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diff --git a/1644-h/1644-h.htm b/1644-h/1644-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0c8c9ad --- /dev/null +++ b/1644-h/1644-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8506 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Adventures of Gerard, by A. Conan Doyle + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Adventures of Gerard, by Arthur Conan Doyle + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Adventures of Gerard + +Author: Arthur Conan Doyle + +Release Date: September 21, 2008 [EBook #1644] +Last Updated: March 6, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF GERARD *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Keller, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE ADVENTURES OF GERARD + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By A. Conan Doyle + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Il etait brave mais avec cette graine de folie dans sa + bravoure que les Francais aiment.” + + FRENCH BIOGRAPHY. + </pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + I hope that some readers may possibly be interested in these little tales + of the Napoleonic soldiers to the extent of following them up to the + springs from which they flow. The age was rich in military material, some + of it the most human and the most picturesque that I have ever read. + Setting aside historical works or the biographies of the leaders there is + a mass of evidence written by the actual fighting men themselves, which + describes their feelings and their experiences, stated always from the + point of view of the particular branch of the service to which they + belonged. The Cavalry were particularly happy in their writers of memoirs. + Thus De Rocca in his “Memoires sur la guerre des Francais en Espagne” has + given the narrative of a Hussar, while De Naylies in his “Memoires sur la + guerre d'Espagne” gives the same campaigns from the point of view of the + Dragoon. Then we have the “Souvenirs Militaires du Colonel de Gonneville,” + which treats a series of wars, including that of Spain, as seen from under + the steel-brimmed hair-crested helmet of a Cuirassier. Pre-eminent among + all these works, and among all military memoirs, are the famous + reminiscences of Marbot, which can be obtained in an English form. Marbot + was a Chasseur, so again we obtain the Cavalry point of view. Among other + books which help one to an understanding of the Napoleonic soldier I would + specially recommend “Les Cahiers du Capitaine Coignet,” which treat the + wars from the point of view of the private of the Guards, and “Les + Memoires du Sergeant Bourgoyne,” who was a non-commissioned officer in the + same corps. The Journal of Sergeant Fricasse and the Recollections of de + Fezenac and of de Segur complete the materials from which I have worked in + my endeavour to give a true historical and military atmosphere to an + imaginary figure. + </p> + <p> + ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE. + </p> + <p> + March, 1903. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Contents + </h3> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> I. How Brigadier Gerard Lost His Ear </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> II. How the Brigadier Captured Saragossa + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> III. How the Brigadier Slew the Fox [*] + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> IV. How the Brigadier Saved the Army </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> V. How the Brigadier Triumphed in England + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> VI. How the Brigadier Rode to Minsk </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> VII. How the Brigadier Bore Himself at + Waterloo </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> VIII. The Last Adventure of the Brigadier + </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + I. How Brigadier Gerard Lost His Ear + </h2> + <p> + It was the old Brigadier who was talking in the cafe. + </p> + <p> + I have seen a great many cities, my friends. I would not dare to tell you + how many I have entered as a conqueror with eight hundred of my little + fighting devils clanking and jingling behind me. The cavalry were in front + of the Grande Armee, and the Hussars of Conflans were in front of the + cavalry, and I was in front of the Hussars. But of all the cities which we + visited Venice is the most ill-built and ridiculous. I cannot imagine how + the people who laid it out thought that the cavalry could manoeuvre. It + would puzzle Murat or Lassalle to bring a squadron into that square of + theirs. For this reason we left Kellermann's heavy brigade and also my own + Hussars at Padua on the mainland. But Suchet with the infantry held the + town, and he had chosen me as his aide-de-camp for that winter, because he + was pleased about the affair of the Italian fencing-master at Milan. The + fellow was a good swordsman, and it was fortunate for the credit of French + arms that it was I who was opposed to him. Besides, he deserved a lesson, + for if one does not like a prima donna's singing one can always be silent, + but it is intolerable that a public affront should be put upon a pretty + woman. So the sympathy was all with me, and after the affair had blown + over and the man's widow had been pensioned Suchet chose me as his own + galloper, and I followed him to Venice, where I had the strange adventure + which I am about to tell you. + </p> + <p> + You have not been to Venice? No, for it is seldom that the French travel. + We were great travellers in those days. From Moscow to Cairo we had + travelled everywhere, but we went in larger parties than were convenient + to those whom we visited, and we carried our passports in our limbers. It + will be a bad day for Europe when the French start travelling again, for + they are slow to leave their homes, but when they have done so no one can + say how far they will go if they have a guide like our little man to point + out the way. But the great days are gone and the great men are dead, and + here am I, the last of them, drinking wine of Suresnes and telling old + tales in a cafe. + </p> + <p> + But it is of Venice that I would speak. The folk there live like + water-rats upon a mud-bank, but the houses are very fine, and the + churches, especially that of St. Mark, are as great as any I have seen. + But above all they are proud of their statues and their pictures, which + are the most famous in Europe. There are many soldiers who think that + because one's trade is to make war one should never have a thought above + fighting and plunder. There was old Bouvet, for example—the one who + was killed by the Prussians on the day that I won the Emperor's medal; if + you took him away from the camp and the canteen, and spoke to him of books + or of art, he would sit and stare at you. But the highest soldier is a man + like myself who can understand the things of the mind and the soul. It is + true that I was very young when I joined the army, and that the + quarter-master was my only teacher, but if you go about the world with + your eyes open you cannot help learning a great deal. + </p> + <p> + Thus I was able to admire the pictures in Venice, and to know the names of + the great men, Michael Titiens, and Angelus, and the others, who had + painted them. No one can say that Napoleon did not admire them also, for + the very first thing which he did when he captured the town was to send + the best of them to Paris. We all took what we could get, and I had two + pictures for my share. + </p> + <p> + One of them, called “Nymphs Surprised,” I kept for myself, and the other, + “Saint Barbara,” I sent as a present for my mother. + </p> + <p> + It must be confessed, however, that some of our men behaved very badly in + this matter of the statues and the pictures. The people at Venice were + very much attached to them, and as to the four bronze horses which stood + over the gate of their great church, they loved them as dearly as if they + had been their children. I have always been a judge of a horse, and I had + a good look at these ones, but I could not see that there was much to be + said for them. They were too coarse-limbed for light cavalry charges and + they had not the weight for the gun-teams. + </p> + <p> + However, they were the only four horses, alive or dead, in the whole town, + so it was not to be expected that the people would know any better. They + wept bitterly when they were sent away, and ten French soldiers were found + floating in the canals that night. As a punishment for these murders a + great many more of their pictures were sent away, and the soldiers took to + breaking the statues and firing their muskets at the stained-glass + windows. + </p> + <p> + This made the people furious, and there was very bad feeling in the town. + Many officers and men disappeared during that winter, and even their + bodies were never found. + </p> + <p> + For myself I had plenty to do, and I never found the time heavy on my + hands. In every country it has been my custom to try to learn the + language. For this reason I always look round for some lady who will be + kind enough to teach it to me, and then we practise it together. This is + the most interesting way of picking it up, and before I was thirty I could + speak nearly every tongue in Europe; but it must be confessed that what + you learn is not of much use for the ordinary purposes of life. My + business, for example, has usually been with soldiers and peasants, and + what advantage is it to be able to say to them that I love only them, and + that I will come back when the wars are over? + </p> + <p> + Never have I had so sweet a teacher as in Venice. Lucia was her first + name, and her second—but a gentleman forgets second names. I can say + this with all discretion, that she was of one of the senatorial families + of Venice and that her grandfather had been Doge of the town. + </p> + <p> + She was of an exquisite beauty—and when I, Etienne Gerard, use such + a word as “exquisite,” my friends, it has a meaning. I have judgment, I + have memories, I have the means of comparison. Of all the women who have + loved me there are not twenty to whom I could apply such a term as that. + But I say again that Lucia was exquisite. + </p> + <p> + Of the dark type I do not recall her equal unless it were Dolores of + Toledo. There was a little brunette whom I loved at Santarem when I was + soldiering under Massena in Portugal—her name has escaped me. She + was of a perfect beauty, but she had not the figure nor the grace of + Lucia. There was Agnes also. I could not put one before the other, but I + do none an injustice when I say that Lucia was the equal of the best. + </p> + <p> + It was over this matter of pictures that I had first met her, for her + father owned a palace on the farther side of the Rialto Bridge upon the + Grand Canal, and it was so packed with wall-paintings that Suchet sent a + party of sappers to cut some of them out and send them to Paris. + </p> + <p> + I had gone down with them, and after I had seen Lucia in tears it appeared + to me that the plaster would crack if it were taken from the support of + the wall. I said so, and the sappers were withdrawn. After that I was the + friend of the family, and many a flask of Chianti have I cracked with the + father and many a sweet lesson have I had from the daughter. Some of our + French officers married in Venice that winter, and I might have done the + same, for I loved her with all my heart; but Etienne Gerard has his sword, + his horse, his regiment, his mother, his Emperor, and his career. A + debonair Hussar has room in his life for love, but none for a wife. So I + thought then, my friends, but I did not see the lonely days when I should + long to clasp those vanished hands, and turn my head away when I saw old + comrades with their tall children standing round their chairs. This love + which I had thought was a joke and a plaything—it is only now that I + understand that it is the moulder of one's life, the most solemn and + sacred of all things—Thank you, my friend, thank you! It is a good + wine, and a second bottle cannot hurt. + </p> + <p> + And now I will tell you how my love for Lucia was the cause of one of the + most terrible of all the wonderful adventures which have ever befallen me, + and how it was that I came to lose the top of my right ear. You have often + asked me why it was missing. To-night for the first time I will tell you. + </p> + <p> + Suchet's head-quarters at that time was the old palace of the Doge + Dandolo, which stands on the lagoon not far from the place of San Marco. + It was near the end of the winter, and I had returned one night from the + Theatre Goldini, when I found a note from Lucia and a gondola waiting. She + prayed me to come to her at once as she was in trouble. To a Frenchman and + a soldier there was but one answer to such a note. In an instant I was in + the boat and the gondolier was pushing out into the dark lagoon. + </p> + <p> + I remember that as I took my seat in the boat I was struck by the man's + great size. He was not tall, but he was one of the broadest men that I + have ever seen in my life. But the gondoliers of Venice are a strong + breed, and powerful men are common enough among them. The fellow took his + place behind me and began to row. + </p> + <p> + A good soldier in an enemy's country should everywhere and at all times be + on the alert. It has been one of the rules of my life, and if I have lived + to wear grey hairs it is because I have observed it. And yet upon that + night I was as careless as a foolish young recruit who fears lest he + should be thought to be afraid. My pistols I had left behind in my hurry. + My sword was at my belt, but it is not always the most convenient of + weapons. I lay back in my seat in the gondola, lulled by the gentle swish + of the water and the steady creaking of the oar. Our way lay through a + network of narrow canals with high houses towering on either side and a + thin slit of star-spangled sky above us. Here and there, on the bridges + which spanned the canal, there was the dim glimmer of an oil lamp, and + sometimes there came a gleam from some niche where a candle burned before + the image of a saint. But save for this it was all black, and one could + only see the water by the white fringe which curled round the long black + nose of our boat. It was a place and a time for dreaming. I thought of my + own past life, of all the great deeds in which I had been concerned, of + the horses that I had handled, and of the women that I had loved. Then I + thought also of my dear mother, and I fancied her joy when she heard the + folk in the village talking about the fame of her son. Of the Emperor also + I thought, and of France, the dear fatherland, the sunny France, mother of + beautiful daughters and of gallant sons. My heart glowed within me as I + thought of how we had brought her colours so many hundred leagues beyond + her borders. To her greatness I would dedicate my life. I placed my hand + upon my heart as I swore it, and at that instant the gondolier fell upon + me from behind. + </p> + <p> + When I say that he fell upon me I do not mean merely that he attacked me, + but that he really did tumble upon me with all his weight. The fellow + stands behind you and above you as he rows, so that you can neither see + him nor can you in any way guard against such an assault. + </p> + <p> + One moment I had sat with my mind filled with sublime resolutions, the + next I was flattened out upon the bottom of the boat, the breath dashed + out of my body, and this monster pinning me down. I felt the fierce pants + of his hot breath upon the back of my neck. In an instant he had torn away + my sword, had slipped a sack over my head, and had tied a rope firmly + round the outside of it. + </p> + <p> + There I was at the bottom of the gondola as helpless as a trussed fowl. I + could not shout, I could not move; I was a mere bundle. An instant later I + heard once more the swishing of the water and the creaking of the oar. + </p> + <p> + This fellow had done his work and had resumed his journey as quietly and + unconcernedly as if he were accustomed to clap a sack over a colonel of + Hussars every day of the week. + </p> + <p> + I cannot tell you the humiliation and also the fury which filled my mind + as I lay there like a helpless sheep being carried to the butcher's. I, + Etienne Gerard, the champion of the six brigades of light cavalry and the + first swordsman of the Grand Army, to be overpowered by a single unarmed + man in such a fashion! Yet I lay quiet, for there is a time to resist and + there is a time to save one's strength. I had felt the fellow's grip upon + my arms, and I knew that I would be a child in his hands. I waited + quietly, therefore, with a heart which burned with rage, until my + opportunity should come. + </p> + <p> + How long I lay there at the bottom of the boat I can not tell; but it + seemed to me to be a long time, and always there were the hiss of the + waters and the steady creaking of the oar. Several times we turned + corners, for I heard the long, sad cry which these gondoliers give when + they wish to warn their fellows that they are coming. At last, after a + considerable journey, I felt the side of the boat scrape up against a + landing-place. The fellow knocked three times with his oar upon wood, and + in answer to his summons I heard the rasping of bars and the turning of + keys. A great door creaked back upon its hinges. + </p> + <p> + “Have you got him?” asked a voice, in Italian. + </p> + <p> + My monster gave a laugh and kicked the sack in which I lay. + </p> + <p> + “Here he is,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “They are waiting.” He added something which I could not understand. + </p> + <p> + “Take him, then,” said my captor. He raised me in his arms, ascended some + steps, and I was thrown down upon a hard floor. A moment later the bars + creaked and the key whined once more. I was a prisoner inside a house. + </p> + <p> + From the voices and the steps there seemed now to be several people round + me. I understand Italian a great deal better than I speak it, and I could + make out very well what they were saying. + </p> + <p> + “You have not killed him, Matteo?” + </p> + <p> + “What matter if I have?” + </p> + <p> + “My faith, you will have to answer for it to the tribunal.” + </p> + <p> + “They will kill him, will they not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but it is not for you or me to take it out of their hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut! I have not killed him. Dead men do not bite, and his cursed teeth + met in my thumb as I pulled the sack over his head.” + </p> + <p> + “He lies very quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “Tumble him out and you will find that he is lively enough.” + </p> + <p> + The cord which bound me was undone and the sack drawn from over my head. + With my eyes closed I lay motionless upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + “By the saints, Matteo, I tell you that you have broken his neck.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I. He has only fainted. The better for him if he never came out of it + again.” + </p> + <p> + I felt a hand within my tunic. + </p> + <p> + “Matteo is right,” said a voice. “His heart beats like a hammer. Let him + lie and he will soon find his senses.” + </p> + <p> + I waited for a minute or so and then I ventured to take a stealthy peep + from between my lashes. At first I could see nothing, for I had been so + long in darkness and it was but a dim light in which I found myself. Soon, + however, I made out that a high and vaulted ceiling covered with painted + gods and goddesses was arching over my head. This was no mean den of + cut-throats into which I had been carried, but it must be the hall of some + Venetian palace. Then, without movement, very slowly and stealthily I had + a peep at the men who surrounded me. There was the gondolier, a swart, + hard-faced, murderous ruffian, and beside him were three other men, one of + them a little, twisted fellow with an air of authority and several keys in + his hand, the other two tall young servants in a smart livery. As I + listened to their talk I saw that the small man was the steward of the + house, and that the others were under his orders. + </p> + <p> + There were four of them, then, but the little steward might be left out of + the reckoning. Had I a weapon I should have smiled at such odds as those. + But, hand to hand, I was no match for the one even without three others to + aid him. Cunning, then, not force, must be my aid. I wished to look round + for some mode of escape, and in doing so I gave an almost imperceptible + movement of my head. Slight as it was it did not escape my guardians. + </p> + <p> + “Come, wake up, wake up!” cried the steward. + </p> + <p> + “Get on your feet, little Frenchman,” growled the gondolier. “Get up, I + say,” and for the second time he spurned me with his foot. + </p> + <p> + Never in the world was a command obeyed so promptly as that one. In an + instant I had bounded to my feet and rushed as hard as I could to the back + of the hall. They were after me as I have seen the English hounds follow a + fox, but there was a long passage down which I tore. + </p> + <p> + It turned to the left and again to the left, and then I found myself back + in the hall once more. They were almost within touch of me and there was + no time for thought. I turned toward the staircase, but two men were + coming down it. I dodged back and tried the door through which I had been + brought, but it was fastened with great bars and I could not loosen them. + The gondolier was on me with his knife, but I met him with a kick on the + body which stretched him on his back. His dagger flew with a clatter + across the marble floor. I had no time to seize it, for there were half a + dozen of them now clutching at me. As I rushed through them the little + steward thrust his leg before me and I fell with a crash, but I was up in + an instant, and breaking from their grasp I burst through the very middle + of them and made for a door at the other end of the hall. I reached it + well in front of them, and I gave a shout of triumph as the handle turned + freely in my hand, for I could see that it led to the outside and that all + was clear for my escape. But I had forgotten this strange city in which I + was. Every house is an island. As I flung open the door, ready to bound + out into the street, the light of the hall shone upon the deep, still, + black water which lay flush with the topmost step. + </p> + <p> + I shrank back, and in an instant my pursuers were on me. + </p> + <p> + But I am not taken so easily. Again I kicked and fought my way through + them, though one of them tore a handful of hair from my head in his effort + to hold me. The little steward struck me with a key and I was battered and + bruised, but once more I cleared a way in front of me. + </p> + <p> + Up the grand staircase I rushed, burst open the pair of huge folding doors + which faced me, and learned at last that my efforts were in vain. + </p> + <p> + The room into which I had broken was brilliantly lighted. With its gold + cornices, its massive pillars, and its painted walls and ceilings it was + evidently the grand hall of some famous Venetian palace. There are many + hundred such in this strange city, any one of which has rooms which would + grace the Louvre or Versailles. In the centre of this great hall there was + a raised dais, and upon it in a half circle there sat twelve men all clad + in black gowns, like those of a Franciscan monk, and each with a mask over + the upper part of his face. + </p> + <p> + A group of armed men—rough-looking rascals—were standing round + the door, and amid them facing the dais was a young fellow in the uniform + of the light infantry. As he turned his head I recognised him. It was + Captain Auret, of the 7th, a young Basque with whom I had drunk many a + glass during the winter. + </p> + <p> + He was deadly white, poor wretch, but he held himself manfully amid the + assassins who surrounded him. Never shall I forget the sudden flash of + hope which shone in his dark eyes when he saw a comrade burst into the + room, or the look of despair which followed as he understood that I had + come not to change his fate but to share it. + </p> + <p> + You can think how amazed these people were when I hurled myself into their + presence. My pursuers had crowded in behind me and choked the doorway, so + that all further flight was out of the question. It is at such instants + that my nature asserts itself. With dignity I advanced toward the + tribunal. My jacket was torn, my hair was dishevelled, my head was + bleeding, but there was that in my eyes and in my carriage which made them + realise that no common man was before them. Not a hand was raised to + arrest me until I halted in front of a formidable old man, whose long grey + beard and masterful manner told me that both by years and by character he + was the man in authority. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “you will, perhaps, tell me why I have been forcibly + arrested and brought to this place. I am an honourable soldier, as is this + other gentleman here, and I demand that you will instantly set us both at + liberty.” + </p> + <p> + There was an appalling silence to my appeal. It was not pleasant to have + twelve masked faces turned upon you and to see twelve pairs of vindictive + Italian eyes fixed with fierce intentness upon your face. But I stood as a + debonair soldier should, and I could not but reflect how much credit I was + bringing upon the Hussars of Conflans by the dignity of my bearing. I do + not think that anyone could have carried himself better under such + difficult circumstances. I looked with a fearless face from one assassin + to another, and I waited for some reply. + </p> + <p> + It was the grey-beard who at last broke the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this man?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “His name is Gerard,” said the little steward at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Gerard,” said I. “I will not deceive you. I am Etienne Gerard, + THE Colonel Gerard, five times mentioned in despatches and recommended for + the sword of honour. I am aide-de-camp to General Suchet, and I demand my + instant release, together with that of my comrade in arms.” + </p> + <p> + The same terrible silence fell upon the assembly, and the same twelve + pairs of merciless eyes were bent upon my face. Again it was the + grey-beard who spoke. + </p> + <p> + “He is out of his order. There are two names upon our list before him.” + </p> + <p> + “He escaped from our hands and burst into the room.” + </p> + <p> + “Let him await his turn. Take him down to the wooden cell.” + </p> + <p> + “If he resist us, your Excellency?” + </p> + <p> + “Bury your knives in his body. The tribunal will uphold you. Remove him + until we have dealt with the others.” + </p> + <p> + They advanced upon me, and for an instant I thought of resistance. It + would have been a heroic death, but who was there to see it or to + chronicle it? I might be only postponing my fate, and yet I had been in so + many bad places and come out unhurt that I had learned always to hope and + to trust my star. I allowed these rascals to seize me, and I was led from + the room, the gondolier walking at my side with a long naked knife in his + hand. I could see in his brutal eyes the satisfaction which it would give + him if he could find some excuse for plunging it into my body. + </p> + <p> + They are wonderful places, these great Venetian houses, palaces, and + fortresses, and prisons all in one. I was led along a passage and down a + bare stone stair until we came to a short corridor from which three doors + opened. Through one of these I was thrust and the spring lock closed + behind me. The only light came dimly through a small grating which opened + on the passage. + </p> + <p> + Peering and feeling, I carefully examined the chamber in which I had been + placed. I understood from what I had heard that I should soon have to + leave it again in order to appear before this tribunal, but still it is + not my nature to throw away any possible chances. + </p> + <p> + The stone floor of the cell was so damp and the walls for some feet high + were so slimy and foul that it was evident they were beneath the level of + the water. A single slanting hole high up near the ceiling was the only + aperture for light or air. Through it I saw one bright star shining down + upon me, and the sight filled me with comfort and with hope. I have never + been a man of religion, though I have always had a respect for those who + were, but I remember that night that the star shining down the shaft + seemed to be an all-seeing eye which was upon me, and I felt as a young + and frightened recruit might feel in battle when he saw the calm gaze of + his colonel turned upon him. + </p> + <p> + Three of the sides of my prison were formed of stone, but the fourth was + of wood, and I could see that it had only recently been erected. Evidently + a partition had been thrown up to divide a single large cell into two + smaller ones. There was no hope for me in the old walls, in the tiny + window, or in the massive door. It was only in this one direction of the + wooden screen that there was any possibility of exploring. My reason told + me that if I should pierce it—which did not seem very difficult—it + would only be to find myself in another cell as strong as that in which I + then was. Yet I had always rather be doing something than doing nothing, + so I bent all my attention and all my energies upon the wooden wall. Two + planks were badly joined, and so loose that I was certain I could easily + detach them. I searched about for some tool, and I found one in the leg of + a small bed which stood in the corner. I forced the end of this into the + chink of the planks, and I was about to twist them outward when the sound + of rapid footsteps caused me to pause and to listen. + </p> + <p> + I wish I could forget what I heard. Many a hundred men have I seen die in + battle, and I have slain more myself than I care to think of, but all that + was fair fight and the duty of a soldier. It was a very different matter + to listen to a murder in this den of assassins. They were pushing someone + along the passage, someone who resisted and who clung to my door as he + passed. They must have taken him into the third cell, the one which was + farthest from me. “Help! Help!” cried a voice, and then I heard a blow and + a scream. “Help! Help!” cried the voice again, and then “Gerard! Colonel + Gerard!” It was my poor captain of infantry whom they were slaughtering. + </p> + <p> + “Murderers! Murderers!” I yelled, and I kicked at my door, but again I + heard him shout and then everything was silent. A minute later there was a + heavy splash, and I knew that no human eye would ever see Auret again. He + had gone as a hundred others had gone whose names were missing from the + roll-calls of their regiments during that winter in Venice. + </p> + <p> + The steps returned along the passage, and I thought that they were coming + for me. Instead of that they opened the door of the cell next to mine and + they took someone out of it. I heard the steps die away up the stair. + </p> + <p> + At once I renewed my work upon the planks, and within a very few minutes I + had loosened them in such a way that I could remove and replace them at + pleasure. Passing through the aperture I found myself in the farther cell, + which, as I expected, was the other half of the one in which I had been + confined. I was not any nearer to escape than I had been before, for there + was no other wooden wall which I could penetrate and the spring lock of + the door had been closed. There were no traces to show who was my + companion in misfortune. Closing the two loose planks behind me I returned + to my own cell and waited there with all the courage which I could command + for the summons which would probably be my death knell. + </p> + <p> + It was a long time in coming, but at last I heard the sound of feet once + more in the passage, and I nerved myself to listen to some other odious + deed and to hear the cries of the poor victim. Nothing of the kind + occurred, however, and the prisoner was placed in the cell without + violence. I had no time to peep through my hole of communication, for next + moment my own door was flung open and my rascally gondolier, with the + other assassins, came into the cell. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Frenchman,” said he. He held his blood-stained knife in his great, + hairy hand, and I read in his fierce eyes that he only looked for some + excuse in order to plunge it into my heart. Resistance was useless. I + followed without a word. I was led up the stone stair and back into that + gorgeous chamber in which I had left the secret tribunal. I was ushered + in, but to my surprise it was not on me that their attention was fixed. + One of their own number, a tall, dark young man, was standing before them + and was pleading with them in low, earnest tones. His voice quivered with + anxiety and his hands darted in and out or writhed together in an agony of + entreaty. “You cannot do it! You cannot do it!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “I implore the tribunal to reconsider this decision.” + </p> + <p> + “Stand aside, brother,” said the old man who presided. + </p> + <p> + “The case is decided and another is up for judgment.” + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven's sake be merciful!” cried the young man. + </p> + <p> + “We have already been merciful,” the other answered. + </p> + <p> + “Death would have been a small penalty for such an offence. Be silent and + let judgment take its course.” + </p> + <p> + I saw the young man throw himself in an agony of grief into his chair. I + had no time, however, to speculate as to what it was which was troubling + him, for his eleven colleagues had already fixed their stern eyes upon me. + </p> + <p> + The moment of fate had arrived. + </p> + <p> + “You are Colonel Gerard?” said the terrible old man. + </p> + <p> + “I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Aide-de-camp to the robber who calls himself General Suchet, who in turn + represents that arch-robber Buonaparte?” + </p> + <p> + It was on my lips to tell him that he was a liar, but there is a time to + argue and a time to be silent. + </p> + <p> + “I am an honourable soldier,” said I. “I have obeyed my orders and done my + duty.” + </p> + <p> + The blood flushed into the old man's face and his eyes blazed through his + mask. + </p> + <p> + “You are thieves and murderers, every man of you,” he cried. “What are you + doing here? You are Frenchmen. Why are you not in France? Did we invite + you to Venice? By what right are you here? Where are our pictures? Where + are the horses of St. Mark? Who are you that you should pilfer those + treasures which our fathers through so many centuries have collected? We + were a great city when France was a desert. Your drunken, brawling, + ignorant soldiers have undone the work of saints and heroes. What have you + to say to it?” + </p> + <p> + He was, indeed, a formidable old man, for his white beard bristled with + fury and he barked out the little sentences like a savage hound. For my + part I could have told him that his pictures would be safe in Paris, that + his horses were really not worth making a fuss about, and that he could + see heroes—I say nothing of saints—without going back to his + ancestors or even moving out of his chair. All this I could have pointed + out, but one might as well argue with a Mameluke about religion. I + shrugged my shoulders and said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “The prisoner has no defence,” said one of my masked judges. + </p> + <p> + “Has any one any observation to make before judgment is passed?” The old + man glared round him at the others. + </p> + <p> + “There is one matter, your Excellency,” said another. + </p> + <p> + “It can scarce be referred to without reopening a brother's wounds, but I + would remind you that there is a very particular reason why an exemplary + punishment should be inflicted in the case of this officer.” + </p> + <p> + “I had not forgotten it,” the old man answered. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, if the tribunal has injured you in one direction, it will give + you ample satisfaction in another.” + </p> + <p> + The young man who had been pleading when I entered the room staggered to + his feet. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot endure it,” he cried. “Your Excellency must forgive me. The + tribunal can act without me. I am ill. I am mad.” He flung his hands out + with a furious gesture and rushed from the room. + </p> + <p> + “Let him go! Let him go!” said the president. “It is, indeed, more than + can be asked of flesh and blood that he should remain under this roof. But + he is a true Venetian, and when the first agony is over he will understand + that it could not be otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + I had been forgotten during this episode, and though I am not a man who is + accustomed to being overlooked I should have been all the happier had they + continued to neglect me. But now the old president glared at me again like + a tiger who comes back to his victim. + </p> + <p> + “You shall pay for it all, and it is but justice that you should,” he + said. “You, an upstart adventurer and foreigner, have dared to raise your + eyes in love to the grand daughter of a Doge of Venice who was already + betrothed to the heir of the Loredans. He who enjoys such privileges must + pay a price for them.” + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be higher than they are worth,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “You will tell us that when you have made a part payment,” said he. + “Perhaps your spirit may not be so proud by that time. Matteo, you will + lead this prisoner to the wooden cell. To-night is Monday. Let him have no + food or water, and let him be led before the tribunal again on Wednesday + night. We shall then decide upon the death which he is to die.” + </p> + <p> + It was not a pleasant prospect, and yet it was a reprieve. One is thankful + for small mercies when a hairy savage with a blood-stained knife is + standing at one's elbow. He dragged me from the room and I was thrust down + the stairs and back into my cell. The door was locked and I was left to my + reflections. + </p> + <p> + My first thought was to establish connection with my neighbour in + misfortune. I waited until the steps had died away, and then I cautiously + drew aside the two boards and peeped through. The light was very dim, so + dim that I could only just discern a figure huddled in the corner, and I + could hear the low whisper of a voice which prayed as one prays who is in + deadly fear. The boards must have made a creaking. There was a sharp + exclamation of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Courage, friend, courage!” I cried. “All is not lost. Keep a stout heart, + for Etienne Gerard is by your side.” + </p> + <p> + “Etienne!” It was a woman's voice which spoke—a voice which was + always music to my ears. I sprang through the gap and I flung my arms + round her. + </p> + <p> + “Lucia! Lucia!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + It was “Etienne!” and “Lucia!” for some minutes, for one does not make + speeches at moments like that. It was she who came to her senses first. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Etienne, they will kill you. How came you into their hands?” + </p> + <p> + “In answer to your letter.” + </p> + <p> + “I wrote no letter.” + </p> + <p> + “The cunning demons! But you?” + </p> + <p> + “I came also in answer to your letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Lucia, I wrote no letter.” + </p> + <p> + “They have trapped us both with the same bait.” + </p> + <p> + “I care nothing about myself, Lucia. Besides, there is no pressing danger + with me. They have simply returned me to my cell.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Etienne, Etienne, they will kill you. Lorenzo is there.” + </p> + <p> + “The old greybeard?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, a young dark man. He loved me, and I thought I loved him until—until + I learned what love is, Etienne. He will never forgive you. He has a heart + of stone.” + </p> + <p> + “Let them do what they like. They cannot rob me of the past, Lucia. But + you—what about you?” + </p> + <p> + “It will be nothing, Etienne. Only a pang for an instant and then all + over. They mean it as a badge of infamy, dear, but I will carry it like a + crown of honour since it was through you that I gained it.” + </p> + <p> + Her words froze my blood with horror. All my adventures were insignificant + compared to this terrible shadow which was creeping over my soul. + </p> + <p> + “Lucia! Lucia!” I cried. “For pity's sake tell me what these butchers are + about to do. Tell me, Lucia! Tell me!” + </p> + <p> + “I will not tell you, Etienne, for it would hurt you far more than it + would me. Well, well, I will tell you lest you should fear it was + something worse. The president has ordered that my ear be cut off, that I + may be marked for ever as having loved a Frenchman.” + </p> + <p> + Her ear! The dear little ear which I had kissed so often. I put my hand to + each little velvet shell to make certain that this sacrilege had not yet + been committed. + </p> + <p> + Only over my dead body should they reach them. I swore it to her between + my clenched teeth. + </p> + <p> + “You must not care, Etienne. And yet I love that you should care all the + same.” + </p> + <p> + “They shall not hurt you—the fiends!” + </p> + <p> + “I have hopes, Etienne. Lorenzo is there. He was silent while I was + judged, but he may have pleaded for me after I was gone.” + </p> + <p> + “He did. I heard him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he may have softened their hearts.” + </p> + <p> + I knew that it was not so, but how could I bring myself to tell her? I + might as well have done so, for with the quick instinct of woman my + silence was speech to her. + </p> + <p> + “They would not listen to him! You need not fear to tell me, dear, for you + will find that I am worthy to be loved by such a soldier. Where is Lorenzo + now?” + </p> + <p> + “He left the hall.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he may have left the house as well.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe that he did.” + </p> + <p> + “He has abandoned me to my fate. Etienne, Etienne, they are coming!” + </p> + <p> + Afar off I heard those fateful steps and the jingle of distant keys. What + were they coming for now, since there were no other prisoners to drag to + judgment? It could only be to carry out the sentence upon my darling. + </p> + <p> + I stood between her and the door, with the strength of a lion in my limbs. + I would tear the house down before they should touch her. + </p> + <p> + “Go back! Go back!” she cried. “They will murder you, Etienne. My life, at + least, is safe. For the love you bear me, Etienne, go back. It is nothing. + I will make no sound. You will not hear that it is done.” + </p> + <p> + She wrestled with me, this delicate creature, and by main force she + dragged me to the opening between the cells. But a sudden thought had + crossed my mind. + </p> + <p> + “We may yet be saved,” I whispered. “Do what I tell you at once and + without argument. Go into my cell. Quick!” + </p> + <p> + I pushed her through the gap and helped her to replace the planks. I had + retained her cloak in my hands, and with this wrapped round me I crept + into the darkest corner of her cell. There I lay when the door was opened + and several men came in. I had reckoned that they would bring no lantern, + for they had none with them before. + </p> + <p> + To their eyes I was only a dark blur in the corner. + </p> + <p> + “Bring a light,” said one of them. + </p> + <p> + “No, no; curse it!” cried a rough voice, which I knew to be that of the + ruffian, Matteo. “It is not a job that I like, and the more I saw it the + less I should like it. I am sorry, signora, but the order of the tribunal + has to be obeyed.” + </p> + <p> + My impulse was to spring to my feet and to rush through them all and out + by the open door. But how would that help Lucia? Suppose that I got clear + away, she would be in their hands until I could come back with help, for + single-handed I could not hope to clear a way for her. All this flashed + through my mind in an instant, and I saw that the only course for me was + to lie still, take what came, and wait my chance. The fellow's coarse hand + felt about among my curls—those curls in which only a woman's + fingers had ever wandered. The next instant he gripped my ear and a pain + shot through me as if I had been touched with a hot iron. I bit my lip to + stifle a cry, and I felt the blood run warm down my neck and back. + </p> + <p> + “There, thank Heaven, that's over,” said the fellow, giving me a friendly + pat on the head. “You're a brave girl, signora, I'll say that for you, and + I only wish you'd have better taste than to love a Frenchman. You can + blame him and not me for what I have done.” + </p> + <p> + What could I do save to lie still and grind my teeth at my own + helplessness? At the same time my pain and my rage were always soothed by + the reflection that I had suffered for the woman whom I loved. It is the + custom of men to say to ladies that they would willingly endure any pain + for their sake, but it was my privilege to show that I had said no more + than I meant. I thought also how nobly I would seem to have acted if ever + the story came to be told, and how proud the regiment of Conflans might + well be of their colonel. These thoughts helped me to suffer in silence + while the blood still trickled over my neck and dripped upon the stone + floor. It was that sound which nearly led to my destruction. + </p> + <p> + “She's bleeding fast,” said one of the valets. “You had best fetch a + surgeon or you will find her dead in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “She lies very still and she has never opened her mouth,” said another. + “The shock has killed her.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense; a young woman does not die so easily.” It was Matteo who spoke. + “Besides, I did but snip off enough to leave the tribunal's mark upon her. + Rouse up, signora, rouse up!” + </p> + <p> + He shook me by the shoulder, and my heart stood still for fear he should + feel the epaulet under the mantle. + </p> + <p> + “How is it with you now?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + I made no answer. + </p> + <p> + “Curse it, I wish I had to do with a man instead of a woman, and the + fairest woman in Venice,” said the gondolier. “Here, Nicholas, lend me + your handkerchief and bring a light.” + </p> + <p> + It was all over. The worst had happened. Nothing could save me. I still + crouched in the corner, but I was tense in every muscle, like a wild cat + about to spring. + </p> + <p> + If I had to die I was determined that my end should be worthy of my life. + </p> + <p> + One of them had gone for a lamp and Matteo was stooping over me with a + handkerchief. In another instant my secret would be discovered. But he + suddenly drew himself straight and stood motionless. At the same instant + there came a confused murmuring sound through the little window far above + my head. It was the rattle of oars and the buzz of many voices. Then there + was a crash upon the door upstairs, and a terrible voice roared: “Open! + Open in the name of the Emperor!” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor! It was like the mention of some saint which, by its very + sound, can frighten the demons. + </p> + <p> + Away they ran with cries of terror—Matteo, the valets, the steward, + all of the murderous gang. Another shout and then the crash of a hatchet + and the splintering of planks. There were the rattle of arms and the cries + of French soldiers in the hall. Next instant feet came flying down the + stair and a man burst frantically into my cell. + </p> + <p> + “Lucia!” he cried, “Lucia!” He stood in the dim light, panting and unable + to find his words. Then he broke out again. “Have I not shown you how I + love you, Lucia? What more could I do to prove it? I have betrayed my + country, I have broken my vow, I have ruined my friends, and I have given + my life in order to save you.” + </p> + <p> + It was young Lorenzo Loredan, the lover whom I had superseded. My heart + was heavy for him at the time, but after all it is every man for himself + in love, and if one fails in the game it is some consolation to lose to + one who can be a graceful and considerate winner. + </p> + <p> + I was about to point this out to him, but at the first word I uttered he + gave a shout of astonishment, and, rushing out, he seized the lamp which + hung in the corridor and flashed it in my face. + </p> + <p> + “It is you, you villain!” he cried. “You French coxcomb. You shall pay me + for the wrong which you have done me.” + </p> + <p> + But the next instant he saw the pallor of my face and the blood which was + still pouring from my head. + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” he asked. “How come you to have lost your ear?” + </p> + <p> + I shook off my weakness, and pressing my handkerchief to my wound I rose + from my couch, the debonair colonel of Hussars. + </p> + <p> + “My injury, sir, is nothing. With your permission we will not allude to a + matter so trifling and so personal.” + </p> + <p> + But Lucia had burst through from her cell and was pouring out the whole + story while she clasped Lorenzo's arm. + </p> + <p> + “This noble gentleman—he has taken my place, Lorenzo! He has borne + it for me. He has suffered that I might be saved.” + </p> + <p> + I could sympathise with the struggle which I could see in the Italian's + face. At last he held out his hand to me. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Gerard,” he said, “you are worthy of a great love. I forgive you, + for if you have wronged me you have made a noble atonement. But I wonder + to see you alive. I left the tribunal before you were judged, but I + understood that no mercy would be shown to any Frenchman since the + destruction of the ornaments of Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “He did not destroy them,” cried Lucia. “He has helped to preserve those + in our palace.” + </p> + <p> + “One of them, at any rate,” said I, as I stooped and kissed her hand. + </p> + <p> + This was the way, my friends, in which I lost my ear. Lorenzo was found + stabbed to the heart in the Piazza of St. Mark within two days of the + night of my adventure. Of the tribunal and its ruffians, Matteo and three + others were shot, the rest banished from the town. + </p> + <p> + Lucia, my lovely Lucia, retired into a convent at Murano after the French + had left the city, and there she still may be, some gentle lady abbess who + has perhaps long forgotten the days when our hearts throbbed together, and + when the whole great world seemed so small a thing beside the love which + burned in our veins. Or perhaps it may not be so. Perhaps she has not + forgotten. + </p> + <p> + There may still be times when the peace of the cloister is broken by the + memory of the old soldier who loved her in those distant days. Youth is + past and passion is gone, but the soul of the gentleman can never change, + and still Etienne Gerard would bow his grey head before her and would very + gladly lose his other ear if he might do her a service. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. How the Brigadier Captured Saragossa + </h2> + <p> + Have I ever told you, my friends, the circumstances connected with my + joining the Hussars of Conflans at the time of the siege of Saragossa and + the very remarkable exploit which I performed in connection with the + taking of that city? No? Then you have indeed something still to learn. I + will tell it to you exactly as it occurred. Save for two or three men and + a score or two of women, you are the first who have ever heard the story. + </p> + <p> + You must know, then, that it was in the Second Hussars—called the + Hussars of Chamberan—that I had served as a lieutenant and as a + junior captain. At the time I speak of I was only twenty-five years of + age, as reckless and desperate a man as any in that great army. + </p> + <p> + It chanced that the war had come to a halt in Germany, while it was still + raging in Spain, so the Emperor, wishing to reinforce the Spanish army, + transferred me as senior captain to the Hussars of Conflans, which were at + that time in the Fifth Army Corps under Marshal Lannes. + </p> + <p> + It was a long journey from Berlin to the Pyrenees. + </p> + <p> + My new regiment formed part of the force which, under Marshal Lannes, was + then besieging the Spanish town of Saragossa. I turned my horse's head in + that direction, therefore, and behold me a week or so later at the French + headquarters, whence I was directed to the camp of the Hussars of + Conflans. + </p> + <p> + You have read, no doubt, of this famous siege of Saragossa, and I will + only say that no general could have had a harder task than that with which + Marshal Lannes was confronted. The immense city was crowded with a horde + of Spaniards—soldiers, peasants, priests—all filled with the + most furious hatred of the French, and the most savage determination to + perish before they would surrender. There were eighty thousand men in the + town and only thirty thousand to besiege them. Yet we had a powerful + artillery, and our engineers were of the best. There was never such a + siege, for it is usual that when the fortifications are taken the city + falls, but here it was not until the fortifications were taken that the + real fighting began. Every house was a fort and every street a + battle-field, so that slowly, day by day, we had to work our way inwards, + blowing up the houses with their garrisons until more than half the city + had disappeared. Yet the other half was as determined as ever and in a + better position for defence, since it consisted of enormous convents and + monasteries with walls like the Bastille, which could not be so easily + brushed out of our way. This was the state of things at the time that I + joined the army. + </p> + <p> + I will confess to you that cavalry are not of much use in a siege, + although there was a time when I would not have permitted anyone to have + made such an observation. The Hussars of Conflans were encamped to the + south of the town, and it was their duty to throw out patrols and to make + sure that no Spanish force was advancing from that quarter. The colonel of + the regiment was not a good soldier, and the regiment was at that time + very far from being in the high condition which it afterwards attained. + Even in that one evening I saw several things which shocked me, for I had + a high standard, and it went to my heart to see an ill-arranged camp, an + ill-groomed horse, or a slovenly trooper. That night I supped with + twenty-six of my new brother-officers, and I fear that in my zeal I showed + them only too plainly that I found things very different to what I was + accustomed in the army of Germany. + </p> + <p> + There was silence in the mess after my remarks, and I felt that I had been + indiscreet when I saw the glances that were cast at me. The colonel + especially was furious, and a great major named Olivier, who was the + fire-eater of the regiment, sat opposite to me curling his huge black + moustaches, and staring at me as if he would eat me. However, I did not + resent his attitude, for I felt that I had indeed been indiscreet, and + that it would give a bad impression if upon this my first evening I + quarrelled with my superior officer. + </p> + <p> + So far I admit that I was wrong, but now I come to the sequel. Supper + over, the colonel and some other officers left the room, for it was in a + farm-house that the mess was held. There remained a dozen or so, and a + goat-skin of Spanish wine having been brought in we all made merry. + Presently this Major Olivier asked me some questions concerning the army + of Germany and as to the part which I had myself played in the campaign. + Flushed with the wine, I was drawn on from story to story. It was not + unnatural, my friends. + </p> + <p> + You will sympathise with me. Up there I had been the model for every + officer of my years in the army. I was the first swordsman, the most + dashing rider, the hero of a hundred adventures. Here I found myself not + only unknown, but even disliked. Was it not natural that I should wish to + tell these brave comrades what sort of man it was that had come among + them? Was it not natural that I should wish to say, “Rejoice, my friends, + rejoice! It is no ordinary man who has joined you to-night, but it is I, + THE Gerard, the hero of Ratisbon, the victor of Jena, the man who broke + the square at Austerlitz”? I could not say all this. But I could at least + tell them some incidents which would enable them to say it for themselves. + I did so. They listened unmoved. I told them more. At last, after my tale + of how I had guided the army across the Danube, one universal shout of + laughter broke from them all. I sprang to my feet, flushed with shame and + anger. They had drawn me on. They were making game of me. They were + convinced that they had to do with a braggart and a liar. Was this my + reception in the Hussars of Conflans? + </p> + <p> + I dashed the tears of mortification from my eyes, and they laughed the + more at the sight. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Captain Pelletan, whether Marshal Lannes is still with the + army?” asked the major. + </p> + <p> + “I believe that he is, sir,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “Really, I should have thought that his presence was hardly necessary now + that Captain Gerard has arrived.” + </p> + <p> + Again there was a roar of laughter. I can see the ring of faces, the + mocking eyes, the open mouths—Olivier with his great black bristles, + Pelletan thin and sneering, even the young sub-lieutenants convulsed with + merriment. Heavens, the indignity of it! But my rage had dried my tears. I + was myself again, cold, quiet, self-contained, ice without and fire + within. + </p> + <p> + “May I ask, sir,” said I to the major, “at what hour the regiment is + paraded?” + </p> + <p> + “I trust, Captain Gerard, that you do not mean to alter our hours,” said + he, and again there was a burst of laughter, which died away as I looked + slowly round the circle. + </p> + <p> + “What hour is the assembly?” I asked, sharply, of Captain Pelletan. + </p> + <p> + Some mocking answer was on his tongue, but my glance kept it there. “The + assembly is at six,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” said I. I then counted the company and found that I had to + do with fourteen officers, two of whom appeared to be boys fresh from St. + Cyr. I could not condescend to take any notice of their indiscretion. + </p> + <p> + There remained the major, four captains, and seven lieutenants. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” I continued, looking from one to the other of them, “I should + feel myself unworthy of this famous regiment if I did not ask you for + satisfaction for the rudeness with which you have greeted me, and I should + hold you to be unworthy of it if on any pretext you refused to grant it.” + </p> + <p> + “You will have no difficulty upon that score,” said the major. “I am + prepared to waive my rank and to give you every satisfaction in the name + of the Hussars of Conflans.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” I answered. “I feel, however, that I have some claim upon + these other gentlemen who laughed at my expense.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom would you fight, then?” asked Captain Pelletan. + </p> + <p> + “All of you,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + They looked in surprise from one to the other. Then they drew off to the + other end of the room, and I heard the buzz of their whispers. They were + laughing. Evidently they still thought that they had to do with some empty + braggart. Then they returned. + </p> + <p> + “Your request is unusual,” said Major Olivier, “but it will be granted. + How do you propose to conduct such a duel? The terms lie with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Sabres,” said I. “And I will take you in order of seniority, beginning + with you, Major Olivier, at five o'clock. I will thus be able to devote + five minutes to each before the assembly is blown. I must, however, beg + you to have the courtesy to name the place of meeting, since I am still + ignorant of the locality.” + </p> + <p> + They were impressed by my cold and practical manner. + </p> + <p> + Already the smile had died away from their lips. + </p> + <p> + Olivier's face was no longer mocking, but it was dark and stern. + </p> + <p> + “There is a small open space behind the horse lines,” said he. “We have + held a few affairs of honour there and it has done very well. We shall be + there, Captain Gerard, at the hour you name.” + </p> + <p> + I was in the act of bowing to thank them for their acceptance when the + door of the mess-room was flung open and the colonel hurried into the + room, with an agitated face. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said he, “I have been asked to call for a volunteer from + among you for a service which involves the greatest possible danger. I + will not disguise from you that the matter is serious in the last degree, + and that Marshal Lannes has chosen a cavalry officer because he can be + better spared than an officer of infantry or of engineers. Married men are + not eligible. Of the others, who will volunteer?” + </p> + <p> + I need not say that all the unmarried officers stepped to the front. The + colonel looked round in some embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + I could see his dilemma. It was the best man who should go, and yet it was + the best man whom he could least spare. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “may I be permitted to make a suggestion?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me with a hard eye. He had not forgotten my observations at + supper. “Speak!” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I would point out, sir,” said I, “that this mission is mine both by right + and by convenience.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, Captain Gerard?” + </p> + <p> + “By right because I am the senior captain. By convenience because I shall + not be missed in the regiments since the men have not yet learned to know + me.” + </p> + <p> + The colonel's features relaxed. + </p> + <p> + “There is certainly truth in what you say, Captain Gerard,” said he. “I + think that you are indeed best fitted to go upon this mission. If you will + come with me I will give you your instructions.” + </p> + <p> + I wished my new comrades good-night as I left the room, and I repeated + that I should hold myself at their disposal at five o'clock next morning. + They bowed in silence, and I thought that I could see from the expression + of their faces that they had already begun to take a more just view of my + character. + </p> + <p> + I had expected that the colonel would at once inform me what it was that I + had been chosen to do, but instead of that he walked on in silence, I + following behind him. + </p> + <p> + We passed through the camp and made our way across the trenches and over + the ruined heaps of stones which marked the old wall of the town. Within, + there was a labyrinth of passages formed among the debris of the houses + which had been destroyed by the mines of the engineers. Acres and acres + were covered with splintered walls and piles of brick which had once been + a populous suburb. Lanes had been driven through it and lanterns placed at + the corners with inscriptions to direct the wayfarer. The colonel hurried + onward until at last, after a long walk, we found our way barred by a high + grey wall which stretched right across our path. + </p> + <p> + Here behind a barricade lay our advance guard. The colonel led me into a + roofless house, and there I found two general officers, a map stretched + over a drum in front of them, they kneeling beside it and examining it + carefully by the light of a lantern. The one with the clean-shaven face + and the twisted neck was Marshal Lannes, the other was General Razout, the + head of the engineers. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Gerard has volunteered to go,” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + Marshal Lannes rose from his knees and shook me by the hand. + </p> + <p> + “You are a brave man, sir,” said he. “I have a present to make to you,” he + added, handing me a very tiny glass tube. “It has been specially prepared + by Dr. Fardet. At the supreme moment you have but to put it to your lips + and you will be dead in an instant.” + </p> + <p> + This was a cheerful beginning. I will confess to you, my friends, that a + cold chill passed up my back and my hair rose upon my head. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, sir,” said I, as I saluted, “I am aware that I have + volunteered for a service of great danger, but the exact details have not + yet been given to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Perrin,” said Lannes, severely, “it is unfair to allow this brave + officer to volunteer before he has learned what the perils are to which he + will be exposed.” + </p> + <p> + But already I was myself once more. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “permit me to remark that the greater the danger the + greater the glory, and that I could only repent of volunteering if I found + that there were no risks to be run.” + </p> + <p> + It was a noble speech, and my appearance gave force to my words. For the + moment I was a heroic figure. + </p> + <p> + As I saw Lannes's eyes fixed in admiration upon my face it thrilled me to + think how splendid was the debut which I was making in the army of Spain. + If I died that night my name would not be forgotten. My new comrades and + my old, divided in all else, would still have a point of union in their + love and admiration of Etienne Gerard. + </p> + <p> + “General Razout, explain the situation!” said Lannes, briefly. + </p> + <p> + The engineer officer rose, his compasses in his hand. + </p> + <p> + He led me to the door and pointed to the high grey wall which towered up + amongst the debris of the shattered houses. + </p> + <p> + “That is the enemy's present line of defence,” said he. “It is the wall of + the great Convent of the Madonna. If we can carry it the city must fall, + but they have run countermines all round it, and the walls are so + enormously thick that it would be an immense labour to breach it with + artillery. We happen to know, however, that the enemy have a considerable + store of powder in one of the lower chambers. If that could be exploded + the way would be clear for us.” + </p> + <p> + “How can it be reached?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I will explain. We have a French agent within the town named Hubert. This + brave man has been in constant communication with us, and he had promised + to explode the magazine. It was to be done in the early morning, and for + two days running we have had a storming party of a thousand Grenadiers + waiting for the breach to be formed. But there has been no explosion, and + for these two days we have had no communication from Hubert. The question + is, what has become of him?” + </p> + <p> + “You wish me to go and see?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely. Is he ill, or wounded, or dead? Shall we still wait for him, + or shall we attempt the attack elsewhere? We cannot determine this until + we have heard from him. This is a map of the town, Captain Gerard. You + perceive that within this ring of convents and monasteries are a number of + streets which branch off from a central square. If you come so far as this + square you will find the cathedral at one corner. In that corner is the + street of Toledo. Hubert lives in a small house between a cobbler's and a + wine-shop, on the right-hand side as you go from the cathedral. Do you + follow me?” + </p> + <p> + “Clearly.” + </p> + <p> + “You are to reach that house, to see him, and to find out if his plan is + still feasible or if we must abandon it.” + </p> + <p> + He produced what appeared to be a roll of dirty brown flannel. “This is + the dress of a Franciscan friar,” said he. “You will find it the most + useful disguise.” + </p> + <p> + I shrank away from it. + </p> + <p> + “It turns me into a spy,” I cried. “Surely I can go in my uniform?” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! How could you hope to pass through the streets of the city? + Remember, also, that the Spaniards take no prisoners, and that your fate + will be the same in whatever dress you are taken.” + </p> + <p> + It was true, and I had been long enough in Spain to know that that fate + was likely to be something more serious than mere death. All the way from + the frontier I had heard grim tales of torture and mutilation. I enveloped + myself in the Franciscan gown. + </p> + <p> + “Now I am ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you armed?” + </p> + <p> + “My sabre.” + </p> + <p> + “They will hear it clank. Take this knife, and leave your sword. Tell + Hubert that at four o'clock, before dawn, the storming party will again be + ready. There is a sergeant outside who will show you how to get into the + city. Good-night, and good luck!” + </p> + <p> + Before I had left the room, the two generals had their cocked hats + touching each other over the map. At the door an under-officer of + engineers was waiting for me. + </p> + <p> + I tied the girdle of my gown, and taking off my busby, I drew the cowl + over my head. My spurs I removed. Then in silence I followed my guide. + </p> + <p> + It was necessary to move with caution, for the walls above were lined by + the Spanish sentries, who fired down continually at our advance posts. + Slinking along under the very shadow of the great convent, we picked our + way slowly and carefully among the piles of ruins until we came to a large + chestnut tree. Here the sergeant stopped. + </p> + <p> + “It is an easy tree to climb,” said he. “A scaling ladder would not be + simpler. Go up it, and you will find that the top branch will enable you + to step upon the roof of that house. After that it is your guardian angel + who must be your guide, for I can help you no more.” + </p> + <p> + Girding up the heavy brown gown, I ascended the tree as directed. A half + moon was shining brightly, and the line of roof stood out dark and hard + against the purple, starry sky. The tree was in the shadow of the house. + </p> + <p> + Slowly I crept from branch to branch until I was near the top. I had but + to climb along a stout limb in order to reach the wall. But suddenly my + ears caught the patter of feet, and I cowered against the trunk and tried + to blend myself with its shadow. A man was coming toward me on the roof. I + saw his dark figure creeping along, his body crouching, his head advanced, + the barrel of his gun protruding. His whole bearing was full of caution + and suspicion. Once or twice he paused, and then came on again until he + had reached the edge of the parapet within a few yards of me. Then he + knelt down, levelled his musket, and fired. + </p> + <p> + I was so astonished at this sudden crash at my very elbow that I nearly + fell out of the tree. For an instant I could not be sure that he had not + hit me. But when I heard a deep groan from below, and the Spaniard leaned + over the parapet and laughed aloud, I understood what had occurred. It was + my poor, faithful sergeant, who had waited to see the last of me. The + Spaniard had seen him standing under the tree and had shot him. You will + think that it was good shooting in the dark, but these people used + trabucos, or blunderbusses, which were filled up with all sorts of stones + and scraps of metal, so that they would hit you as certainly as I have hit + a pheasant on a branch. The Spaniard stood peering down through the + darkness, while an occasional groan from below showed that the sergeant + was still living. The sentry looked round and everything was still and + safe. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps he thought that he would like to finish of this accursed + Frenchman, or perhaps he had a desire to see what was in his pockets; but + whatever his motive, he laid down his gun, leaned forward, and swung + himself into the tree. The same instant I buried my knife in his body, and + he fell with a loud crashing through the branches and came with a thud to + the ground. I heard a short struggle below and an oath or two in French. + </p> + <p> + The wounded sergeant had not waited long for his vengeance. + </p> + <p> + For some minutes I did not dare to move, for it seemed certain that + someone would be attracted by the noise. + </p> + <p> + However, all was silent save for the chimes striking midnight in the city. + I crept along the branch and lifted myself on to the roof. The Spaniard's + gun was lying there, but it was of no service to me, since he had the + powder-horn at his belt. At the same time, if it were found, it would warn + the enemy that something had happened, so I thought it best to drop it + over the wall. + </p> + <p> + Then I looked round for the means of getting off the roof and down into + the city. + </p> + <p> + It was very evident that the simplest way by which I could get down was + that by which the sentinel had got up, and what this was soon became + evident. A voice along the roof called “Manuelo! Manuelo!” several times, + and, crouching in the shadow, I saw in the moonlight a bearded head, which + protruded from a trap-door. + </p> + <p> + Receiving no answer to his summons, the man climbed through, followed by + three other fellows, all armed to the teeth. You will see here how + important it is not to neglect small precautions, for had I left the man's + gun where I found it, a search must have followed and I should certainly + have been discovered. As it was, the patrol saw no sign of their sentry, + and thought, no doubt, that he had moved along the line of the roofs. + </p> + <p> + They hurried on, therefore, in that direction, and I, the instant that + their backs were turned, rushed to the open trap-door and descended the + flight of steps which led from it. The house appeared to be an empty one, + for I passed through the heart of it and out, by an open door, into the + street beyond. + </p> + <p> + It was a narrow and deserted lane, but it opened into a broader road, + which was dotted with fires, round which a great number of soldiers and + peasants were sleeping. + </p> + <p> + The smell within the city was so horrible that one wondered how people + could live in it, for during the months that the siege had lasted there + had been no attempt to cleanse the streets or to bury the dead. Many + people were moving up and down from fire to fire, and among them I + observed several monks. Seeing that they came and went unquestioned, I + took heart and hurried on my way in the direction of the great square. + Once a man rose from beside one of the fires and stopped me by seizing my + sleeve. He pointed to a woman who lay motionless on the road, and I took + him to mean that she was dying, and that he desired me to administer the + last offices of the Church. I sought refuge, however, in the very little + Latin that was left to me. “Ora pro nobis,” said I, from the depths of my + cowl. “Te Deum laudamus. Ora pro nobis.” I raised my hand as I spoke and + pointed forward. The fellow released my sleeve and shrank back in silence, + while I, with a solemn gesture, hurried upon my way. + </p> + <p> + As I had imagined, this broad boulevard led out into the central square, + which was full of troops and blazing with fires. I walked swiftly onward, + disregarding one or two people who addressed remarks to me. I passed the + cathedral and followed the street which had been described to me. Being + upon the side of the city which was farthest from our attack, there were + no troops encamped in it, and it lay in darkness, save for an occasional + glimmer in a window. It was not difficult to find the house to which I had + been directed, between the wine-shop and the cobbler's. There was no light + within and the door was shut. Cautiously I pressed the latch, and I felt + that it had yielded. Who was within I could not tell, and yet I must take + the risk. I pushed the door open and entered. + </p> + <p> + It was pitch-dark within—the more so as I had closed the door behind + me. I felt round and came upon the edge of a table. Then I stood still and + wondered what I should do next, and how I could gain some news of this + Hubert, in whose house I found myself. Any mistake would cost me not only + my life but the failure of my mission. Perhaps he did not live alone. + Perhaps he was only a lodger in a Spanish family, and my visit might bring + ruin to him as well as to myself. Seldom in my life have I been more + perplexed. And then, suddenly, something turned my blood cold in my veins. + It was a voice, a whispering voice, in my very ear. “Mon Dieu!” cried the + voice, in a tone of agony. “Oh, mon Dieu! mon Dieu!” Then there was a dry + sob in the darkness, and all was still once more. + </p> + <p> + It thrilled me with horror, that terrible voice, but it thrilled me also + with hope, for it was the voice of a Frenchman. + </p> + <p> + “Who is there?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + There was a groaning, but no reply. + </p> + <p> + “Is that you, Monsieur Hubert?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” sighed the voice, so low that I could hardly hear it. “Water, + water, for Heaven's sake, water!” + </p> + <p> + I advanced in the direction of the sound, but only to come in contact with + the wall. Again I heard a groan, but this time there could be no doubt + that it was above my head. I put up my hands, but they felt only empty + air. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Here! Here!” whispered the strange, tremulous voice. + </p> + <p> + I stretched my hand along the wall and I came upon a man's naked foot. It + was as high as my face, and yet, so far as I could feel, it had nothing to + support it. I staggered back in amazement. Then I took a tinder-box from + my pocket and struck a light. At the first flash a man seemed to be + floating in the air in front of me, and I dropped the box in my amazement. + Again with tremulous fingers I struck the flint against the steel, and + this time I lit not only the tinder but the wax taper. I held it up, and + if my amazement was lessened my horror was increased by that which it + revealed. + </p> + <p> + The man had been nailed to the wall as a weasel is nailed to the door of a + barn. Huge spikes had been driven through his hands and his feet. The poor + wretch was in his last agony, his head sunk upon his shoulder and his + blackened tongue protruding from his lips. He was dying as much from + thirst as from his wounds, and these inhuman wretches had placed a beaker + of wine upon the table in front of him to add a fresh pang to his + tortures. + </p> + <p> + I raised it to his lips. He had still strength enough to swallow, and the + light came back a little to his dim eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Are you a Frenchman?” he whispered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. They have sent me to learn what had befallen you.” + </p> + <p> + “They discovered me. They have killed me for it. But before I die let me + tell you what I know. A little more of that wine, please! Quick! Quick! I + am very near the end. My strength is going. Listen to me! The powder is + stored in the Mother Superior's room. The wall is pierced, and the end of + the train is in Sister Angela's cell, next the chapel. All was ready two + days ago. But they discovered a letter and they tortured me.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! have you been hanging here for two days?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems like two years. Comrade, I have served France, have I not? Then + do one little service for me. Stab me to the heart, dear friend! I implore + you, I entreat you, to put an end to my sufferings.” + </p> + <p> + The man was indeed in a hopeless plight, and the kindest action would have + been that for which he begged. + </p> + <p> + And yet I could not in cold blood drive my knife into his body, although I + knew how I should have prayed for such a mercy had I been in his place. + But a sudden thought crossed my mind. In my pocket I held that which would + give an instant and a painless death. It was my own safeguard against + torture, and yet this poor soul was in very pressing need of it, and he + had deserved well of France. I took out my phial and emptied it into the + cup of wine. I was in the act of handing it to him when I heard a sudden + clash of arms outside the door. + </p> + <p> + In an instant I put out my light and slipped behind the window-curtains. + Next moment the door was flung open and two Spaniards strode into the + room, fierce, swarthy men in the dress of citizens, but with muskets slung + over their shoulders. I looked through the chink in the curtains in an + agony of fear lest they had come upon my traces, but it was evident that + their visit was simply in order to feast their eyes upon my unfortunate + compatriot. + </p> + <p> + One of them held the lantern which he carried up in front of the dying + man, and both of them burst into a shout of mocking laughter. Then the + eyes of the man with the lantern fell upon the flagon of wine upon the + table. He picked it up, held it, with a devilish grin, to the lips of + Hubert, and then, as the poor wretch involuntarily inclined his head + forward to reach it, he snatched it back and took a long gulp himself. At + the same instant he uttered a loud cry, clutched wildly at his own throat, + and fell stone-dead upon the floor. His comrade stared at him in horror + and amazement. Then, overcome by his own superstitious fears, he gave a + yell of terror and rushed madly from the room. I heard his feet clattering + wildly on the cobble-stones until the sound died away in the distance. + </p> + <p> + The lantern had been left burning upon the table, and by its light I saw, + as I came out from behind my curtain, that the unfortunate Hubert's head + had fallen forward upon his chest and that he also was dead. That motion + to reach the wine with his lips had been his last. A clock ticked loudly + in the house, but otherwise all was absolutely still. On the wall hung the + twisted form of the Frenchman, on the floor lay the motionless body of the + Spaniard, all dimly lit by the horn lantern. For the first time in my life + a frantic spasm of terror came over me. I had seen ten thousand men in + every conceivable degree of mutilation stretched upon the ground, but the + sight had never affected me like those two silent figures who were my + companions in that shadowy room. I rushed into the street as the Spaniard + had done, eager only to leave that house of gloom behind me, and I had run + as far as the cathedral before my wits came back to me. + </p> + <p> + There I stopped, panting, in the shadow, and, my hand pressed to my side, + I tried to collect my scattered senses and to plan out what I should do. + As I stood there, breathless, the great brass bells roared twice above my + head. It was two o'clock. Four was the hour when the storming-party would + be in its place. I had still two hours in which to act. + </p> + <p> + The cathedral was brilliantly lit within, and a number of people were + passing in and out; so I entered, thinking that I was less likely to be + accosted there, and that I might have quiet to form my plans. It was + certainly a singular sight, for the place had been turned into an + hospital, a refuge, and a store-house. One aisle was crammed with + provisions, another was littered with sick and wounded, while in the + centre a great number of helpless people had taken up their abode, and had + even lit their cooking fires upon the mosaic floors. There were many at + prayer, so I knelt in the shadow of a pillar, and I prayed with all my + heart that I might have the good luck to get out of this scrape alive, and + that I might do such a deed that night as would make my name as famous in + Spain as it had already become in Germany. I waited until the clock struck + three, and then I left the cathedral and made my way toward the Convent of + the Madonna, where the assault was to be delivered. You will understand, + you who know me so well, that I was not the man to return tamely to the + French camp with the report that our agent was dead and that other means + must be found of entering the city. Either I should find some means to + finish his uncompleted task or there would be a vacancy for a senior + captain in the Hussars of Conflans. + </p> + <p> + I passed unquestioned down the broad boulevard, which I have already + described, until I came to the great stone convent which formed the + outwork of the defence. + </p> + <p> + It was built in a square with a garden in the centre. In this garden some + hundreds of men were assembled, all armed and ready, for it was known, of + course, within the town that this was the point against which the French + attack was likely to be made. Up to this time our fighting all over Europe + had always been done between one army and another. It was only here in + Spain that we learned how terrible a thing it is to fight against a + people. + </p> + <p> + On the one hand there is no glory, for what glory could be gained by + defeating this rabble of elderly shopkeepers, ignorant peasants, fanatical + priests, excited women, and all the other creatures who made up the + garrison? On the other hand there were extreme discomfort and danger, for + these people would give you no rest, would observe no rules of war, and + were desperately earnest in their desire by hook or by crook to do you an + injury. I began to realise how odious was our task as I looked upon the + motley but ferocious groups who were gathered round the watch-fires in the + garden of the Convent of the Madonna. It was not for us soldiers to think + about politics, but from the beginning there always seemed to be a curse + upon this war in Spain. + </p> + <p> + However, at the moment I had no time to brood over such matters as these. + There was, as I have said, no difficulty in getting as far as the convent + garden, but to pass inside the convent unquestioned was not so easy. + </p> + <p> + The first thing which I did was to walk round the garden, and I was soon + able to pick out one large stained-glass window which must belong to the + chapel. I had understood from Hubert that the Mother Superior's room, in + which the powder was stored, was near to this, and that the train had been + laid through a hole in the wall from some neighbouring cell. I must, at + all costs, get into the convent. There was a guard at the door, and how + could I get in without explanations? But a sudden inspiration showed me + how the thing might be done. In the garden was a well, and beside the well + were a number of empty buckets. I filled two of these, and approached the + door. The errand of a man who carries a bucket of water in each hand does + not need to be explained. The guard opened to let me through. I found + myself in a long, stone-flagged corridor, lit with lanterns, with the + cells of the nuns leading out from one side of it. Now at last I was on + the high road to success. I walked on without hesitation, for I knew by my + observations in the garden which way to go for the chapel. + </p> + <p> + A number of Spanish soldiers were lounging and smoking in the corridor, + several of whom addressed me as I passed. I fancy it was for my blessing + that they asked, and my “Ora pro nobis” seemed to entirely satisfy them. + Soon I had got as far as the chapel, and it was easy enough to see that + the cell next door was used as a magazine, for the floor was all black + with powder in front of it. The door was shut, and two fierce-looking + fellows stood on guard outside it, one of them with a key stuck in his + belt. Had we been alone, it would not have been long before it would have + been in my hand, but with his comrade there it was impossible for me to + hope to take it by force. The cell next door to the magazine on the far + side from the chapel must be the one which belonged to Sister Angela. It + was half open. I took my courage in both hands and, leaving my buckets in + the corridor, I walked unchallenged into the room. + </p> + <p> + I was prepared to find half a dozen fierce Spanish desperadoes within, but + what actually met my eyes was even more embarrassing. The room had + apparently been set aside for the use of some of the nuns, who for some + reason had refused to quit their home. Three of them were within, one an + elderly, stern-faced dame, who was evidently the Mother Superior, the + others, young ladies of charming appearance. They were seated together at + the far side of the room, but they all rose at my entrance, and I saw with + some amazement, by their manner and expressions, that my coming was both + welcome and expected. In a moment my presence of mind had returned, and I + saw exactly how the matter lay. + </p> + <p> + Naturally, since an attack was about to be made upon the convent, these + sisters had been expecting to be directed to some place of safety. + Probably they were under vow not to quit the walls, and they had been told + to remain in this cell until they received further orders. + </p> + <p> + In any case I adapted my conduct to this supposition, since it was clear + that I must get them out of the room, and this would give me a ready + excuse to do so. I first cast a glance at the door and observed that the + key was within. I then made a gesture to the nuns to follow me. The Mother + Superior asked me some question, but I shook my head impatiently and + beckoned to her again. + </p> + <p> + She hesitated, but I stamped my foot and called them forth in so imperious + a manner that they came at once. + </p> + <p> + They would be safer in the chapel, and thither I led them, placing them at + the end which was farthest from the magazine. As the three nuns took their + places before the altar my heart bounded with joy and pride within me, for + I felt that the last obstacle had been lifted from my path. + </p> + <p> + And yet how often have I not found that that is the very moment of danger? + I took a last glance at the Mother Superior, and to my dismay I saw that + her piercing dark eyes were fixed, with an expression in which surprise + was deepening into suspicion, upon my right hand. There were two points + which might well have attracted her attention. One was that it was red + with the blood of the sentinel whom I had stabbed in the tree. That alone + might count for little, as the knife was as familiar as the breviary to + the monks of Saragossa. + </p> + <p> + But on my forefinger I wore a heavy gold ring—the gift of a certain + German baroness whose name I may not mention. It shone brightly in the + light of the altar lamp. Now, a ring upon a friar's hand is an + impossibility, since they are vowed to absolute poverty. + </p> + <p> + I turned quickly and made for the door of the chapel, but the mischief was + done. As I glanced back I saw that the Mother Superior was already + hurrying after me. I ran through the chapel door and along the corridor, + but she called out some shrill warning to the two guards in front. + Fortunately I had the presence of mind to call out also, and to point down + the passage as if we were both pursuing the same object. Next instant I + had dashed past them, sprang into the cell, slammed the heavy door, and + fastened it upon the inside. + </p> + <p> + With a bolt above and below and a huge lock in the centre it was a piece + of timber that would take some forcing. + </p> + <p> + Even now if they had had the wit to put a barrel of powder against the + door I should have been ruined. It was their only chance, for I had come + to the final stage of my adventure. Here at last, after such a string of + dangers as few men have ever lived to talk of, I was at one end of the + powder train, with the Saragossa magazine at the other. They were howling + like wolves out in the passage, and muskets were crashing against the + door. I paid no heed to their clamour, but I looked eagerly around for + that train of which Hubert had spoken. Of course, it must be at the side + of the room next to the magazine. I crawled along it on my hands and + knees, looking into every crevice, but no sign could I see. Two bullets + flew through the door and flattened themselves against the wall. The + thudding and smashing grew ever louder. I saw a grey pile in a corner, + flew to it with a cry of joy, and found that it was only dust. Then I got + back to the side of the door where no bullets could ever reach me—they + were streaming freely into the room—and I tried to forget this + fiendish howling in my ear and to think out where this train could be. It + must have been carefully laid by Hubert lest these nuns should see it. I + tried to imagine how I should myself have arranged it had I been in his + place. + </p> + <p> + My eye was attracted by a statue of St. Joseph which stood in the corner. + There was a wreath of leaves along the edge of the pedestal, with a lamp + burning amidst them. I rushed across to it and tore the leaves aside. + </p> + <p> + Yes, yes, there was a thin black line, which disappeared through a small + hole in the wall. I tilted over the lamp and threw myself on the ground. + Next instant came a roar like thunder, the walls wavered and tottered + around me, the ceiling clattered down from above, and over the yell of the + terrified Spaniards was heard the terrific shout of the storming column of + Grenadiers. As in a dream—a happy dream—I heard it, and then I + heard no more. + </p> + <p> + When I came to my senses two French soldiers were propping me up, and my + head was singing like a kettle. + </p> + <p> + I staggered to my feet and looked around me. The plaster had fallen, the + furniture was scattered, and there were rents in the bricks, but no signs + of a breach. In fact, the walls of the convent had been so solid that the + explosion of the magazine had been insufficient to throw them down. On the + other hand, it had caused such a panic among the defenders that our + stormers had been able to carry the windows and throw open the doors + almost without assistance. As I ran out into the corridor I found it full + of troops, and I met Marshal Lannes himself, who was entering with his + staff. He stopped and listened eagerly to my story. + </p> + <p> + “Splendid, Captain Gerard, splendid!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “These facts will certainly be reported to the Emperor.” + </p> + <p> + “I would suggest to your Excellency,” said I, “that I have only finished + the work that was planned and carried out by Monsieur Hubert, who gave his + life for the cause.” + </p> + <p> + “His services will not be forgotten,” said the Marshal. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, Captain Gerard, it is half-past four, and you must be starving + after such a night of exertion. My staff and I will breakfast inside the + city. I assure you that you will be an honoured guest.” + </p> + <p> + “I will follow your Excellency,” said I. “There is a small engagement + which detains me.” + </p> + <p> + He opened his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “At this hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” I answered. “My fellow-officers, whom I never saw until last + night, will not be content unless they catch another glimpse of me the + first thing this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Au revoir, then,” said Marshal Lannes, as he passed upon his way. + </p> + <p> + I hurried through the shattered door of the convent. + </p> + <p> + When I reached the roofless house in which we had held the consultation + the night before, I threw off my gown and I put on the busby and sabre + which I had left there. + </p> + <p> + Then, a Hussar once more, I hurried onward to the grove which was our + rendezvous. My brain was still reeling from the concussion of the powder, + and I was exhausted by the many emotions which had shaken me during that + terrible night. It is like a dream, all that walk in the first dim grey + light of dawn, with the smouldering camp-fires around me and the buzz of + the waking army. Bugles and drums in every direction were mustering the + infantry, for the explosion and the shouting had told their own tale. I + strode onward until, as I entered the little clump of cork oaks behind the + horse lines, I saw my twelve comrades waiting in a group, their sabres at + their sides. They looked at me curiously as I approached. Perhaps with my + powder-blackened face and my blood-stained hands I seemed a different + Gerard to the young captain whom they had made game of the night before. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, gentlemen,” said I. “I regret exceedingly if I have kept + you waiting, but I have not been master of my own time.” + </p> + <p> + They said nothing, but they still scanned me with curious eyes. I can see + them now, standing in a line before me, tall men and short men, stout men + and thin men: Olivier, with his warlike moustache; the thin, eager face of + Pelletan; young Oudin, flushed by his first duel; Mortier, with the + sword-cut across his wrinkled brow. + </p> + <p> + I laid aside my busby and drew my sword. + </p> + <p> + “I have one favour to ask you, gentlemen,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Marshal Lannes has invited me to breakfast and I cannot keep him + waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you suggest?” asked Major Olivier. + </p> + <p> + “That you release me from my promise to give you five minutes each, and + that you will permit me to attack you all together.” I stood upon my guard + as I spoke. + </p> + <p> + But their answer was truly beautiful and truly French. With one impulse + the twelve swords flew from their scabbards and were raised in salute. + There they stood, the twelve of them, motionless, their heels together, + each with his sword upright before his face. + </p> + <p> + I staggered back from them. I looked from one to the other. For an instant + I could not believe my own eyes. They were paying me homage, these, the + men who had jeered me! Then I understood it all. I saw the effect that I + had made upon them and their desire to make reparation. When a man is weak + he can steel himself against danger, but not against emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Comrades,” I cried, “comrades—!” but I could say no more. + </p> + <p> + Something seemed to take me by the throat and choke me. And then in an + instant Olivier's arms were round me, Pelletan had seized me by the right + hand, Mortier by the left, some were patting me on the shoulder, some were + clapping me on the back, on every side smiling faces were looking into + mine; and so it was that I knew that I had won my footing in the Hussars + of Conflans. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. How the Brigadier Slew the Fox [*] + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] This story, already published in The Green Flag, is + included here so that all of the Brigadier Gerard stories + may appear together. +</pre> + <p> + In all the great hosts of France there was only one officer toward whom + the English of Wellington's Army retained a deep, steady, and unchangeable + hatred. + </p> + <p> + There were plunderers among the French, and men of violence, gamblers, + duellists, and roues. All these could be forgiven, for others of their + kidney were to be found among the ranks of the English. But one officer of + Massena's force had committed a crime which was unspeakable, unheard of, + abominable; only to be alluded to with curses late in the evening, when a + second bottle had loosened the tongues of men. The news of it was carried + back to England, and country gentlemen who knew little of the details of + the war grew crimson with passion when they heard of it, and yeomen of the + shires raised freckled fists to Heaven and swore. And yet who should be + the doer of this dreadful deed but our friend the Brigadier, Etienne + Gerard, of the Hussars of Conflans, gay-riding, plume-tossing, debonair, + the darling of the ladies and of the six brigades of light cavalry. + </p> + <p> + But the strange part of it is that this gallant gentleman did this hateful + thing, and made himself the most unpopular man in the Peninsula, without + ever knowing that he had done a crime for which there is hardly a name + amid all the resources of our language. He died of old age, and never once + in that imperturbable self-confidence which adorned or disfigured his + character knew that so many thousand Englishmen would gladly have hanged + him with their own hands. On the contrary, he numbered this adventure + among those other exploits which he has given to the world, and many a + time he chuckled and hugged himself as he narrated it to the eager circle + who gathered round him in that humble cafe where, between his dinner and + his dominoes, he would tell, amid tears and laughter, of that + inconceivable Napoleonic past when France, like an angel of wrath, rose + up, splendid and terrible, before a cowering continent. Let us listen to + him as he tells the story in his own way and from his own point of view. + </p> + <p> + You must know, my friends, said he, that it was toward the end of the year + eighteen hundred and ten that I and Massena and the others pushed + Wellington backward until we had hoped to drive him and his army into the + Tagus. But when we were still twenty-five miles from Lisbon we found that + we were betrayed, for what had this Englishman done but build an enormous + line of works and forts at a place called Torres Vedras, so that even we + were unable to get through them! They lay across the whole Peninsula, and + our army was so far from home that we did not dare to risk a reverse, and + we had already learned at Busaco that it was no child's play to fight + against these people. What could we do, then, but sit down in front of + these lines and blockade them to the best of our power? There we remained + for six months, amid such anxieties that Massena said afterward that he + had not one hair which was not white upon his body. + </p> + <p> + For my own part, I did not worry much about our situation, but I looked + after our horses, who were in much need of rest and green fodder. For the + rest, we drank the wine of the country and passed the time as best we + might. There was a lady at Santarem—but my lips are sealed. It is + the part of a gallant man to say nothing, though he may indicate that he + could say a great deal. + </p> + <p> + One day Massena sent for me, and I found him in his tent with a great plan + pinned upon the table. He looked at me in silence with that single + piercing eye of his, and I felt by his expression that the matter was + serious. He was nervous and ill at ease, but my bearing seemed to reassure + him. It is good to be in contact with brave men. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Etienne Gerard,” said he, “I have always heard that you are a + very gallant and enterprising officer.” + </p> + <p> + It was not for me to confirm such a report, and yet it would be folly to + deny it, so I clinked my spurs together and saluted. + </p> + <p> + “You are also an excellent rider.” + </p> + <p> + I admitted it. + </p> + <p> + “And the best swordsman in the six brigades of light cavalry.” + </p> + <p> + Massena was famous for the accuracy of his information. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said he, “if you will look at this plan you will have no difficulty + in understanding what it is that I wish you to do. These are the lines of + Torres Vedras. You will perceive that they cover a vast space, and you + will realise that the English can only hold a position here and there. + Once through the lines you have twenty-five miles of open country which + lie between them and Lisbon. It is very important to me to learn how + Wellington's troops are distributed throughout that space, and it is my + wish that you should go and ascertain.” + </p> + <p> + His words turned me cold. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “it is impossible that a colonel of light cavalry should + condescend to act as a spy.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed and clapped me on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “You would not be a Hussar if you were not a hot-head,” said he. “If you + will listen you will understand that I have not asked you to act as a spy. + What do you think of that horse?” + </p> + <p> + He had conducted me to the opening of his tent, and there was a chasseur + who led up and down a most admirable creature. He was a dapple grey, not + very tall, a little over fifteen hands perhaps, but with the short head + and splendid arch of the neck which comes with the Arab blood. His + shoulders and haunches were so muscular, and yet his legs so fine, that it + thrilled me with joy just to gaze upon him. A fine horse or a beautiful + woman—I cannot look at them unmoved, even now when seventy winters + have chilled my blood. You can think how it was in the year '10. + </p> + <p> + “This,” said Massena, “is Voltigeur, the swiftest horse in our army. What + I desire is that you should start tonight, ride round the lines upon the + flank, make your way across the enemy's rear, and return upon the other + flank, bringing me news of his disposition. You will wear a uniform, and + will, therefore, if captured, be safe from the death of a spy. It is + probable that you will get through the lines unchallenged, for the posts + are very scattered. Once through, in daylight you can outride anything + which you meet, and if you keep off the roads you may escape entirely + unnoticed. If you have not reported yourself by to-morrow night, I will + understand that you are taken, and I will offer them Colonel Petrie in + exchange.” + </p> + <p> + Ah, how my heart swelled with pride and joy as I sprang into the saddle + and galloped this grand horse up and down to show the Marshal the mastery + which I had of him! He was magnificent—we were both magnificent, for + Massena clapped his hands and cried out in his delight. + </p> + <p> + It was not I, but he, who said that a gallant beast deserves a gallant + rider. Then, when for the third time, with my panache flying and my dolman + streaming behind me, I thundered past him, I saw upon his hard old face + that he had no longer any doubt that he had chosen the man for his + purpose. I drew my sabre, raised the hilt to my lips in salute, and + galloped on to my own quarters. + </p> + <p> + Already the news had spread that I had been chosen for a mission, and my + little rascals came swarming out of their tents to cheer me. Ah! it brings + the tears to my old eyes when I think how proud they were of their + Colonel. + </p> + <p> + And I was proud of them also. They deserved a dashing leader. + </p> + <p> + The night promised to be a stormy one, which was very much to my liking. + It was my desire to keep my departure most secret, for it was evident that + if the English heard that I had been detached from the army they would + naturally conclude that something important was about to happen. My horse + was taken, therefore, beyond the picket line, as if for watering, and I + followed and mounted him there. I had a map, a compass, and a paper of + instructions from the Marshal, and with these in the bosom of my tunic and + my sabre at my side I set out upon my adventure. + </p> + <p> + A thin rain was falling and there was no moon, so you may imagine that it + was not very cheerful. But my heart was light at the thought of the honour + which had been done me and the glory which awaited me. This exploit should + be one more in that brilliant series which was to change my sabre into a + baton. Ah, how we dreamed, we foolish fellows, young, and drunk with + success! Could I have foreseen that night as I rode, the chosen man of + sixty thousand, that I should spend my life planting cabbages on a hundred + francs a month! Oh, my youth, my hopes, my comrades! But the wheel turns + and never stops. Forgive me, my friends, for an old man has his weakness. + </p> + <p> + My route, then, lay across the face of the high ground of Torres Vedras, + then over a streamlet, past a farmhouse which had been burned down and was + now only a landmark, then through a forest of young cork oaks, and so to + the monastery of San Antonio, which marked the left of the English + position. Here I turned south and rode quietly over the downs, for it was + at this point that Massena thought that it would be most easy for me to + find my way unobserved through the position. I went very slowly, for it + was so dark that I could not see my hand in front of me. In such cases I + leave my bridle loose and let my horse pick its own way. Voltigeur went + confidently forward, and I was very content to sit upon his back and to + peer about me, avoiding every light. + </p> + <p> + For three hours we advanced in this cautious way, until it seemed to me + that I must have left all danger behind me. I then pushed on more briskly, + for I wished to be in the rear of the whole army by daybreak. There are + many vineyards in these parts which in winter become open plains, and a + horseman finds few difficulties in his way. + </p> + <p> + But Massena had underrated the cunning of these English, for it appears + that there was not one line of defence but three, and it was the third, + which was the most formidable, through which I was at that instant + passing. As I rode, elated at my own success, a lantern flashed suddenly + before me, and I saw the glint of polished gun-barrels and the gleam of a + red coat. + </p> + <p> + “Who goes there?” cried a voice—such a voice! I swerved to the right + and rode like a madman, but a dozen squirts of fire came out of the + darkness, and the bullets whizzed all round my ears. That was no new sound + to me, my friends, though I will not talk like a foolish conscript and say + that I have ever liked it. But at least it had never kept me from thinking + clearly, and so I knew that there was nothing for it but to gallop hard + and try my luck elsewhere. I rode round the English picket, and then, as I + heard nothing more of them, I concluded rightly that I had at last come + through their defences. + </p> + <p> + For five miles I rode south, striking a tinder from time to time to look + at my pocket compass. And then in an instant—I feel the pang once + more as my memory brings back the moment—my horse, without a sob or + staggers fell stone-dead beneath me! + </p> + <p> + I had never known it, but one of the bullets from that infernal picket had + passed through his body. The gallant creature had never winced nor + weakened, but had gone while life was in him. One instant I was secure on + the swiftest, most graceful horse in Massena's army. The next he lay upon + his side, worth only the price of his hide, and I stood there that most + helpless, most ungainly of creatures, a dismounted Hussar. What could I do + with my boots, my spurs, my trailing sabre? I was far inside the enemy's + lines. How could I hope to get back again? + </p> + <p> + I am not ashamed to say that I, Etienne Gerard, sat upon my dead horse and + sank my face in my hands in my despair. + </p> + <p> + Already the first streaks were whitening the east. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour it would be light. That I should have won my way past + every obstacle and then at this last instant be left at the mercy of my + enemies, my mission ruined, and myself a prisoner—was it not enough + to break a soldier's heart? + </p> + <p> + But courage, my friends! We have these moments of weakness, the bravest of + us; but I have a spirit like a slip of steel, for the more you bend it the + higher it springs. + </p> + <p> + One spasm of despair, and then a brain of ice and a heart of fire. All was + not yet lost. I who had come through so many hazards would come through + this one also. I rose from my horse and considered what had best be done. + </p> + <p> + And first of all it was certain that I could not get back. Long before I + could pass the lines it would be broad daylight. I must hide myself for + the day, and then devote the next night to my escape. I took the saddle, + holsters, and bridle from poor Voltigeur, and I concealed them among some + bushes, so that no one finding him could know that he was a French horse. + Then, leaving him lying there, I wandered on in search of some place where + I might be safe for the day. In every direction I could see camp fires + upon the sides of the hills, and already figures had begun to move around + them. I must hide quickly, or I was lost. + </p> + <p> + But where was I to hide? It was a vineyard in which I found myself, the + poles of the vines still standing, but the plants gone. There was no cover + there. Besides, I should want some food and water before another night had + come. I hurried wildly onward through the waning darkness, trusting that + chance would be my friend. + </p> + <p> + And I was not disappointed. Chance is a woman, my friends, and she has her + eye always upon a gallant Hussar. + </p> + <p> + Well, then, as I stumbled through the vineyard, something loomed in front + of me, and I came upon a great square house with another long, low + building upon one side of it. Three roads met there, and it was easy to + see that this was the posada, or wine-shop. + </p> + <p> + There was no light in the windows, and everything was dark and silent, + but, of course, I knew that such comfortable quarters were certainly + occupied, and probably by someone of importance. I have learned, however, + that the nearer the danger may really be the safer place, and so I was by + no means inclined to trust myself away from this shelter. The low building + was evidently the stable, and into this I crept, for the door was + unlatched. + </p> + <p> + The place was full of bullocks and sheep, gathered there, no doubt, to be + out of the clutches of marauders. + </p> + <p> + A ladder led to a loft, and up this I climbed and concealed myself very + snugly among some bales of hay upon the top. This loft had a small open + window, and I was able to look down upon the front of the inn and also + upon the road. There I crouched and waited to see what would happen. + </p> + <p> + It was soon evident that I had not been mistaken when I had thought that + this might be the quarters of some person of importance. Shortly after + daybreak an English light dragoon arrived with a despatch, and from then + onward the place was in a turmoil, officers continually riding up and + away. Always the same name was upon their lips: “Sir Stapleton—Sir + Stapleton.” + </p> + <p> + It was hard for me to lie there with a dry moustache and watch the great + flagons which were brought out by the landlord to these English officers. + But it amused me to look at their fresh-coloured, clean-shaven, careless + faces, and to wonder what they would think if they knew that so celebrated + a person was lying so near to them. And then, as I lay and watched, I saw + a sight which filled me with surprise. + </p> + <p> + It is incredible the insolence of these English! What do you suppose + Milord Wellington had done when he found that Massena had blockaded him + and that he could not move his army? I might give you many guesses. You + might say that he had raged, that he had despaired, that he had brought + his troops together and spoken to them about glory and the fatherland + before leading them to one last battle. No, Milord did none of these + things. But he sent a fleet ship to England to bring him a number of + fox-dogs; and he with his officers settled himself down to chase the fox. + It is true what I tell you. Behind the lines of Torres Vedras these mad + Englishmen made the fox chase three days in the week. + </p> + <p> + We had heard of it in the camp, and now I was myself to see that it was + true. + </p> + <p> + For, along the road which I have described, there came these very dogs, + thirty or forty of them, white and brown, each with its tail at the same + angle, like the bayonets of the Old Guard. My faith, but it was a pretty + sight! And behind and amidst them there rode three men with peaked caps + and red coats, whom I understood to be the hunters. After them came many + horsemen with uniforms of various kinds, stringing along the roads in twos + and threes, talking together and laughing. + </p> + <p> + They did not seem to be going above a trot, and it appeared to me that it + must indeed be a slow fox which they hoped to catch. However, it was their + affair, not mine, and soon they had all passed my window and were out of + sight. I waited and I watched, ready for any chance which might offer. + </p> + <p> + Presently an officer, in a blue uniform not unlike that of our flying + artillery, came cantering down the road—an elderly, stout man he + was, with grey side-whiskers. He stopped and began to talk with an orderly + officer of dragoons, who waited outside the inn, and it was then that I + learned the advantage of the English which had been taught me. I could + hear and understand all that was said. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the meet?” said the officer, and I thought that he was hungering + for his bifstek. But the other answered him that it was near Altara, so I + saw that it was a place of which he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “You are late, Sir George,” said the orderly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I had a court-martial. Has Sir Stapleton Cotton gone?” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a window opened, and a handsome young man in a very + splendid uniform looked out of it. + </p> + <p> + “Halloa, Murray!” said he. “These cursed papers keep me, but I will be at + your heels.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, Cotton. I am late already, so I will ride on.” + </p> + <p> + “You might order my groom to bring round my horse,” said the young General + at the window to the orderly below, while the other went on down the road. + </p> + <p> + The orderly rode away to some outlying stable, and then in a few minutes + there came a smart English groom with a cockade in his hat, leading by the + bridle a horse—and, oh, my friends, you have never known the + perfection to which a horse can attain until you have seen a first-class + English hunter. He was superb: tall, broad, strong, and yet as graceful + and agile as a deer. Coal black he was in colour, and his neck, and his + shoulder, and his quarters, and his fetlocks—how can I describe him + all to you? The sun shone upon him as on polished ebony, and he raised his + hoofs in a little playful dance so lightly and prettily, while he tossed + his mane and whinnied with impatience. Never have I seen such a mixture of + strength and beauty and grace. I had often wondered how the English + Hussars had managed to ride over the chasseurs of the Guards in the affair + at Astorga, but I wondered no longer when I saw the English horses. + </p> + <p> + There was a ring for fastening bridles at the door of the inn, and the + groom tied the horse there while he entered the house. In an instant I had + seen the chance which Fate had brought to me. Were I in that saddle I + should be better off than when I started. Even Voltigeur could not compare + with this magnificent creature. To think is to act with me. In one instant + I was down the ladder and at the door of the stable. The next I was out + and the bridle was in my hand. I bounded into the saddle. + </p> + <p> + Somebody, the master or the man, shouted wildly behind me. What cared I + for his shouts! I touched the horse with my spurs and he bounded forward + with such a spring that only a rider like myself could have sat him. I + gave him his head and let him go—it did not matter to me where, so + long as we left this inn far behind us. He thundered away across the + vineyards, and in a very few minutes I had placed miles between myself and + my pursuers. They could no longer tell in that wild country in which + direction I had gone. I knew that I was safe, and so, riding to the top of + a small hill, I drew my pencil and note-book from my pocket and proceeded + to make plans of those camps which I could see and to draw the outline of + the country. + </p> + <p> + He was a dear creature upon whom I sat, but it was not easy to draw upon + his back, for every now and then his two ears would cock, and he would + start and quiver with impatience. At first I could not understand this + trick of his, but soon I observed that he only did it when a peculiar + noise—“yoy, yoy, yoy”—came from somewhere among the oak woods + beneath us. And then suddenly this strange cry changed into a most + terrible screaming, with the frantic blowing of a horn. Instantly he went + mad—this horse. His eyes blazed. His mane bristled. He bounded from + the earth and bounded again, twisting and turning in a frenzy. My pencil + flew one way and my note-book another. And then, as I looked down into the + valley, an extraordinary sight met my eyes. + </p> + <p> + The hunt was streaming down it. The fox I could not see, but the dogs were + in full cry, their noses down, their tails up, so close together that they + might have been one great yellow and white moving carpet. And behind them + rode the horsemen—my faith, what a sight! Consider every type which + a great army could show. Some in hunting dress, but the most in uniforms: + blue dragoons, red dragoons, red-trousered hussars, green riflemen, + artillerymen, gold-slashed lancers, and most of all red, red, red, for the + infantry officers ride as hard as the cavalry. + </p> + <p> + Such a crowd, some well mounted, some ill, but all flying along as best + they might, the subaltern as good as the general, jostling and pushing, + spurring and driving, with every thought thrown to the winds save that + they should have the blood of this absurd fox! Truly, they are an + extraordinary people, the English! + </p> + <p> + But I had little time to watch the hunt or to marvel at these islanders, + for of all these mad creatures the very horse upon which I sat was the + maddest. You understand that he was himself a hunter, and that the crying + of these dogs was to him what the call of a cavalry trumpet in the street + yonder would be to me. It thrilled him. It drove him wild. Again and again + he bounded into the air, and then, seizing the bit between his teeth, he + plunged down the slope and galloped after the dogs. + </p> + <p> + I swore, and tugged, and pulled, but I was powerless. + </p> + <p> + This English General rode his horse with a snaffle only, and the beast had + a mouth of iron. It was useless to pull him back. One might as well try to + keep a grenadier from a wine-bottle. I gave it up in despair, and, + settling down in the saddle, I prepared for the worst which could befall. + </p> + <p> + What a creature he was! Never have I felt such a horse between my knees. + His great haunches gathered under him with every stride, and he shot + forward ever faster and faster, stretched like a greyhound, while the wind + beat in my face and whistled past my ears. I was wearing our undress + jacket, a uniform simple and dark in itself—though some figures give + distinction to any uniform—and I had taken the precaution to remove + the long panache from my busby. The result was that, amidst the mixture of + costumes in the hunt, there was no reason why mine should attract + attention, or why these men, whose thoughts were all with the chase, + should give any heed to me. The idea that a French officer might be riding + with them was too absurd to enter their minds. I laughed as I rode, for, + indeed, amid all the danger, there was something of comic in the + situation. + </p> + <p> + I have said that the hunters were very unequally mounted, and so at the + end of a few miles, instead of being one body of men, like a charging + regiment, they were scattered over a considerable space, the better riders + well up to the dogs and the others trailing away behind. + </p> + <p> + Now, I was as good a rider as any, and my horse was the best of them all, + and so you can imagine that it was not long before he carried me to the + front. And when I saw the dogs streaming over the open, and the red-coated + huntsman behind them, and only seven or eight horsemen between us, then it + was that the strangest thing of all happened, for I, too, went mad—I, + Etienne Gerard! + </p> + <p> + In a moment it came upon me, this spirit of sport, this desire to excel, + this hatred of the fox. Accursed animal, should he then defy us? Vile + robber, his hour was come! + </p> + <p> + Ah, it is a great feeling, this feeling of sport, my friends, this desire + to trample the fox under the hoofs of your horse. I have made the fox + chase with the English. I have also, as I may tell you some day, fought + the box-fight with the Bustler, of Bristol. And I say to you that this + sport is a wonderful thing—full of interest as well as madness. + </p> + <p> + The farther we went the faster galloped my horse, and soon there were but + three men as near the dogs as I was. + </p> + <p> + All thought of fear of discovery had vanished. My brain throbbed, my blood + ran hot—only one thing upon earth seemed worth living for, and that + was to overtake this infernal fox. I passed one of the horsemen—a + Hussar like myself. There were only two in front of me now: the one in a + black coat, the other the blue artilleryman whom I had seen at the inn. + His grey whiskers streamed in the wind, but he rode magnificently. For a + mile or more we kept in this order, and then, as we galloped up a steep + slope, my lighter weight brought me to the front. + </p> + <p> + I passed them both, and when I reached the crown I was riding level with + the little, hard-faced English huntsman. + </p> + <p> + In front of us were the dogs, and then, a hundred paces beyond them, was a + brown wisp of a thing, the fox itself, stretched to the uttermost. The + sight of him fired my blood. “Aha, we have you then, assassin!” I cried, + and shouted my encouragement to the huntsman. I waved my hand to show him + that there was one upon whom he could rely. + </p> + <p> + And now there were only the dogs between me and my prey. These dogs, whose + duty it is to point out the game, were now rather a hindrance than a help + to us, for it was hard to know how to pass them. The huntsman felt the + difficulty as much as I, for he rode behind them, and could make no + progress toward the fox. He was a swift rider, but wanting in enterprise. + For my part, I felt that it would be unworthy of the Hussars of Conflans + if I could not overcome such a difficulty as this. + </p> + <p> + Was Etienne Gerard to be stopped by a herd of fox-dogs? + </p> + <p> + It was absurd. I gave a shout and spurred my horse. + </p> + <p> + “Hold hard, sir! Hold hard!” cried the huntsman. + </p> + <p> + He was uneasy for me, this good old man, but I reassured him by a wave and + a smile. The dogs opened in front of me. One or two may have been hurt, + but what would you have? The egg must be broken for the omelette. I could + hear the huntsman shouting his congratulations behind me. One more effort, + and the dogs were all behind me. Only the fox was in front. + </p> + <p> + Ah, the joy and pride of that moment! To know that I had beaten the + English at their own sport. Here were three hundred, all thirsting for the + life of this animal, and yet it was I who was about to take it. I thought + of my comrades of the light cavalry brigade, of my mother, of the Emperor, + of France. I had brought honour to each and all. Every instant brought me + nearer to the fox. The moment for action had arrived, so I unsheathed my + sabre. I waved it in the air, and the brave English all shouted behind me. + </p> + <p> + Only then did I understand how difficult is this fox chase, for one may + cut again and again at the creature and never strike him once. He is + small, and turns quickly from a blow. At every cut I heard those shouts of + encouragement from behind me, and they spurred me to yet another effort. + And then at last the supreme moment of my triumph arrived. In the very act + of turning I caught him fair with such another back-handed cut as that + with which I killed the aide-de-camp of the Emperor of Russia. He flew + into two pieces, his head one way and his tail another. I looked back and + waved the blood-stained sabre in the air. For the moment I was exalted—superb! + </p> + <p> + Ah! how I should have loved to have waited to have received the + congratulations of these generous enemies. + </p> + <p> + There were fifty of them in sight, and not one who was not waving his hand + and shouting. They are not really such a phlegmatic race, the English. A + gallant deed in war or in sport will always warm their hearts. As to the + old huntsman, he was the nearest to me, and I could see with my own eyes + how overcome he was by what he had seen. He was like a man paralysed, his + mouth open, his hand, with outspread fingers, raised in the air. For a + moment my inclination was to return and to embrace him. + </p> + <p> + But already the call of duty was sounding in my ears, and these English, + in spite of all the fraternity which exists among sportsmen, would + certainly have made me prisoner. There was no hope for my mission now, and + I had done all that I could do. I could see the lines of Massena's camp no + very great distance off, for, by a lucky chance, the chase had taken us in + that direction. + </p> + <p> + I turned from the dead fox, saluted with my sabre, and galloped away. + </p> + <p> + But they would not leave me so easily, these gallant huntsmen. I was the + fox now, and the chase swept bravely over the plain. It was only at the + moment when I started for the camp that they could have known that I was a + Frenchman, and now the whole swarm of them were at my heels. We were + within gunshot of our pickets before they would halt, and then they stood + in knots and would not go away, but shouted and waved their hands at me. + No, I will not think that it was in enmity. Rather would I fancy that a + glow of admiration filled their breasts, and that their one desire was to + embrace the stranger who had carried himself so gallantly and well. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV. How the Brigadier Saved the Army + </h2> + <p> + I have told you, my friends, how we held the English shut up for six + months, from October, 1810, to March, 1811, within their lines of Torres + Vedras. It was during this time that I hunted the fox in their company, + and showed them that amidst all their sportsmen there was not one who + could outride a Hussar of Conflans. When I galloped back into the French + lines with the blood of the creature still moist upon my blade the + outposts who had seen what I had done raised a frenzied cry in my honour, + whilst these English hunters still yelled behind me, so that I had the + applause of both armies. It made the tears rise to my eyes to feel that I + had won the admiration of so many brave men. These English are generous + foes. That very evening there came a packet under a white flag addressed + “To the Hussar officer who cut down the fox.” Within, I found the fox + itself in two pieces, as I had left it. There was a note also, short but + hearty, as the English fashion is, to say that as I had slaughtered the + fox it only remained for me to eat it. They could not know that it was not + our French custom to eat foxes, and it showed their desire that he who had + won the honours of the chase should also partake of the game. It is not + for a Frenchman to be outdone in politeness, and so I returned it to these + brave hunters, and begged them to accept it as a side-dish for their next + dejeuner de la chasse. + </p> + <p> + It is thus that chivalrous opponents make war. + </p> + <p> + I had brought back with me from my ride a clear plan of the English lines, + and this I laid before Massena that very evening. + </p> + <p> + I had hoped that it would lead him to attack, but all the marshals were at + each other's throats, snapping and growling like so many hungry hounds. + Ney hated Massena, and Massena hated Junot, and Soult hated them all. For + this reason, nothing was done. In the meantime food grew more and more + scarce, and our beautiful cavalry was ruined for want of fodder. With the + end of the winter we had swept the whole country bare, and nothing + remained for us to eat, although we sent our forage parties far and wide. + It was clear even to the bravest of us that the time had come to retreat. + I was myself forced to admit it. + </p> + <p> + But retreat was not so easy. Not only were the troops weak and exhausted + from want of supplies, but the enemy had been much encouraged by our long + inaction. Of Wellington we had no great fear. We had found him to be brave + and cautious, but with little enterprise. Besides, in that barren country + his pursuit could not be rapid. + </p> + <p> + But on our flanks and in our rear there had gathered great numbers of + Portuguese militia, of armed peasants, and of guerillas. These people had + kept a safe distance all the winter, but now that our horses were + foundered they were as thick as flies all round our outposts, and no man's + life was worth a sou when once he fell into their hands. I could name a + dozen officers of my own acquaintance who were cut off during that time, + and the luckiest was he who received a ball from behind a rock through his + head or his heart. There were some whose deaths were so terrible that no + report of them was ever allowed to reach their relatives. So frequent were + these tragedies, and so much did they impress the imagination of the men, + that it became very difficult to induce them to leave the camp. + </p> + <p> + There was one especial scoundrel, a guerilla chief named Manuelo, “The + Smiler,” whose exploits filled our men with horror. He was a large, fat + man of jovial aspect, and he lurked with a fierce gang among the mountains + which lay upon our left flank. A volume might be written of this fellow's + cruelties and brutalities, but he was certainly a man of power, for he + organised his brigands in a manner which made it almost impossible for us + to get through his country. This he did by imposing a severe discipline + upon them and enforcing it by cruel penalties, a policy by which he made + them formidable, but which had some unexpected results, as I will show you + in my story. Had he not flogged his own lieutenant—but you will hear + of that when the time comes. + </p> + <p> + There were many difficulties in connection with a retreat, but it was very + evident that there was no other possible course, and so Massena began to + quickly pass his baggage and his sick from Torres Novas, which was his + headquarters, to Coimbra, the first strong post on his line of + communications. He could not do this unperceived, however, and at once the + guerillas came swarming closer and closer upon our flanks. One of our + divisions, that of Clausel, with a brigade of Montbrun's cavalry, was far + to the south of the Tagus, and it became very necessary to let them know + that we were about to retreat, for otherwise they would be left + unsupported in the very heart of the enemy's country. I remember wondering + how Massena would accomplish this, for simple couriers could not get + through, and small parties would be certainly destroyed. In some way an + order to fall back must be conveyed to these men, or France would be the + weaker by fourteen thousand men. Little did I think that it was I, Colonel + Gerard, who was to have the honour of a deed which might have formed the + crowning glory of any other man's life, and which stands high among those + exploits which have made my own so famous. + </p> + <p> + At that time I was serving on Massena's staff, and he had two other + aides-de-camp, who were also very brave and intelligent officers. The name + of one was Cortex and of the other Duplessis. They were senior to me in + age, but junior in every other respect. Cortex was a small, dark man, very + quick and eager. He was a fine soldier, but he was ruined by his conceit. + To take him at his own valuation, he was the first man in the army. + </p> + <p> + Duplessis was a Gascon, like myself, and he was a very fine fellow, as all + Gascon gentlemen are. We took it in turn, day about, to do duty, and it + was Cortex who was in attendance upon the morning of which I speak. I saw + him at breakfast, but afterward neither he nor his horse was to be seen. + All day Massena was in his usual gloom, and he spent much of his time + staring with his telescope at the English lines and at the shipping in the + Tagus. + </p> + <p> + He said nothing of the mission upon which he had sent our comrade, and it + was not for us to ask him any questions. + </p> + <p> + That night, about twelve o'clock, I was standing outside the Marshal's + headquarters when he came out and stood motionless for half an hour, his + arms folded upon his breast, staring through the darkness toward the east. + </p> + <p> + So rigid and intent was he that you might have believed the muffled figure + and the cocked hat to have been the statue of the man. What he was looking + for I could not imagine; but at last he gave a bitter curse, and, turning + on his heel, he went back into the house, banging the door behind him. + </p> + <p> + Next day the second aide-de-camp, Duplessis, had an interview with Massena + in the morning, after which neither he nor his horse was seen again. That + night, as I sat in the ante-room, the Marshal passed me, and I observed + him through the window standing and staring to the east exactly as he had + done before. For fully half an hour he remained there, a black shadow in + the gloom. + </p> + <p> + Then he strode in, the door banged, and I heard his spurs and his scabbard + jingling and clanking through the passage. At the best he was a savage old + man, but when he was crossed I had almost as soon face the Emperor + himself. I heard him that night cursing and stamping above my head, but he + did not send for me, and I knew him too well to go unsought. + </p> + <p> + Next morning it was my turn, for I was the only aide-de-camp left. I was + his favourite aide-de-camp. His heart went out always to a smart soldier. + I declare that I think there were tears in his black eyes when he sent for + me that morning. + </p> + <p> + “Gerard,” said he. “Come here!” + </p> + <p> + With a friendly gesture he took me by the sleeve and he led me to the open + window which faced the east. Beneath us was the infantry camp, and beyond + that the lines of the cavalry with the long rows of picketed horses. + </p> + <p> + We could see the French outposts, and then a stretch of open country, + intersected by vineyards. A range of hills lay beyond, with one + well-marked peak towering above them. Round the base of these hills was a + broad belt of forest. A single road ran white and clear, dipping and + rising until it passed through a gap in the hills. + </p> + <p> + “This,” said Massena, pointing to the mountain, “is the Sierra de Merodal. + Do you perceive anything upon the top?” + </p> + <p> + I answered that I did not. + </p> + <p> + “Now?” he asked, and he handed me his field-glass. + </p> + <p> + With its aid I perceived a small mound or cairn upon the crest. + </p> + <p> + “What you see,” said the Marshal, “is a pile of logs which was placed + there as a beacon. We laid it when the country was in our hands, and now, + although we no longer hold it, the beacon remains undisturbed. Gerard, + that beacon must be lit to-night. France needs it, the Emperor needs it, + the army needs it. Two of your comrades have gone to light it, but neither + has made his way to the summit. To-day it is your turn, and I pray that + you may have better luck.” + </p> + <p> + It is not for a soldier to ask the reason for his orders, and so I was + about to hurry from the room, but the Marshal laid his hand upon my + shoulder and held me. + </p> + <p> + “You shall know all, and so learn how high is the cause for which you risk + your life,” said he. “Fifty miles to the south of us, on the other side of + the Tagus, is the army of General Clausel. His camp is situated near a + peak named the Sierra d'Ossa. On the summit of this peak is a beacon, and + by this beacon he has a picket. It is agreed between us that when at + midnight he shall see our signal-fire he shall light his own as an answer, + and shall then at once fall back upon the main army. If he does not start + at once I must go without him. For two days I have endeavoured to send him + his message. It must reach him to-day, or his army will be left behind and + destroyed.” + </p> + <p> + Ah, my friends, how my heart swelled when I heard how high was the task + which Fortune had assigned to me! + </p> + <p> + If my life were spared, here was one more splendid new leaf for my laurel + crown. If, on the other hand, I died, then it would be a death worthy of + such a career. I said nothing, but I cannot doubt that all the noble + thoughts that were in me shone in my face, for Massena took my hand and + wrung it. + </p> + <p> + “There is the hill and there the beacon,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “There is only this guerilla and his men between you and it. I cannot + detach a large party for the enterprise and a small one would be seen and + destroyed. Therefore to you alone I commit it. Carry it out in your own + way, but at twelve o'clock this night let me see the fire upon the hill.” + </p> + <p> + “If it is not there,” said I, “then I pray you, Marshal Massena, to see + that my effects are sold and the money sent to my mother.” So I raised my + hand to my busby and turned upon my heel, my heart glowing at the thought + of the great exploit which lay before me. + </p> + <p> + I sat in my own chamber for some little time considering how I had best + take the matter in hand. The fact that neither Cortex nor Duplessis, who + were very zealous and active officers, had succeeded in reaching the + summit of the Sierra de Merodal, showed that the country was very closely + watched by the guerillas. I reckoned out the distance upon a map. There + were ten miles of open country to be crossed before reaching the hills. + Then came a belt of forest on the lower slopes of the mountain, which may + have been three or four miles wide. And then there was the actual peak + itself, of no very great height, but without any cover to conceal me. + Those were the three stages of my journey. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to me that once I had reached the shelter of the wood all would + be easy, for I could lie concealed within its shadows and climb upward + under the cover of night. + </p> + <p> + From eight till twelve would give me four hours of darkness in which to + make the ascent. It was only the first stage, then, which I had seriously + to consider. + </p> + <p> + Over that flat country there lay the inviting white road, and I remembered + that my comrades had both taken their horses. That was clearly their ruin, + for nothing could be easier than for the brigands to keep watch upon the + road, and to lay an ambush for all who passed along it. It would not be + difficult for me to ride across country, and I was well horsed at that + time, for I had not only Violette and Rataplan, who were two of the finest + mounts in the army, but I had the splendid black English hunter which I + had taken from Sir Cotton. However, after much thought, I determined to go + upon foot, since I should then be in a better state to take advantage of + any chance which might offer. As to my dress, I covered my Hussar uniform + with a long cloak, and I put a grey forage cap upon my head. You may ask + me why I did not dress as a peasant, but I answer that a man of honour has + no desire to die the death of a spy. It is one thing to be murdered, and + it is another to be justly executed by the laws of war. I would not run + the risk of such an end. + </p> + <p> + In the late afternoon I stole out of the camp and passed through the line + of our pickets. Beneath my cloak I had a field-glass and a pocket pistol, + as well as my sword. In my pocket were tinder, flint, and steel. + </p> + <p> + For two or three miles I kept under cover of the vineyards, and made such + good progress that my heart was high within me, and I thought to myself + that it only needed a man of some brains to take the matter in hand to + bring it easily to success. Of course, Cortex and Duplessis galloping down + the high-road would be easily seen, but the intelligent Gerard lurking + among the vines was quite another person. I dare say I had got as far as + five miles before I met any check. At that point there is a small + wine-house, round which I perceived some carts and a number of people, the + first that I had seen. Now that I was well outside the lines I knew that + every person was my enemy, so I crouched lower while I stole along to a + point from which I could get a better view of what was going on. I then + perceived that these people were peasants, who were loading two waggons + with empty wine-casks. I failed to see how they could either help or + hinder me, so I continued upon my way. + </p> + <p> + But soon I understood that my task was not so simple as had appeared. As + the ground rose the vineyards ceased, and I came upon a stretch of open + country studded with low hills. Crouching in a ditch I examined them with + a glass, and I very soon perceived that there was a watcher upon every one + of them, and that these people had a line of pickets and outposts thrown + forward exactly like our own. I had heard of the discipline which was + practised by this scoundrel whom they called “The Smiler,” and this, no + doubt, was an example of it. + </p> + <p> + Between the hills there was a cordon of sentries, and though I worked some + distance round to the flank I still found myself faced by the enemy. It + was a puzzle what to do. + </p> + <p> + There was so little cover that a rat could hardly cross without being + seen. Of course, it would be easy enough to slip through at night, as I + had done with the English at Torres Vedras, but I was still far from the + mountain and I could not in that case reach it in time to light the + midnight beacon. I lay in my ditch and I made a thousand plans, each more + dangerous than the last. And then suddenly I had that flash of light which + comes to the brave man who refuses to despair. + </p> + <p> + You remember I have mentioned that two waggons were loading up with empty + casks at the inn. The heads of the oxen were turned to the east, and it + was evident that those waggons were going in the direction which I + desired. Could I only conceal myself upon one of them, what better and + easier way could I find of passing through the lines of the guerillas? So + simple and so good was the plan that I could not restrain a cry of delight + as it crossed my mind, and I hurried away instantly in the direction of + the inn. There, from behind some bushes, I had a good look at what was + going on upon the road. + </p> + <p> + There were three peasants with red montero caps loading the barrels, and + they had completed one waggon and the lower tier of the other. A number of + empty barrels still lay outside the wine-house waiting to be put on. + </p> + <p> + Fortune was my friend—I have always said that she is a woman and + cannot resist a dashing young Hussar. As I watched, the three fellows went + into the inn, for the day was hot and they were thirsty after their + labour. Quick as a flash I darted out from my hiding-place, climbed on to + the waggon, and crept into one of the empty casks. + </p> + <p> + It had a bottom but no top, and it lay upon its side with the open end + inward. There I crouched like a dog in its kennel, my knees drawn up to my + chin, for the barrels were not very large and I am a well-grown man. As I + lay there, out came the three peasants again, and presently I heard a + crash upon the top of me which told that I had another barrel above me. + They piled them upon the cart until I could not imagine how I was ever to + get out again. However, it is time to think of crossing the Vistula when + you are over the Rhine, and I had no doubt that if chance and my own wits + had carried me so far they would carry me farther. + </p> + <p> + Soon, when the waggon was full, they set forth upon their way, and I + within my barrel chuckled at every step, for it was carrying me whither I + wished to go. We travelled slowly, and the peasants walked beside the + waggons. + </p> + <p> + This I knew, because I heard their voices close to me. They seemed to me + to be very merry fellows, for they laughed heartily as they went. What the + joke was I could not understand. Though I speak their language fairly well + I could not hear anything comic in the scraps of their conversation which + met my ear. + </p> + <p> + I reckoned that at the rate of walking of a team of oxen we covered about + two miles an hour. Therefore, when I was sure that two and a half hours + had passed—such hours, my friends, cramped, suffocated, and nearly + poisoned with the fumes of the lees—when they had passed, I was sure + that the dangerous open country was behind us, and that we were upon the + edge of the forest and the mountain. So now I had to turn my mind upon how + I was to get out of my barrel. I had thought of several ways, and was + balancing one against the other when the question was decided for me in a + very simple but unexpected manner. + </p> + <p> + The waggon stopped suddenly with a jerk, and I heard a number of gruff + voices in excited talk. “Where, where?” cried one. “On our cart,” said + another. “Who is he?” said a third. “A French officer; I saw his cap and + his boots.” They all roared with laughter. “I was looking out of the + window of the posada and I saw him spring into the cask like a toreador + with a Seville bull at his heels.” “Which cask, then?” “It was this one,” + said the fellow, and sure enough his fist struck the wood beside my head. + </p> + <p> + What a situation, my friends, for a man of my standing! + </p> + <p> + I blush now, after forty years, when I think of it. + </p> + <p> + To be trussed like a fowl and to listen helplessly to the rude laughter of + these boors—to know, too, that my mission had come to an ignominious + and even ridiculous end—I would have blessed the man who would have + sent a bullet through the cask and freed me from my misery. + </p> + <p> + I heard the crashing of the barrels as they hurled them off the waggon, + and then a couple of bearded faces and the muzzles of two guns looked in + at me. They seized me by the sleeves of my coat, and they dragged me out + into the daylight. A strange figure I must have looked as I stood blinking + and gaping in the blinding sunlight. + </p> + <p> + My body was bent like a cripple's, for I could not straighten my stiff + joints, and half my coat was as red as an English soldier's from the lees + in which I had lain. + </p> + <p> + They laughed and laughed, these dogs, and as I tried to express by my + bearing and gestures the contempt in which I held them their laughter grew + all the louder. But even in these hard circumstances I bore myself like + the man I am, and as I cast my eye slowly round I did not find that any of + the laughers were very ready to face it. + </p> + <p> + That one glance round was enough to tell me exactly how I was situated. I + had been betrayed by these peasants into the hands of an outpost of + guerillas. There were eight of them, savage-looking, hairy creatures, with + cotton handkerchiefs under their sombreros, and many-buttoned jackets with + coloured sashes round the waist. + </p> + <p> + Each had a gun and one or two pistols stuck in his girdle. + </p> + <p> + The leader, a great, bearded ruffian, held his gun against my ear while + the others searched my pockets, taking from me my overcoat, my pistol, my + glass, my sword, and, worst of all, my flint and steel and tinder. Come + what might, I was ruined, for I had no longer the means of lighting the + beacon even if I should reach it. + </p> + <p> + Eight of them, my friends, with three peasants, and I unarmed! Was Etienne + Gerard in despair? Did he lose his wits? Ah, you know me too well; but + they did not know me yet, these dogs of brigands. Never have I made so + supreme and astounding an effort as at this very instant when all seemed + lost. Yet you might guess many times before you would hit upon the device + by which I escaped them. Listen and I will tell you. + </p> + <p> + They had dragged me from the waggon when they searched me, and I stood, + still twisted and warped, in the midst of them. But the stiffness was + wearing off, and already my mind was very actively looking out for some + method of breaking away. It was a narrow pass in which the brigands had + their outpost. It was bounded on the one hand by a steep mountain side. On + the other the ground fell away in a very long slope, which ended in a + bushy valley many hundreds of feet below. These fellows, you understand, + were hardy mountaineers, who could travel either up hill or down very much + quicker than I. They wore abarcas, or shoes of skin, tied on like sandals, + which gave them a foothold everywhere. A less resolute man would have + despaired. But in an instant I saw and used the strange chance which + Fortune had placed in my way. On the very edge of the slope was one of the + wine-barrels. I moved slowly toward it, and then with a tiger spring I + dived into it feet foremost, and with a roll of my body I tipped it over + the side of the hill. + </p> + <p> + Shall I ever forget that dreadful journey—how I bounded and crashed + and whizzed down that terrible slope? I had dug in my knees and elbows, + bunching my body into a compact bundle so as to steady it; but my head + projected from the end, and it was a marvel that I did not dash out my + brains. There were long, smooth slopes, and then came steeper scarps where + the barrel ceased to roll, and sprang into the air like a goat, coming + down with a rattle and crash which jarred every bone in my body. How the + wind whistled in my ears, and my head turned and turned until I was sick + and giddy and nearly senseless! Then, with a swish and a great rasping and + crackling of branches, I reached the bushes which I had seen so far below + me. Through them I broke my way, down a slope beyond, and deep into + another patch of underwood, where, striking a sapling, my barrel flew to + pieces. From amid a heap of staves and hoops I crawled out, my body aching + in every inch of it, but my heart singing loudly with joy and my spirit + high within me, for I knew how great was the feat which I had + accomplished, and I already seemed to see the beacon blazing on the hill. + </p> + <p> + A horrible nausea had seized me from the tossing which I had undergone, + and I felt as I did upon the ocean when first I experienced those + movements of which the English have taken so perfidious an advantage. I + had to sit for a few moments with my head upon my hands beside the ruins + of my barrel. But there was no time for rest. + </p> + <p> + Already I heard shouts above me which told that my pursuers were + descending the hill. I dashed into the thickest part of the underwood, and + I ran and ran until I was utterly exhausted. Then I lay panting and + listened with all my ears, but no sound came to them. I had shaken off my + enemies. + </p> + <p> + When I had recovered my breath I travelled swiftly on, and waded knee-deep + through several brooks, for it came into my head that they might follow me + with dogs. + </p> + <p> + On gaining a clear place and looking round me, I found to my delight that + in spite of my adventures I had not been much out of my way. Above me + towered the peak of Merodal, with its bare and bold summit shooting out of + the groves of dwarf oaks which shrouded its flanks. + </p> + <p> + These groves were the continuation of the cover under which I found + myself, and it seemed to me that I had nothing to fear now until I reached + the other side of the forest. At the same time I knew that every man's + hand was against me, that I was unarmed, and that there were many people + about me. I saw no one, but several times I heard shrill whistles, and + once the sound of a gun in the distance. + </p> + <p> + It was hard work pushing one's way through the bushes, and so I was glad + when I came to the larger trees and found a path which led between them. + Of course, I was too wise to walk upon it, but I kept near it and followed + its course. I had gone some distance, and had, as I imagined, nearly + reached the limit of the wood, when a strange, moaning sound fell upon my + ears. At first I thought it was the cry of some animal, but then there + came words, of which I only caught the French exclamation, “Mon Dieu!” + With great caution I advanced in the direction from which the sound + proceeded, and this is what I saw. + </p> + <p> + On a couch of dried leaves there was stretched a man dressed in the same + grey uniform which I wore myself. + </p> + <p> + He was evidently horribly wounded, for he held a cloth to his breast which + was crimson with his blood. A pool had formed all round his couch, and he + lay in a haze of flies, whose buzzing and droning would certainly have + called my attention if his groans had not come to my ear. + </p> + <p> + I lay for a moment, fearing some trap, and then, my pity and loyalty + rising above all other feelings, I ran forward and knelt by his side. He + turned a haggard face upon me, and it was Duplessis, the man who had gone + before me. It needed but one glance at his sunken cheeks and glazing eyes + to tell me that he was dying. + </p> + <p> + “Gerard!” said he; “Gerard!” + </p> + <p> + I could but look my sympathy, but he, though the life was ebbing swiftly + out of him, still kept his duty before him, like the gallant gentleman he + was. + </p> + <p> + “The beacon, Gerard! You will light it?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you flint and steel?” + </p> + <p> + “It is here!” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will light it to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “I die happy to hear you say so. They shot me, Gerard. But you will tell + the Marshal that I did my best.” + </p> + <p> + “And Cortex?” + </p> + <p> + “He was less fortunate. He fell into their hands and died horribly. If you + see that you cannot get away, Gerard, put a bullet into your own heart. + Don't die as Cortex did.” + </p> + <p> + I could see that his breath was failing, and I bent low to catch his + words. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me anything which can help me in my task?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; de Pombal. He will help you. Trust de Pombal.” With the words + his head fell back and he was dead. + </p> + <p> + “Trust de Pombal. It is good advice.” To my amazement a man was standing + at the very side of me. + </p> + <p> + So absorbed had I been in my comrade's words and intent on his advice that + he had crept up without my observing him. Now I sprang to my feet and + faced him. He was a tall, dark fellow, black-haired, black-eyed, + black-bearded, with a long, sad face. In his hand he had a wine-bottle and + over his shoulder was slung one of the trabucos or blunderbusses which + these fellows bear. He made no effort to unsling it, and I understood that + this was the man to whom my dead friend had commended me. + </p> + <p> + “Alas, he is gone!” said he, bending over Duplessis. + </p> + <p> + “He fled into the wood after he was shot, but I was fortunate enough to + find where he had fallen and to make his last hours more easy. This couch + was my making, and I had brought this wine to slake his thirst.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “in the name of France I thank you. I am but a colonel of + light cavalry, but I am Etienne Gerard, and the name stands for something + in the French army. May I ask——” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I am Aloysius de Pombal, younger brother of the famous nobleman + of that name. At present I am the first lieutenant in the band of the + guerilla chief who is usually known as Manuelo, 'The Smiler.'” + </p> + <p> + My word, I clapped my hand to the place where my pistol should have been, + but the man only smiled at the gesture. + </p> + <p> + “I am his first lieutenant, but I am also his deadly enemy,” said he. He + slipped off his jacket and pulled up his shirt as he spoke. “Look at + this!” he cried, and he turned upon me a back which was all scored and + lacerated with red and purple weals. “This is what 'The Smiler' has done + to me, a man with the noblest blood of Portugal in my veins. What I will + do to 'The Smiler' you have still to see.” + </p> + <p> + There was such fury in his eyes and in the grin of his white teeth that I + could no longer doubt his truth, with that clotted and oozing back to + corroborate his words. + </p> + <p> + “I have ten men sworn to stand by me,” said he. “In a few days I hope to + join your army, when I have done my work here. In the meanwhile—” A + strange change came over his face, and he suddenly slung his musket to the + front: “Hold up your hands, you French hound!” he yelled. “Up with them, + or I blow your head of!” + </p> + <p> + You start, my friends! You stare! Think, then, how I stared and started at + this sudden ending of our talk. + </p> + <p> + There was the black muzzle and there the dark, angry eyes behind it. What + could I do? I was helpless. I raised my hands in the air. At the same + moment voices sounded from all parts of the wood, there were crying and + calling and rushing of many feet. A swarm of dreadful figures broke + through the green bushes, a dozen hands seized me, and I, poor, luckless, + frenzied I, was a prisoner once more. Thank God, there was no pistol which + I could have plucked from my belt and snapped at my own head. Had I been + armed at that moment I should not be sitting here in this cafe and telling + you these old-world tales. + </p> + <p> + With grimy, hairy hands clutching me on every side I was led along the + pathway through the wood, the villain de Pombal giving directions to my + captors. Four of the brigands carried up the dead body of Duplessis. + </p> + <p> + The shadows of evening were already falling when we cleared the forest and + came out upon the mountain-side. + </p> + <p> + Up this I was driven until we reached the headquarters of the guerillas, + which lay in a cleft close to the summit of the mountain. There was the + beacon which had cost me so much, a square stack of wood, immediately + above our heads. Below were two or three huts which had belonged, no + doubt, to goatherds, and which were now used to shelter these rascals. + Into one of these I was cast, bound and helpless, and the dead body of my + poor comrade was laid beside me. + </p> + <p> + I was lying there with the one thought still consuming me, how to wait a + few hours and to get at that pile of fagots above my head, when the door + of my prison opened and a man entered. Had my hands been free I should + have flown at his throat, for it was none other than de Pombal. A couple + of brigands were at his heels, but he ordered them back and closed the + door behind him. + </p> + <p> + “You villain!” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” he cried. “Speak low, for I do not know who may be listening, and + my life is at stake. I have some words to say to you, Colonel Gerard; I + wish well to you, as I did to your dead companion. As I spoke to you + beside his body I saw that we were surrounded, and that your capture was + unavoidable. I should have shared your fate had I hesitated. I instantly + captured you myself, so as to preserve the confidence of the band. Your + own sense will tell you that there was nothing else for me to do. I do not + know now whether I can save you, but at least I will try.” + </p> + <p> + This was a new light upon the situation. I told him that I could not tell + how far he spoke the truth, but that I would judge him by his actions. + </p> + <p> + “I ask nothing better,” said he. “A word of advice to you! The chief will + see you now. Speak him fair, or he will have you sawn between two planks. + Contradict nothing he says. Give him such information as he wants. It is + your only chance. If you can gain time something may come in our favour. + Now, I have no more time. Come at once, or suspicion may be awakened.” + </p> + <p> + He helped me to rise, and then, opening the door, he dragged me out very + roughly, and with the aid of the fellows outside he brutally pushed and + thrust me to the place where the guerilla chief was seated, with his rude + followers gathered round him. + </p> + <p> + A remarkable man was Manuelo, “The Smiler.” He was fat and florid and + comfortable, with a big, clean-shaven face and a bald head, the very model + of a kindly father of a family. As I looked at his honest smile I could + scarcely believe that this was, indeed, the infamous ruffian whose name + was a horror through the English Army as well as our own. It is well known + that Trent, who was a British officer, afterward had the fellow hanged for + his brutalities. He sat upon a boulder and he beamed upon me like one who + meets an old acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + I observed, however, that one of his men leaned upon a long saw, and the + sight was enough to cure me of all delusions. + </p> + <p> + “Good evening, Colonel Gerard,” said he. “We have been highly honoured by + General Massena's staff: Major Cortex one day, Colonel Duplessis the next, + and now Colonel Gerard. Possibly the Marshal himself may be induced to + honour us with a visit. You have seen Duplessis, I understand. Cortex you + will find nailed to a tree down yonder. It only remains to be decided how + we can best dispose of yourself.” + </p> + <p> + It was not a cheering speech; but all the time his fat face was wreathed + in smiles, and he lisped out his words in the most mincing and amiable + fashion. Now, however, he suddenly leaned forward, and I read a very real + intensity in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Gerard,” said he, “I cannot promise you your life, for it is not + our custom, but I can give you an easy death or I can give you a terrible + one. Which shall it be?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you wish me to do in exchange?” + </p> + <p> + “If you would die easy I ask you to give me truthful answers to the + questions which I ask.” + </p> + <p> + A sudden thought flashed through my mind. + </p> + <p> + “You wish to kill me,” said I; “it cannot matter to you how I die. If I + answer your questions, will you let me choose the manner of my own death?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will,” said he, “so long as it is before midnight to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Swear it!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “The word of a Portuguese gentleman is sufficient,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Not a word will I say until you have sworn it.” + </p> + <p> + He flushed with anger and his eyes swept round toward the saw. But he + understood from my tone that I meant what I said, and that I was not a man + to be bullied into submission. He pulled a cross from under his zammara or + jacket of black sheepskin. + </p> + <p> + “I swear it,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Oh, my joy as I heard the words! What an end—what an end for the + first swordsman of France! I could have laughed with delight at the + thought. + </p> + <p> + “Now, your questions!” said I. + </p> + <p> + “You swear in turn to answer them truly?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, upon the honour of a gentleman and a soldier.” + </p> + <p> + It was, as you perceive, a terrible thing that I promised, but what was it + compared to what I might gain by compliance? + </p> + <p> + “This is a very fair and a very interesting bargain,” said he, taking a + note-book from his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Would you kindly turn your gaze toward the French camp?” + </p> + <p> + Following the direction of his gesture, I turned and looked down upon the + camp in the plain beneath us. In spite of the fifteen miles, one could in + that clear atmosphere see every detail with the utmost distinctness. + </p> + <p> + There were the long squares of our tents and our huts, with the cavalry + lines and the dark patches which marked the ten batteries of artillery. + How sad to think of my magnificent regiment waiting down yonder, and to + know that they would never see their colonel again! With one squadron of + them I could have swept all these cut-throats off the face of the earth. + My eager eyes filled with tears as I looked at the corner of the camp + where I knew that there were eight hundred men, any one of whom would have + died for his colonel. But my sadness vanished when I saw beyond the tents + the plumes of smoke which marked the headquarters at Torres Novas. There + was Massena, and, please God, at the cost of my life his mission would + that night be done. A spasm of pride and exultation filled my breast. I + should have liked to have had a voice of thunder that I might call to + them, “Behold it is I, Etienne Gerard, who will die in order to save the + army of Clausel!” It was, indeed, sad to think that so noble a deed should + be done, and that no one should be there to tell the tale. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the brigand chief, “you see the camp and you see also the road + which leads to Coimbra. It is crowded with your fourgons and your + ambulances. Does this mean that Massena is about to retreat?” + </p> + <p> + One could see the dark moving lines of waggons with an occasional flash of + steel from the escort. There could, apart from my promise, be no + indiscretion in admitting that which was already obvious. + </p> + <p> + “He will retreat,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “By Coimbra?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe so.” + </p> + <p> + “But the army of Clausel?” + </p> + <p> + I shrugged my shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Every path to the south is blocked. No message can reach them. If Massena + falls back the army of Clausel is doomed.” + </p> + <p> + “It must take its chance,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “How many men has he?” + </p> + <p> + “I should say about fourteen thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “How much cavalry?” + </p> + <p> + “One brigade of Montbrun's Division.” + </p> + <p> + “What regiments?” + </p> + <p> + “The 4th Chasseurs, the 9th Hussars, and a regiment of Cuirassiers.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right,” said he, looking at his note-book. “I can tell you speak + the truth, and Heaven help you if you don't.” Then, division by division, + he went over the whole army, asking the composition of each brigade. + </p> + <p> + Need I tell you that I would have had my tongue torn out before I would + have told him such things had I not a greater end in view? I would let him + know all if I could but save the army of Clausel. + </p> + <p> + At last he closed his note-book and replaced it in his pocket. “I am + obliged to you for this information, which shall reach Lord Wellington + to-morrow,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “You have done your share of the bargain; it is for me now to perform + mine. How would you wish to die? As a soldier you would, no doubt, prefer + to be shot, but some think that a jump over the Merodal precipice is + really an easier death. A good few have taken it, but we were, + unfortunately, never able to get an opinion from them afterward. There is + the saw, too, which does not appear to be popular. We could hang you, no + doubt, but it would involve the inconvenience of going down to the wood. + However, a promise is a promise, and you seem to be an excellent fellow, + so we will spare no pains to meet your wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “You said,” I answered, “that I must die before midnight. I will choose, + therefore, just one minute before that hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said he. “Such clinging to life is rather childish, but your + wishes shall be met.” + </p> + <p> + “As to the method,” I added, “I love a death which all the world can see. + Put me on yonder pile of fagots and burn me alive, as saints and martyrs + have been burned before me. That is no common end, but one which an + Emperor might envy.” + </p> + <p> + The idea seemed to amuse him very much. “Why not?” said he. “If Massena + has sent you to spy upon us, he may guess what the fire upon the mountain + means.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly,” said I. “You have hit upon my very reason. He will guess, and + all will know, that I have died a soldier's death.” + </p> + <p> + “I see no objection whatever,” said the brigand, with his abominable + smile. “I will send some goat's flesh and wine into your hut. The sun is + sinking and it is nearly eight o'clock. In four hours be ready for your + end.” + </p> + <p> + It was a beautiful world to be leaving. I looked at the golden haze below, + where the last rays of the sinking sun shone upon the blue waters of the + winding Tagus and gleamed upon the white sails of the English transports. + </p> + <p> + Very beautiful it was, and very sad to leave; but there are things more + beautiful than that. The death that is died for the sake of others, + honour, and duty, and loyalty, and love—these are the beauties far + brighter than any which the eye can see. My breast was filled with + admiration for my own most noble conduct, and with wonder whether any soul + would ever come to know how I had placed myself in the heart of the beacon + which saved the army of Clausel. I hoped so and I prayed so, for what a + consolation it would be to my mother, what an example to the army, what a + pride to my Hussars! When de Pombal came at last into my hut with the food + and the wine, the first request I made him was that he would write an + account of my death and send it to the French camp. + </p> + <p> + He answered not a word, but I ate my supper with a better appetite from + the thought that my glorious fate would not be altogether unknown. + </p> + <p> + I had been there about two hours when the door opened again, and the chief + stood looking in. I was in darkness, but a brigand with a torch stood + beside him, and I saw his eyes and his teeth gleaming as he peered at me. + </p> + <p> + “Ready?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is not yet time.” + </p> + <p> + “You stand out for the last minute?” + </p> + <p> + “A promise is a promise.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. Be it so. We have a little justice to do among ourselves, for + one of my fellows has been misbehaving. We have a strict rule of our own + which is no respecter of persons, as de Pombal here could tell you. Do you + truss him and lay him on the faggots, de Pombal, and I will return to see + him die.” + </p> + <p> + De Pombal and the man with the torch entered, while I heard the steps of + the chief passing away. De Pombal closed the door. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Gerard,” said he, “you must trust this man, for he is one of my + party. It is neck or nothing. We may save you yet. But I take a great + risk, and I want a definite promise. If we save you, will you guarantee + that we have a friendly reception in the French camp and that all the past + will be forgotten?” + </p> + <p> + “I do guarantee it.” + </p> + <p> + “And I trust your honour. Now, quick, quick, there is not an instant to + lose! If this monster returns we shall die horribly, all three.” + </p> + <p> + I stared in amazement at what he did. Catching up a long rope he wound it + round the body of my dead comrade, and he tied a cloth round his mouth so + as to almost cover his face. + </p> + <p> + “Do you lie there!” he cried, and he laid me in the place of the dead + body. “I have four of my men waiting, and they will place this upon the + beacon.” He opened the door and gave an order. Several of the brigands + entered and bore out Duplessis. For myself I remained upon the floor, with + my mind in a turmoil of hope and wonder. + </p> + <p> + Five minutes later de Pombal and his men were back. + </p> + <p> + “You are laid upon the beacon,” said he; “I defy anyone in the world to + say it is not you, and you are so gagged and bound that no one can expect + you to speak or move. Now, it only remains to carry forth the body of + Duplessis and to toss it over the Merodal precipice.” + </p> + <p> + Two of them seized me by the head and two by the heels, and carried me, + stiff and inert, from the hut. As I came into the open air I could have + cried out in my amazement. The moon had risen above the beacon, and there, + clear outlined against its silver light, was the figure of the man + stretched upon the top. The brigands were either in their camp or standing + round the beacon, for none of them stopped or questioned our little party. + De Pombal led them in the direction of the precipice. At the brow we were + out of sight, and there I was allowed to use my feet once more. De Pombal + pointed to a narrow, winding track. + </p> + <p> + “This is the way down,” said he, and then, suddenly, + </p> + <p> + “Dios mio, what is that?” + </p> + <p> + A terrible cry had risen out of the woods beneath us. + </p> + <p> + I saw that de Pombal was shivering like a frightened horse. + </p> + <p> + “It is that devil,” he whispered. “He is treating another as he treated + me. But on, on, for Heaven help us if he lays his hands upon us.” + </p> + <p> + One by one we crawled down the narrow goat track. + </p> + <p> + At the bottom of the cliff we were back in the woods once more. Suddenly a + yellow glare shone above us, and the black shadows of the tree-trunks + started out in front. + </p> + <p> + They had fired the beacon behind us. Even from where we stood we could see + that impassive body amid the flames, and the black figures of the + guerillas as they danced, howling like cannibals, round the pile. Ha! how + I shook my fist at them, the dogs, and how I vowed that one day my Hussars + and I would make the reckoning level! + </p> + <p> + De Pombal knew how the outposts were placed and all the paths which led + through the forest. But to avoid these villains we had to plunge among the + hills and walk for many a weary mile. And yet how gladly would I have + walked those extra leagues if only for one sight which they brought to my + eyes! It may have been two o'clock in the morning when we halted upon the + bare shoulder of a hill over which our path curled. Looking back we saw + the red glow of the embers of the beacon as if volcanic fires were + bursting from the tall peak of Merodal. And then, as I gazed, I saw + something else—something which caused me to shriek with joy and to + fall upon the ground, rolling in my delight. For, far away upon the + southern horizon, there winked and twinkled one great yellow light, + throbbing and flaming, the light of no house, the light of no star, but + the answering beacon of Mount d'Ossa, which told that the army of Clausel + knew what Etienne Gerard had been sent to tell them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V. How the Brigadier Triumphed in England + </h2> + <p> + I have told you, my friends, how I triumphed over the English at the + fox-hunt when I pursued the animal so fiercely that even the herd of + trained dogs was unable to keep up, and alone with my own hand I put him + to the sword. Perhaps I have said too much of the matter, but there is a + thrill in the triumphs of sport which even warfare cannot give, for in + warfare you share your successes with your regiment and your army, but in + sport it is you yourself unaided who have won the laurels. It is an + advantage which the English have over us that in all classes they take + great interest in every form of sport. It may be that they are richer than + we, or it may be that they are more idle: but I was surprised when I was a + prisoner in that country to observe how widespread was this feeling, and + how much it filled the minds and the lives of the people. A horse that + will run, a cock that will fight, a dog that will kill rats, a man that + will box—they would turn away from the Emperor in all his glory in + order to look upon any of these. + </p> + <p> + I could tell you many stories of English sport, for I saw much of it + during the time that I was the guest of Lord Rufton, after the order for + my exchange had come to England. There were months before I could be sent + back to France, and during this time I stayed with this good Lord Rufton + at his beautiful house of High Combe, which is at the northern end of + Dartmoor. He had ridden with the police when they had pursued me from + Princetown, and he had felt toward me when I was overtaken as I would + myself have felt had I, in my own country, seen a brave and debonair + soldier without a friend to help him. In a word, he took me to his house, + clad me, fed me, and treated me as if he had been my brother. I will say + this of the English, that they were always generous enemies, and very good + people with whom to fight. + </p> + <p> + In the Peninsula the Spanish outposts would present their muskets at ours, + but the British their brandy-flasks. And of all these generous men there + was none who was the equal of this admirable milord, who held out so warm + a hand to an enemy in distress. + </p> + <p> + Ah! what thoughts of sport it brings back to me, the very name of High + Combe! I can see it now, the long, low brick house, warm and ruddy, with + white plaster pillars before the door. He was a great sportsman, this Lord + Rufton, and all who were about him were of the same sort. But you will be + pleased to hear that there were few things in which I could not hold my + own, and in some I excelled. Behind the house was a wood in which + pheasants were reared, and it was Lord Rufton's joy to kill these birds, + which was done by sending in men to drive them out while he and his + friends stood outside and shot them as they passed. For my part, I was + more crafty, for I studied the habits of the bird, and stealing out in the + evening I was able to kill a number of them as they roosted in the trees. + Hardly a single shot was wasted, but the keeper was attracted by the sound + of the firing, and he implored me in his rough English fashion to spare + those that were left. That night I was able to place twelve birds as a + surprise upon Lord Rufton's supper-table, and he laughed until he cried, + so overjoyed was he to see them. “Gad, Gerard, you'll be the death of me + yet!” he cried. Often he said the same thing, for at every turn I amazed + him by the way in which I entered into the sports of the English. + </p> + <p> + There is a game called cricket which they play in the summer, and this + also I learned. Rudd, the head gardener, was a famous player of cricket, + and so was Lord Rufton himself. Before the house was a lawn, and here it + was that Rudd taught me the game. It is a brave pastime, a game for + soldiers, for each tries to strike the other with the ball, and it is but + a small stick with which you may ward it off. Three sticks behind show the + spot beyond which you may not retreat. I can tell you that it is no game + for children, and I will confess that, in spite of my nine campaigns, I + felt myself turn pale when first the ball flashed past me. So swift was it + that I had not time to raise my stick to ward it off, but by good fortune + it missed me and knocked down the wooden pins which marked the boundary. + It was for Rudd then to defend himself and for me to attack. When I was a + boy in Gascony I learned to throw both far and straight, so that I made + sure that I could hit this gallant Englishman. + </p> + <p> + With a shout I rushed forward and hurled the ball at him. It flew as swift + as a bullet toward his ribs, but without a word he swung his staff and the + ball rose a surprising distance in the air. Lord Rufton clapped his hands + and cheered. Again the ball was brought to me, and again it was for me to + throw. This time it flew past his head, and it seemed to me that it was + his turn to look pale. + </p> + <p> + But he was a brave man, this gardener, and again he faced me. Ah, my + friends, the hour of my triumph had come! It was a red waistcoat that he + wore, and at this I hurled the ball. You would have said that I was a + gunner, not a hussar, for never was so straight an aim. With a despairing + cry—the cry of the brave man who is beaten—he fell upon the + wooden pegs behind him, and they all rolled upon the ground together. He + was cruel, this English milord, and he laughed so that he could not come + to the aid of his servant. It was for me, the victor, to rush forward to + embrace this intrepid player, and to raise him to his feet with words of + praise, and encouragement, and hope. He was in pain and could not stand + erect, yet the honest fellow confessed that there was no accident in my + victory. “He did it a-purpose! He did it a-purpose!” + </p> + <p> + Again and again he said it. Yes, it is a great game this cricket, and I + would gladly have ventured upon it again but Lord Rufton and Rudd said + that it was late in the season, and so they would play no more. + </p> + <p> + How foolish of me, the old, broken man, to dwell upon these successes, and + yet I will confess that my age has been very much soothed and comforted by + the memory of the women who have loved me and the men whom I have + overcome. It is pleasant to think that five years afterward, when Lord + Rufton came to Paris after the peace, he was able to assure me that my + name was still a famous one in the north of Devonshire for the fine + exploits that I had performed. Especially, he said, they still talked over + my boxing match with the Honourable Baldock. It came about in this way. Of + an evening many sportsmen would assemble at the house of Lord Rufton, + where they would drink much wine, make wild bets, and talk of their horses + and their foxes. How well I remember those strange creatures. Sir + Barrington, Jack Lupton, of Barnstable, Colonel Addison, Johnny Miller, + Lord Sadler, and my enemy, the Honourable Baldock. They were of the same + stamp all of them, drinkers, madcaps, fighters, gamblers, full of strange + caprices and extraordinary whims. Yet they were kindly fellows in their + rough fashion, save only this Baldock, a fat man, who prided himself on + his skill at the box-fight. It was he who, by his laughter against the + French because they were ignorant of sport, caused me to challenge him in + the very sport at which he excelled. You will say that it was foolish, my + friends, but the decanter had passed many times, and the blood of youth + ran hot in my veins. I would fight him, this boaster; I would show him + that if we had not skill at least we had courage. Lord Rufton would not + allow it. I insisted. The others cheered me on and slapped me on the back. + “No, dash it, Baldock, he's our guest,” said Rufton. “It's his own doing,” + the other answered. “Look here, Rufton, they can't hurt each other if they + wear the mawleys,” cried Lord Sadler. And so it was agreed. + </p> + <p> + What the mawleys were I did not know, but presently they brought out four + great puddings of leather, not unlike a fencing glove, but larger. With + these our hands were covered after we had stripped ourselves of our coats + and our waistcoats. Then the table, with the glasses and decanters, was + pushed into the corner of the room, and behold us; face to face! Lord + Sadler sat in the arm-chair with a watch in his open hand. “Time!” said + he. + </p> + <p> + I will confess to you, my friends, that I felt at that moment a tremor + such as none of my many duels have ever given me. With sword or pistol I + am at home, but here I only understood that I must struggle with this fat + Englishman and do what I could, in spite of these great puddings upon my + hands, to overcome him. And at the very outset I was disarmed of the best + weapon that was left to me. “Mind, Gerard, no kicking!” said Lord Rufton + in my ear. I had only a pair of thin dancing slippers, and yet the man was + fat, and a few well-directed kicks might have left me the victor. But + there is an etiquette just as there is in fencing, and I refrained. I + looked at this Englishman and I wondered how I should attack him. His ears + were large and prominent. Could I seize them I might drag him to the + ground. I rushed in, but I was betrayed by this flabby glove, and twice I + lost my hold. He struck me, but I cared little for his blows, and again I + seized him by the ear. He fell, and I rolled upon him and thumped his head + upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + How they cheered and laughed, these gallant Englishmen, and how they + clapped me on the back! + </p> + <p> + “Even money on the Frenchman,” cried Lord Sadler. + </p> + <p> + “He fights foul,” cried my enemy, rubbing his crimson ears. “He savaged me + on the ground.” + </p> + <p> + “You must take your chance of that,” said Lord Rufton, coldly. + </p> + <p> + “Time!” cried Lord Sadler, and once again we advanced to the assault. + </p> + <p> + He was flushed, and his small eyes were as vicious as those of a bull-dog. + There was hatred on his face. For my part I carried myself lightly and + gaily. A French gentleman fights but he does not hate. I drew myself up + before him, and I bowed as I have done in the duello. + </p> + <p> + There can be grace and courtesy as well as defiance in a bow; I put all + three into this one, with a touch of ridicule in the shrug which + accompanied it. It was at this moment that he struck me. The room spun + round me. I fell upon my back. But in an instant I was on my feet again + and had rushed to a close combat. His ear, his hair, his nose, I seized + them each in turn. Once again the mad joy of the battle was in my veins. + The old cry of triumph rose to my lips. “Vive l'Empereur!” I yelled as I + drove my head into his stomach. He threw his arm round my neck, and + holding me with one hand he struck me with the other. I buried my teeth in + his arm, and he shouted with pain. “Call him off, Rufton!” he screamed. + </p> + <p> + “Call him off, man! He's worrying me!” They dragged me away from him. Can + I ever forget it?—the laughter, the cheering, the congratulations! + Even my enemy bore me no ill-will, for he shook me by the hand. For my + part I embraced him on each cheek. Five years afterward I learned from + Lord Rufton that my noble bearing upon that evening was still fresh in the + memory of my English friends. + </p> + <p> + It is not, however, of my own exploits in sport that I wish to speak to + you to-night, but it is of the Lady Jane Dacre and the strange adventure + of which she was the cause. Lady Jane Dacre was Lord Rufton's sister and + the lady of his household. I fear that until I came it was lonely for her, + since she was a beautiful and refined woman with nothing in common with + those who were about her. Indeed, this might be said of many women in the + England of those days, for the men were rude and rough and coarse, with + boorish habits and few accomplishments, while the women were the most + lovely and tender that I have ever known. We became great friends, the + Lady Jane and I, for it was not possible for me to drink three bottles of + port after dinner like those Devonshire gentlemen, and so I would seek + refuge in her drawing-room, where evening after evening she would play the + harpsichord and I would sing the songs of my own land. In those peaceful + moments I would find a refuge from the misery which filled me, when I + reflected that my regiment was left in the front of the enemy without the + chief whom they had learned to love and to follow. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, I could have torn my hair when I read in the English papers of the + fine fighting which was going on in Portugal and on the frontiers of + Spain, all of which I had missed through my misfortune in falling into the + hands of Milord Wellington. + </p> + <p> + From what I have told you of the Lady Jane you will have guessed what + occurred, my friends. Etienne Gerard is thrown into the company of a young + and beautiful woman. What must it mean for him? What must it mean for her? + It was not for me, the guest, the captive, to make love to the sister of + my host. But I was reserved. + </p> + <p> + I was discreet. I tried to curb my own emotions and to discourage hers. + For my own part I fear that I betrayed myself, for the eye becomes more + eloquent when the tongue is silent. Every quiver of my fingers as I turned + over her music-sheets told her my secret. But she—she was admirable. + It is in these matters that women have a genius for deception. If I had + not penetrated her secret I should often have thought that she forgot even + that I was in the house. For hours she would sit lost in a sweet + melancholy, while I admired her pale face and her curls in the lamp-light, + and thrilled within me to think that I had moved her so deeply. Then at + last I would speak, and she would start in her chair and stare at me with + the most admirable pretence of being surprised to find me in the room. Ah! + how I longed to hurl myself suddenly at her feet, to kiss her white hand, + to assure her that I had surprised her secret and that I would not abuse + her confidence. + </p> + <p> + But no, I was not her equal, and I was under her roof as a castaway enemy. + My lips were sealed. I endeavoured to imitate her own wonderful + affectation of indifference, but, as you may think? I was eagerly alert + for any opportunity of serving her. + </p> + <p> + One morning Lady Jane had driven in her phaeton to Okehampton, and I + strolled along the road which led to that place in the hope that I might + meet her on her return. + </p> + <p> + It was the early winter, and banks of fading fern sloped down to the + winding road. It is a bleak place this Dartmoor, wild and rocky—a + country of wind and mist. + </p> + <p> + I felt as I walked that it is no wonder Englishmen should suffer from the + spleen. My own heart was heavy within me, and I sat upon a rock by the + wayside looking out on the dreary view with my thoughts full of trouble + and foreboding. Suddenly, however, as I glanced down the road, I saw a + sight which drove everything else from my mind, and caused me to leap to + my feet with a cry of astonishment and anger. + </p> + <p> + Down the curve of the road a phaeton was coming, the pony tearing along at + full gallop. Within was the very lady whom I had come to meet. She lashed + at the pony like one who endeavours to escape from some pressing danger, + glancing ever backward over her shoulder. The bend of the road concealed + from me what it was that had alarmed her, and I ran forward not knowing + what to expect. + </p> + <p> + The next instant I saw the pursuer, and my amazement was increased at the + sight. It was a gentleman in the red coat of an English fox-hunter, + mounted on a great grey horse. He was galloping as if in a race, and the + long stride of the splendid creature beneath him soon brought him up to + the lady's flying carriage. I saw him stoop and seize the reins of the + pony, so as to bring it to a halt. The next instant he was deep in talk + with the lady, he bending forward in his saddle and speaking eagerly, she + shrinking away from him as if she feared and loathed him. + </p> + <p> + You may think, my dear friends, that this was not a sight at which I could + calmly gaze. How my heart thrilled within me to think that a chance should + have been given to me to serve the Lady Jane! I ran—oh, good Lord, + how I ran! At last, breathless, speechless, I reached the phaeton. The man + glanced up at me with his blue English eyes, but so deep was he in his + talk that he paid no heed to me, nor did the lady say a word. She still + leaned back, her beautiful pale face gazing up at him. He was a + good-looking fellow—tall, and strong, and brown; a pang of jealousy + seized me as I looked at him. He was talking low and fast, as the English + do when they are in earnest. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, Jinny, it's you and only you that I love,” said he. “Don't + bear malice, Jinny. Let by-gones be by-gones. Come now, say it's all + over.” + </p> + <p> + “No, never, George, never!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + A dusky red suffused his handsome face. The man was furious. + </p> + <p> + “Why can't you forgive me, Jinny?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't forget the past.” + </p> + <p> + “By George, you must! I've asked enough. It's time to order now. I'll have + my rights, d'ye hear?” His hand closed upon her wrist. + </p> + <p> + At last my breath had returned to me. + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” I said, as I raised my hat, “do I intrude, or is there any + possible way in which I can be of service to you?” + </p> + <p> + But neither of them minded me any more than if I had been a fly who buzzed + between them. Their eyes were locked together. + </p> + <p> + “I'll have my rights, I tell you. I've waited long enough.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no use bullying, George.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you give in?” + </p> + <p> + “No, never!” + </p> + <p> + “Is that your final answer?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is.” + </p> + <p> + He gave a bitter curse and threw down her hand. + </p> + <p> + “All right, my lady, we'll see about this.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, sir!” said I, with dignity. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, go to blazes!” he cried, turning on me with his furious face. The + next instant he had spurred his horse and was galloping down the road once + more. + </p> + <p> + Lady Jane gazed after him until he was out of sight, and I was surprised + to see that her face wore a smile and not a frown. Then she turned to me + and held out her hand. + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind, Colonel Gerard. You meant well, I am sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” said I, “if you can oblige me with the gentleman's name and + address I will arrange that he shall never trouble you again.” + </p> + <p> + “No scandal, I beg of you,” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Madame, I could not so far forget myself. Rest assured that no lady's + name would ever be mentioned by me in the course of such an incident. In + bidding me to go to blazes this gentleman has relieved me from the + embarrassment of having to invent a cause of quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Gerard,” said the lady, earnestly, “you must give me your word as + a soldier and a gentleman that this matter goes no farther, and also that + you will say nothing to my brother about what you have seen. Promise me!” + </p> + <p> + “If I must.” + </p> + <p> + “I hold you to your word. Now drive with me to High Combe, and I will + explain as we go.” + </p> + <p> + The first words of her explanation went into me like a sabre-point. + </p> + <p> + “That gentleman,” said she, “is my husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Your husband!” + </p> + <p> + “You must have known that I was married.” She seemed surprised at my + agitation. + </p> + <p> + “I did not know.” + </p> + <p> + “This is Lord George Dacre. We have been married two years. There is no + need to tell you how he wronged me. I left him and sought a refuge under + my brother's roof. Up till to-day he has left me there unmolested. What I + must above all things avoid is the chance of a duel betwixt my husband and + my brother. It is horrible to think of. For this reason Lord Rufton must + know nothing of this chance meeting of to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “If my pistol could free you from this annoyance——” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, it is not to be thought of. Remember your promise, Colonel + Gerard. And not a word at High Combe of what you have seen!” + </p> + <p> + Her husband! I had pictured in my mind that she was a young widow. This + brown-faced brute with his “go to blazes” was the husband of this tender + dove of a woman. Oh, if she would but allow me to free her from so odious + an encumbrance! There is no divorce so quick and certain as that which I + could give her. But a promise is a promise, and I kept it to the letter. + My mouth was sealed. + </p> + <p> + In a week I was to be sent back from Plymouth to St. Malo, and it seemed + to me that I might never hear the sequel of the story. And yet it was + destined that it should have a sequel and that I should play a very + pleasing and honourable part in it. + </p> + <p> + It was only three days after the event which I have described when Lord + Rufton burst hurriedly into my room. + </p> + <p> + His face was pale and his manner that of a man in extreme agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Gerard,” he cried, “have you seen Lady Jane Dacre?” + </p> + <p> + I had seen her after breakfast and it was now mid-day. + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven, there's villainy here!” cried my poor friend, rushing about + like a madman. “The bailiff has been up to say that a chaise and pair were + seen driving full split down the Tavistock Road. The blacksmith heard a + woman scream as it passed his forge. Jane has disappeared. By the Lord, I + believe that she has been kidnapped by this villain Dacre.” He rang the + bell furiously. “Two horses, this instant!” he cried. “Colonel Gerard, + your pistols! Jane comes back with me this night from Gravel Hanger or + there will be a new master in High Combe Hall.” + </p> + <p> + Behold us then within half an hour, like two knight-errants of old, riding + forth to the rescue of this lady in distress. It was near Tavistock that + Lord Dacre lived, and at every house and toll-gate along the road we heard + the news of the flying post-chaise in front of us, so there could be no + doubt whither they were bound. As we rode Lord Rufton told me of the man + whom we were pursuing. + </p> + <p> + His name, it seems, was a household word throughout all England for every + sort of mischief. Wine, women, dice, cards, racing—in all forms of + debauchery he had earned for himself a terrible name. He was of an old and + noble family, and it had been hoped that he had sowed his wild oats when + he married the beautiful Lady Jane Rufton. + </p> + <p> + For some months he had indeed behaved well, and then he had wounded her + feelings in their most tender part by some unworthy liaison. She had fled + from his house and taken refuge with her brother, from whose care she had + now been dragged once more, against her will. I ask you if two men could + have had a fairer errand than that upon which Lord Rufton and myself were + riding. + </p> + <p> + “That's Gravel Hanger,” he cried at last, pointing with his crop, and + there on the green side of a hill was an old brick and timber building as + beautiful as only an English country-house can be. “There's an inn by the + park-gate, and there we shall leave our horses,” he added. + </p> + <p> + For my own part it seemed to me that with so just a cause we should have + done best to ride boldly up to his door and summon him to surrender the + lady. But there I was wrong. For the one thing which every Englishman + fears is the law. He makes it himself, and when he has once made it it + becomes a terrible tyrant before whom the bravest quails. He will smile at + breaking his neck, but he will turn pale at breaking the law. It seems, + then, from what Lord Rufton told me as we walked through the park, that we + were on the wrong side of the law in this matter. Lord Dacre was in the + right in carrying off his wife, since she did indeed belong to him, and + our own position now was nothing better than that of burglars and + trespassers. It was not for burglars to openly approach the front door. We + could take the lady by force or by craft, but we could not take her by + right, for the law was against us. This was what my friend explained to me + as we crept up toward the shelter of a shrubbery which was close to the + windows of the house. Thence we could examine this fortress, see whether + we could effect a lodgment in it, and, above all, try to establish some + communication with the beautiful prisoner inside. + </p> + <p> + There we were, then, in the shrubbery, Lord Rufton and I, each with a + pistol in the pockets of our riding coats, and with the most resolute + determination in our hearts that we should not return without the lady. + </p> + <p> + Eagerly we scanned every window of the wide-spread house. + </p> + <p> + Not a sign could we see of the prisoner or of anyone else; but on the + gravel drive outside the door were the deep-sunk marks of the wheels of + the chaise. There was no doubt that they had arrived. Crouching among the + laurel bushes we held a whispered council of wary but a singular + interruption brought it to an end. + </p> + <p> + Out of the door of the house there stepped a tall, flaxen-haired man, such + a figure as one would choose for the flank of a Grenadier company. As he + turned his brown face and his blue eyes toward us I recognised Lord Dacre. + </p> + <p> + With long strides he came down the gravel path straight for the spot where + we lay. + </p> + <p> + “Come out, Ned!” he shouted; “you'll have the game-keeper putting a charge + of shot into you. Come out, man, and don't skulk behind the bushes.” + </p> + <p> + It was not a very heroic situation for us. My poor friend rose with a + crimson face. I sprang to my feet also and bowed with such dignity as I + could muster. + </p> + <p> + “Halloa! it's the Frenchman, is it?” said he, without returning my bow. + “I've got a crow to pluck with him already. As to you, Ned, I knew you + would be hot on our scent, and so I was looking out for you. I saw you + cross the park and go to ground in the shrubbery. Come in, man, and let us + have all the cards on the table.” + </p> + <p> + He seemed master of the situation, this handsome giant of a man, standing + at his ease on his own ground while we slunk out of our hiding-place. Lord + Rufton had said not a word, but I saw by his darkened brow and his sombre + eyes that the storm was gathering. Lord Dacre led the way into the house, + and we followed close at his heels. + </p> + <p> + He ushered us himself into an oak-panelled sitting-room, closing the door + behind us. Then he looked me up and down with insolent eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Ned,” said he, “time was when an English family could settle + their own affairs in their own way. What has this foreign fellow got to do + with your sister and my wife?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “permit me to point out to you that this is not a case + merely of a sister or a wife, but that I am the friend of the lady in + question, and that I have the privilege which every gentleman possesses of + protecting a woman against brutality. It is only by a gesture that I can + show you what I think of you.” I had my riding glove in my hand, and I + flicked him across the face with it. He drew back with a bitter smile and + his eyes were as hard as flint. + </p> + <p> + “So you've brought your bully with you, Ned?” said he. “You might at least + have done your fighting yourself, if it must come to a fight.” + </p> + <p> + “So I will,” cried Lord Rufton. “Here and now.” + </p> + <p> + “When I've killed this swaggering Frenchman,” said Lord Dacre. He stepped + to a side table and opened a brass-bound case. “By Gad,” said he, “either + that man or I go out of this room feet foremost. I meant well by you, Ned; + I did, by George, but I'll shoot this led-captain of yours as sure as my + name's George Dacre. Take your choice of pistols, sir, and shoot across + this table. The barkers are loaded. Aim straight and kill me if you can, + for by the Lord if you don't, you're done.” + </p> + <p> + In vain Lord Rufton tried to take the quarrel upon himself. Two things + were clear in my mind—one that the Lady Jane had feared above all + things that her husband and brother should fight, the other that if I + could but kill this big milord, then the whole question would be settled + forever in the best way. Lord Rufton did not want him. Lady Jane did not + want him. Therefore, I, Etienne Gerard, their friend, would pay the debt + of gratitude which I owed them by freeing them of this encumbrance. But, + indeed, there was no choice in the matter, for Lord Dacre was as eager to + put a bullet into me as I could be to do the same service to him. In vain + Lord Rufton argued and scolded. The affair must continue. + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you must fight my guest instead of myself, let it be to-morrow + morning with two witnesses,” he cried, at last; “this is sheer murder + across the table.” + </p> + <p> + “But it suits my humour, Ned,” said Lord Dacre. + </p> + <p> + “And mine, sir,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll have nothing to do with it,” cried Lord Rufton. “I tell you, + George, if you shoot Colonel Gerard under these circumstances you'll find + yourself in the dock instead of on the bench. I won't act as second, and + that's flat.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “I am perfectly prepared to proceed without a second.” + </p> + <p> + “That won't do. It's against the law,” cried Lord Dacre. “Come, Ned, don't + be a fool. You see we mean to fight. Hang it, man, all I want you to do is + to drop a handkerchief.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll take no part in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I must find someone who will,” said Lord Dacre. + </p> + <p> + He threw a cloth over the pistols which lay upon the table, and he rang + the bell. A footman entered. “Ask Colonel Berkeley if he will step this + way. You will find him in the billiard-room.” + </p> + <p> + A moment later there entered a tall thin Englishman with a great + moustache, which was a rare thing amid that clean-shaven race. I have + heard since that they were worn only by the Guards and the Hussars. This + Colonel Berkeley was a guardsman. He seemed a strange, tired, languid, + drawling creature with a long black cigar thrusting out, like a pole from + a bush, amidst that immense moustache. He looked from one to the other of + us with true English phlegm, and he betrayed not the slightest surprise + when he was told our intention. + </p> + <p> + “Quite so,” said he; “quite so.” + </p> + <p> + “I refuse to act, Colonel Berkeley,” cried Lord Rufton. + </p> + <p> + “Remember, this duel cannot proceed without you, and I hold you personally + responsible for anything that happens.” + </p> + <p> + This Colonel Berkeley appeared to be an authority upon the question, for + he removed the cigar from his mouth and he laid down the law in his + strange, drawling voice. + </p> + <p> + “The circumstances are unusual but not irregular, Lord Rufton,” said he. + “This gentleman has given a blow and this other gentleman has received it. + That is a clear issue. Time and conditions depend upon the person who + demands satisfaction. Very good. He claims it here and now, across the + table. He is acting within his rights. I am prepared to accept the + responsibility.” + </p> + <p> + There was nothing more to be said. Lord Rufton sat moodily in the corner + with his brows drawn down and his hands thrust deep into the pockets of + his riding-breeches. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Berkeley examined the two pistols and laid them both in the centre + of the table. Lord Dacre was at one end and I at the other, with eight + feet of shining mahogany between us. On the hearth-rug with his back to + the fire, stood the tall colonel, his handkerchief in his left hand, his + cigar between two fingers of his right. + </p> + <p> + “When I drop the handkerchief,” said he, “you will pick up your pistols + and you will fire at your own convenience. Are you ready?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” we cried. + </p> + <p> + His hand opened and the handkerchief fell. I bent swiftly forward and + seized a pistol, but the table, as I have said, was eight feet across, and + it was easier for this long-armed milord to reach the pistols than it was + for me. + </p> + <p> + I had not yet drawn myself straight before he fired, and to this it was + that I owe my life. His bullet would have blown out my brains had I been + erect. As it was it whistled through my curls. At the same instant, just + as I threw up my own pistol to fire, the door flew open and a pair of arms + were thrown round me. It was the beautiful, flushed, frantic face of Lady + Jane which looked up into mine. + </p> + <p> + “You sha'n't fire! Colonel Gerard, for my sake don't fire,” she cried. “It + is a mistake, I tell you, a mistake, a mistake! He is the best and dearest + of husbands. Never again shall I leave his side.” Her hands slid down my + arm and closed upon my pistol. + </p> + <p> + “Jane, Jane,” cried Lord Rufton; “come with me. You should not be here. + Come away.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all confoundedly irregular,” said Colonel Berkeley. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Gerard, you won't fire, will you? My heart would break if he were + hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang it all, Jinny, give the fellow fair play,” cried Lord Dacre. “He + stood my fire like a man, and I won't see him interfered with. Whatever + happens I can't get worse than I deserve.” + </p> + <p> + But already there had passed between me and the lady a quick glance of the + eyes which told her everything. + </p> + <p> + Her hands slipped from my arm. “I leave my husband's life and my own + happiness to Colonel Gerard,” said she. + </p> + <p> + How well she knew me, this admirable woman! I stood for an instant + irresolute, with the pistol cocked in my hand. My antagonist faced me + bravely, with no blenching of his sunburnt face and no flinching of his + bold, blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, sir, take your shot!” cried the colonel from the mat. + </p> + <p> + “Let us have it, then,” said Lord Dacre. + </p> + <p> + I would, at least, show them how completely his life was at the mercy of + my skill. So much I owed to my own self-respect. I glanced round for a + mark. The colonel was looking toward my antagonist, expecting to see him + drop. His face was sideways to me, his long cigar projecting from his lips + with an inch of ash at the end of it. + </p> + <p> + Quick as a flash I raised my pistol and fired. + </p> + <p> + “Permit me to trim your ash, sir,” said I, and I bowed with a grace which + is unknown among these islanders. + </p> + <p> + I am convinced that the fault lay with the pistol and not with my aim. I + could hardly believe my own eyes when I saw that I had snapped off the + cigar within half an inch of his lips. He stood staring at me with the + ragged stub of the cigar-end sticking out from his singed mustache. I can + see him now with his foolish, angry eyes and his long, thin, puzzled face. + Then he began to talk. I have always said that the English are not really + a phlegmatic or a taciturn nation if you stir them out of their groove. No + one could have talked in a more animated way than this colonel. Lady Jane + put her hands over her ears. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, Colonel Berkeley,” said Lord Dacre, sternly, “you forget + yourself. There is a lady in the room.” + </p> + <p> + The colonel gave a stiff bow. + </p> + <p> + “If Lady Dacre will kindly leave the room,” said he, + </p> + <p> + “I will be able to tell this infernal little Frenchman what I think of him + and his monkey tricks.” + </p> + <p> + I was splendid at that moment, for I ignored the words that he had said + and remembered only the extreme provocation. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “I freely offer you my apologies for this unhappy incident. + I felt that if I did not discharge my pistol Lord Dacre's honour might + feel hurt, and yet it was quite impossible for me, after hearing what this + lady has said, to aim it at her husband. I looked round for a mark, + therefore, and I had the extreme misfortune to blow your cigar out of your + mouth when my intention had merely been to snuff the ash. I was betrayed + by my pistol. This is my explanation, sir, and if after listening to my + apologies you still feel that I owe you satisfaction, I need not say that + it is a request which I am unable to refuse.” + </p> + <p> + It was certainly a charming attitude which I had assumed, and it won the + hearts of all of them. Lord Dacre stepped forward and wrung me by the + hand. “By George, sir,” said he, “I never thought to feel toward a + Frenchman as I do to you. You're a man and a gentleman, and I can't say + more.” Lord Rufton said nothing, but his hand-grip told me all that he + thought. Even Colonel Berkeley paid me a compliment, and declared that he + would think no more about the unfortunate cigar. + </p> + <p> + And she—ah, if you could have seen the look she gave me, the flushed + cheek, the moist eye, the tremulous lip! + </p> + <p> + When I think of my beautiful Lady Jane it is at that moment that I recall + her. They would have had me stay to dinner, but you will understand, my + friends, that this was no time for either Lord Rufton or myself to remain + at Gravel Hanger. This reconciled couple desired only to be alone. In the + chaise he had persuaded her of his sincere repentance, and once again they + were a loving husband and wife. If they were to remain so it was best + perhaps that I should go. Why should I unsettle this domestic peace? Even + against my own will my mere presence and appearance might have their + effect upon the lady. No, no, I must tear myself away—even her + persuasions were unable to make me stop. Years afterward I heard that the + household of the Dacres was among the happiest in the whole country, and + that no cloud had ever come again to darken their lives. Yet I dare say if + he could have seen into his wife's mind—but there, I say no more! A + lady's secret is her own, and I fear that she and it are buried long years + ago in some Devonshire churchyard. Perhaps all that gay circle are gone + and the Lady Jane only lives now in the memory of an old half-pay French + brigadier. He at least can never forget. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI. How the Brigadier Rode to Minsk + </h2> + <p> + I would have a stronger wine to-night, my friends, a wine of Burgundy + rather than of Bordeaux. It is that my heart, my old soldier heart, is + heavy within me. It is a strange thing, this age which creeps upon one. + One does not know, one does not understand; the spirit is ever the same, + and one does not remember how the poor body crumbles. But there comes a + moment when it is brought home, when quick as the sparkle of a whirling + sabre it is clear to us, and we see the men we were and the men we are. + Yes, yes, it was so to-day, and I would have a wine of Burgundy to-night. + White Burgundy—Montrachet—Sir, I am your debtor! + </p> + <p> + It was this morning in the Champ de Mars. Your pardon, friends, while an + old man tells his trouble. You saw the review. Was it not splendid? I was + in the enclosure for veteran officers who have been decorated. + </p> + <p> + This ribbon on my breast was my passport. The cross itself I keep at home + in a leathern pouch. They did us honour, for we were placed at the + saluting point, with the Emperor and the carriages of the Court upon our + right. + </p> + <p> + It is years since I have been to a review, for I cannot approve of many + things which I have seen. I do not approve of the red breeches of the + infantry. It was in white breeches that the infantry used to fight. Red is + for the cavalry. A little more, and they would ask our busbies and our + spurs! Had I been seen at a review they might well have said that I, + Etienne Gerard, had condoned it. So I have stayed at home. But this war of + the Crimea is different. The men go to battle. + </p> + <p> + It is not for me to be absent when brave men gather. + </p> + <p> + My faith, they march well, those little infantrymen! + </p> + <p> + They are not large, but they are very solid and they carry themselves + well. I took off my hat to them as they passed. Then there came the guns. + They were good guns, well horsed and well manned. I took off my hat to + them. Then came the Engineers, and to them also I took off my hat. There + are no braver men than the Engineers. Then came the cavalry, Lancers, + Cuirassiers, Chasseurs, and Spahis. To all of them in turn I was able to + take off my hat, save only to the Spahis. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor had no Spahis. But when all of the others had passed, what + think you came at the close? A brigade of Hussars, and at the charge! + </p> + <p> + Oh, my friends, the pride and the glory and the beauty, the flash and the + sparkle, the roar of the hoofs and the jingle of chains, the tossing + manes, the noble heads, the rolling cloud, and the dancing waves of steel! + My heart drummed to them as they passed. And the last of all, was it not + my own old regiment? My eyes fell upon the grey and silver dolmans, with + the leopard-skin shabraques, and at that instant the years fell away from + me and I saw my own beautiful men and horses, even as they had swept + behind their young colonel, in the pride of our youth and our strength, + just forty years ago. Up flew my cane. “Chargez! En avant! Vive + l'Empereur!” + </p> + <p> + It was the past calling to the present. But oh, what a thin, piping voice! + Was this the voice that had once thundered from wing to wing of a strong + brigade? And the arm that could scarce wave a cane, were these the muscles + of fire and steel which had no match in all Napoleon's mighty host? They + smiled at me. They cheered me. The Emperor laughed and bowed. But to me + the present was a dim dream, and what was real were my eight hundred dead + Hussars and the Etienne of long ago. + </p> + <p> + Enough—a brave man can face age and fate as he faced Cossacks and + Uhlans. But there are times when Montrachet is better than the wine of + Bordeaux. + </p> + <p> + It is to Russia that they go, and so I will tell you a story of Russia. + Ah, what an evil dream of the night it seems! Blood and ice. Ice and + blood. Fierce faces with snow upon the whiskers. Blue hands held out for + succour. And across the great white plain the one long black line of + moving figures, trudging, trudging, a hundred miles, another hundred, and + still always the same white plain. Sometimes there were fir-woods to limit + it, sometimes it stretched away to the cold blue sky, but the black line + stumbled on and on. Those weary, ragged, starving men, the spirit frozen + out of them, looked neither to right nor left, but with sunken faces and + rounded backs trailed onward and ever onward, making for France as wounded + beasts make for their lair. There was no speaking, and you could scarce + hear the shuffle of feet in the snow. Once only I heard them laugh. It was + outside Wilna, when an aide-de-camp rode up to the head of that dreadful + column and asked if that were the Grand Army. All who were within hearing + looked round, and when they saw those broken men, those ruined regiments, + those fur-capped skeletons who were once the Guard, they laughed, and the + laugh crackled down the column like a feu de joie. I have heard many a + groan and cry and scream in my life, but nothing so terrible as the laugh + of the Grand Army. + </p> + <p> + But why was it that these helpless men were not destroyed by the Russians? + Why was it that they were not speared by the Cossacks or herded into + droves, and driven as prisoners into the heart of Russia? On every side as + you watched the black snake winding over the snow you saw also dark, + moving shadows which came and went like cloud drifts on either flank and + behind. They were the Cossacks, who hung round us like wolves round the + flock. + </p> + <p> + But the reason why they did not ride in upon us was that all the ice of + Russia could not cool the hot hearts of some of our soldiers. To the end + there were always those who were ready to throw themselves between these + savages and their prey. One man above all rose greater as the danger + thickened, and won a higher name amid disaster than he had done when he + led our van to victory. To him I drink this glass—to Ney, the + red-maned Lion, glaring back over his shoulder at the enemy who feared to + tread too closely on his heels. I can see him now, his broad white face + convulsed with fury, his light blue eyes sparkling like flints, his great + voice roaring and crashing amid the roll of the musketry. His glazed and + featherless cocked hat was the ensign upon which France rallied during + those dreadful days. + </p> + <p> + It is well known that neither I nor the regiment of Hussars of Conflans + were at Moscow. We were left behind on the lines of communication at + Borodino. How the Emperor could have advanced without us is + incomprehensible to me, and, indeed, it was only then that I understood + that his judgment was weakening and that he was no longer the man that he + had been. However, a soldier has to obey orders, and so I remained at this + village, which was poisoned by the bodies of thirty thousand men who had + lost their lives in the great battle. I spent the late autumn in getting + my horses into condition and reclothing my men, so that when the army fell + back on Borodino my Hussars were the best of the cavalry, and were placed + under Ney in the rear-guard. + </p> + <p> + What could he have done without us during those dreadful days? “Ah, + Gerard,” said he one evening—but it is not for me to repeat the + words. Suffice it that he spoke what the whole army felt. The rear-guard + covered the army and the Hussars of Conflans covered the rear-guard. There + was the whole truth in a sentence. + </p> + <p> + Always the Cossacks were on us. Always we held them off. Never a day + passed that we had not to wipe our sabres. That was soldiering indeed. + </p> + <p> + But there came a time between Wilna and Smolensk when the situation became + impossible. Cossacks and even cold we could fight, but we could not fight + hunger as well. Food must be got at all costs. That night Ney sent for me + to the waggon in which he slept. His great head was sunk on his hands. + Mind and body he was wearied to death. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Gerard,” said he, “things are going very badly with us. The men + are starving. We must have food at all costs.” + </p> + <p> + “The horses,” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Save your handful of cavalry; there are none left.” + </p> + <p> + “The band,” said I. + </p> + <p> + He laughed, even in his despair. + </p> + <p> + “Why the band?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Fighting men are of value.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said he. “You would play the game down to the last card and so + would I. Good, Gerard, good!” + </p> + <p> + He clasped my hand in his. “But there is one chance for us yet, Gerard.” + He unhooked a lantern from the roof of the waggon and he laid it on a map + which was stretched before him. “To the south of us,” said he, “there lies + the town of Minsk. I have word from a Russian deserter that much corn has + been stored in the town-hall. I wish you to take as many men as you think + best, set forth for Minsk, seize the corn, load any carts which you may + collect in the town, and bring them to me between here and Smolensk. If + you fail it is but a detachment cut off. If you succeed it is new life to + the army.” + </p> + <p> + He had not expressed himself well, for it was evident that if we failed it + was not merely the loss of a detachment. It is quality as well as quantity + which counts. + </p> + <p> + And yet how honourable a mission and how glorious a risk! If mortal men + could bring it, then the corn should come from Minsk. I said so, and spoke + a few burning words about a brave man's duty until the Marshal was so + moved that he rose and, taking me affectionately by the shoulders, pushed + me out of the waggon. + </p> + <p> + It was clear to me that in order to succeed in my enterprise I should take + a small force and depend rather upon surprise than upon numbers. A large + body could not conceal itself, would have great difficulty in getting + food, and would cause all the Russians around us to concentrate for its + certain destruction. On the other hand, if a small body of cavalry could + get past the Cossacks unseen it was probable that they would find no + troops to oppose them, for we knew that the main Russian army was several + days' march behind us. This corn was meant, no doubt, for their + consumption. A squadron of Hussars and thirty Polish Lancers were all whom + I chose for the venture. That very night we rode out of the camp, and + struck south in the direction of Minsk. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately there was but a half moon, and we were able to pass without + being attacked by the enemy. Twice we saw great fires burning amid the + snow, and around them a thick bristle of long poles. These were the lances + of Cossacks, which they had stood upright while they slept. It would have + been a great joy to us to have charged in amongst them, for we had much to + revenge, and the eyes of my comrades looked longingly from me to those red + flickering patches in the darkness. My faith, I was sorely tempted to do + it, for it would have been a good lesson to teach them that they must keep + a few miles between themselves and a French army. It is the essence of + good generalship, however, to keep one thing before one at a time, and so + we rode silently on through the snow, leaving these Cossack bivouacs to + right and left. Behind us the black sky was all mottled with a line of + flame which showed where our own poor wretches were trying to keep + themselves alive for another day of misery and starvation. + </p> + <p> + All night we rode slowly onward, keeping our horses' tails to the Pole + Star. There were many tracks in the snow, and we kept to the line of + these, that no one might remark that a body of cavalry had passed that + way. + </p> + <p> + These are the little precautions which mark the experienced officer. + Besides, by keeping to the tracks we were most likely to find the + villages, and only in the villages could we hope to get food. The dawn of + day found us in a thick fir-wood, the trees so loaded with snow that the + light could hardly reach us. When we had found our way out of it it was + full daylight, the rim of the rising sun peeping over the edge of the + great snow-plain and turning it crimson from end to end. I halted my + Hussars and Lancers under the shadow of the wood, and I studied the + country. Close to us there was a small farm-house. Beyond, at the distance + of several miles, was a village. Far away on the sky-line rose a + considerable town all bristling with church towers. This must be Minsk. In + no direction could I see any signs of troops. It was evident that we had + passed through the Cossacks and that there was nothing between us and our + goal. A joyous shout burst from my men when I told them our position, and + we advanced rapidly toward the village. + </p> + <p> + I have said, however, that there was a small farm-house immediately in + front of us. As we rode up to it I observed that a fine grey horse with a + military saddle was tethered by the door. Instantly I galloped forward, + but before I could reach it a man dashed out of the door, flung himself on + to the horse, and rode furiously away, the crisp, dry snow flying up in a + cloud behind him. The sunlight gleamed upon his gold epaulettes, and I + knew that he was a Russian officer. He would raise the whole country-side + if we did not catch him. I put spurs to Violette and flew after him. My + troopers followed; but there was no horse among them to compare with + Violette, and I knew well that if I could not catch the Russian I need + expect no help from them. + </p> + <p> + But it is a swift horse indeed and a skilful rider who can hope to escape + from Violette with Etienne Gerard in the saddle. He rode well, this young + Russian, and his mount was a good one, but gradually we wore him down. + </p> + <p> + His face glanced continually over his shoulder—dark, handsome face, + with eyes like an eagle—and I saw as I closed with him that he was + measuring the distance between us. Suddenly he half turned; there were a + flash and a crack as his pistol bullet hummed past my ear. + </p> + <p> + Before he could draw his sword I was upon him; but he still spurred his + horse, and the two galloped together over the plain, I with my leg against + the Russian's and my left hand upon his right shoulder. I saw his hand fly + up to his mouth. Instantly I dragged him across my pommel and seized him + by the throat, so that he could not swallow. His horse shot from under + him, but I held him fast and Violette came to a stand. Sergeant Oudin of + the Hussars was the first to join us. He was an old soldier, and he saw at + a glance what I was after. + </p> + <p> + “Hold tight, Colonel,” said he, “I'll do the rest.” + </p> + <p> + He slipped out his knife, thrust the blade between the clenched teeth of + the Russian, and turned it so as to force his mouth open. There, on his + tongue, was the little wad of wet paper which he had been so anxious to + swallow. Oudin picked it out and I let go of the man's throat. From the + way in which, half strangled as he was, he glanced at the paper I was sure + that it was a message of extreme importance. His hands twitched as if he + longed to snatch it from me. He shrugged his shoulders, however, and + smiled good-humouredly when I apologised for my roughness. + </p> + <p> + “And now to business,” said I, when he had done coughing and hawking. + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Alexis Barakoff.” + </p> + <p> + “Your rank and regiment?” + </p> + <p> + “Captain of the Dragoons of Grodno.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this note which you were carrying?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a line which I had written to my sweetheart.” + </p> + <p> + “Whose name,” said I, examining the address, “is the Hetman Platoff. Come, + come, sir, this is an important military document, which you are carrying + from one general to another. Tell me this instant what it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Read it and then you will know.” He spoke perfect French, as do most of + the educated Russians. But he knew well that there is not one French + officer in a thousand who knows a word of Russian. The inside of the note + contained one single line, which ran like this:— + </p> + <p> + “Pustj Franzuzy pridutt v Minsk. Min gotovy.” + </p> + <p> + I stared at it, and I had to shake my head. Then I showed it to my + Hussars, but they could make nothing of it. The Poles were all rough + fellows who could not read or write, save only the sergeant, who came from + Memel, in East Prussia, and knew no Russian. It was maddening, for I felt + that I had possession of some important secret upon which the safety of + the army might depend, and yet I could make no sense of it. Again I + entreated our prisoner to translate it, and offered him his freedom if he + would do so. He only smiled at my request. + </p> + <p> + I could not but admire him, for it was the very smile which I should have + myself smiled had I been in his position. + </p> + <p> + “At least,” said I, “tell us the name of this village.” + </p> + <p> + “It is Dobrova.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is Minsk over yonder, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is Minsk.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we shall go to the village and we shall very soon find some one who + will translate this despatch.” + </p> + <p> + So we rode onward together, a trooper with his carbine unslung on either + side of our prisoner. The village was but a little place, and I set a + guard at the ends of the single street, so that no one could escape from + it. It was necessary to call a halt and to find some food for the men and + horses, since they had travelled all night and had a long journey still + before them. + </p> + <p> + There was one large stone house in the centre of the village, and to this + I rode. It was the house of the priest—a snuffy and ill-favoured old + man who had not a civil answer to any of our questions. An uglier fellow I + never met, but, my faith, it was very different with his only daughter, + who kept house for him. She was a brunette, a rare thing in Russia, with + creamy skin, raven hair, and a pair of the most glorious dark eyes that + ever kindled at the sight of a Hussar. From the first glance I saw that + she was mine. It was no time for love-making when a soldier's duty had to + be done, but still, as I took the simple meal which they laid before me, I + chatted lightly with the lady, and we were the best of friends before an + hour had passed. Sophie was her first name, her second I never knew. I + taught her to call me Etienne, and I tried to cheer her up, for her sweet + face was sad and there were tears in her beautiful dark eyes. I pressed + her to tell me what it was which was grieving her. + </p> + <p> + “How can I be otherwise,” said she, speaking French with a most adorable + lisp, “when one of my poor countrymen is a prisoner in your hands? I saw + him between two of your Hussars as you rode into the village.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the fortune of war,” said I. “His turn to-day; mine, perhaps, + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “But consider, Monsieur—” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Etienne,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Monsieur——” + </p> + <p> + “Etienne,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” she cried, beautifully flushed and desperate, “consider, + Etienne, that this young officer will be taken back to your army and will + be starved or frozen, for if, as I hear, your own soldiers have a hard + march, what will be the lot of a prisoner?” + </p> + <p> + I shrugged my shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “You have a kind face, Etienne,” said she; “you would not condemn this + poor man to certain death. I entreat you to let him go.” + </p> + <p> + Her delicate hand rested upon my sleeve, her dark eyes looked imploringly + into mine. + </p> + <p> + A sudden thought passed through my mind. I would grant her request, but I + would demand a favour in return. + </p> + <p> + At my order the prisoner was brought up into the room. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Barakoff,” said I, “this young lady has begged me to release you, + and I am inclined to do so. I would ask you to give your parole that you + will remain in this dwelling for twenty-four hours, and take no steps to + inform anyone of our movements.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Then I trust in your honour. One man more or less can make no difference + in a struggle between great armies, and to take you back as a prisoner + would be to condemn you to death. Depart, sir, and show your gratitude not + to me, but to the first French officer who falls into your hands.” + </p> + <p> + When he was gone I drew my paper from my pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Sophie,” said I, “I have done what you asked me, and all that I ask + in return is that you will give me a lesson in Russian.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Let us begin on this,” said I, spreading out the paper before her. “Let + us take it word for word and see what it means.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at the writing with some surprise. “It means,” said she, “if + the French come to Minsk all is lost.” Suddenly a look of consternation + passed over her beautiful face. “Great Heavens!” she cried, “what is it + that I have done? I have betrayed my country! Oh, Etienne, your eyes are + the last for whom this message is meant. How could you be so cunning as to + make a poor, simple-minded, and unsuspecting girl betray the cause of her + country?” + </p> + <p> + I consoled my poor Sophie as best I might, and I assured her that it was + no reproach to her that she should be outwitted by so old a campaigner and + so shrewd a man as myself. But it was no time now for talk. This message + made it clear that the corn was indeed at Minsk, and that there were no + troops there to defend it. I gave a hurried order from the window, the + trumpeter blew the assembly, and in ten minutes we had left the village + behind us and were riding hard for the city, the gilded domes and minarets + of which glimmered above the snow of the horizon. Higher they rose and + higher, until at last, as the sun sank toward the west, we were in the + broad main street, and galloped up it amid the shouts of the moujiks and + the cries of frightened women until we found ourselves in front of the + great town-hall. My cavalry I drew up in the square, and I, with my two + sergeants, Oudin and Papilette, rushed into the building. + </p> + <p> + Heavens! shall I ever forget the sight which greeted us? Right in front of + us was drawn up a triple line of Russian Grenadiers. Their muskets rose as + we entered, and a crashing volley burst into our very faces. Oudin and + Papilette dropped upon the floor, riddled with bullets. + </p> + <p> + For myself, my busby was shot away and I had two holes through my dolman. + The Grenadiers ran at me with their bayonets. “Treason!” I cried. “We are + betrayed! Stand to your horses!” I rushed out of the hall, but the whole + square was swarming with troops. + </p> + <p> + From every side street Dragoons and Cossacks were riding down upon us, and + such a rolling fire had burst from the surrounding houses that half my men + and horses were on the ground. “Follow me!” I yelled, and sprang upon + Violette, but a giant of a Russian Dragoon officer threw his arms round me + and we rolled on the ground together. + </p> + <p> + He shortened his sword to kill me, but, changing his mind, he seized me by + the throat and banged my head against the stones until I was unconscious. + So it was that I became the prisoner of the Russians. + </p> + <p> + When I came to myself my only regret was that my captor had not beaten out + my brains. There in the grand square of Minsk lay half my troopers dead or + wounded, with exultant crowds of Russians gathered round them. + </p> + <p> + The rest in a melancholy group were herded into the porch of the + town-hall, a sotnia of Cossacks keeping guard over them. Alas! what could + I say, what could I do? It was evident that I had led my men into a + carefully-baited trap. They had heard of our mission and they had prepared + for us. And yet there was that despatch which had caused me to neglect all + precautions and to ride straight into the town. How was I to account for + that? The tears ran down my cheeks as I surveyed the ruin of my squadron, + and as I thought of the plight of my comrades of the Grand Army who + awaited the food which I was to have brought them. Ney had trusted me and + I had failed him. How often he would strain his eyes over the snow-fields + for that convoy of grain which should never gladden his sight! My own fate + was hard enough. An exile in Siberia was the best which the future could + bring me. But you will believe me, my friends, that it was not for his own + sake, but for that of his starving comrades, that Etienne Gerard's cheeks + were lined by his tears, frozen even as they were shed. + </p> + <p> + “What's this?” said a gruff voice at my elbow; and I turned to face the + huge, black-bearded Dragoon who had dragged me from my saddle. “Look at + the Frenchman crying! I thought that the Corsican was followed by brave + men and not by children.” + </p> + <p> + “If you and I were face to face and alone, I should let you see which is + the better man,” said I. + </p> + <p> + For answer the brute struck me across the face with his open hand. I + seized him by the throat, but a dozen of his soldiers tore me away from + him, and he struck me again while they held my hands. + </p> + <p> + “You base hound,” I cried, “is this the way to treat an officer and a + gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “We never asked you to come to Russia,” said he. “If you do you must take + such treatment as you can get. I would shoot you off-hand if I had my + way.” + </p> + <p> + “You will answer for this some day,” I cried, as I wiped the blood from my + moustache. + </p> + <p> + “If the Hetman Platoff is of my way of thinking you will not be alive this + time to-morrow,” he answered, with a ferocious scowl. He added some words + in Russian to his troops, and instantly they all sprang to their saddles. + </p> + <p> + Poor Violette, looking as miserable as her master, was led round and I was + told to mount her. My left arm was tied with a thong which was fastened to + the stirrup-iron of a sergeant of Dragoons. So in most sorry plight I and + the remnant of my men set forth from Minsk. + </p> + <p> + Never have I met such a brute as this man Sergine, who commanded the + escort. The Russian army contains the best and the worst in the world, but + a worse than Major Sergine of the Dragoons of Kieff I have never seen in + any force outside of the guerillas of the Peninsula. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of great stature, with a fierce, hard face and a bristling + black beard, which fell over his cuirass. + </p> + <p> + I have been told since that he was noted for his strength and his bravery, + and I could answer for it that he had the grip of a bear, for I had felt + it when he tore me from my saddle. He was a wit, too, in his way, and made + continual remarks in Russian at our expense which set all his Dragoons and + Cossacks laughing. Twice he beat my comrades with his riding-whip, and + once he approached me with the lash swung over his shoulder, but there was + something in my eyes which prevented it from falling. + </p> + <p> + So in misery and humiliation, cold and starving, we rode in a disconsolate + column across the vast snow-plain. The sun had sunk, but still in the long + northern twilight we pursued our weary journey. Numbed and frozen, with my + head aching from the blows it had received, I was borne onward by + Violette, hardly conscious of where I was or whither I was going. The + little mare walked with a sunken head, only raising it to snort her + contempt for the mangy Cossack ponies who were round her. + </p> + <p> + But suddenly the escort stopped, and I found that we had halted in the + single street of a small Russian village. + </p> + <p> + There was a church on one side, and on the other was a large stone house, + the outline of which seemed to me to be familiar. I looked around me in + the twilight, and then I saw that we had been led back to Dobrova, and + that this house at the door of which we were waiting was the same house of + the priest at which we had stopped in the morning. Here it was that my + charming Sophie in her innocence had translated the unlucky message which + had in some strange way led us to our ruin. To think that only a few hours + before we had left this very spot with such high hopes and all fair + prospects for our mission, and now the remnants of us waited as beaten and + humiliated men for whatever lot a brutal enemy might ordain! But such is + the fate of the soldier, my friends—kisses to-day, blows to-morrow. + Tokay in a palace, ditch-water in a hovel, furs or rags, a full purse or + an empty pocket, ever swaying from the best to the worst, with only his + courage and his honour unchanging. + </p> + <p> + The Russian horsemen dismounted, and my poor fellows were ordered to do + the same. It was already late, and it was clearly their intention to spend + the night in this village. There were great cheering and joy amongst the + peasants when they understood that we had all been taken, and they flocked + out of their houses with flaming torches, the women carrying out tea and + brandy for the Cossacks. Amongst others the old priest came forth—the + same whom we had seen in the morning. He was all smiles now, and he bore + with him some hot punch on a salver, the reek of which I can remember + still. Behind her father was Sophie. With horror I saw her clasp Major + Sergine's hand as she congratulated him upon the victory he had won and + the prisoners he had made. The old priest, her father, looked at me with + an insolent face and made insulting remarks at my expense, pointing at me + with his lean and grimy hand. His fair daughter Sophie looked at me also, + but she said nothing, and I could read her tender pity in her dark eyes. + At last she turned to Major Sergine and said something to him in Russian, + on which he frowned and shook his head impatiently. + </p> + <p> + She appeared to plead with him, standing there in the flood of light which + shone from the open door of her father's house. My eyes were fixed upon + the two faces, that of the beautiful girl and of the dark, fierce man, for + my instinct told me that it was my own fate which was under debate. For a + long time the soldier shook his head, and then, at last softening before + her pleadings, he appeared to give way. He turned to where I stood with my + guardian sergeant beside me. + </p> + <p> + “These good people offer you the shelter of their roof for the night,” + said he to me, looking me up and down with vindictive eyes. “I find it + hard to refuse them, but I tell you straight that for my part I had rather + see you on the snow. It would cool your hot blood, you rascal of a + Frenchman!” + </p> + <p> + I looked at him with the contempt that I felt. + </p> + <p> + “You were born a savage and you will die one,” said I. + </p> + <p> + My words stung him, for he broke into an oath, raising his whip as if he + would strike me. + </p> + <p> + “Silence, you crop-eared dog!” he cried. “Had I my way some of the + insolence would be frozen out of you before morning.” Mastering his + passion, he turned upon Sophie with what he meant to be a gallant manner. + “If you have a cellar with a good lock,” said he, “the fellow may lie in + it for the night, since you have done him the honour to take an interest + in his comfort. I must have his parole that he will not attempt to play us + any tricks, as I am answerable for him until I hand him over to the Hetman + Platoff to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + His supercilious manner was more than I could endure. + </p> + <p> + He had evidently spoken French to the lady in order that I might + understand the humiliating way in which he referred to me. + </p> + <p> + “I will take no favour from you,” said I. “You may do what you like, but I + will never give you my parole.” + </p> + <p> + The Russian shrugged his great shoulders, and turned away as if the matter + were ended. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, my fine fellow, so much the worse for your fingers and toes. + We shall see how you are in the morning after a night in the snow.” + </p> + <p> + “One moment, Major Sergine,” cried Sophie. “You must not be so hard upon + this prisoner. There are some special reasons why he has a claim upon our + kindness and mercy.” + </p> + <p> + The Russian looked with suspicion upon his face from her to me. + </p> + <p> + “What are the special reasons? You certainly seem to take a remarkable + interest in this Frenchman,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “The chief reason is that he has this very morning of his own accord + released Captain Alexis Barakoff, of the Dragoons of Grodno.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said Barakoff, who had come out of the house. “He captured + me this morning, and he released me upon parole rather than take me back + to the French army, where I should have been starved.” + </p> + <p> + “Since Colonel Gerard has acted so generously you will surely, now that + fortune has changed, allow us to offer him the poor shelter of our cellar + upon this bitter night,” said Sophie. “It is a small return for his + generosity.” + </p> + <p> + But the Dragoon was still in the sulks. + </p> + <p> + “Let him give me his parole first that he will not attempt to escape,” + said he. “Do you hear, sir? Do you give me your parole?” + </p> + <p> + “I give you nothing,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Gerard,” cried Sophie, turning to me with a coaxing smile, “you + will give me your parole, will you not?” + </p> + <p> + “To you, mademoiselle, I can refuse nothing. I will give you my parole, + with pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “There, Major Sergine,” cried Sophie, in triumph, “that is surely + sufficient. You have heard him say that he gives me his parole. I will be + answerable for his safety.” + </p> + <p> + In an ungracious fashion my Russian bear grunted his consent, and so I was + led into the house, followed by the scowling father and by the big, + black-bearded Dragoon. In the basement there was a large and roomy + chamber, where the winter logs were stored. Thither it was that I was led, + and I was given to understand that this was to be my lodging for the + night. One side of this bleak apartment was heaped up to the ceiling with + fagots of firewood. The rest of the room was stone-flagged and + bare-walled, with a single, deep-set window upon one side, which was + safely guarded with iron bars. For light I had a large stable lantern, + which swung from a beam of the low ceiling. Major Sergine smiled as he + took this down, and swung it round so as to throw its light into every + corner of that dreary chamber. + </p> + <p> + “How do you like our Russian hotels, monsieur?” he asked, with his hateful + sneer. “They are not very grand, but they are the best that we can give + you. Perhaps the next time that you Frenchmen take a fancy to travel you + will choose some other country where they will make you more comfortable.” + He stood laughing at me, his white teeth gleaming through his beard. Then + he left me, and I heard the great key creak in the lock. + </p> + <p> + For an hour of utter misery, chilled in body and soul, I sat upon a pile + of fagots, my face sunk upon my hands and my mind full of the saddest + thoughts. It was cold enough within those four walls, but I thought of the + sufferings of my poor troopers outside, and I sorrowed with their sorrow. + Then I paced up and down, and I clapped my hands together and kicked my + feet against the walls to keep them from being frozen. The lamp gave out + some warmth, but still it was bitterly cold, and I had had no food since + morning. It seemed to me that everyone had forgotten me, but at last I + heard the key turn in the lock, and who should enter but my prisoner of + the morning, Captain Alexis Barakoff. A bottle of wine projected from + under his arm, and he carried a great plate of hot stew in front of him. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said he; “not a word! Keep up your heart! I cannot stop to + explain, for Sergine is still with us. Keep awake and ready!” With these + hurried words he laid down the welcome food and ran out of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Keep awake and ready!” The words rang in my ears. I ate my food and I + drank my wine, but it was neither food nor wine which had warmed the heart + within me. What could those words of Barakoff mean? + </p> + <p> + Why was I to remain awake? For what was I to be ready? Was it possible + that there was a chance yet of escape? I have never respected the man who + neglects his prayers at all other times and yet prays when he is in peril. + It is like a bad soldier who pays no respect to the colonel save when he + would demand a favour of him. And yet when I thought of the salt-mines of + Siberia on the one side and of my mother in France upon the other, I could + not help a prayer rising, not from my lips, but from my heart, that the + words of Barakoff might mean all that I hoped. But hour after hour struck + upon the village clock, and still I heard nothing save the call of the + Russian sentries in the street outside. + </p> + <p> + Then at last my heart leaped within me, for I heard a light step in the + passage. An instant later the key turned, the door opened, and Sophie was + in the room. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur—” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Etienne,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing will change you,” said she. “But is it possible that you do not + hate me? Have you forgiven me the trick which I played you?” + </p> + <p> + “What trick?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! Is it possible that even now you have not understood it? + You have asked me to translate the despatch. I have told you that it + meant, 'If the French come to Minsk all is lost.'” + </p> + <p> + “What did it mean, then?” + </p> + <p> + “It means, 'Let the French come to Minsk. We are awaiting them.”' + </p> + <p> + I sprang back from her. + </p> + <p> + “You betrayed me!” I cried. “You lured me into this trap. It is to you + that I owe the death and capture of my men. Fool that I was to trust a + woman!” + </p> + <p> + “Do not be unjust, Colonel Gerard. I am a Russian woman, and my first duty + is to my country. Would you not wish a French girl to have acted as I have + done? Had I translated the message correctly you would not have gone to + Minsk and your squadron would have escaped. Tell me that you forgive me!” + </p> + <p> + She looked bewitching as she stood pleading her cause in front of me. And + yet, as I thought of my dead men, I could not take the hand which she held + out to me. + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said she, as she dropped it by her side. + </p> + <p> + “You feel for your own people and I feel for mine, and so we are equal. + But you have said one wise and kindly thing within these walls, Colonel + Gerard. You have said, 'One man more or less can make no difference in a + struggle between two great armies.' Your lesson of nobility is not wasted. + Behind those fagots is an unguarded door. Here is the key to it. Go forth, + Colonel Gerard, and I trust that we may never look upon each other's faces + again.” + </p> + <p> + I stood for an instant with the key in my hand and my head in a whirl. + Then I handed it back to her. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot do it,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “I have given my parole.” + </p> + <p> + “To whom?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why, to you.” + </p> + <p> + “And I release you from it.” + </p> + <p> + My heart bounded with joy. Of course, it was true what she said. I had + refused to give my parole to Sergine. I owed him no duty. If she relieved + me from my promise my honour was clear. I took the key from her hand. + </p> + <p> + “You will find Captain Barakoff at the end of the village street,” said + she. “We of the North never forget either an injury or a kindness. He has + your mare and your sword waiting for you. Do not delay an instant, for in + two hours it will be dawn.” + </p> + <p> + So I passed out into the star-lit Russian night, and had that last glimpse + of Sophie as she peered after me through the open door. She looked + wistfully at me as if she expected something more than the cold thanks + which I gave her, but even the humblest man has his pride, and I will not + deny that mine was hurt by the deception which she had played upon me. I + could not have brought myself to kiss her hand, far less her lips. The + door led into a narrow alley, and at the end of it stood a muffled figure, + who held Violette by the bridle. + </p> + <p> + “You told me to be kind to the next French officer whom I found in + distress,” said he. “Good luck! Bon voyage!” he whispered, as I bounded + into the saddle. + </p> + <p> + “Remember, 'Poltava' is the watchword.” + </p> + <p> + It was well that he had given it to me, for twice I had to pass Cossack + pickets before I was clear of the lines. + </p> + <p> + I had just ridden past the last vedettes and hoped that I was a free man + again, when there was a soft thudding in the snow behind me, and a heavy + man upon a great black horse came swiftly after me. My first impulse was + to put spurs to Violette. My second, as I saw a long black beard against a + steel cuirass, was to halt and await him. + </p> + <p> + “I thought that it was you, you dog of a Frenchman,” he cried, shaking his + drawn sword at me. “So you have broken your parole, you rascal!” + </p> + <p> + “I gave no parole.” + </p> + <p> + “You lie, you hound!” + </p> + <p> + I looked around and no one was coming. The vedettes were motionless and + distant. We were all alone, with the moon above and the snow beneath. + Fortune has ever been my friend. + </p> + <p> + “I gave you no parole.” + </p> + <p> + “You gave it to the lady.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will answer for it to the lady.” + </p> + <p> + “That would suit you better, no doubt. But, unfortunately, you will have + to answer for it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Your sword, too! There is treason in this! Ah, I see it all! The woman + has helped you. She shall see Siberia for this night's work.” + </p> + <p> + The words were his death-warrant. For Sophie's sake I could not let him go + back alive. Our blades crossed, and an instant later mine was through his + black beard and deep in his throat. I was on the ground almost as soon as + he, but the one thrust was enough. He died, snapping his teeth at my + ankles like a savage wolf. + </p> + <p> + Two days later I had rejoined the army at Smolensk, and was a part once + more of that dreary procession which tramped onward through the snow, + leaving a long weal of blood to show the path which it had taken. + </p> + <p> + Enough, my friends; I would not re-awaken the memory of those days of + misery and death. They still come to haunt me in my dreams. When we halted + at last in Warsaw we had left behind us our guns, our transport, and + three-fourths of our comrades. But we did not leave behind us the honour + of Etienne Gerard. They have said that I broke my parole. Let them beware + how they say it to my face, for the story is as I tell it, and old as I am + my forefinger is not too weak to press a trigger when my honour is in + question. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII. How the Brigadier Bore Himself at Waterloo + </h2> + <p> + I. THE STORY OF THE FOREST INN + </p> + <p> + Of all the great battles in which I had the honour of drawing my sword for + the Emperor and for France there was not one which was lost. At Waterloo, + although, in a sense, I was present, I was unable to fight, and the enemy + was victorious. It is not for me to say that there is a connection between + these two things. You know me too well, my friends, to imagine that I + would make such a claim. But it gives matter for thought, and some have + drawn flattering conclusions from it. + </p> + <p> + After all, it was only a matter of breaking a few English squares and the + day would have been our own. If the Hussars of Conflans, with Etienne + Gerard to lead them, could not do this, then the best judges are mistaken. + </p> + <p> + But let that pass. The Fates had ordained that I should hold my hand and + that the Empire should fall. But they had also ordained that this day of + gloom and sorrow should bring such honour to me as had never come when I + swept on the wings of victory from Boulogne to Vienna. + </p> + <p> + Never had I burned so brilliantly as at that supreme moment when the + darkness fell upon all around me. You are aware that I was faithful to the + Emperor in his adversity, and that I refused to sell my sword and my + honour to the Bourbons. Never again was I to feel my war horse between my + knees, never again to hear the kettledrums and silver trumpets behind me + as I rode in front of my little rascals. But it comforts my heart, my + friends, and it brings the tears to my eyes, to think how great I was upon + that last day of my soldier life, and to remember that of all the + remarkable exploits which have won me the love of so many beautiful women, + and the respect of so many noble men, there was none which, in splendour, + in audacity, and in the great end which was attained, could compare with + my famous ride upon the night of June 18th, 1815. I am aware that the + story is often told at mess-tables and in barrack-rooms, so that there are + few in the army who have not heard it, but modesty has sealed my lips, + until now, my friends, in the privacy of these intimate gatherings, I am + inclined to lay the true facts before you. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, there is one thing which I can assure you. In all his + career Napoleon never had so splendid an army as that with which he took + the field for that campaign. In 1813 France was exhausted. For every + veteran there were five children—Marie Louises, as we called them; + for the Empress had busied herself in raising levies while the Emperor + took the field. But it was very different in 1815. The prisoners had all + come back—the men from the snows of Russia, the men from the + dungeons of Spain, the men from the hulks in England. + </p> + <p> + These were the dangerous men, veterans of twenty battles, longing for + their old trade, and with hearts filled with hatred and revenge. The ranks + were full of soldiers who wore two and three chevrons, every chevron + meaning five years' service. And the spirit of these men was terrible. + They were raging, furious, fanatical, adoring the Emperor as a Mameluke + does his prophet, ready to fall upon their own bayonets if their blood + could serve him. If you had seen these fierce old veterans going into + battle, with their flushed faces, their savage eyes, their furious yells, + you would wonder that anything could stand against them. So high was the + spirit of France at that time that every other spirit would have quailed + before it; but these people, these English, had neither spirit nor soul, + but only solid, immovable beef, against which we broke ourselves in vain. + That was it, my friends! On the one side, poetry, gallantry, + self-sacrifice—all that is beautiful and heroic. On the other side, + beef. Our hopes, our ideals, our dreams—all were shattered on that + terrible beef of Old England. + </p> + <p> + You have read how the Emperor gathered his forces, and then how he and I, + with a hundred and thirty thousand veterans, hurried to the northern + frontier and fell upon the Prussians and the English. On the 16th of June, + Ney held the English in play at Quatre-Bras while we beat the Prussians at + Ligny. It is not for me to say how far I contributed to that victory, but + it is well known that the Hussars of Conflans covered themselves with + glory. They fought well, these Prussians, and eight thousand of them were + left upon the field. The Emperor thought that he had done with them, as he + sent Marshal Grouchy with thirty-two thousand men to follow them up and to + prevent their interfering with his plans. Then with nearly eighty thousand + men, he turned upon these “Goddam” Englishmen. How much we had to avenge + upon them, we Frenchmen—the guineas of Pitt, the hulks of + Portsmouth, the invasion of Wellington, the perfidious victories of + Nelson! At last the day of punishment seemed to have arisen. + </p> + <p> + Wellington had with him sixty-seven thousand men, but many of them were + known to be Dutch and Belgian, who had no great desire to fight against + us. Of good troops he had not fifty thousand. Finding himself in the + presence of the Emperor in person with eighty thousand men, this + Englishman was so paralysed with fear that he could neither move himself + nor his army. You have seen the rabbit when the snake approaches. So stood + the English upon the ridge of Waterloo. The night before, the Emperor, who + had lost an aide-de-camp at Ligny, ordered me to join his staff, and I had + left my Hussars to the charge of Major Victor. I know not which of us was + the most grieved, they or I, that I should be called away upon the eve of + battle, but an order is an order, and a good soldier can but shrug his + shoulders and obey. With the Emperor I rode across the front of the + enemy's position on the morning of the 18th, he looking at them through + his glass and planning which was the shortest way to destroy them. Soult + was at his elbow, and Ney and Foy and others who had fought the English in + Portugal and Spain. “Have a care, Sire,” said Soult. “The English infantry + is very solid.” + </p> + <p> + “You think them good soldiers because they have beaten you,” said the + Emperor, and we younger men turned away our faces and smiled. But Ney and + Foy were grave and serious. All the time the English line, chequered with + red and blue and dotted with batteries, was drawn up silent and watchful + within a long musket-shot of us. On the other side of the shallow valley + our own people, having finished their soup, were assembling for the + battle. It had rained very heavily, but at this moment the sun shone out + and beat upon the French army, turning our brigades of cavalry into so + many dazzling rivers of steel, and twinkling and sparkling on the + innumerable bayonets of the infantry. At the sight of that splendid army, + and the beauty and majesty of its appearance, I could contain myself no + longer, but, rising in my stirrups, I waved my busby and cried, “Vive + l'Empereur!” a shout which growled and roared and clattered from one end + of the line to the other, while the horsemen waved their swords and the + footmen held up their shakos upon their bayonets. The English remained + petrified upon their ridge. They knew that their hour had come. + </p> + <p> + And so it would have come if at that moment the word had been given and + the whole army had been permitted to advance. We had but to fall upon them + and to sweep them from the face of the earth. To put aside all question of + courage, we were the more numerous, the older soldiers, and the better + led. But the Emperor desired to do all things in order, and he waited + until the ground should be drier and harder, so that his artillery could + manoeuvre. So three hours were wasted, and it was eleven o'clock before we + saw Jerome Buonaparte's columns advance upon our left and heard the crash + of the guns which told that the battle had begun. The loss of those three + hours was our destruction. The attack upon the left was directed upon a + farm-house which was held by the English Guards, and we heard the three + loud shouts of apprehension which the defenders were compelled to utter. + They were still holding out, and D'Erlon's corps was advancing upon the + right to engage another portion of the English line, when our attention + was called away from the battle beneath our noses to a distant portion of + the field of action. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor had been looking through his glass to the extreme left of the + English line, and now he turned suddenly to the Duke of Dalmatia, or + Soult, as we soldiers preferred to call him. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Marshal?” said he. + </p> + <p> + We all followed the direction of his gaze, some raising our glasses, some + shading our eyes. There was a thick wood over yonder, then a long, bare + slope, and another wood beyond. Over this bare strip between the two woods + there lay something dark, like the shadow of a moving cloud. + </p> + <p> + “I think that they are cattle, Sire,” said Soult. + </p> + <p> + At that instant there came a quick twinkle from amid the dark shadow. + </p> + <p> + “It is Grouchy,” said the Emperor, and he lowered his glass. “They are + doubly lost, these English. I hold them in the hollow of my hand. They + cannot escape me.” + </p> + <p> + He looked round, and his eyes fell upon me. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! here is the prince of messengers,” said he. “Are you well mounted, + Colonel Gerard?” + </p> + <p> + I was riding my little Violette, the pride of the brigade. + </p> + <p> + I said so. + </p> + <p> + “Then ride hard to Marshal Grouchy, whose troops you see over yonder. Tell + him that he is to fall upon the left flank and rear of the English while I + attack them in front. Together we should crush them and not a man escape.” + </p> + <p> + I saluted and rode off without a word, my heart dancing with joy that such + a mission should be mine. I looked at that long, solid line of red and + blue looming through the smoke of the guns, and I shook my fist at it as I + went. “We shall crush them and not a man escape.” + </p> + <p> + They were the Emperor's words, and it was I, Etienne Gerard, who was to + turn them into deeds. I burned to reach the Marshal, and for an instant I + thought of riding through the English left wing, as being the shortest + cut. I have done bolder deeds and come out safely, but I reflected that if + things went badly with me and I was taken or shot the message would be + lost and the plans of the Emperor miscarry. I passed in front of the + cavalry, therefore, past the Chasseurs, the Lancers of the Guard, the + Carabineers, the Horse Grenadiers, and, lastly, my own little rascals, who + followed me wistfully with their eyes. Beyond the cavalry the Old Guard + was standing, twelve regiments of them, all veterans of many battles, + sombre and severe, in long blue overcoats and high bearskins from which + the plumes had been removed. Each bore within the goatskin knapsack upon + his back the blue and white parade uniform which they would use for their + entry into Brussels next day. As I rode past them I reflected that these + men had never been beaten, and as I looked at their weather-beaten faces + and their stern and silent bearing, I said to myself that they never would + be beaten. Great heavens, how little could I foresee what a few more hours + would bring! + </p> + <p> + On the right of the Old Guard were the Young Guard and the 6th Corps of + Lobau, and then I passed Jacquinot's Lancers and Marbot's Hussars, who + held the extreme flank of the line. All these troops knew nothing of the + corps which was coming toward them through the wood, and their attention + was taken up in watching the battle which raged upon their left. More than + a hundred guns were thundering from each side, and the din was so great + that of all the battles which I have fought I cannot recall more than + half-a-dozen which were as noisy. I looked back over my shoulder, and + there were two brigades of Cuirassiers, English and French, pouring down + the hill together, with the sword-blades playing over them like summer + lightning. How I longed to turn Violette, and to lead my Hussars into the + thick of it! What a picture! Etienne Gerard with his back to the battle, + and a fine cavalry action raging behind him. + </p> + <p> + But duty is duty, so I rode past Marbot's vedettes and on in the direction + of the wood, passing the village of Frishermont upon my left. + </p> + <p> + In front of me lay the great wood, called the Wood of Paris, consisting + mostly of oak trees, with a few narrow paths leading through it. I halted + and listened when I reached it, but out of its gloomy depths there came no + blare of trumpet, no murmur of wheels, no tramp of horses to mark the + advance of that great column which, with my own eyes, I had seen streaming + toward it. The battle roared behind me, but in front all was as silent as + that grave in which so many brave men would shortly sleep. The sunlight + was cut off by the arches of leaves above my head, and a heavy damp smell + rose from the sodden ground. For several miles I galloped at such a pace + as few riders would care to go with roots below and branches above. Then, + at last, for the first time I caught a glimpse of Grouchy's advance guard. + Scattered parties of Hussars passed me on either side, but some distance + off, among the trees. I heard the beating of a drum far away, and the low, + dull murmur which an army makes upon the march. Any moment I might come + upon the staff and deliver my message to Grouchy in person, for I knew + well that on such a march a Marshal of France would certainly ride with + the van of his army. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the trees thinned in front of me, and I understood with delight + that I was coming to the end of the wood, whence I could see the army and + find the Marshal. + </p> + <p> + Where the track comes out from amid the trees there is a small cabaret, + where wood-cutters and waggoners drink their wine. Outside the door of + this I reined up my horse for an instant while I took in the scene which + was before me. Some few miles away I saw a second great forest, that of + St. Lambert, out of which the Emperor had seen the troops advancing. It + was easy to see, however, why there had been so long a delay in their + leaving one wood and reaching the other, because between the two ran the + deep defile of the Lasnes, which had to be crossed. Sure enough, a long + column of troops—horse, foot, and guns—was streaming down one + side of it and swarming up the other, while the advance guard was already + among the trees on either side of me. A battery of Horse Artillery was + coming along the road, and I was about to gallop up to it and ask the + officer in command if he could tell me where I should find the Marshal, + when suddenly I observed that, though the gunners were dressed in blue, + they had not the dolman trimmed with red brandenburgs as our own + horse-gunners wear it. Amazed at the sight, I was looking at these + soldiers to left and right when a hand touched my thigh, and there was the + landlord, who had rushed from his inn. + </p> + <p> + “Madman!” he cried, “why are you here? What are you doing?” + </p> + <p> + “I am seeking Marshal Grouchy.” + </p> + <p> + “You are in the heart of the Prussian army. Turn and fly!” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible; this is Grouchy's corps.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “Because the Emperor has said it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the Emperor has made a terrible mistake! I tell you that a patrol of + Silesian Hussars has this instant left me. Did you not see them in the + wood?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw Hussars.” + </p> + <p> + “They are the enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is Grouchy?” + </p> + <p> + “He is behind. They have passed him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how can I go back? If I go forward I may see him yet. I must obey my + orders and find him whereever he is.” + </p> + <p> + The man reflected for an instant. + </p> + <p> + “Quick! quick!” he cried, seizing my bridle. “Do what I say and you may + yet escape. They have not observed you yet. Come with me and I will hide + you until they pass.” + </p> + <p> + Behind his house there was a low stable, and into this he thrust Violette. + Then he half led and half dragged me into the kitchen of the inn. It was a + bare, brick-floored room. A stout, red-faced woman was cooking cutlets at + the fire. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter now?” she asked, looking with a frown from me to the + innkeeper. “Who is this you have brought in?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a French officer, Marie. We cannot let the Prussians take him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? Sacred name of a dog, was I not myself a soldier of Napoleon? + Did I not win a musket of honour among the Velites of the Guard? Shall I + see a comrade taken before my eyes? Marie, we must save him.” But the lady + looked at me with most unfriendly eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Pierre Charras,” she said, “you will not rest until you have your house + burned over your head. Do you not understand, you blockhead, that if you + fought for Napoleon it was because Napoleon ruled Belgium? He does so no + longer. The Prussians are our allies and this is our enemy. I will have no + Frenchman in this house. Give him up!” + </p> + <p> + The innkeeper scratched his head and looked at me in despair, but it was + very evident to me that it was neither for France nor for Belgium that + this woman cared, but that it was the safety of her own house that was + nearest her heart. + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” said I, with all the dignity and assurance I could command, “the + Emperor is defeating the English, and the French army will be here before + evening. If you have used me well you will be rewarded, and if you have + denounced me you will be punished and your house will certainly be burned + by the provost-martial.” + </p> + <p> + She was shaken by this, and I hastened to complete my victory by other + methods. + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” said I, “it is impossible that anyone so beautiful can also be + hard-hearted? You will not refuse me the refuge which I need.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at my whiskers and I saw that she was softened. I took her + hand, and in two minutes we were on such terms that her husband swore + roundly that he would give me up himself if I pressed the matter farther. + </p> + <p> + “Besides, the road is full of Prussians,” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “Quick! quick! into the loft!” + </p> + <p> + “Quick! quick! into the loft!” echoed his wife, and together they hurried + me toward a ladder which led to a trap-door in the ceiling. There was loud + knocking at the door, so you can think that it was not long before my + spurs went twinkling through the hole and the board was dropped behind me. + An instant later I heard the voices of the Germans in the rooms below me. + </p> + <p> + The place in which I found myself was a single long attic, the ceiling of + which was formed by the roof of the house. It ran over the whole of one + side of the inn, and through the cracks in the flooring I could look down + either upon the kitchen, the sitting-room, or the bar at my pleasure. + There were no windows, but the place was in the last stage of disrepair, + and several missing slates upon the roof gave me light and the means of + observation. + </p> + <p> + The place was heaped with lumber-fodder at one end and a huge pile of + empty bottles at the other. There was no door or window save the hole + through which I had come up. + </p> + <p> + I sat upon the heap of hay for a few minutes to steady myself and to think + out my plans. It was very serious that the Prussians should arrive upon + the field of battle earlier than our reserves, but there appeared to be + only one corps of them, and a corps more or less makes little difference + to such a man as the Emperor. He could afford to give the English all this + and beat them still. + </p> + <p> + The best way in which I could serve him, since Grouchy was behind, was to + wait here until they were past, and then to resume my journey, to see the + Marshal, and to give him his orders. If he advanced upon the rear of the + English instead of following the Prussians all would be well. The fate of + France depended upon my judgment and my nerve. It was not the first time, + my friends, as you are well aware, and you know the reasons that I had to + trust that neither nerve nor judgment would ever fail me. Certainly, the + Emperor had chosen the right man for his mission. “The prince of + messengers” he had called me. I would earn my title. + </p> + <p> + It was clear that I could do nothing until the Prussians had passed, so I + spent my time in observing them. I have no love for these people, but I am + compelled to say that they kept excellent discipline, for not a man of + them entered the inn, though their lips were caked with dust and they were + ready to drop with fatigue. Those who had knocked at the door were bearing + an insensible comrade, and having left him they returned at once to the + ranks. Several others were carried in in the same fashion and laid in the + kitchen, while a young surgeon, little more than a boy, remained behind in + charge of them. + </p> + <p> + Having observed them through the cracks in the floor, I next turned my + attention to the holes in the roof, from which I had an excellent view of + all that was passing outside. The Prussian corps was still streaming past. + It was easy to see that they had made a terrible march and had little + food, for the faces of the men were ghastly, and they were plastered from + head to foot with mud from their falls upon the foul and slippery roads. + Yet, spent as they were, their spirit was excellent, and they pushed and + hauled at the gun-carriages when the wheels sank up to the axles in the + mire, and the weary horses were floundering knee-deep unable to draw them + through. + </p> + <p> + The officers rode up and down the column encouraging the more active with + words of praise, and the laggards with blows from the flat of their + swords. All the time from over the wood in front of them there came the + tremendous roar of the battle, as if all the rivers on earth had united in + one gigantic cataract, booming and crashing in a mighty fall. Like the + spray of the cataract was the long veil of smoke which rose high over the + trees. + </p> + <p> + The officers pointed to it with their swords, and with hoarse cries from + their parched lips the mud-stained men pushed onward to the battle. For an + hour I watched them pass, and I reflected that their vanguard must have + come into touch with Marbot's vedettes and that the Emperor knew already + of their coming. “You are going very fast up the road, my friends, but you + will come down it a great deal faster,” said I to myself, and I consoled + myself with the thought. + </p> + <p> + But an adventure came to break the monotony of this long wait. I was + seated beside my loophole and congratulating myself that the corps was + nearly past, and that the road would soon be clear for my journey, when + suddenly I heard a loud altercation break out in French in the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + “You shall not go!” cried a woman's voice. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you that I will!” said a man's, and there was a sound of + scuffling. + </p> + <p> + In an instant I had my eye to the crack in the floor. + </p> + <p> + There was my stout lady, like a faithful watch-dog, at the bottom of the + ladder, while the young German surgeon, white with anger, was endeavouring + to come up it. + </p> + <p> + Several of the German soldiers who had recovered from their prostration + were sitting about on the kitchen floor and watching the quarrel with + stolid, but attentive, faces. + </p> + <p> + The landlord was nowhere to be seen. + </p> + <p> + “There is no liquor there,” said the woman. + </p> + <p> + “I do not want liquor; I want hay or straw for these men to lie upon. Why + should they lie on the bricks when there is straw overhead?” + </p> + <p> + “There is no straw.” + </p> + <p> + “What is up there?” + </p> + <p> + “Empty bottles.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing else?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment it looked as if the surgeon would abandon his intention, but + one of the soldiers pointed up to the ceiling. I gathered from what I + could understand of his words that he could see the straw sticking out + between the planks. In vain the woman protested. Two of the soldiers were + able to get upon their feet and to drag her aside, while the young surgeon + ran up the ladder, pushed open the trap-door, and climbed into the loft. + </p> + <p> + As he swung the door back I slipped behind it, but as luck would have it + he shut it again behind him, and there we were left standing face to face. + </p> + <p> + Never have I seen a more astonished young man. + </p> + <p> + “A French officer!” he gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said I, “hush! Not a word above a whisper.” + </p> + <p> + I had drawn my sword. + </p> + <p> + “I am not a combatant,” he said; “I am a doctor. Why do you threaten me + with your sword? I am not armed.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish to hurt you, but I must protect myself. I am in hiding + here.” + </p> + <p> + “A spy!” + </p> + <p> + “A spy does not wear such a uniform as this, nor do you find spies on the + staff of an army. I rode by mistake into the heart of this Prussian corps, + and I concealed myself here in the hope of escaping when they are past. I + will not hurt you if you do not hurt me, but if you do not swear that you + will be silent as to my presence you will never go down alive from this + attic.” + </p> + <p> + “You can put up your sword, sir,” said the surgeon, and I saw a friendly + twinkle in his eyes. “I am a Pole by birth, and I have no ill-feeling to + you or your people. I will do my best for my patients, but I will do no + more. Capturing Hussars is not one of the duties of a surgeon. With your + permission I will now descend with this truss of hay to make a couch for + these poor fellows below.” + </p> + <p> + I had intended to exact an oath from him, but it is my experience that if + a man will not speak the truth he will not swear the truth, so I said no + more. The surgeon opened the trap-door, threw out enough hay for his + purpose, and then descended the ladder, letting down the door behind him. + I watched him anxiously when he rejoined his patients, and so did my good + friend the landlady, but he said nothing and busied himself with the needs + of his soldiers. + </p> + <p> + By this time I was sure that the last of the army corps was past, and I + went to my loophole confident that I should find the coast clear, save, + perhaps, for a few stragglers, whom I could disregard. The first corps was + indeed past, and I could see the last files of the infantry disappearing + into the wood; but you can imagine my disappointment when out of the + Forest of St. Lambert I saw a second corps emerging, as numerous as the + first. + </p> + <p> + There could be no doubt that the whole Prussian army, which we thought we + had destroyed at Ligny, was about to throw itself upon our right wing + while Marshal Grouchy had been coaxed away upon some fool's errand. + </p> + <p> + The roar of guns, much nearer than before, told me that the Prussian + batteries which had passed me were already in action. Imagine my terrible + position! Hour after hour was passing; the sun was sinking toward the + west. + </p> + <p> + And yet this cursed inn, in which I lay hid, was like a little island amid + a rushing stream of furious Prussians. + </p> + <p> + It was all important that I should reach Marshal Grouchy, and yet I could + not show my nose without being made prisoner. You can think how I cursed + and tore my hair. How little do we know what is in store for us! + </p> + <p> + Even while I raged against my ill-fortune, that same fortune was reserving + me for a far higher task than to carry a message to Grouchy—a task + which could not have been mine had I not been held tight in that little + inn on the edge of the Forest of Paris. + </p> + <p> + Two Prussian corps had passed and a third was coming up, when I heard a + great fuss and the sound of several voices in the sitting-room. By + altering my position I was able to look down and see what was going on. + </p> + <p> + Two Prussian generals were beneath me, their heads bent over a map which + lay upon the table. Several aides-de-camp and staff officers stood round + in silence. Of the two generals, one was a fierce old man, white-haired + and wrinkled, with a ragged, grizzled moustache and a voice like the bark + of a hound. The other was younger, but long-faced and solemn. He measured + distances upon the map with the air of a student, while his companion + stamped and fumed and cursed like a corporal of Hussars. It was strange to + see the old man so fiery and the young one so reserved. I could not + understand all that they said, but I was very sure about their general + meaning. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you we must push on and ever on!” cried the old fellow, with a + furious German oath. “I promised Wellington that I would be there with the + whole army even if I had to be strapped to my horse. Bulow's corps is in + action, and Ziethen's shall support it with every man and gun. Forward, + Gneisenau, forward!” + </p> + <p> + The other shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “You must remember, your Excellency, that if the English are beaten they + will make for the coast. What will your position be then, with Grouchy + between you and the Rhine?” + </p> + <p> + “We shall beat them, Gneisenau; the Duke and I will grind them to powder + between us. Push on, I say! The whole war will be ended in one blow. Bring + Pirsch up, and we can throw sixty thousand men into the scale while + Thielmann holds Grouchy beyond Wavre.” + </p> + <p> + Gneisenau shrugged his shoulders, but at that instant an orderly appeared + at the door. + </p> + <p> + “An aide-de-camp from the Duke of Wellington,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” cried the old man; “let us hear what he has to say!” + </p> + <p> + An English officer, with mud and blood all over his scarlet jacket, + staggered into the room. A crimson-stained handkerchief was knotted round + his arm, and he held the table to keep himself from falling. + </p> + <p> + “My message is to Marshal Blucher,” said he; + </p> + <p> + “I am Marshal Blucher. Go on! go on!” cried the impatient old man. + </p> + <p> + “The Duke bade me to tell you, sir, that the British Army can hold its own + and that he has no fears for the result. The French cavalry has been + destroyed, two of their divisions of infantry have ceased to exist, and + only the Guard is in reserve. If you give us a vigorous support the defeat + will be changed to absolute rout and—” His knees gave way under him + and he fell in a heap upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Enough! enough!” cried Blucher. “Gneisenau, send an aide-de-camp to + Wellington and tell him to rely upon me to the full. Come on, gentlemen, + we have our work to do!” He bustled eagerly out of the room with all his + staff clanking behind him, while two orderlies carried the English + messenger to the care of the surgeon. + </p> + <p> + Gneisenau, the Chief of the Staff, had lingered behind for an instant, and + he laid his hand upon one of the aides-de-camp. The fellow had attracted + my attention, for I have always a quick eye for a fine man. He was tall + and slender, the very model of a horseman; indeed, there was something in + his appearance which made it not unlike my own. His face was dark and as + keen as that of a hawk, with fierce black eyes under thick, shaggy brows, + and a moustache which would have put him in the crack squadron of my + Hussars. He wore a green coat with white facings, and a horse-hair helmet—a + Dragoon, as I conjectured, and as dashing a cavalier as one would wish to + have at the end of one's sword-point. + </p> + <p> + “A word with you, Count Stein,” said Gneisenau. “If the enemy are routed, + but if the Emperor escapes, he will rally another army, and all will have + to be done again. But if we can get the Emperor, then the war is indeed + ended. It is worth a great effort and a great risk for such an object as + that.” + </p> + <p> + The young Dragoon said nothing, but he listened attentively. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose the Duke of Wellington's words should prove to be correct, and + the French army should be driven in utter rout from the field, the Emperor + will certainly take the road back through Genappe and Charleroi as being + the shortest to the frontier. We can imagine that his horses will be + fleet, and that the fugitives will make way for him. Our cavalry will + follow the rear of the beaten army, but the Emperor will be far away at + the front of the throng.” + </p> + <p> + The young Dragoon inclined his head. + </p> + <p> + “To you, Count Stein, I commit the Emperor. If you take him your name will + live in history. You have the reputation of being the hardest rider in our + army. Do you choose such comrades as you may select—ten or a dozen + should be enough. You are not to engage in the battle, nor are you to + follow the general pursuit, but you are to ride clear of the crowd, + reserving your energies for a nobler end. Do you understand me?” + </p> + <p> + Again the Dragoon inclined his head. This silence impressed me. I felt + that he was indeed a dangerous man. + </p> + <p> + “Then I leave the details in your own hands. Strike at no one except the + highest. You cannot mistake the Imperial carriage, nor can you fail to + recognise the figure of the Emperor. Now I must follow the Marshal. Adieu! + If ever I see you again I trust that it will be to congratulate you upon a + deed which will ring through Europe.” + </p> + <p> + The Dragoon saluted and Gneisenau hurried from the room. The young officer + stood in deep thought for a few moments. Then he followed the Chief of the + Staff. + </p> + <p> + I looked with curiosity from my loophole to see what his next proceeding + would be. His horse, a fine, strong chestnut with two white stockings, was + fastened to the rail of the inn. He sprang into the saddle, and, riding to + intercept a column of cavalry which was passing, he spoke to an officer at + the head of the leading regiment. + </p> + <p> + Presently after some talk I saw two Hussars—it was a Hussar regiment—drop + out of the ranks and take up their position beside Count Stein. The next + regiment was also stopped, and two Lancers were added to his escort. The + next furnished him with two Dragoons and the next with two Cuirassiers. + Then he drew his little group of horsemen aside and he gathered them round + him, explaining to them what they had to do. Finally the nine soldiers + rode off together and disappeared into the Wood of Paris. + </p> + <p> + I need not tell you, my friends, what all this portended. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, he had acted exactly as I should have done in his place. From each + colonel he had demanded the two best horsemen in the regiment, and so he + had assembled a band who might expect to catch whatever they should + follow. Heaven help the Emperor if, without an escort, he should find them + on his track! + </p> + <p> + And I, dear friends—imagine the fever, the ferment, the madness of + my mind! All thought of Grouchy had passed away. No guns were to be heard + to the east. He could not be near. If he should come up he would not now + be in time to alter the event of the day. The sun was already low in the + sky and there could not be more than two or three hours of daylight. My + mission might be dismissed as useless. But here was another mission, more + pressing, more immediate, a mission which meant the safety, and perhaps + the life, of the Emperor. At all costs, through every danger, I must get + back to his side. + </p> + <p> + But how was I to do it? The whole Prussian army was now between me and the + French lines. They blocked every road, but they could not block the path + of duty when Etienne Gerard sees it lie before him. I could not wait + longer. I must be gone. + </p> + <p> + There was but the one opening to the loft, and so it was only down the + ladder that I could descend. I looked into the kitchen and I found that + the young surgeon was still there. In a chair sat the wounded English + aide-de-camp, and on the straw lay two Prussian soldiers in the last stage + of exhaustion. The others had all recovered and been sent on. These were + my enemies, and I must pass through them in order to gain my horse. From + the surgeon I had nothing to fear; the Englishman was wounded, and his + sword stood with his cloak in a corner; the two Germans were half + insensible, and their muskets were not beside them. What could be simpler? + I opened the trap-door, slipped down the ladder, and appeared in the midst + of them, my sword drawn in my hand. + </p> + <p> + What a picture of surprise! The surgeon, of course, knew all, but to the + Englishman and the two Germans it must have seemed that the god of war in + person had descended from the skies. With my appearance, with my figure, + with my silver and grey uniform, and with that gleaming sword in my hand, + I must indeed have been a sight worth seeing. The two Germans lay + petrified with staring eyes. The English officer half rose, but sat down + again from weakness, his mouth open and his hand on the back of his chair. + </p> + <p> + “What the deuce!” he kept on repeating, “what the deuce!” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do not move,” said I; “I will hurt no one, but woe to the man who + lays hands upon me to stop me. You have nothing to fear if you leave me + alone, and nothing to hope if you try to hinder me. I am Colonel Etienne + Gerard, of the Hussars of Conflans.” + </p> + <p> + “The deuce!” said the Englishman. “You are the man that killed the fox.” A + terrible scowl had darkened his face. The jealousy of sportsmen is a base + passion. He hated me, this Englishman, because I had been before him in + transfixing the animal. How different are our natures! Had I seen him do + such a deed I would have embraced him with cries of joy. But there was no + time for argument. + </p> + <p> + “I regret it, sir,” said I; “but you have a cloak here and I must take + it.” + </p> + <p> + He tried to rise from his chair and reach his sword, but I got between him + and the corner where it lay. + </p> + <p> + “If there is anything in the pockets——” + </p> + <p> + “A case,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I would not rob you,” said I; and raising the cloak I took from the + pockets a silver flask, a square wooden case and a field-glass. All these + I handed to him. The wretch opened the case, took out a pistol, and + pointed it straight at my head. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my fine fellow,” said he, “put down your sword and give yourself + up.” + </p> + <p> + I was so astounded at this infamous action that I stood petrified before + him. I tried to speak to him of honour and gratitude, but I saw his eyes + fix and harden over the pistol. + </p> + <p> + “Enough talk!” said he. “Drop it!” + </p> + <p> + Could I endure such a humiliation? Death were better than to be disarmed + in such a fashion. The word + </p> + <p> + “Fire!” was on my lips when in an instant the English man vanished from + before my face, and in his place was a great pile of hay, with a + red-coated arm and two Hessian boots waving and kicking in the heart of + it. Oh, the gallant landlady! It was my whiskers that had saved me. + </p> + <p> + “Fly, soldier, fly!” she cried, and she heaped fresh trusses of hay from + the floor on to the struggling Englishman. In an instant I was out in the + courtyard, had led Violette from her stable, and was on her back. A pistol + bullet whizzed past my shoulder from the window, and I saw a furious face + looking out at me. I smiled my contempt and spurred out into the road. The + last of the Prussians had passed, and both my road and my duty lay clear + before me. If France won, all well. If France lost, then on me and my + little mare depended that which was more than victory or defeat—the + safety and the life of the Emperor. “On, Etienne, on!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Of all your noble exploits, the greatest, even if it be the last, lies + now before you!” + </p> + <p> + II. THE STORY OF THE NINE PRUSSIAN HORSEMEN + </p> + <p> + I told you when last we met, my friends, of the important mission from the + Emperor to Marshal Grouchy, which failed through no fault of my own, and I + described to you how during a long afternoon I was shut up in the attic of + a country inn, and was prevented from coming out because the Prussians + were all around me. You will remember also how I overheard the Chief of + the Prussian Staff give his instructions to Count Stein, and so learned + the dangerous plan which was on foot to kill or capture the Emperor in the + event of a French defeat. At first I could not have believed in such a + thing, but since the guns had thundered all day, and since the sound had + made no advance in my direction, it was evident that the English had at + least held their own and beaten off all our attacks. + </p> + <p> + I have said that it was a fight that day between the soul of France and + the beef of England, but it must be confessed that we found the beef was + very tough. It was clear that if the Emperor could not defeat the English + when alone, then it might, indeed, go hard with him now that sixty + thousand of these cursed Prussians were swarming on his flank. In any + case, with this secret in my possession, my place was by his side. + </p> + <p> + I had made my way out of the inn in the dashing manner which I have + described to you when last we met, and I left the English aide-de-camp + shaking his foolish fist out of the window. I could not but laugh as I + looked back at him, for his angry red face was framed and frilled with + hay. Once out on the road I stood erect in my stirrups, and I put on the + handsome black riding-coat, lined with red, which had belonged to him. It + fell to the top of my high boots, and covered my tell-tale uniform + completely. As to my busby, there are many such in the German service, and + there was no reason why it should attract attention. So long as no one + spoke to me there was no reason why I should not ride through the whole of + the Prussian army; but though I understood German, for I had many friends + among the German ladies during the pleasant years that I fought all over + that country, still I spoke it with a pretty Parisian accent which could + not be confounded with their rough, unmusical speech. I knew that this + quality of my accent would attract attention, but I could only hope and + pray that I would be permitted to go my way in silence. + </p> + <p> + The Forest of Paris was so large that it was useless to think of going + round it, and so I took my courage in both hands and galloped on down the + road in the track of the Prussian army. It was not hard to trace it, for + it was rutted two feet deep by the gun-wheels and the caissons. Soon I + found a fringe of wounded men, Prussians and French, on each side of it, + where Bulow's advance had come into touch with Marbot's Hussars. One old + man with a long white beard, a surgeon, I suppose, shouted at me, and ran + after me still shouting, but I never turned my head and took no notice of + him save to spur on faster. I heard his shouts long after I had lost sight + of him among the trees. + </p> + <p> + Presently I came up with the Prussian reserves. The infantry were leaning + on their muskets or lying exhausted on the wet ground, and the officers + stood in groups listening to the mighty roar of the battle and discussing + the reports which came from the front. I hurried past at the top of my + speed, but one of them rushed out and stood in my path with his hand up as + a signal to me to stop. Five thousand Prussian eyes were turned upon me. + There was a moment! You turn pale, my friends, at the thought of it. Think + how every hair upon me stood on end. But never for one instant did my wits + or my courage desert me. “General Blucher!” I cried. Was it not my + guardian angel who whispered the words in my ear? The Prussian sprang from + my path, saluted, and pointed forward. They are well disciplined, these + Prussians, and who was he that he should dare to stop the officer who bore + a message to the general? + </p> + <p> + It was a talisman that would pass me out of every danger, and my heart + sang within me at the thought. So elated was I that I no longer waited to + be asked, but as I rode through the army I shouted to right and left, + </p> + <p> + “General Blucher! General Blucher!” and every man pointed me onward and + cleared a path to let me pass. + </p> + <p> + There are times when the most supreme impudence is the highest wisdom. But + discretion must also be used, and I must admit that I became indiscreet. + For as I rode upon my way, ever nearer to the fighting line, a Prussian + officer of Uhlans gripped my bridle and pointed to a group of men who + stood near a burning farm. “There is Marshal Blucher. Deliver your + message!” said he, and sure enough, my terrible old grey-whiskered veteran + was there within a pistol-shot, his eyes turned in my direction. + </p> + <p> + But the good guardian angel did not desert me. + </p> + <p> + Quick as a flash there came into my memory the name of the general who + commanded the advance of the Prussians. + </p> + <p> + {illust. caption = “There is Marshal Blucher. Deliver your message!”} + </p> + <p> + “General Bulow!” I cried. The Uhlan let go my bridle. “General Bulow! + General Bulow!” I shouted, as every stride of the dear little mare took me + nearer my own people. Through the burning village of Planchenoit I + galloped, spurred my way between two columns of Prussian infantry, sprang + over a hedge, cut down a Silesian Hussar who flung himself before me, and + an instant afterward, with my coat flying open to show the uniform below, + I passed through the open files of the tenth of the line, and was back in + the heart of Lobau's corps once more. Outnumbered and outflanked, they + were being slowly driven in by the pressure of the Prussian advance. I + galloped onward, anxious only to find myself by the Emperor's side. + </p> + <p> + But a sight lay before me which held me fast as though I had been turned + into some noble equestrian statue. I could not move, I could scarce + breathe, as I gazed upon it. There was a mound over which my path lay, and + as I came out on the top of it I looked down the long, shallow valley of + Waterloo. I had left it with two great armies on either side and a clear + field between them. Now there were but long, ragged fringes of broken and + exhausted regiments upon the two ridges, but a real army of dead and + wounded lay between. For two miles in length and half a mile across the + ground was strewed and heaped with them. But slaughter was no new sight to + me, and it was not that which held me spellbound. It was that up the long + slope of the British position was moving a walking forest—black, tossing, + waving, unbroken. Did I not know the bearskins of the Guard? And did I not + also know, did not my soldier's instinct tell me, that it was the last + reserve of France; that the Emperor, like a desperate gamester, was + staking all upon his last card? Up they went and up—grand, solid, + unbreakable, scourged with musketry, riddled with grape, flowing onward in + a black, heavy tide, which lapped over the British batteries. With my + glass I could see the English gunners throw themselves under their pieces + or run to the rear. On rolled the crest of the bearskins, and then, with a + crash which was swept across to my ears, they met the British infantry. A + minute passed, and another, and another. My heart was in my mouth. + </p> + <p> + They swayed back and forward; they no longer advanced; they were held. + Great Heaven! was it possible that they were breaking? One black dot ran + down the hill, then two, then four, then ten, then a great, scattered, + struggling mass, halting, breaking, halting, and at last shredding out and + rushing madly downward. “The Guard is beaten! The Guard is beaten!” From + all around me I heard the cry. Along the whole line the infantry turned + their faces and the gunners flinched from their guns. + </p> + <p> + “The Old Guard is beaten! The Guard retreats!” An officer with a livid + face passed me yelling out these words of woe. “Save yourselves! Save + yourselves! You are betrayed!” cried another. “Save yourselves! Save + yourselves!” Men were rushing madly to the rear, blundering and jumping + like frightened sheep. Cries and screams rose from all around me. And at + that moment, as I looked at the British position, I saw what I can never + forget. A single horseman stood out black and clear upon the ridge against + the last red angry glow of the setting sun. So dark, so motionless, + against that grim light, he might have been the very spirit of Battle + brooding over that terrible valley. As I gazed, he raised his hat high in + the air, and at the signal, with a low, deep roar like a breaking wave, + the whole British army flooded over their ridge and came rolling down into + the valley. + </p> + <p> + Long steel-fringed lines of red and blue, sweeping waves of cavalry, horse + batteries rattling and bounding—down they came on to our crumbling + ranks. It was over. A yell of agony, the agony of brave men who see no + hope, rose from one flank to the other, and in an instant the whole of + that noble army was swept in a wild, terror-stricken crowd from the field. + Even now, dear friends, I cannot, as you see, speak of that dreadful + moment with a dry eye or with a steady voice. + </p> + <p> + At first I was carried away in that wild rush, whirled off like a straw in + a flooded gutter. But, suddenly, what should I see amongst the mixed + regiments in front of me but a group of stern horsemen, in silver and + grey, with a broken and tattered standard held aloft in the heart of them! + Not all the might of England and of Prussia could break the Hussars of + Conflans. But when I joined them it made my heart bleed to see them. The + major, seven captains, and five hundred men were left upon the field. + Young Captain Sabbatier was in command, and when I asked him where were + the five missing squadrons he pointed back and answered: “You will find + them round one of those British squares.” Men and horses were at their + last gasp, caked with sweat and dirt, their black tongues hanging out from + their lips; but it made me thrill with pride to see how that shattered + remnant still rode knee to knee, with every man, from the boy trumpeter to + the farrier-sergeant, in his own proper place. + </p> + <p> + Would that I could have brought them on with me as an escort for the + Emperor! In the heart of the Hussars of Conflans he would be safe indeed. + But the horses were too spent to trot. I left them behind me with orders + to rally upon the farm-house of St. Aunay, where we had camped two nights + before. For my own part, I forced my horse through the throng in search of + the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + There were things which I saw then, as I pressed through that dreadful + crowd, which can never be banished from my mind. In evil dreams there + comes back to me the memory of that flowing stream of livid, staring, + screaming faces upon which I looked down. It was a nightmare. In victory + one does not understand the horror of war. It is only in the cold chill of + defeat that it is brought home to you. I remember an old Grenadier of the + Guard lying at the side of the road with his broken leg doubled at a right + angle. “Comrades, comrades, keep off my leg!” he cried, but they tripped + and stumbled over him all the same. In front of me rode a Lancer officer + without his coat. His arm had just been taken off in the ambulance. The + bandages had fallen. It was horrible. Two gunners tried to drive through + with their gun. A Chasseur raised his musket and shot one of them through + the head. I saw a major of Cuirassiers draw his two holster pistols and + shoot first his horse and then himself. Beside the road a man in a blue + coat was raging and raving like a madman. His face was black with powder, + his clothes were torn, one epaulette was gone, the other hung dangling + over his breast. Only when I came close to him did I recognise that it was + Marshal Ney. He howled at the flying troops and his voice was hardly + human. Then he raised the stump of his sword—it was broken three + inches from the hilt. “Come and see how a Marshal of France can die!” he + cried. Gladly would I have gone with him, but my duty lay elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + He did not, as you know, find the death he sought, but he met it a few + weeks later in cold blood at the hands of his enemies. + </p> + <p> + There is an old proverb that in attack the French are more than men, in + defeat they are less than women. I knew that it was true that day. But + even in that rout I saw things which I can tell with pride. Through the + fields which skirt the road moved Cambronne's three reserve battalions of + the Guard, the cream of our army. + </p> + <p> + They walked slowly in square, their colours waving over the sombre line of + the bearskins. All round them raged the English cavalry and the black + Lancers of Brunswick, wave after wave thundering up, breaking with a + crash, and recoiling in ruin. When last I saw them, the English guns, six + at a time, were smashing grape-shot through their ranks and the English + infantry were closing in upon three sides and pouring volleys into them; + but still, like a noble lion with fierce hounds clinging to its flanks, + the glorious remnant of the Guard, marching slowly, halting, closing up, + dressing, moved majestically from their last battle. Behind them the + Guard's battery of twelve-pounders was drawn up upon the ridge. Every + gunner was in his place, but no gun fired. “Why do you not fire?” I asked + the colonel as I passed. “Our powder is finished.” “Then why not retire?” + “Our appearance may hold them back for a little. We must give the Emperor + time to escape.” Such were the soldiers of France. + </p> + <p> + Behind this screen of brave men the others took their breath, and then + went on in less desperate fashion. They had broken away from the road, and + all over the countryside in the twilight I could see the timid, scattered, + frightened crowd who ten hours before had formed the finest army that ever + went down to battle. I with my splendid mare was soon able to get clear of + the throng, and just after I passed Genappe I overtook the Emperor with + the remains of his Staff. Soult was with him still, and so were Drouot, + Lobau, and Bertrand, with five Chasseurs of the Guard, their horses hardly + able to move. + </p> + <p> + The night was falling, and the Emperor's haggard face gleamed white + through the gloom as he turned it toward me. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is Colonel Gerard,” said Soult. + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen Marshal Grouchy?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sire. The Prussians were between.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not matter. Nothing matters now. Soult, I will go back.” + </p> + <p> + He tried to turn his horse, but Bertrand seized his bridle. “Ah, Sire,” + said Soult, “the enemy has had good fortune enough already.” They forced + him on among them. He rode in silence with his chin upon his breast, the + greatest and the saddest of men. Far away behind us those remorseless guns + were still roaring. Sometimes out of the darkness would come shrieks and + screams and the low thunder of galloping hoofs. At the sound we would spur + our horses and hasten onward through the scattered troops. At last, after + riding all night in the clear moonlight, we found that we had left both + pursued and pursuers behind. By the time we passed over the bridge at + Charleroi the dawn was breaking. What a company of spectres we looked in + that cold, clear, searching light, the Emperor with his face of wax, Soult + blotched with powder, Lobau dabbled with blood! But we rode more easily + now, and had ceased to glance over our shoulders, for Waterloo was more + than thirty miles behind us. One of the Emperor's carriages had been + picked up at Charleroi, and we halted now on the other side of the Sambre, + and dismounted from our horses. + </p> + <p> + You will ask me why it was that during all this time I had said nothing of + that which was nearest my heart, the need for guarding the Emperor. As a + fact, I had tried to speak of it both to Soult and to Lobau, but their + minds were so overwhelmed with the disaster and so distracted by the + pressing needs of the moment that it was impossible to make them + understand how urgent was my message. Besides, during this long flight we + had always had numbers of French fugitives beside us on the road, and, + however demoralised they might be, we had nothing to fear from the attack + of nine men. But now, as we stood round the Emperor's carriage in the + early morning, I observed with anxiety that not a single French soldier + was to be seen upon the long, white road behind us. We had outstripped the + army. I looked round to see what means of defence were left to us. The + horses of the Chasseurs of the Guard had broken down, and only one of + them, a grey-whiskered sergeant, remained. + </p> + <p> + There were Soult, Lobau, and Bertrand; but, for all their talents, I had + rather, when it came to hard knocks, have a single quartermaster-sergeant + of Hussars at my side than the three of them put together. There remained + the Emperor himself, the coachman, and a valet of the household who had + joined us at Charleroi—eight all told; but of the eight only two, + the Chasseur and I, were fighting soldiers who could be depended upon at a + pinch. A chill came over me as I reflected how utterly helpless we were. + At that moment I raised my eyes, and there were the nine Prussian horsemen + coming over the hill. + </p> + <p> + On either side of the road at this point are long stretches of rolling + plain, part of it yellow with corn and part of it rich grass land watered + by the Sambre. To the south of us was a low ridge, over which was the road + to France. Along this road the little group of cavalry was riding. So well + had Count Stein obeyed his instructions that he had struck far to the + south of us in his determination to get ahead of the Emperor. Now he was + riding from the direction in which we were going—the last in which + we could expect an enemy. When I caught that first glimpse of them they + were still half a mile away. + </p> + <p> + “Sire!” I cried, “the Prussians!” + </p> + <p> + They all started and stared. It was the Emperor who broke the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Who says they are Prussians?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, Sire—I, Etienne Gerard!” + </p> + <p> + Unpleasant news always made the Emperor furious against the man who broke + it. He railed at me now in the rasping, croaking, Corsican voice which + only made itself heard when he had lost his self-control. + </p> + <p> + “You were always a buffoon,” he cried. “What do you mean, you numskull, by + saying that they are Prussians? How could Prussians be coming from the + direction of France? You have lost any wits that you ever possessed.” + </p> + <p> + His words cut me like a whip, and yet we all felt toward the Emperor as an + old dog does to its master. + </p> + <p> + His kick is soon forgotten and forgiven. I would not argue or justify + myself. At the first glance I had seen the two white stockings on the + forelegs of the leading horse, and I knew well that Count Stein was on its + back. + </p> + <p> + For an instant the nine horsemen had halted and surveyed us. Now they put + spurs to their horses, and with a yell of triumph they galloped down the + road. They had recognised that their prey was in their power. + </p> + <p> + At that swift advance all doubt had vanished. “By heavens, Sire, it is + indeed the Prussians!” cried Soult. + </p> + <p> + Lobau and Bertrand ran about the road like two frightened hens. The + sergeant of Chasseurs drew his sabre with a volley of curses. The coachman + and the valet cried and wrung their hands. Napoleon stood with a frozen + face, one foot on the step of the carriage. And I—ah, my friends, I + was magnificent! What words can I use to do justice to my own bearing at + that supreme instant of my life? So coldly alert, so deadly cool, so clear + in brain and ready in hand. He had called me a numskull and a buffoon. How + quick and how noble was my revenge! When his own wits failed him, it was + Etienne Gerard who supplied the want. + </p> + <p> + To fight was absurd; to fly was ridiculous. The Emperor was stout, and + weary to death. At the best he was never a good rider. How could he fly + from these, the picked men of an army? The best horseman in Prussia was + among them. But I was the best horseman in France. I, and only I, could + hold my own with them. If they were on my track instead of the Emperor's, + all might still be well. These were the thoughts which flashed so swiftly + through my mind that in an instant I had sprung from the first idea to the + final conclusion. Another instant carried me from the final conclusion to + prompt and vigorous action. I rushed to the side of the Emperor, who stood + petrified, with the carriage between him and our enemies. “Your coat, + Sire! your hat!” I cried. I dragged them off him. + </p> + <p> + Never had he been so hustled in his life. In an instant I had them on and + had thrust him into the carriage. The next I had sprung on to his famous + white Arab and had ridden clear of the group upon the road. + </p> + <p> + You have already divined my plan; but you may well ask how could I hope to + pass myself off as the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + My figure is as you still see it, and his was never beautiful, for he was + both short and stout. But a man's height is not remarked when he is in the + saddle, and for the rest one had but to sit forward on the horse and round + one's back and carry oneself like a sack of flour. I wore the little + cocked hat and the loose grey coat with the silver star which was known to + every child from one end of Europe to the other. Beneath me was the + Emperor's own famous white charger. It was complete. + </p> + <p> + Already as I rode clear the Prussians were within two hundred yards of us. + I made a gesture of terror and despair with my hands, and I sprang my + horse over the bank which lined the road. It was enough. A yell of + exultation and of furious hatred broke from the Prussians. + </p> + <p> + It was the howl of starving wolves who scent their prey. I spurred my + horse over the meadow-land and looked back under my arm as I rode. Oh, the + glorious moment when one after the other I saw eight horsemen come over + the bank at my heels! Only one had stayed behind, and I heard shouting and + the sounds of a struggle. I remembered my old sergeant of Chasseurs, and I + was sure that number nine would trouble us no more. The road was clear and + the Emperor free to continue his journey. + </p> + <p> + But now I had to think of myself. If I were overtaken the Prussians would + certainly make short work of me in their disappointment. If it were so—if + I lost my life—I should still have sold it at a glorious price. But + I had hopes that I might shake them off. With ordinary horsemen upon + ordinary horses I should have had no difficulty in doing so, but here both + steeds and riders were of the best. It was a grand creature that I rode, + but it was weary with its long night's work, and the Emperor was one of + those riders who do not know how to manage a horse. He had little thought + for them and a heavy hand upon their mouths. On the other hand, Stein and + his men had come both far and fast. The race was a fair one. + </p> + <p> + So quick had been my impulse, and so rapidly had I acted upon it, that I + had not thought enough of my own safety. Had I done so in the first + instance I should, of course, have ridden straight back the way we had + come, for so I should have met our own people. But I was off the road and + had galloped a mile over the plain before this occurred to me. Then when I + looked back I saw that the Prussians had spread out into a long line, so + as to head me off from the Charleroi road. I could not turn back, but at + least I could edge toward the north. I knew that the whole face of the + country was covered with our flying troops, and that sooner or later I + must come upon some of them. + </p> + <p> + But one thing I had forgotten—the Sambre. In my excitement I never + gave it a thought until I saw it, deep and broad, gleaming in the morning + sunlight. It barred my path, and the Prussians howled behind me. I + galloped to the brink, but the horse refused the plunge. I spurred him, + but the bank was high and the stream deep. + </p> + <p> + He shrank back trembling and snorting. The yells of triumph were louder + every instant. I turned and rode for my life down the river bank. It + formed a loop at this part, and I must get across somehow, for my retreat + was blocked. Suddenly a thrill of hope ran through me, for I saw a house + on my side of the stream and another on the farther bank. Where there are + two such houses it usually means that there is a ford between them. A + sloping path led to the brink and I urged my horse down it. On he went, + the water up to the saddle, the foam flying right and left. He blundered + once and I thought we were lost, but he recovered and an instant later was + clattering up the farther slope. As we came out I heard the splash behind + me as the first Prussian took the water. There was just the breadth of the + Sambre between us. + </p> + <p> + I rode with my head sunk between my shoulders in Napoleon's fashion, and I + did not dare to look back for fear they should see my moustache. I had + turned up the collar of the grey coat so as partly to hide it. Even now if + they found out their mistake they might turn and overtake the carriage. + But when once we were on the road I could tell by the drumming of their + hoofs how far distant they were, and it seemed to me that the sound grew + perceptibly louder, as if they were slowly gaining upon me. We were riding + now up the stony and rutted lane which led from the ford. I peeped back + very cautiously from under my arm and I perceived that my danger came from + a single rider, who was far ahead of his comrades. + </p> + <p> + He was a Hussar, a very tiny fellow, upon a big black horse, and it was + his light weight which had brought him into the foremost place. It is a + place of honour; but it is also a place of danger, as he was soon to + learn. I felt the holsters, but, to my horror, there were no pistols. + There was a field-glass in one and the other was stuffed with papers. My + sword had been left behind with Violette. + </p> + <p> + Had I only my own weapons and my own little mare I could have played with + these rascals. But I was not entirely unarmed. The Emperor's own sword + hung to the saddle. It was curved and short, the hilt all crusted with + gold—a thing more fitted to glitter at a review than to serve a + soldier in his deadly need. I drew it, such as it was, and I waited my + chance. Every instant the clink and clatter of the hoofs grew nearer. I + heard the panting of the horse, and the fellow shouted some threat at me. + There was a turn in the lane, and as I rounded it I drew up my white Arab + on his haunches. As we spun round I met the Prussian Hussar face to face. + He was going too fast to stop, and his only chance was to ride me down. + Had he done so he might have met his own death, but he would have injured + me or my horse past all hope of escape. But the fool flinched as he saw me + waiting and flew past me on my right. I lunged over my Arab's neck and + buried my toy sword in his side. It must have been the finest steel and as + sharp as a razor, for I hardly felt it enter, and yet his blood was within + three inches of the hilt. His horse galloped on and he kept his saddle for + a hundred yards before he sank down with his face on the mane and then + dived over the side of the neck on to the road. For my own part I was + already at his horse's heels. A few seconds had sufficed for all that I + have told. + </p> + <p> + I heard the cry of rage and vengeance which rose from the Prussians as + they passed their dead comrade, and I could not but smile as I wondered + what they could think of the Emperor as a horseman and a swordsman. I + glanced back cautiously as before, and I saw that none of the seven men + stopped. The fate of their comrade was nothing compared to the carrying + out of their mission. + </p> + <p> + They were as untiring and as remorseless as bloodhounds. + </p> + <p> + But I had a good lead and the brave Arab was still going well. I thought + that I was safe. And yet it was at that very instant that the most + terrible danger befell me. The lane divided, and I took the smaller of the + two divisions because it was the more grassy and the easier for the + horse's hoofs. Imagine my horror when, riding through a gate, I found + myself in a square of stables and farm-buildings, with no way out save + that by which I had come! Ah, my friends, if my hair is snowy white, have + I not had enough to make it so? + </p> + <p> + To retreat was impossible. I could hear the thunder of the Prussians' + hoofs in the lane. I looked round me, and Nature has blessed me with that + quick eye which is the first of gifts to any soldier, but most of all to a + leader of cavalry. Between a long, low line of stables and the farm-house + there was a pig-sty. Its front was made of bars of wood four feet high; + the back was of stone, higher than the front. What was beyond I could not + tell. The space between the front and the back was not more than a few + yards. It was a desperate venture, and yet I must take it. Every instant + the beating of those hurrying hoofs was louder and louder. I put my Arab + at the pig-sty. She cleared the front beautifully and came down with her + forefeet upon the sleeping pig within, slipping forward upon her knees. I + was thrown over the wall beyond, and fell upon my hands and face in a soft + flower-bed. My horse was upon one side of the wall, I upon the other, and + the Prussians were pouring into the yard. But I was up in an instant and + had seized the bridle of the plunging horse over the top of the wall. It + was built of loose stones, and I dragged down a few of them to make a gap. + As I tugged at the bridle and shouted the gallant creature rose to the + leap, and an instant afterward she was by my side and I with my foot on + the stirrup. + </p> + <p> + An heroic idea had entered my mind as I mounted into the saddle. These + Prussians, if they came over the pig-sty, could only come one at once, and + their attack would not be formidable when they had not had time to recover + from such a leap. Why should I not wait and kill them one by one as they + came over? It was a glorious thought. They would learn that Etienne Gerard + was not a safe man to hunt. My hand felt for my sword, but you can imagine + my feelings, my friends, when I came upon an empty scabbard. It had been + shaken out when the horse had tripped over that infernal pig. On what + absurd trifles do our destinies hang—a pig on one side, Etienne + Gerard on the other! Could I spring over the wall and get the sword? + Impossible! The Prussians were already in the yard. I turned my Arab and + resumed my flight. + </p> + <p> + But for a moment it seemed to me that I was in a far worse trap than + before. I found myself in the garden of the farm-house, an orchard in the + centre and flower-beds all round. A high wall surrounded the whole place. + I reflected, however, that there must be some point of entrance, since + every visitor could not be expected to spring over the pig-sty. I rode + round the wall. As I expected, I came upon a door with a key upon the + inner side. I dismounted, unlocked it, opened it, and there was a Prussian + Lancer sitting his horse within six feet of me. + </p> + <p> + For a moment we each stared at the other. Then I shut the door and locked + it again. A crash and a cry came from the other end of the garden. I + understood that one of my enemies had come to grief in trying to get over + the pig-sty. How could I ever get out of this cul-de-sac? It was evident + that some of the party had galloped round, while some had followed + straight upon my tracks. Had I my sword I might have beaten off the Lancer + at the door, but to come out now was to be butchered. And yet if I waited + some of them would certainly follow me on foot over the pig-sty, and what + could I do then? I must act at once or I was lost. But it is at such + moments that my wits are most active and my actions most prompt. Still + leading my horse, I ran for a hundred yards by the side of the wall away + from the spot where the Lancer was watching. There I stopped, and with an + effort I tumbled down several of the loose stones from the top of the + wall. The instant I had done so I hurried back to the door. As I had + expected, he thought I was making a gap for my escape at that point, and I + heard the thud of his horse's hoofs as he galloped to cut me off. As I + reached the gate I looked back, and I saw a green-coated horseman, whom I + knew to be Count Stein, clear the pig-sty and gallop furiously with a + shout of triumph across the garden. + </p> + <p> + “Surrender, your Majesty, surrender!” he yelled; “we will give you + quarter!” I slipped through the gate, but had no time to lock it on the + other side. Stein was at my very heels, and the Lancer had already turned + his horse. Springing upon my Arab's back, I was off once more with a clear + stretch of grass land before me. Stein had to dismount to open the gate, + to lead his horse through, and to mount again before he could follow. + </p> + <p> + It was he that I feared rather than the Lancer, whose horse was + coarse-bred and weary. I galloped hard for a mile before I ventured to + look back, and then Stein was a musket-shot from me, and the Lancer as + much again, while only three of the others were in sight. My nine + Prussians were coming down to more manageable numbers, and yet one was too + much for an unarmed man. + </p> + <p> + It had surprised me that during this long chase I had seen no fugitives + from the army, but I reflected that I was considerably to the west of + their line of flight, and that I must edge more toward the east if I + wished to join them. Unless I did so it was probable that my pursuers, + even if they could not overtake me themselves, would keep me in view until + I was headed off by some of their comrades coming from the north. As I + looked to the eastward I saw afar off a line of dust which stretched for + miles across the country. This was certainly the main road along which our + unhappy army was flying. But I soon had proof that some of our stragglers + had wandered into these side tracks, for I came suddenly upon a horse + grazing at the corner of a field, and beside him, with his back against + the bank, his master, a French Cuirassier, terribly wounded and evidently + on the point of death. I sprang down, seized his long, heavy sword, and + rode on with it. Never shall I forget the poor man's face as he looked at + me with his failing sight. He was an old, grey-moustached soldier, one of + the real fanatics, and to him this last vision of his Emperor was like a + revelation from on high. + </p> + <p> + Astonishment, love, pride—all shone in his pallid face. He said + something—I fear they were his last words—but I had no time to + listen, and I galloped on my way. + </p> + <p> + All this time I had been on the meadow-land, which was intersected in this + part by broad ditches. Some of them could not have been less than from + fourteen to fifteen feet, and my heart was in my mouth as I went at each + of them, for a slip would have been my ruin. + </p> + <p> + But whoever selected the Emperor's horses had done his work well. The + creature, save when it balked on the bank of the Sambre, never failed me + for an instant. + </p> + <p> + We cleared everything in one stride. And yet we could not shake off! those + infernal Prussians. As I left each water-course behind me I looked back + with renewed hope; but it was only to see Stein on his white-legged + chestnut flying over it as lightly as I had done myself. He was my enemy, + but I honoured him for the way in which he carried himself that day. + </p> + <p> + Again and again I measured the distance which separated him from the next + horseman. I had the idea that I might turn and cut him down, as I had the + Hussar, before his comrade could come to his help. But the others had + closed up and were not far behind. I reflected that this Stein was + probably as fine a swordsman as he was a rider, and that it might take me + some little time to get the better of him. In that case the others would + come to his aid and I should be lost. On the whole, it was wiser to + continue my flight. + </p> + <p> + A road with poplars on either side ran across the plain from east to west. + It would lead me toward that long line of dust which marked the French + retreat. I wheeled my horse, therefore, and galloped down it. As I rode I + saw a single house in front of me upon the right, with a great bush hung + over the door to mark it as an inn. Outside there were several peasants, + but for them I cared nothing. What frightened me was to see the gleam of a + red coat, which showed that there were British in the place. However, I + could not turn and I could not stop, so there was nothing for it but to + gallop on and to take my chance. There were no troops in sight, so these + men must be stragglers or marauders, from whom I had little to fear. As I + approached I saw that there were two of them sitting drinking on a bench + outside the inn door. I saw them stagger to their feet, and it was evident + that they were both very drunk. One stood swaying in the middle of the + road. + </p> + <p> + “It's Boney! So help me, it's Boney!” he yelled. He ran with his hands out + to catch me, but luckily for himself his drunken feet stumbled and he fell + on his face on the road. The other was more dangerous. He had rushed into + the inn, and just as I passed I saw him run out with his musket in his + hand. He dropped upon one knee, and I stooped forward over my horse's + neck. + </p> + <p> + A single shot from a Prussian or an Austrian is a small matter, but the + British were at that time the best shots in Europe, and my drunkard seemed + steady enough when he had a gun at his shoulder. I heard the crack, and my + horse gave a convulsive spring which would have unseated many a rider. For + an instant I thought he was killed, but when I turned in my saddle I saw a + stream of blood running down the off hind-quarter. I looked back at the + Englishman, and the brute had bitten the end off another cartridge and was + ramming it into his musket, but before he had it primed we were beyond his + range. These men were foot-soldiers and could not join in the chase, but I + heard them whooping and tally-hoing behind me as if I had been a fox. The + peasants also shouted and ran through the fields flourishing their sticks. + From all sides I heard cries, and everywhere were the rushing, waving + figures of my pursuers. To think of the great Emperor being chivvied over + the country-side in this fashion! It made me long to have these rascals + within the sweep of my sword. + </p> + <p> + But now I felt that I was nearing the end of my course. I had done all + that a man could be expected to do—some would say more—but at + last I had come to a point from which I could see no escape. The horses of + my pursuers were exhausted, but mine was exhausted and wounded also. It + was losing blood fast, and we left a red trail upon the white, dusty road. + Already his pace was slackening, and sooner or later he must drop under + me. I looked back, and there were the five inevitable Prussians—Stein + a hundred yards in front, then a Lancer, and then three others riding + together. + </p> + <p> + Stein had drawn his sword, and he waved it at me. For my own part I was + determined not to give myself up. + </p> + <p> + I would try how many of these Prussians I could take with me into the + other world. At this supreme moment all the great deeds of my life rose in + a vision before me, and I felt that this, my last exploit, was indeed a + worthy close to such a career. My death would be a fatal blow to those who + loved me, to my dear mother, to my Hussars, to others who shall be + nameless. But all of them had my honour and my fame at heart, and I felt + that their grief would be tinged with pride when they learned how I had + ridden and how I had fought upon this last day. Therefore I hardened my + heart and, as my Arab limped more and more upon his wounded leg, I drew + the great sword which I had taken from the Cuirassier, and I set my teeth + for my supreme struggle. My hand was in the very act of tightening the + bridle, for I feared that if I delayed longer I might find myself on foot + fighting against five mounted men. + </p> + <p> + At that instant my eye fell upon something which brought hope to my heart + and a shout of joy to my lips. + </p> + <p> + From a grove of trees in front of me there projected the steeple of a + village church. But there could not be two steeples like that, for the + corner of it had crumbled away or been struck by lightning, so that it was + of a most fantastic shape. I had seen it only two days before, and it was + the church of the village of Gosselies. It was not the hope of reaching + the village which set my heart singing with joy, but it was that I knew my + ground now, and that farm-house not half a mile ahead, with its gable end + sticking out from amid the trees, must be that very farm of St. Aunay + where we had bivouacked, and which I had named to Captain Sabbatier as the + rendezvous of the Hussars of Conflans. There they were, my little rascals, + if I could but reach them. With every bound my horse grew weaker. Each + instant the sound of the pursuit grew louder. I heard a gust of crackling + German oaths at my very heels. A pistol bullet sighed in my ears. Spurring + frantically and beating my poor Arab with the flat of my sword I kept him + at the top of his speed. The open gate of the farm-yard lay before me. I + saw the twinkle of steel within. Stein's horse's head was within ten yards + of me as I thundered through. + </p> + <p> + “To me, comrades! To me!” I yelled. I heard a buzz as when the angry bees + swarm from their nest. Then my splendid white Arab fell dead under me and + I was hurled on to the cobble-stones of the yard, where I can remember no + more. + </p> + <p> + Such was my last and most famous exploit, my dear friends, a story which + rang through Europe and has made the name of Etienne Gerard famous in + history. + </p> + <p> + Alas! that all my efforts could only give the Emperor a few weeks more + liberty, since he surrendered upon the 15th of July to the English. But it + was not my fault that he was not able to collect the forces still waiting + for him in France, and to fight another Waterloo with a happier ending. + Had others been as loyal as I was the history of the world might have been + changed, the Emperor would have preserved his throne, and such a soldier + as I would not have been left to spend his life in planting cabbages or to + while away his old age telling stories in a cafe. You ask me about the + fate of Stein and the Prussian horsemen! Of the three who dropped upon the + way I know nothing. One you will remember that I killed. There remained + five, three of whom were cut down by my Hussars, who, for the instant, + were under the impression that it was indeed the Emperor whom they were + defending. Stein was taken, slightly wounded, and so was one of the + Uhlans. The truth was not told to them, for we thought it best that no + news, or false news, should get about as to where the Emperor was, so that + Count Stein still believed that he was within a few yards of making that + tremendous capture. “You may well love and honour your Emperor,” said he, + “for such a horseman and such a swordsman I have never seen.” He could not + understand why the young colonel of Hussars laughed so heartily at his + words—but he has learned since. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII. The Last Adventure of the Brigadier + </h2> + <p> + I will tell you no more stories, my dear friends. It is said that man is + like the hare, which runs in a circle and comes back to die at the point + from which it started. + </p> + <p> + Gascony has been calling to me of late. I see the blue Garonne winding + among the vineyards and the bluer ocean toward which its waters sweep. I + see the old town also, and the bristle of masts from the side of the long + stone quay. My heart hungers for the breath of my native air and the warm + glow of my native sun. + </p> + <p> + Here in Paris are my friends, my occupations, my pleasures. There all who + have known me are in their grave. And yet the southwest wind as it rattles + on my windows seems always to be the strong voice of the motherland + calling her child back to that bosom into which I am ready to sink. I have + played my part in my time. The time has passed. I must pass also. + </p> + <p> + Nay, dear friends, do not look sad, for what can be happier than a life + completed in honour and made beautiful with friendship and love? And yet + it is solemn also when a man approaches the end of the long road and sees + the turning which leads him into the unknown. But the Emperor and all his + Marshals have ridden round that dark turning and passed into the beyond. + My Hussars, too—there are not fifty men who are not waiting yonder. + I must go. But on this the last night I will tell you that which is more + than a tale—it is a great historical secret. My lips have been + sealed, but I see no reason why I should not leave behind me some account + of this remarkable adventure, which must otherwise be entirely lost, since + I and only I, of all living men, have a knowledge of the facts. + </p> + <p> + I will ask you to go back with me to the year 1821. + </p> + <p> + In that year our great Emperor had been absent from us for six years, and + only now and then from over the seas we heard some whisper which showed + that he was still alive. You cannot think what a weight it was upon our + hearts for us who loved him to think of him in captivity eating his giant + soul out upon that lonely island. From the moment we rose until we closed + our eyes in sleep the thought was always with us, and we felt dishonoured + that he, our chief and master, should be so humiliated without our being + able to move a hand to help him. There were many who would most willingly + have laid down the remainder of their lives to bring him a little ease, + and yet all that we could do was to sit and grumble in our cafes and stare + at the map, counting up the leagues of water which lay between us. + </p> + <p> + It seemed that he might have been in the moon for all that we could do to + help him. But that was only because we were all soldiers and knew nothing + of the sea. + </p> + <p> + Of course, we had our own little troubles to make us bitter, as well as + the wrongs of our Emperor. There were many of us who had held high rank + and would hold it again if he came back to his own. We had not found it + possible to take service under the white flag of the Bourbons, or to take + an oath which might turn our sabres against the man whom we loved. So we + found ourselves with neither work nor money. What could we do save gather + together and gossip and grumble, while those who had a little paid the + score and those who had nothing shared the bottle? Now and then, if we + were lucky, we managed to pick a quarrel with one of the Garde du Corps, + and if we left him on his hack in the Bois we felt that we had struck a + blow for Napoleon once again. They came to know our haunts in time, and + they avoided them as if they had been hornets' nests. + </p> + <p> + There was one of these—the Sign of the Great Man—in the Rue + Varennes, which was frequented by several of the more distinguished and + younger Napoleonic officers. Nearly all of us had been colonels or + aides-de-camp, and when any man of less distinction came among us we + generally made him feel that he had taken a liberty. There were Captain + Lepine, who had won the medal of honour at Leipzig; Colonel Bonnet, + aide-de-camp to Macdonald; Colonel Jourdan, whose fame in the army was + hardly second to my own; Sabbatier of my own Hussars, Meunier of the Red + Lancers, Le Breton of the Guards, and a dozen others. + </p> + <p> + Every night we met and talked, played dominoes, drank a glass or two, and + wondered how long it would be before the Emperor would be back and we at + the head of our regiments once more. The Bourbons had already lost any + hold they ever had upon the country, as was shown a few years afterward, + when Paris rose against them and they were hunted for the third time out + of France. Napoleon had but to show himself on the coast, and he would + have marched without firing a musket to the capital, exactly as he had + done when he came back from Elba. + </p> + <p> + Well, when affairs were in this state there arrived one night in February, + in our cafe, a most singular little man. He was short but exceedingly + broad, with huge shoulders, and a head which was a deformity, so large was + it. His heavy brown face was scarred with white streaks in a most + extraordinary manner, and he had grizzled whiskers such as seamen wear. + Two gold earrings in his ears, and plentiful tattooing upon his hands and + arms, told us also that he was of the sea before he introduced himself to + us as Captain Fourneau, of the Emperor's navy. He had letters of + introduction to two of our number, and there could be no doubt that he was + devoted to the cause. He won our respect, too, for he had seen as much + fighting as any of us, and the burns upon his face were caused by his + standing to his post upon the Orient, at the Battle of the Nile, until the + vessel blew up underneath him. Yet he would say little about himself, but + he sat in the corner of the cafe watching us all with a wonderfully sharp + pair of eyes and listening intently to our talk. + </p> + <p> + One night I was leaving the cafe when Captain Fourneau followed me, and + touching me on the arm he led me without saying a word for some distance + until we reached his lodgings. “I wish to have a chat with you,” said he, + and so conducted me up the stair to his room. There he lit a lamp and + handed me a sheet of paper which he took from an envelope in his bureau. + It was dated a few months before from the Palace of Schonbrunn at Vienna. + “Captain Fourneau is acting in the highest interests of the Emperor + Napoleon. Those who love the Emperor should obey him without question.—Marie + Louise.” That is what I read. I was familiar with the signature of the + Empress, and I could not doubt that this was genuine. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said he, “are you satisfied as to my credentials?” + </p> + <p> + “Entirely.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you prepared to take your orders from me?” + </p> + <p> + “This document leaves me no choice.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! In the first place, I understand from something you said in the + cafe that you can speak English?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I can.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me hear you do so.” + </p> + <p> + I said in English, “Whenever the Emperor needs the help of Etienne Gerard + I am ready night and day to give my life in his service.” Captain Fourneau + smiled. + </p> + <p> + “It is funny English,” said he, “but still it is better than no English. + For my own part I speak English like an Englishman. It is all that I have + to show for six years spent in an English prison. Now I will tell you why + I have come to Paris. I have come in order to choose an agent who will + help me in a matter which affects the interests of the Emperor. I was told + that it was at the cafe of the Great Man that I would find the pick of his + old officers, and that I could rely upon every man there being devoted to + his interests. I studied you all, therefore, and I have come to the + conclusion that you are the one who is most suited for my purpose.” + </p> + <p> + I acknowledged the compliment. “What is it that you wish me to do?” I + asked. + </p> + <p> + “Merely to keep me company for a few months,” said he. “You must know that + after my release in England I settled down there, married an English wife, + and rose to command a small English merchant ship, in which I have made + several voyages from Southampton to the Guinea coast. They look on me + there as an Englishman. You can understand, however, that with my feelings + about the Emperor I am lonely sometimes, and that it would be an advantage + to me to have a companion who would sympathize with my thoughts. One gets + very bored on these long voyages, and I would make it worth your while to + share my cabin.” + </p> + <p> + He looked hard at me with his shrewd grey eyes all the time that he was + uttering this rigmarole, and I gave him a glance in return which showed + him that he was not dealing with a fool. He took out a canvas bag full of + money. + </p> + <p> + “There are a hundred pounds in gold in this bag,” said he. “You will be + able to buy some comforts for your voyage. I should recommend you to get + them in Southampton, whence we will start in ten days. The name of the + vessel is the Black Swan. I return to Southampton to-morrow, and I shall + hope to see you in the course of the next week.” + </p> + <p> + “Come now,” said I. “Tell me frankly what is the destination of our + voyage?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, didn't I tell you?” he answered. “We are bound for the Guinea coast + of Africa.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how can that be in the highest interests of the Emperor?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is in his highest interests that you ask no indiscreet questions and I + give no indiscreet replies,” he answered, sharply. So he brought the + interview to an end, and I found myself back in my lodgings with nothing + save this bag of gold to show that this singular interview had indeed + taken place. + </p> + <p> + There was every reason why I should see the adventure to a conclusion, and + so within a week I was on my way to England. I passed from St. Malo to + Southampton, and on inquiry at the docks I had no difficulty in finding + the Black Swan, a neat little vessel of a shape which is called, as I + learned afterward, a brig. There was Captain Fourneau himself upon the + deck, and seven or eight rough fellows hard at work grooming her and + making her ready for sea. He greeted me and led me down to his cabin. + </p> + <p> + “You are plain Mr. Gerard now,” said he, “and a Channel Islander. I would + be obliged to you if you would kindly forget your military ways and drop + your cavalry swagger when you walk up and down my deck. A beard, too, + would seem more sailor-like than those moustaches.” + </p> + <p> + I was horrified by his words, but, after all, there are no ladies on the + high seas, and what did it matter? He rang for the steward. + </p> + <p> + “Gustav,” said he, “you will pay every attention to my friend, Monsieur + Etienne Gerard, who makes this voyage with us. This is Gustav Kerouan, my + Breton steward,” he explained, “and you are very safe in his hands.” + </p> + <p> + This steward, with his harsh face and stern eyes, looked a very warlike + person for so peaceful an employment. + </p> + <p> + I said nothing, however, though you may guess that I kept my eyes open. A + berth had been prepared for me next the cabin, which would have seemed + comfortable enough had it not contrasted with the extraordinary splendour + of Fourneau's quarters. He was certainly a most luxurious person, for his + room was new-fitted with velvet and silver in a way which would have + suited the yacht of a noble better than a little West African trader. + </p> + <p> + So thought the mate, Mr. Burns, who could not hide his amusement and + contempt whenever he looked at it. + </p> + <p> + This fellow, a big, solid, red-headed Englishman, had the other berth + connected with the cabin. There was a second mate named Turner, who lodged + in the middle of the ship, and there were nine men and one boy in the + crew, three of whom, as I was informed by Mr. Burns, were Channel + Islanders like myself. This Burns, the first mate, was much interested to + know why I was coming with them. + </p> + <p> + “I come for pleasure,” said I. + </p> + <p> + He stared at me. + </p> + <p> + “Ever been to the West Coast?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + I said that I had not. + </p> + <p> + “I thought not,” said he. “You'll never come again for that reason, + anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + Some three days after my arrival we untied the ropes by which the ship was + tethered and we set off upon our journey. I was never a good sailor, and I + may confess that we were far out of sight of any land before I was able to + venture upon deck. At last, however, upon the fifth day I drank the soup + which the good Kerouan brought me, and I was able to crawl from my bunk + and up the stair. The fresh air revived me, and from that time onward I + accommodated myself to the motion of the vessel. My beard had begun to + grow also, and I have no doubt that I should have made as fine a sailor as + I have a soldier had I chanced to be born to that branch of the service. I + learned to pull the ropes which hoisted the sails, and also to haul round + the long sticks to which they are attached. For the most part, however, my + duties were to play ecarte with Captain Fourneau, and to act as his + companion. It was not strange that he should need one, for neither of his + mates could read or write, though each of them was an excellent seaman. + </p> + <p> + If our captain had died suddenly I cannot imagine how we should have found + our way in that waste of waters, for it was only he who had the knowledge + which enabled him to mark our place upon the chart. He had this fixed upon + the cabin wall, and every day he put our course upon it so that we could + see at a glance how far we were from our destination. It was wonderful how + well he could calculate it, for one morning he said that we should see the + Cape Verd light that very night, and there it was, sure enough, upon our + left front the moment that darkness came. Next day, however, the land was + out of sight, and Burns, the mate, explained to me that we should see no + more until we came to our port in the Gulf of Biafra. Every day we flew + south with a favouring wind, and always at noon the pin upon the chart was + moved nearer and nearer to the African coast. I may explain that palm oil + was the cargo which we were in search of, and that our own lading + consisted of coloured cloths, old muskets, and such other trifles as the + English sell to the savages. + </p> + <p> + At last the wind which had followed us so long died away, and for several + days we drifted about on a calm and oily sea, under a sun which brought + the pitch bubbling out between the planks upon the deck. We turned and + turned our sails to catch every wandering puff, until at last we came out + of this belt of calm and ran south again with a brisk breeze, the sea all + round us being alive with flying fishes. For some days Burns appeared to + be uneasy, and I observed him continually shading his eyes with his hand + and staring at the horizon as if he were looking for land. Twice I caught + him with his red head against the chart in the cabin, gazing at that pin, + which was always approaching and yet never reaching the African coast. At + last one evening, as Captain Fourneau and I were playing ecarte in the + cabin, the mate entered with an angry look upon his sunburned face. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Captain Fourneau,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “But do you know what course the man at the wheel is steering?” + </p> + <p> + “Due south,” the captain answered, with his eyes fixed upon his cards. + </p> + <p> + “And he should be steering due east.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you make that out?” + </p> + <p> + The mate gave an angry growl. + </p> + <p> + “I may not have much education,” said he, “but let me tell you this, + Captain Fourneau, I've sailed these waters since I was a little nipper of + ten, and I know the line when I'm on it, and I know the doldrums, and I + know how to find my way to the oil rivers. We are south of the line now, + and we should be steering due east instead of due south if your port is + the port that the owners sent you to.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, Mr. Gerard. Just remember that it is my lead,” said the + captain, laying down his cards. + </p> + <p> + “Come to the map here, Mr. Burns, and I will give you a lesson in + practical navigation. Here is the trade wind from the southwest and here + is the line, and here is the port that we want to make, and here is a man + who will have his own way aboard his own ship.” As he spoke he seized the + unfortunate mate by the throat and squeezed him until he was nearly + senseless. Kerouan, the steward, had rushed in with a rope, and between + them they gagged and trussed the man, so that he was utterly helpless. + </p> + <p> + “There is one of our Frenchmen at the wheel. We had best put the mate + overboard,” said the steward. + </p> + <p> + “That is safest,” said Captain Fourneau. + </p> + <p> + But that was more than I could stand. Nothing would persuade me to agree + to the death of a helpless man. + </p> + <p> + With a bad grace Captain Fourneau consented to spare him, and we carried + him to the after-hold, which lay under the cabin. There he was laid among + the bales of Manchester cloth. + </p> + <p> + “It is not worth while to put down the hatch,” said Captain Fourneau. + “Gustav, go to Mr. Turner and tell him that I would like to have a word + with him.” + </p> + <p> + The unsuspecting second mate entered the cabin, and was instantly gagged + and secured as Burns had been. + </p> + <p> + He was carried down and laid beside his comrade. The hatch was then + replaced. + </p> + <p> + “Our hands have been forced by that red-headed dolt,” said the captain, + “and I have had to explode my mine before I wished. However, there is no + great harm done, and it will not seriously disarrange my plans. + </p> + <p> + “Kerouan, you will take a keg of rum forward to the crew and tell them + that the captain gives it to them to drink his health on the occasion of + crossing the line. + </p> + <p> + “They will know no better. As to our own fellows, bring them down to your + pantry so that we may be sure that they are ready for business. Now, + Colonel Gerard, with your permission we will resume our game of ecarte.” + </p> + <p> + It is one of those occasions which one does not forget. + </p> + <p> + This captain, who was a man of iron, shuffled and cut, dealt and played as + if he were in his cafe. From below we heard the inarticulate murmurings of + the two mates, half smothered by the handkerchiefs which gagged them. + Outside the timbers creaked and the sails hummed under the brisk breeze + which was sweeping us upon our way. Amid the splash of the waves and the + whistle of the wind we heard the wild cheers and shoutings of the English + sailors as they broached the keg of rum. We played half-a-dozen games and + then the captain rose. “I think they are ready for us now,” said he. He + took a brace of pistols from a locker, and he handed one of them to me. + </p> + <p> + But we had no need to fear resistance, for there was no one to resist. The + Englishman of those days, whether soldier or sailor, was an incorrigible + drunkard. + </p> + <p> + Without drink he was a brave and good man. But if drink were laid before + him it was a perfect madness—nothing could induce him to take it + with moderation. + </p> + <p> + In the dim light of the den which they inhabited, five senseless figures + and two shouting, swearing, singing madmen represented the crew of the + Black Swan. Coils of rope were brought forward by the steward, and with + the help of two French seamen (the third was at the wheel) we secured the + drunkards and tied them up, so that it was impossible for them to speak or + move. They were placed under the fore-hatch, as their officers had been + under the after one, and Kerouan was directed twice a day to give them + food and drink. So at last we found that the Black Swan was entirely our + own. + </p> + <p> + Had there been bad weather I do not know what we should have done, but we + still went gaily upon our way with a wind which was strong enough to drive + us swiftly south, but not strong enough to cause us alarm. On the evening + of the third day I found Captain Fourneau gazing eagerly out from the + platform in the front of the vessel. “Look, Gerard, look!” he cried, and + pointed over the pole which stuck out in front. + </p> + <p> + A light blue sky rose from a dark blue sea, and far away, at the point + where they met, was a shadowy something like a cloud, but more definite in + shape. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “It is land.” + </p> + <p> + “And what land?” + </p> + <p> + I strained my ears for the answer, and yet I knew already what the answer + would be. + </p> + <p> + “It is St. Helena.” + </p> + <p> + Here, then, was the island of my dreams! Here was the cage where our great + Eagle of France was confined! + </p> + <p> + All those thousands of leagues of water had not sufficed to keep Gerard + from the master whom he loved. + </p> + <p> + There he was, there on that cloud-bank yonder over the dark blue sea. How + my eyes devoured it! How my soul flew in front of the vessel—flew on + and on to tell him that he was not forgotten, that after many days one + faithful servant was coming to his side. Every instant the dark blur upon + the water grew harder and clearer. + </p> + <p> + Soon I could see plainly enough that it was indeed a mountainous island. + The night fell, but still I knelt upon the deck, with my eyes fixed upon + the darkness which covered the spot where I knew that the great Emperor + was. An hour passed and another one, and then suddenly a little golden + twinkling light shone out exactly ahead of us. It was the light of the + window of some house—perhaps of his house. It could not be more than + a mile or two away. Oh, how I held out my hands to it!—they were the + hands of Etienne Gerard, but it was for all France that they were held + out. + </p> + <p> + Every light had been extinguished aboard our ship, and presently, at the + direction of Captain Fourneau, we all pulled upon one of the ropes, which + had the effect of swinging round one of the sticks above us, and so + stopping the vessel. Then he asked me to step down to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “You understand everything now, Colonel Gerard,” said he, “and you will + forgive me if I did not take you into my complete confidence before. In a + matter of such importance I make no man my confidant. I have long planned + the rescue of the Emperor, and my remaining in England and joining their + merchant service was entirely with that design. All has worked out exactly + as I expected. I have made several successful voyages to the West Coast of + Africa, so that there was no difficulty in my obtaining the command of + this one. One by one I got these old French man-of-war's-men among the + hands. As to you, I was anxious to have one tried fighting man in case of + resistance, and I also desired to have a fitting companion for the Emperor + during his long homeward voyage. My cabin is already fitted up for his + use. I trust that before to-morrow morning he will be inside it, and we + out of sight of this accursed island.” + </p> + <p> + You can think of my emotion, my friends, as I listened to these words. I + embraced the brave Fourneau, and implored him to tell me how I could + assist him. + </p> + <p> + “I must leave it all in your hands,” said he. “Would that I could have + been the first to pay him homage, but it would not be wise for me to go. + The glass is falling, there is a storm brewing, and we have the land under + our lee. Besides, there are three English cruisers near the island which + may be upon us at any moment. It is for me, therefore, to guard the ship + and for you to bring off the Emperor.” + </p> + <p> + I thrilled at the words. + </p> + <p> + “Give me your instructions!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “I can only spare you one man, for already I can hardly pull round the + yards,” said he. “One of the boats has been lowered, and this man will row + you ashore and await your return. The light which you see is indeed the + light of Longwood. All who are in the house are your friends, and all may + be depended upon to aid the Emperor's escape. There is a cordon of English + sentries, but they are not very near to the house. Once you have got as + far as that you will convey our plans to the Emperor, guide him down to + the boat, and bring him on board.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor himself could not have given his instructions more shortly and + clearly. There was not a moment to be lost. The boat with the seaman was + waiting alongside. I stepped into it, and an instant afterward we had + pushed off. Our little boat danced over the dark waters, but always + shining before my eyes was the light of Longwood, the light of the + Emperor, the star of hope. Presently the bottom of the boat grated upon + the pebbles of the beach. It was a deserted cove, and no challenge from a + sentry came to disturb us. I left the seaman by the boat and I began to + climb the hillside. + </p> + <p> + There was a goat track winding in and out among the rocks, so I had no + difficulty in finding my way. It stands to reason that all paths in St. + Helena would lead to the Emperor. I came to a gate. No sentry—and I + passed through. Another gate—still no sentry! I wondered what had + become of this cordon of which Fourneau had spoken. I had come now to the + top of my climb, for there was the light burning steadily right in front + of me. I concealed myself and took a good look round, but still I could + see no sign of the enemy. As I approached I saw the house, a long, low + building with a veranda. A man was walking up and down upon the path in + front. I crept nearer and had a look at him. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it was this cursed Hudson Lowe. What a triumph if I could not only + rescue the Emperor, but also avenge him! But it was more likely that this + man was an English sentry. I crept nearer still, and the man stopped in + front of the lighted window, so that I could see him. No; it was no + soldier, but a priest. I wondered what such a man could be doing there at + two in the morning. Was he French or English? If he were one of the + household I might take him into my confidence. If he were English he might + ruin all my plans. + </p> + <p> + I crept a little nearer still, and at that moment he entered the house, a + flood of light pouring out through the open door. All was clear for me now + and I understood that not an instant was to be lost. Bending myself double + I ran swiftly forward to the lighted window. + </p> + <p> + Raising my head I peeped through, and there was the Emperor lying dead + before me. + </p> + <p> + My friends, I fell down upon the gravel walk as senseless as if a bullet + had passed through my brain. So great was the shock that I wonder that I + survived it. + </p> + <p> + And yet in half an hour I had staggered to my feet again, shivering in + every limb, my teeth chattering, and there I stood staring with the eyes + of a maniac into that room of death. + </p> + <p> + He lay upon a bier in the centre of the chamber, calm, composed, majestic, + his face full of that reserve power which lightened our hearts upon the + day of battle. A half-smile was fixed upon his pale lips, and his eyes, + half-opened, seemed to be turned on mine. He was stouter than when I had + seen him at Waterloo, and there was a gentleness of expression which I had + never seen in life. On either side of him burned rows of candles, and this + was the beacon which had welcomed us at sea, which had guided me over the + water, and which I had hailed as my star of hope. Dimly I became conscious + that many people were kneeling in the room; the little Court, men and + women, who had shared his fortunes, Bertrand, his wife, the priest, + Montholon—all were there. I would have prayed too, but my heart was + too heavy and bitter for prayer. And yet I must leave, and I could not + leave him without a sign. Regardless of whether I was seen or not, I drew + myself erect before my dead leader, brought my heels together, and raised + my hand in a last salute. Then I turned and hurried off through the + darkness, with the picture of the wan, smiling lips and the steady grey + eyes dancing always before me. + </p> + <p> + It had seemed to me but a little time that I had been away, and yet the + boatman told me that it was hours. + </p> + <p> + Only when he spoke of it did I observe that the wind was blowing half a + gale from the sea and that the waves were roaring in upon the beach. Twice + we tried to push out our little boat, and twice it was thrown back by the + sea. The third time a great wave filled it and stove the bottom. + Helplessly we waited beside it until the dawn broke, to show a raging sea + and a flying scud above it. There was no sign of the Black Swan. Climbing + the hill we looked down, but on all the great torn expanse of the ocean + there was no gleam of a sail. She was gone. Whether she had sunk, or + whether she was recaptured by her English crew, or what strange fate may + have been in store for her, I do not know. Never again in this life did I + see Captain Fourneau to tell him the result of my mission. For my own part + I gave myself up to the English, my boatman and I pretending that we were + the only survivors of a lost vessel—though, indeed, there was no + pretence in the matter. At the hands of their officers I received that + generous hospitality which I have always encountered, but it was many a + long month before I could get a passage back to the dear land outside of + which there can be no happiness for so true a Frenchman as myself. + </p> + <p> + And so I tell you in one evening how I bade good-bye to my master, and I + take my leave also of you, my kind friends, who have listened so patiently + to the long-winded stories of an old broken soldier. Russia, Italy, + Germany, Spain, Portugal, and England, you have gone with me to all these + countries, and you have seen through my dim eyes something of the sparkle + and splendour of those great days, and I have brought back to you some + shadow of those men whose tread shook the earth. Treasure it in your minds + and pass it on to your children, for the memory of a great age is the most + precious treasure that a nation can possess. As the tree is nurtured by + its own cast leaves so it is these dead men and vanished days which may + bring out another blossoming of heroes, of rulers, and of sages. I go to + Gascony, but my words stay here in your memory, and long after Etienne + Gerard is forgotten a heart may be warmed or a spirit braced by some faint + echo of the words that he has spoken. Gentlemen, an old soldier salutes + you and bids you farewell. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Adventures of Gerard, by Arthur Conan Doyle + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF GERARD *** + +***** This file should be named 1644-h.htm or 1644-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/4/1644/ + +Produced by Charles Keller, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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