THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE HEMPSEED. 39

the work of a moment. Doubtless, the tutor trembled like a
leaf, and was scarcely less green than one, so frightened was he.

“This will exactly answer our purpose,” said the cap-
tain, when he saw him enter.

“Shall we quarter, hang, or burn him?” asked the
soldiers.

Doubtless prayed to heaven for mercy.

“No; not yet,” said the captain; “but in the mean-
time take him to the cistern.”

This order was obeyed in an instant; and the soldiers
led the prisoner to the cistern.

We must here mention a custom that prevails in war-
time. When the enemy obtain possession of a fortress or
castle, they take care, as a matter of caution, to make some
of the conquered people drink of the cisterns and wells, to
prove that the water has not been poisoned.

Doubtless, the tutor, was therefore conducted into one of
the castle cellars, where there was an immense cistern,
which supplied the estate with water.

* Now, I guess their intentions,” said the poor man to
himself, during the few
minutes that they left him
alone in the cellar: “they
are doubtless resolved that
I should taste the water.
They wish to be convinced
that we have not poisoned
it. I shall be only too
happy to escape so easily
—though doubtless some-
what uncomfortably.”

He had just finished
speaking in this manner to
himself, when a soldier en- -
tered, holding his sword
in his hand, and said—* Taste that water !”