Napoleon much may be accomplished.
Bluecher, it is true, marches on Paris. He counts on the army of
Schwarzenberg to contain us. He marches leisurely, with wide intervals
between his divisions. What shall prevent us----"

"Your majesty," cried Marmont, his eyes flashing as he divined the
Emperor's plan.

He was the quickest witted and most brilliant of the marshals, but by
no means the hardest fighter, or the most loyal and devoted subordinate.

"I am worn out," said the Emperor, smiling more kindly upon them. "I
have scarcely been out of the saddle--I have scarcely had an hour of
sleep since the bloody day of La Rothiere. I must have rest. Let none
disturb me for two hours. Hold the messenger from the Duke of Vicenza.
I will give an answer then."

The Emperor drooped, as he spoke, much of the animation went out of his
face and figure. He looked grayer than ever, heavier than ever, older
than ever.

"In two hours awaken me," he said.

He stepped toward the door that led to the room reserved for himself,
but before he reached it two officers were admitted. Napoleon stopped
and looked at them. They saluted him, walked over to Berthier, the
Chief of Staff.

"The soldiers are dying of hunger," said the first. "The Commissary
General has nothing to give them. He expected a convoy of provisions,
but Cossacks, who are reported at Fontainebleau, have captured the
train. What shall we do?"

Berthier threw up his hands, and turned to the other officer to hear
his report.

"Ten thousand men are without arms, or with arms unserviceable and
broken. The supply of powder is low. Where shall we get any more?"

The silence in the room was terrible.

"Sire," said Berthier in a low voice, turning to Napoleon, standing
staring, "you hear?" He stretched out his hand in appealing gesture.

The Emperor turned on his heel, without deigning to look or speak.

"Watch the door for two hours," he said to the young officer, crashing
to the door behind him. "Awaken me then."

"Gentlemen," said Berthier despairingly to the other officers, "we
shall never persuade him. You had better repair to your commands.
Some of you must have something to eat. Divide what you have with the
less fortunate divisions. Arm and equip the best men. There is a
small supply at Nogent, I am told. The others must wait."

"If we could only get at these pigs of Prussians, these dogs of
Russians," said Ney, "we could take food and guns