I remember nothing
that happened from the time when I lay down to sleep before the
fire, until the time when I recovered my senses at the place
which you call the Merchant's Table. My first sensation was that
of being moved into the cold air; when I opened my eyes I saw the
great Druid stones rising close above me, and two men on either
side of me rifling my pockets. They found nothing valuable there,
and were about to leave me where I lay, when I gathered strength
enough to appeal to their mercy through their cupidity. Money
was not scarce with me then, and I was able to offer them a rich
reward (which they ultimately received as I had promised) if they
would take me to any place where I could get shelter and medical
help. I supposed they inferred by my language and accent--perhaps
also by the linen I wore, which they examined closely--that I
belonged to the higher ranks of the community, in spite of the
plainness of my outer garments; and might, therefore, be in a
position to make good my promise to them. I heard one say to the
other, 'Let us risk it'; and then they took me in their arms,
carried me down to a boat on the beach, and rowed to a vessel in
the offing. The next day they disembarked me at Paimboeuf, where
I got the assistance which I so much needed. I learned, through
the confidence they were obliged to place in me in order to give
me the means of sending them their promised reward, that these
men were smugglers, and that they were in the habit of using the
cavity in which I had been laid as a place of concealment for
goods, and for letters of advice to their accomplices.
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