r the rest," said the Emperor, turning away in high good humor,
"Marteau, you have been continuously on service for two days and two
nights and you are wounded----"

"It is nothing."

"Remain here with old Bullet-Stopper, who, true to his name, has had
another touch of the enemy's lead. General Maurice, detail a score of
the weakest of your command, those slightly wounded, to whom a night's
rest would be useful. They shall remain here until the courier stops
for the lady and her English friend, and then under Marteau's command
rejoin me in the morning."

"Very good, Sire," said General Maurice, turning away.

"I thank your Majesty," said Marteau, "for all you have done for me,
and for the Comtesse d'Aumenier."

"And I thank the Emperor also," said the young woman, smiling at him.
"Your Majesty's generosity almost wins me to an imperial allegiance."

Napoleon laughed.

"Not even the Emperor," he said proudly, "is as black as he is painted
by traitors and the English, Mademoiselle!" he bowed abruptly but not
ungracefully. "Come, gentlemen," he said, turning on his heel, "we
must march."

CHAPTER XII

AN ALLIANCE DECLINED

As the Emperor left the room, followed by the officers and men, a
little silence fell over the three people remaining therein.

"Monsieur le Comte d'Aumenier!" exclaimed the Countess Laure, wonder,
derision and disdain in her voice. "Your chateau, your domain!"

She looked about the great hall and laughed scornfully. Young Marteau
turned crimson. He threw up his head proudly.

"Mademoiselle----" he began sternly, his voice full of indignant
protest and resentment.

"Don't be too hard on the lad, Countess," interposed the Englishman,
his interest aroused. "By gad, he saved your honor, your life, and----"

"And, if I mistake not, I repaid the obligation by saving his life
also, sir."

"And I recognize it, and am grateful, mademoiselle."

"I am ordered to report to you, sir," said a young man, coming into the
room followed by a file of dismounted soldiers, and relieving a
situation growing most tense.

"Very good," said Marteau, devoutly thankful for the interruption.
"You will dispose your men so as to guard the approaches of the chateau
at every hand. You will keep a strict lookout, and you will awaken me
at dawn. I think there is nothing to be apprehended from the enemy.
The advance of the Emperor will have cleared all this section of even
wandering troops of Cossac