es live," returned
Marteau.

"You are right," said the Emperor. "You stand to me for France. Your
spirit typifies the spirit of my soldiery, does it not?"

"Theirs is even greater than mine, Sire," was the prompt answer.

"That's well. Do you know the country hereabouts?"

"I was born at Aumenier."

"Let me see," said the Emperor, "the village lies beyond Sezanne?"

"Yes, Sire."

"In an opening in the great woods beyond the marshes of St. Gond,"
continued the other, studying the map, "there is a chateau there. Are
you by any chance of the ancient house of Aumenier?"

"My father was a warden on the estates of the last marquis."

"Good. Do you know that country?"

"I have hunted over every rod of it as a boy, Sire."

"I must have news," said the Emperor, "information, definite tidings.
I want to know where Bluecher is; where his several army corps are. Can
I trust so young a head as yours with great matters?"

"Tortures could not wring from me anything you may confide, your
majesty," said the young man resolutely.

"I believe you," said the Emperor, looking at him keenly and reading
him like a book. "Look. Before daybreak Marmont marches to Sezanne.
The next day after I follow. I shall leave enough men behind the river
here to hold back Schwarzenberg, or at least to check him if he
advances. With the rest I shall fall on Bluecher."

The young man's eyes sparkled. He had been bending over the map. He
drew himself up and saluted.

"It is the Emperor at his best," he said.

"You have studied the art of war, young sir?"

"I have read every one of your majesty's campaigns."

"And you see what I would do?"

"Not altogether, but----"

"Fall upon the flank of the unsuspecting Prussian, burst through his
line, break his center, turn to the right or left, beat him in detail,
drive him back, relieve Paris, and then----"

"And then, Sire?"

"Come back and do the same thing with Schwarzenberg!"

"Your majesty!" cried the young soldier, as the whole mighty plan was
made clear to him.

"Ha! It brightens your eyes and flushes your cheek, does it not? So
it will brighten the eyes and flush the cheeks of France. I will show
them. In six weeks I will drive them across the Rhine. In another
month they shall sue for peace and the Vistula shall be our boundary."

"What does your majesty desire of me?"

"That you go at once. Take with you whomsoever you will. Bring or
send me reports. You ar