CHAPTER VI

A False Direction and an Appalling Repulse--A Bribe refused--A Deluge, and Shelter in a Barn--A fatal Resolution--Dangers of Fugitives journeying by Daylight--A Market-day at Étaples--Passing through Crowds not very convenient for runaway Prisoners of War--An Attempt to reach the Sand-hills on the Coast--A Bold Progress through a Despicable Village--The last House--Parching Thirst, and begging for a Draught of Water--An Acquiescence or Reply in the shape of two Custom-house Officers--Our Capture--A clever Fiction well devised, better sustained, and totally defeated--Getting rid of suspicious Goods--An Examination before the Mayor--Americanism and the American Gentleman--An awkward Exposure--A _Mittimus_ to Boulogne Gaol--An Examination of our Persons and Clothes--Our Fate sealed and Hope destroyed Page 90