despite of the guard, who were under arms, ready to oppose me. I
should not, having a sword, have feared any single opponent, and was
able to contend with the swiftest runners.

That good fortune which had so far attended me forsook me at the
palisadoes, where hope was at an end. The severities of
imprisonment were increased; two sentinels and an under officer were
locked in with me, and were themselves guarded by sentinels without;
I was beaten and wounded by the butt-ends of their muskets, my right
foot was sprained, I spat blood, and my wounds were not cured in
less than a month.



CHAPTER V.



I was now first informed that the King had only condemned me to a
year's imprisonment, in order to learn whether his suspicions were
well founded. My mother had petitioned for me, and was answered,
"Your son must remain a year imprisoned, as a punishment for his
rash correspondence."

Of this I was ignorant, and it was reported in Glatz that my
imprisonment was for life. I had only three weeks longer to repine
for the loss of liberty, when I made this rash attempt. What must
the King think? Was he not obliged to act with this severity? How
could prudence excuse my impatience, thus to risk a confiscation,
when I was certain of receiving freedom, justification, and honour,