I followed him; and, half an hour afterwards, I was in possession of a pass signed by two members of the Commune.
This precaution was not to be useless. A few days afterwards, going to see the fort of Vanves, strongly menaced, I was arrested and taken before the commander of the Fort.
This officer examined my pass; and, hesitating without doubt as to my identity, he put several questions to me in English. My answers certainly satisfied him, for he took me by the hand and said to me in a tone not without emotion:
«Go, Sir, I will give you some one to accompany you; I like the English; I have seen them under fire; I was at Inkermann.»
The next day, having advanced too near Courbevoie, I was arrested by a patrol, and taken before a Commander of the army of Versailles. There I exhibited a letter from the ambassador's.
«Ah!» said the Commander, «I knew in the Crimea two brave officers of your name.»
«John and Lewis—Captains—they were cousins of mine.»
«That is it exactly—what has become of them?»
«Lewis is in the Indies—John is dead.»
«He is very happy», said the commander sorrowfully, in bowing to me.»