missaries as valet. The merchant told him that the people of the house
would not be deceived by a stranger, for they were well acquainted with
all his concerns, and even with his writing. "Examine your attendant,"
said M. de Sartine; "you will find him well instructed, and he speaks
your dialect as you do yourself." A few questions convinced the merchant
that the minister had made a good selection. M. de Sartine then
described the reception he would meet with, the rooms he was to occupy,
the persons he should see, and laid down directions for his conduct;
telling him, at the same time, that if at a loss, he should consult his
attendant. On his arrival at the inn, every thing shewed the wonderful
correctness of the information. His reception was kind as ever. Dinner
was served up; and the merchant, according to his practice, engaged
himself till a late hour in his usual occupations. The valet played his
part to a miracle, and saw his master to bed, after repeating to him the
instructions of Monsieur de Sartine. The merchant, as may well be
supposed, did not sleep much. At twelve, a trap door in the floor opened
gently, and a man ascended into the apartment, having a dark lanthorn in
one hand, and in the other, some small rings of iron, used for gagging
people to prevent their speaking. He had just ascended, when the valet
knocked him down and secured him; the room was immediately filled with
the officers of the police. The house had been surrounded to prevent
escape; and in a cellar under the room where the merchant had slept, and
which communicated with the trap door, were found the master, mistress,
and all the members of the gang--they were all secured.

Let us proceed with the character of Napoleon. All the world is well
acquainted with his vices; it is less probable that they have ever heard
of his virtues, of his having shown that he felt as a man. The
following instance is authentic:

After the capture of Berlin, the command of the city was given to one of
the Prussian generals, who had sworn fidelity to Bonaparte. This officer
betrayed his trust, and communicated to the King of Prussia all the
information which he obtained of the motions of the French army.
Bonaparte obtained sufficient proof of his crime, by intercepted
letters. The officer was arrested, a military trial was ordered, and
sentence of death pronounced. The wife of the officer threw herself at
the feet of Bonaparte, and implored the life of her hus