The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-09-01

Count de Las Cases never beheld the En-
peror again. A party Of dragons were al
ready stationed round the house. NJ de Las
Cases and his son (who was then very ill.,
were conducted from Longwood TO Plantation
House, where they were closely guarded un-
I'll they embarked for the Cape Of Good Hope.
Meanwhile Las Cases still retained the
diamond necklace in his possession and this
circumstance gave him not little uneasiness.
Time was hurrying on, and he learned ihas he
had only few days to remain at ST. Helena.
He was tormen,ed by the fear Of being COM
PEELED to depart without having an opportuni-
ty OF restoring the treasure 10 its ilustri0us
owner. What was to be done 7--all COM
munication with LoRgwood was strictly pro-
hibiied. An idea struck him, and he rssoly-
ed at all risks 10 carry it into effect. There
was an English officer who had recently ar
rived at ST. Helena, and with whom Count
Las Cases had formed some slight acquaint-
ance. He had been pleased with the gentle
manly manners Of this Englishman, and the
liberal and generous feelings indicated in the
little conversation he had had with him. This
officer happened to come TO Plantation House,
and Count Las Cases, being left alone with
him for a few moments, made him his conf
dent.
Sir" said Las Cases to the officer, who
spoke French tolerably well, 81 believe you
to be man Of honor and feeling, and have
asked you to render me a service, which will
put those qualities to the test. In the first
place, let me assure you that the favor am
about TO request will involve no. violation Of
your duty but it deeply concerns my honor,
and that of my family. To come at once 10
the point, wish to restore to the Emperor
valuable deposite which he placed in my
hands. Will you take charge Of it, and con-
trive some means Of returning it to him? If
you will, my son shall seize an opportunity Of
slipping it unperceived into your pocket"
AT this moment some one approached, and
the officer could reply only by look and ges-
ture expressive of his assent He then re-
tired to a little distance. Young Las Cases,
who was with his father, had received his in
structions, and Queen Hortense's necklace
was soon placed in the officers pocket, I'M
perceived by any one, though all the Cover
nor's staff was within sight
But the most difficult part of the undertake
ing was yet to be erformed-namely, to re-
store the necklace to its destination. An in
terval Of two years elapsed ere this could be
accomplished.
After the departure Of Count Las Cases,
the Emperor fancied that he could perceive
that the surveillance exercised over him was
even more rigid than before. He could not
stir out of the house at Longwood without
seeing an English officer who, from little
distance, closely watched all his movements.
In the morning, in the evening, or at what
ever time he went out, this same officer was
always lowering about him like his shadow.
This sort of inquisition was the mere annoy
ing inasmuch as the officer had several times
manifested the intention Of speaking to him.
The consequence was that as soon as the
Emperor saw him approach, he made it a rule
to cut short his promenade.
One day Napoleon thought he was much
more closely watched than usual, and turn
inG ranna ang-J. L. s----L-.--~, ~osssssoas
to inhale little fresh air, without having spy
on all my footsteps I" The Emperor, walked
towards the house, and the officer who had
heard the words which fell from him, quick
ened his pace, followed, and overlook him.
In few moments, he stood before Napoleon.
/" Sire !" said he in tone of profound respect
-" Begone, sir begone" interrupted Ma
poleon, with a GESTURE Of contempt, "There
can be no Communication between me and
your employers! l desire you to begone!'
i" Sire !" resumed the officer, with perfect
composure, and without moving step, "your
Majesty is mistaken" He then hastily ut
tered the words, 'Count de Las Cases -
Queen Hortense's necklace -" 49,.
"Ah! ah"' exclaimed the Emperor, stop
ping short, and looking at the officer, "What
have you to say sir"
"Will your Majesty" continued the off
Ger, 8" be pleased to continue your walk with
out appearing to notice me. rhave the neck
lace here. For the space Of two years have
constantly carried it about my person, and
/ have been seeking to restore it to you.-
Give me now an opportunity Of throwing it
into your hat; for even now cannot venture
to give it to you, lest should be observed"
The Emperor took off his hat, and passed
his hand over his forehead, as lie was in the
habit of doing when absorbed in thought At
this moment the officer threw the necklace
into the Emperor's hat, and said, in low tone
OF voice, Now hope your Majesty will
forgive my impunity. l have fulfilled my
mission. Sire, will trouble you no more.
May Heaven bless andpreserve your Majes-
typ He then retired and Napoleon saw no
more Of him.
At the end of April, 1921, some days before
his death, Napoleon summoned General Mon
tholon to his bedside. any dear friend"
said he, in feeble tone Of voice, and turning
his languid eyes towards the General, Il have
under my pillow diamond necklace Of con-
siderable value, belonging to Hortense.
have had my reasons for not letting any one
here know that possessed this treasure. 1t
is my desire that as soon as | shall breathe
my Ia you take charge of it, and on your re-
turn to France (shoud you ever be fortunate
enough to see your native land again. restore
il to Hortense. IT, as is not improbable, she