he square. "Remain here, gentlemen.
Tell the arriving troops that at daybreak we shall beat the Russians at
Champaubert. Bid them hasten if they would take part in the victory
and the plunder. The rest will be easy."

"And you, Sire?"

"I ride with the cavalry brigade to Aumenier. Tell the men that the
wagon-train has arrived. We shall seize it. Food, arms, will be
distributed in the morning. Is that you, Maurice?" he continued, as a
gallant young general officer attended by a few aides rode up.

"At your service, Sire," answered a gay voice.

"Your cavalry?"

"Weary but ready to follow the Emperor anywhere."

"Forward, then. There is food and drink at the end of our ride. It is
but a few miles to Aumenier."

"May I have a horse and go with you, Sire?" asked the old grenadier.

"Assuredly. See that he gets one and a Cross of the Legion of Honor,
too. Come, gentlemen," continued the Emperor, putting spurs to his
tired horse.

CHAPTER X

HOW MARTEAU WON THE CROSS

For a long time the besiegers had given little evidence of their
presence. Through the loop-holes in the shutters fires could be seen
burning, figures coming and going. They were busy about something, but
just what was not apparent. They had been unmolested by the defenders.
Marteau had but three pistols and therefore three shots left. Pierre,
upstairs, had but one. To kill one or two more Russians would not have
bettered their condition. The pistols should be saved for a final
emergency. He had called up to Pierre and had cautioned him. There
was nothing to do but to wait.

From time to time the silence was broken by snatches of conversation.
As, for instance, the Countess Laure, observing that Marteau wore upon
his breast the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, thus began,

"You wear a great decoration for a simple----" She stopped awkwardly.

"For a simple peasant you were about to say, mademoiselle," answered
Marteau, smiling with a little touch of scorn. "In France to-day even
a simple peasant may deserve and receive the favor of the Emperor."

"I am sure that you are worthy of whatever distinction you may have
achieved, monsieur," said the Countess gently, grieved at her lack of
consideration and anxious to make amends. "And as one who takes pride
in all associated with her ancient house will you tell me how you got
that?"

"It was at Leipsic."

"Ah, we beat you there," said one Russian meaningly.

"Yes,"