CHAPTER IV

Our Arrival at Verdun--A joyful Reception--General Wirion--His Indulgence towards the Prisoners--The Meetings of old Shipmates and Friends--Mental Employment the best Antidote against _Ennui_ and Dissipation--Restiveness at Confinement--Anxiety to be again in the Active Service of Old England--Meditations upon an Escape--Contrivances to avoid a Breach of Parole or any Breach of Honour--Three Comrades or _Compagnons de Voyage_--Scaling Ramparts--A Descent of Seventy-two Feet--The Open Country--The March commences--Flying by Night, and hiding in Woods by Day--Heavy Rains, Dismal Roads, and Swampy Beds, with Bad Fare and Good Hearts--Leaping a Moat--A Dislocated Knee--The March resumed, and pursued lamely--The Town of Neuville--Extreme Sufferings from Thirst--Water at length procured, Anguish allayed, and the Escape proceeded upon with renewed Spirits Page 43