Chapter 17 - Page 2

life for
him whom he called "a great man," and that he only hoped
the opportunity for doing so might present itself. This
friend called upon him, reminded him of what he had said,
and told him that the hour had come. The brave bookseller
did not fail in what was expected of him. He placed
his house at M. Guizot's disposal and hid him there for ten
whole days. At the end of that time the eight places in a
compartment of a carriage on the Northern Railway were
hired. M. Guizot made his way to the station at nightfall.
The seven persons who were aiding in his escape entered
the compartment with him. They reached Lille, then
Ostend, whence M. Guizot crossed over to England.

M. Duchâtel's escape was more complicated.

He managed to secure a passport as an agent of the Republic
on a mission. He disguised himself, dyed his eye-brows,
put on blue spectacles, and left Paris in a post-chaise.
Twice he was stopped by National Guards in the towns
through which he passed. With great audacity he declared
that he would hold responsible before the Republic those
who delayed him on his mission. The word "Republic"
produced its effect. They allowed the Minister to pass.
The Republic saved M. Duchâtel.

In this way he reached a seaport (Boulogne, I think),
believing that he was being hotly pursued, and very nervous
in consequence. A Channel steamer was going to England.
He went on board at night. He was installing himself for
the voyage when he was informed that the steamer would
not leave that night. He thought that he had been
discovered and that he was a lost man. The steamer had
merely been detained by the English Consul, probably to
facilitate, if necessary, the flight of Louis Philippe.
M. Duchâtel landed again and spent the night and next day
in the studio of a woman painter who was devoted to him.

Then he embarked on another steamer. He went
below at once and concealed himself as best he could
pending the departure of the vessel. He scarcely dared to
breathe, fearing that at any moment he might be recognised
and seized. At last the steamer got under way. Hardly
had the paddle wheels begun to revolve, however, when
shouts of "Stop her! Stop her!" were raised on the quay
and on the boat, which stopped short. This time the poor
devil of a Minister thought it was all up with him. The
hubbub was caused by an officer of the National Guard,
who, in taking leave of friends, had lingered too long on
deck, and did not want to be taken to England against his
will. When he found that the vessel had cast off he had
shouted "Stop her! " and his family on the quay had taken
up the shout. The officer was put ashore