h tenfold
impetuosity. But if this feeling animated me, it also nerved my
antagonists, for their resistance rose with every moment, and as
they drove us back from their walls, cheers of triumph rang out and
proclaimed the victory.

Already the battle had lasted nearly an hour, and all that was obtained
was a slight breach in one of the outworks, too small to be practicable
for assault. In this state were matters, when the sound of a cavalry
escort turned every eye towards the entrance to the courtyard, where
we now beheld a squadron of the Landers rouges following a numerous and
brilliant staff of general officers.

Scarcely had they entered the gates when a loud cry rent the air, and
every voice shouted, "C'est lui! c'est lui!" and the next moment, "Vive
Bonaparte! vive le Premier Consul!" All that I ever heard from poor De
Meudon came rushing on my mind, and my heart swelled out till it seemed
bursting my very bosom. The next instant my eye turned to the little
fort; the moment was propitious, for there every cap was waving, every
look bent towards him, I seized the opportunity, and pointing silently
to the breach, stole forward. In a second I was beneath the grassy
rampart; in another, I reached the breach; the next brought me to the
top, where, with a shout of victory, I called on my men to follow me. On
they came rushing,--but too late; already the garrison were upon me, and
overcome by numbers, I fought alone and unsupported. Step by step they
drove me to the edge of the rampart; already my foot was on the breach,
when with a spring I dashed at the flagstaff, and carried it with me
as I fell headlong into the ditch. In a moment I was on my legs, but
so stunned and crushed that I fell almost immediately again; cold
perspiration broke over my face and forehead, and I should have fainted
but that they dashed some water over me.

As I lay sick and faint I lifted my eyes; and what was my amazement to
see, not the little companions of the school about me, but the gorgeous
uniform of staff officers, and two elegantly-dressed ladies, one of whom
held a cup of water in her hand and sprinkled it over my brow. I looked
down upon my torn dress, and the sleeve of my coat, where the marks of
my rank were already half effaced, and I felt the tears start into
my eyes as the remembrance of my late failure crossed my mind. At the
instant the crowd opened, and a pale but handsome face, where command
was tempered by a look of almo