ed to him. Many of them he stopped with questions.

"The convoy of arms, provisions, powder," he snapped out to an officer
of Marmont's division approaching him, "which was to meet us here.
Have you seen it?"

"It has not appeared, Sire."

"Has anything been heard of it?"

"Nothing yet, your Majesty."

"Have you scouted for it, sent out parties to find it? Where is the
Comte de Grouchy?"

"I come from him, Sire. He is ahead of the Duke of Ragusa's corps."

"Has he come in touch with the enemy?"

"Not yet, Sire."

"The roads?"

"Worse than those we have passed over."

"Marshal Marmont?"

"I was ordered by General Grouchy to report to him and then----"

"Well, sir?"

"He sent me back here."

"For what purpose?"

"To find you, Sire, and to say to you most respectfully from the
Marshal that the roads are absolutely impassable. He has put four
teams to a gun and can scarcely move them. To advance is impossible.
He but awaits your order to retrace his steps."

"Retrace his steps!" shouted Napoleon, raising his voice. "Never! He
must go on. Our only hope, our only chance, salvation lies in an
instant advance. He knows that as well as I."

"But the guns, Sire?"

"Abandon the guns if necessary. We'll take what cannon we need from
the enemy."

And that admission evidenced the force with which the Emperor held his
convictions as to the present movement. Great, indeed, was the
necessity which would induce Napoleon to order the abandonment of a
single gun.

"But, Sire----"

"Monsieur," said Napoleon severely, "you are a young officer, although
you wear the insignia of a Colonel. Know that I am not accustomed to
have my commands questioned by anyone. You will return to Marshal
Marmont at once. Exchange your tired horse for one of my own. I still
have a fresh one, I believe. And spare him not. Tell the Duc de
Ragusa that he must advance at all hazards. Advance with the guns if
he can, if not then without them. Stay, as for the guns---- Where is
the Mayor of the town?"

"Here, Sire," answered a plain, simple man in civilian's dress standing
near.

"Are there any horses left in the countryside, monsieur?"

"Many, your Majesty, wherever the Russians have not passed."

"I thought so. Gentlemen," the Emperor turned to his staff, "ride in
every direction. Take the mounted escort. Bid them scatter. Go to
every village and farm. Ask my good French people to bring their
horses in,