nier for that missing
wagon-train for which we----"

There was a sudden confusion on the edge of the line. The grenadiers
forming a circle around the fire had caught a man wearing a Russian
greatcoat and were dragging him into the light.

"What's this? _Mon Dieu_!" exclaimed Napoleon, recognizing the green
uniform which he had seen on many a battlefield. "A Russian! Here!"

"A soldier of France, Sire," came the astonishing answer in excellent
French from the supposed prisoner.

At this amazing remark in their own tongue the bewildered grenadiers on
guard released him. He tore off the green cap and dashed it to the
ground.

"Give me a shako. Let me feel the bearskin of the guard again," he
cried impetuously, as his hands ripped open his overcoat, disclosing
his uniform. "I am a grenadier of the line, Sire."

Napoleon peered down at him.

"Ah," he said, "I know you. You are called----"

"Bal-Arret, your Majesty."

"Exactly. Have you stopped any more this time?"

"There is one in my left arm. Your guards hurt when they grasped it.
But it is nothing. I didn't come here to speak of bullets, but of----"

"What?"

"The Russians, the Prussians."

"Where did you get that coat and cap?"

"I rode with Jean Marteau," answered the grenadier, greatly excited.

"What of him? Is he alive?"

"I think so."

"Did you leave him?"

"I did, Sire."

"And why?"

"To bring you news."

"Of Marshal Bluecher's armies?"

The grenadier nodded his head.

"What of them? Quick man, your tidings? Have you been among them?"

"All day long."

"Where are they?"

"General Yorck with his men is at Etampes."

"And Macdonald?"

"Fighting a rearguard action beyond Chateau-Thierry."

"On what side of the Marne?"

"The north side, Sire. Right at La Ferte-sous-Jouarre."

"What else?"

"Sacken's Russians are advancing along the main road through Montmirail
toward Paris. Olusuvieff's Russian division is at Champaubert."

"And where are Bluecher and Wittgenstein and Wrede?"

"Major Marteau will have to tell you that, Sire. He went that way."

"You separated?"

"Yes, Sire."

"You were to meet somewhere?"

"At the Chateau d'Aumenier."

"Did you go there?"

"I did, Sire."

"And you found?"

"The ground around the chateau filled with wagons."

"A train?"

"Of arms, clothing, ammunition, everything the army lacks."

"What was it doing there?"

"There had been a battle. Horses and men were