f
different arms of the service, surmounted with some device emblematic
of their peculiar character; or sometimes the mere record of some famous
battle in which they had pre-eminently distinguished themselves. Here
were the long, straight swords of the cuirassier crossed above the steel
breastplate, and surmounted by the heavy helmet half hid in leopard
skin, and bearing the almost effaced word "Arcole" in front; there was
the short carbine of the voltigeur, over which hung the red cap and its
gay gold tassel, with the embroidered motto "En avant" in gold letters.
The long and graceful weapon of the lancer, the curved sabre of
the _chasseur a cheval_, even the axe of the pioneer was not
wanting,--displaying at a glance some trait of every branch of the
mighty force that bore the proud designation of "La Grande Armee."

I was busily engaged inspecting these when the door opened, and an
officer in full uniform appeared. His figure was above the middle size,
strongly and squarely built; and his bronzed features, and high, bold
forehead, gave him a soldier-like air.

"Your name, sir," said he, quickly, as he drew himself up before me, and
looked sternly in my face.

"Burke,--Thomas Burke."

"Write it down, Auguste," said he, turning to a young officer, who
stood, pen in hand, behind him.

"Your rank or profession?"

"Gentilhomme," said I, not knowing that the word expressed nobility.

"Ah, _pardieu_," cried he, as he showed his white teeth in a grin;
"produce your papers, if you have any."

"I have nothing save those letters," said I, handing him those of De
Meudon.

Scarce had his eye glanced over them, when I saw his color heighten and
his cheek tremble.

"What!" cried he, "are you the same young Irishman who is mentioned
here, the constant companion and friend of poor Charles? He was my
schoolfellow; we were at Brienne together. What a mistake I was about to
fall into! How did you come, and when?"

Before I could reply to any of his many questions, the naval officer I
had met at the harbor entered, and delivered his report.

"Yes, yes; I know it all," said Dorsenne, hurriedly throwing his eye
over it. "It 's all right, perfectly right, Brevix. Let Capitaine
Antoine be examined at the quartier-general. I 'll take care of monsieur
here. And, to begin; come and join us at supper."

Passing his arm familiarly over my shoulder, he led me into the
adjoining room, where two other officers were seated at a table