So saying, he again presented his pistols,
which being rejected as before, he called his two ministers, and
ordered them to duck him in the canal.
This command was pronounced and executed almost in the same breath,
to the unspeakable terror and disorder of the poor shivering patient,
who, having undergone the immersion, ran about like a drowned rat,
squeaking for assistance and revenge. His cries were overheard by
the patrol, who, chancing to pass that way, took him under their
protection, and, in consequence of his complaint and information,
went in pursuit of our adventurer and his attendants, who were
soon overtaken and surrounded. Rash and inconsiderate as the young
gentleman was, he did not pretend to stand upon the defensive
against a file of musketeers, although Pipes had drawn his cutlass
at their approach, but surrendered himself without opposition,
and was conveyed to the main guard, where the commanding officer,
engaged by his appearance and address, treated him with all imaginable
respect. Hearing the particulars of his adventure, he assured him
that the prince would consider the whole as a tour de jeunesse,
and order him to be released without delay.
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