to make him believe that I was indisposed. 'Ah! it is
you, my dear boy,' said he on opening the door; 'what can bring you
here at this hour?' I stepped inside the door, and leading him to the
opposite side of the room, I declared to him that it was absolutely
impossible for me to remain longer at St. Lazare; that the night was
the most favourable time for going out unobserved, and that I
confidently expected, from his tried friendship, that he would consent
to open the gates for me, or entrust me with the keys to let myself out.

"This compliment to his friendship seemed to surprise him. He stood
for a few moments looking at me without making any reply. Finding that
I had no time to lose, I just begged to assure him that I had the most
lively sense of all his kindnesses, but that freedom was dearer to man
than every other consideration, especially so to me, who had been
cruelly and unjustly deprived of it; that I was resolved this night to
recover it, cost what it would, and fearing lest he might raise his
voice and call for assistance, I let him see the powerful incentive to
silence which I had kept concealed in my bosom. 'A pistol!' cried he.
'What! my son? will you take away my life in return for the attentions
I have shown you?' 'God forbid,' replied I; 'you are too reasonable to
drive me to that horrible extremity: but I am determined to be free,
and so firmly determined, that if you defeat my project, I will put an
end to your existence.' 'But, my dear son!' said he, pale and
frightened, 'what have I done to you? What reason have you for taking
my life?' 'No!' replied I, impatiently, 'I have no design upon your
life, if you, yourself, wish to live; open but the doors for me, and
you will find me the most attached of friends.' I perceived the keys
upon the table. I requested he would take them in his hand and walk
before me, making as little noise as he possibly could.

"He saw the necessity of consenting. We proceeded, and as he opened
each door, he repeated, always with a sigh, 'Ah! my son, who could have
believed it?' 'No noise, good Father, no noise,' I as often answered
in my turn. At length we reached a kind of barrier, just inside the
great entrance. I already fancied myself free, and kept close behind
the governor, with my candle in one hand, and my pistol in the other.

"While he was endeavouring to