said Marteau. "Perhaps after having seen your backs so many
times we could afford to turn ours upon you once."

"I was there," said the other Russian triumphantly.

"Were you also at Friedland, at Eylau, at Borodino, at----" began
Marteau angrily.

"Gentlemen!" said the Countess.

"Forgive, mademoiselle," said the Frenchman quickly. "I, at least,
will not fight our battles over in the presence of a woman."

"But the cross?"

"It was nothing. I saved an eagle. The Emperor bestowed it on me."

"Tell me about it."

"I was on the bridge at Leipsic when it was blown up by that fatal
mistake. The Port-Aigle was torn to pieces. The Colonel seized the
Eagle as it fell from his hand. I was next to him--afoot. A storm of
bullets swept over the river. As the Colonel on his horse was pushed
over the parapet by the flying fugitives a shot struck him. He had
just strength enough to gasp out, 'Save the Eagle' as he was swept
away. I was lucky enough to catch the staff--a bullet had broken it--I
seized the upper half with the Eagle and the flag which had almost been
shot to pieces during the battle--the Fifth-of-the-Line had done its
full duty that day--and I swam with it toward the bank. Really,
mademoiselle, any soldier would have done as well. I only happened to
be there."

"Go on, monsieur, I wish to hear everything."

"At your pleasure, then," said Marteau reluctantly, continuing his
story.

"The river was filled with men and horses. Marshal Poniatowski was
near me. He had been wounded, and guided his swimming horse with his
left hand. The current was swift. We were swept down the stream. A
cavalryman next to me was shot from his horse. He fell over upon me.
I was forced under water a moment. Another horse, swimming
frantically, struck my shoulder with his hoof, fortunately it was the
left one. My arm was broken. I seized the tatters of the flag in my
teeth--you know I am an expert swimmer, mademoiselle?"

"I know it," answered the girl, her eyes gleaming at the recital.
"Have you forgot the day when, disregarding your warnings, I fell into
the river and was swept away and how you plunged in and brought me to
the shore and never told my father?"

"I have not forgot," said the young officer simply, "but it was not for
me to remind you."

"And I have not forgot, either. But continue the story," said the
young Countess, her eyes shining, her breath coming quicker, as she
listened to the gall