t
me in a way that sent the blood galloping through my veins like
wildfire. A look, Mr. Tape, which may be very likely followed in a few
minutes afterward by a halter, or by half-a-dozen bullets through one's
body, is apt to excite an unpleasant sensation."

"I should think so. I wouldn't be in such a predicament for the
creation."

"It's a situation that would hardly suit you, Mr. Tape," replied the
veteran, with a grim smile. "Well, the gray-headed old fox followed up
his look with a number of interesting queries concerning my birth,
parentage, and present occupation, my answers to which so operated upon
him, that I felt quite certain when he shook hands with me, and
expressed himself perfectly satisfied, and sauntered carelessly out of
the place,-that he was gone to report his surmises, and would be
probably back again in two twos with a file of soldiers and an order for
my arrest. He had put me so smartly through my facings, that although it
was quite a cold day for Spain, I give you my honor I perspired to the
very tips of my fingers And toes. The chance of escape was, I felt,
almost desperate. The previous evening a rumor had circulated that the
British general had stormed Ciudad Rodrigo, and might therefore be
already hastening in his seven-league boots, toward Badajoz. The French
were consequently more than ever on the alert, and keen eyes watched
with sharpened eagerness for indications of sympathy or correspondence
between the citizens and the advancing army. I jumped up as soon as the
sergeant-major had disappeared, and was about to follow, when the
mistress of the place approached, and said, hastily, 'I have heard all,
and if not quick, you will be sacrificed by those French dogs: this
way.' I followed to an inner apartment, where she drew from a
well-concealed recess, a French officer's uniform, complete. 'On with
it!' she exclaimed, as she left the room. 'I know the word and
countersign.' I did not require twice telling, you may be sure; and in
less than no time was togged off beautifully in a lieutenant's uniform,
and walking at a smart pace toward one of the gates. I was within twenty
yards of the corps-de-garde, when whom should I run against but
Sous-lieutenant Victor! He stared, but either did not for the moment
recognize me, or else doubted the evidence of his own senses. I
quickened my steps--the guard challenged--I gave the words, 'Napoleon,
Austerlitz!'--passed on; and as soon as a turn of the r