e encounter I could plainly hear the row-dow-dow
of the drums, and the measured tread of troops approaching, and at once
guessed that a reinforcement of the gen d'armerie were coming up.
Behind me there was a large window, with a heavy scarlet curtain before
it; my resolution was at once taken, I floored my antagonist, whom I had
till now treated with the most merciful forbearance, and immediately
sprung behind the curtain. A second's consideration showed that in the
search that must ensue this would afford no refuge, so I at once opened
the sash, and endeavoured to ascertain at what height I was above the
ground beneath me; the night was so dark that I could see nothing, but
judging from the leaves and twigs that reached to the window, that it
was a garden beneath, and auguring from the perfumed smell of the
shrubs, that they could not be tall trees, I resolved to leap, a resolve
I had little time to come to, for the step of the soldiers was already
heard upon the stair. Fixing my hat then down upon my brows, and
buttoning my coat tightly, I let myself down from the window-stool by my
hands, and fell upon my legs in the soft earth of the garden, safe and
unhurt. From the increased clamour and din overhead, I could learn the
affray was at its height, and had little difficulty in detecting the
sonorous accent and wild threats of my friend Mr. O'Leary, high above
all the other sounds around him. I did not wait long, however, to enjoy
them; but at once set about securing my escape from my present bondage.
In this I had little difficulty, for I was directed by a light to a
small door, which, as I approached, found that it led into the den of
the Concierge, and also communicated by another door with the street. I
opened it, therefore, at once, and was in the act of opening the second,
when I felt myself seized by the collar by a strong hand; and on turning
round saw the sturdy figure of the Concierge himself, with a drawn
bayonet within a few inches of my throat, "Tenez, mon ami," said I
quietly, and placing half a dozen louis, some of my recent spoils, in
his hand, at once satisfied him that, even if I were a robber, I was at
least one that understood and respected the conveniences of society. He
at once relinquished his hold and dropped his weapon, and pulling off
his cap with one hand, to draw the cord which opened the Porte Cochere
with the other, bowed me politely to the street. I had scarcely had
time to insinuate