for freedom, because he knew that, with fettered wrists, in a
strange port, the very name of which they did not know, and surrounded
by armed enemies, such an attempt would be utterly hopeless; he
therefore concluded, correctly, that his companion wished him to take
the bearings (as he expressed it) of the port, and of the streets
through which they should pass. Accordingly he kept his "weather-eye
open."

The French soldiers who conducted the seamen to prison, although stout
athletic fellows, and, doubtless, capable of fighting like heroes, were
short of stature, so that the British tars looked down on them with a
patronising expression of countenance, and one or two even ventured on a
few facetious remarks. Bill Bowls and Ben Bolter, who both measured
above six feet in their stockings, towered above the crowd like two
giants.

"It's a purty place intirely," said an Irish sailor, with a smiling
countenance, looking round upon the houses, and nodding to a group of
pretty girls who were regarding the prisoners with looks of pity. "What
may be the name of it, av I may make bowld to inquire?"

The question was addressed to the soldier on his right, but the man paid
no attention. So the Irishman repeated it, but without drawing forth a
reply.

"Sure, yer a paltry thing that can't give a civil answer to a civil
question."

"He don't understand Irish, Pat, try him with English," said Ben Bolter.

"Ah, then," said Pat, "ye'd better try that yersilf, only yer so high up
there he won't be able to hear ye."

Before Ben had an opportunity of trying the experiment, however, they
had arrived at the jail. After they had passed in, the heavy door was
shut with a clang, and bolted and barred behind them.

It is probable that not one of the poor fellows who heard the sound,
escaped a sensation of sinking at the heart, but certain it is that not
one condescended to show his feelings in his looks.

They were all put into a large empty room, the window of which looked
into a stone passage, which was itself lighted from the roof; the door
was shut, locked, bolted, and barred, and they were left to their
meditations.

They had not remained long there, however, when the bolts and bars were
heard moving again.

"What say 'e to a rush, lads?" whispered one of the men eagerly.

"Agreed," said Bill Bowls, starting forward; "I'll lead you, boys."

"No man can fight with his hands tied," growled one of the others.
"You'll only