Léon smiled in his old way.
"To do you justice, mon oncle," said he, "that is not your habit."
The words were hardly spoken when the sledge stopped, and looking up, I saw the gates of the prison frowning upon us. So this was our merry friend's hospitality! Even my nephew perceived the drift of it now.
"The old rascal will trump up some charge against us and keep us out of the way," said he. "By God, mon oncle, this is too much! Parole or no parole, I mean to make a run for it."
I dissuaded him, pointing out the folly of it in the presence of the escort.
"Do not give them the satisfaction of shooting you," said I. "We have money with us, and will make ourselves heard. This is neither the place nor the time."
And so saying, I stepped out of the sledge and followed the captain of the hussars into the courtyard of the prison. Truly was it a remarkable predicament for two of the Guard to be in.
This scene will always remain in my memory. Even to-day I can recall every detail of it, the square courtyard, the guard-room upon the left-hand side, the inner gate with its portcullis and the gloomy buildings of the prison beyond. The astonishing thing was that we seemed to be expected, and all preparations were made to receive us. No sooner were we brought in and the gates shut than they conducted us to the guard-room and there brought us before a young captain of the garrison, who immediately made known the alleged reason of our arrest.
"You are accused of rendering help to the Emperor's enemies and of robbing French soldiers in this vicinity," said he. "The information is laid by Herrn Immo von Gustorf, the prefect of this city. The court will try you as soon as it can be constituted. Meanwhile I am to hold you here, as prisoners."
It was an amazing declaration, and even the young man seemed surprised when he looked at us. A soldier does not require to be told that another is of the same profession, and the young captain must already have perceived our condition. When upon this came my heated protest, and Léon's fiery threats, I could see that suspicion gave place to an apprehension which was very real.