“You know, the Germans don’t like us,” continues the Scotsman. “Go away,” he says; “you will be punished if they find you here.” “So much the worse for me. I will not leave you like this. Come what may, I am going to untie you.” “No, I pray you! Don’t do that, for God’s sake. They know my name, and to-morrow I shall have a double punishment. Do go away.” “Then I shall run to the German guardroom and intercede for you.” “Don’t do anything, it will do no good and you yourself will run the chance of being punished. And you know it is not good to be in the pillory.” While speaking, the poor man could scarcely restrain the trembling of his voice. He shivered in spite of himself. For four hours he had been bound to this post in the terrible cold. His hands, the circulation of which was arrested by the cords too tightly drawn, were violet and swollen. His feet must have been in the same state. For four hours he had been there in the same position, motionless, his body contorted, his limbs imprisoned by ropes that cut his swollen flesh. The minutes must have seemed like hours of agony, but, inured to suffering, courageous, stoical, proud, he hid his feelings and did not utter a complaint. Motionless, on the frozen earth, he waited patiently for the end of his torture. The interpreter, who knew enough of the misery of these poor British,--at the beginning of their captivity they received nothing from home,--bent down to look at the sufferer’s boots. As he expected, they were in shreds, and probably had no soles. Without saying a word he left the Scotsman and went. * * * * * A few moments later he came back. “Lift up your right foot. That’s right. Now the left. That’s better, isn’t it?” “What have you done?” “Oh, I have only put a little piece of wood to separate you from the ground and keep the cold from freezing your feet.” “Ah! thank you! But you will get into trouble! If any one has seen you!” “Well, cheer up! Good-bye for the present.” He went on towards the office. “No, don’t go there. I am very well now and it won’t be long before I am released. Leave me.”