onfounded commissaire." The effect of my eloquence on the attache
was amusing. Down went the paper.

"Oh, I say--you know--you mustn't--indeed, you mustn't. The office
can't be approached in this manner--very irregular, by Jove, very
irregular."

"What must I do? The consequences may be fearful----"

"Write to Lord John Russell at the F. O. If he knows anything about
you, you can petition Lord Cowley, and in the course of a few
weeks----"

"A few weeks! a cycle of years! I must be liberated at once. The
safety, nay, the very life of a helpless boy depends upon it."

"Oh, I say, you know, you mustn't get so excited, by Jove, you know;
you mustn't indeed. Very irregular--'pon honor, I never saw such
irregularity."

The Adam was aroused in me--I couldn't help it.

"Sir!" I roared, "you are here for the protection of the British
subject----"

"No, you know," he interrupted. "Consul, that sort of thing. By Jove,
never saw such a fellow."

"You are placed here for use or ornament. You are, sir, a failure in
either capacity."

"John!"--oh, the superciliously grand air of that little mite!--"John,
show this person the door!"

* * * * *

Once more in prison.

Another hour's mental rack, another resource--send for the landlord of
the Hotel d'Hollande.

He came.

I fancy I see before me now the paunchy Dutchman, rubbing his fat hands
and condoling with me in hybrid accents.

"But now, Herr Englaender, an inspiration!" He approached me, placed his
pursy lips to my ears, and whispered: "Offer--delicately as you
can--but offer the commissaire a few of your English gold pieces, and
see the passport, he return, he come back--_vite_, quick. _Voila
tout._"

"Bribe the commissaire?"

"Hush! yes, it is your only chance."

Heavens! what a country! Well might poor Jules rave at the Austrians!

The Dutchman left, and after a few minutes' hesitation, I summoned up
courage to knock at the door, which was promptly opened by the officer,
who respectfully demanded my requirements.

"I wish to see the commissaire."

"Surely. Will the Herr follow me?"

Where were the frowns gone? The commissaire received me in a most
gracious manner. Would I be seated?

"Sir," I stammered, for it went sorely against the grain, "my
carelessness has brought me into considerable trouble, and I feel that
with your aid alone I can rectify matters. At the same time I am aware
that I should pay som