against Fate? A moment's reflection, however, restored my courage. It
was evident that one thing alone remained to be done: that was to find
my way out of the door by which I had just entered, as speedily as
possible. But there stood the guard.

The train by which we had come was still before the platform: an idea
suggested itself. Acting as if I had left some article in the train, I
stepped hurriedly up to the guard, who, catching my meaning, made way
for me without a word. Once upon the platform, I resolved never again
to enter that door except as a prisoner. The guard followed me with
his eyes for a moment, and then, seeing me open one of the carriage
doors, turned back to his post. As soon as I perceived that I was
no longer watched I glided off in the opposite direction under the
shadows of the platform. I was looking for a certain door which I
remembered well as a friend in need. I knew not in which direction it
lay, nor could I have recognized it if shut; but hardly had I gone ten
steps when the same door stood open before me. It was the act of an
instant to spring through it, out of sight of the guard. Why this door
and baggage-room should have been left thus open and unguarded when
such evident and scrutinizing care was taken in every other quarter, I
have to this day been unable to understand. But for that fact I should
have found it utterly impossible to pass that custom-house going or
coming.

Once in the baggage-room, the way was familiar, and, passing into the
second room, I found the door open as on the day previous, and in
a moment stood undiscovered upon the platform. Entering the waiting
train, I was soon on the way to Belgarde.

My only thought during the ride was, What shall I do when we arrive at
Belgarde? I expected to see the doors thrown open as before, and hear
again the polite invitation to enter the custom-house. Was it not
certain detection to refuse? was it not equally dangerous to obey? The
officer at Belgarde had seen me the day before, and warned me not to
go to Culoz. What reception would he give me when he saw me attempting
to return? Or it might be he would not remember me, and then in
the darkness and confusion I should surely be taken for an escaping
Communist. That I had passed Culoz was no comfort when I remembered
that this would only aggravate my guilt in their eyes.

The case did indeed seem desperate. Willingly would I have jumped out
and walked the entire distance to Gen