The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-11-28
VOL. VI.-NO.I2S

S,iSS1 thS piopVSoA "a Soou OiSS
and | accept it. But come, hope
you are not joking, and that you
won't laugh at me after having eat
half my potato. Beware Of that, for
'Bres de fer is in earnest.' mo, no.
replied the emperor, laughing; Il
pledge YOU my d.'-sThat's e.
nough,' replied the grenadier, quite
delighted, at the same time giving
him half his potato, which he fixed
on the point Of his bayonet, ndthus
handed it to the emperor, who took
it and eat it, saying it was very
good. We continued our march,
and on the road Napoleon asked US
if we knew who that queer fellow
was, or his name. None Of US could
give the desired information, so the
matter dropped, r...'.' ~
In the evening, just as we were
sitting down to the table, a noise
was heard in the ante chamber, and
many voices speaking together in
anger. The emperor, surprised at
this, enquired what was the matter,
when servant came in, saying there
was an insolent soldier outside, all
covered with mud and dirt, who,
having made his way as far as the
ante-chamber, was inquiring if his
majesty was at home, and that he
had come to dine with him on his in
vitation; and, added the servant,
'when we laughed at this, and told
him he could -not come in, he abused
us, called us insolent footmen, rob-
bers, scamps, and persisted in his
determination of seeing your majes-
ty.' At this information, we most
Of us laughed, and reminded the en-
peror of his mornings adventure.
He Immediately ordered him in.
Our hero entered in full marching
costume, and presenting arms march,
ed straight to the emperor, who was
seated at the centre of the table,
halted, presented arms, like an or
derby given or receiving a report,
and looking the emperor full in the
face, said boldly, Sire, here I am
Bras de fer grcnadier in the twelfth
regiment of the line. shared my
breakfast with you on condition that
| should dine with you. 1t was your
own proposal, and | accepted it; af-
ter a forced and rapid march, here
| am, and as every honest man keeps
his word, | suppose you mean to-
Certainly, my man, you are right.
Here, Constant, take this brave fell
low, and give him good dinner.
Go, my friend, and my valet will
take good care ofyou.' Bras de fer
knit his black eyebrows; he first
looked at the emperor, and then with
a contemptuous sneer at his valet,
who was reckoning him to follow,
and then looked around at US all. 8
He stood as though he was rooted
to the spot. Come grenadicr,,
cried the emperor impstien,ly, 'be
oE-go and dine with Constant I
have told you he would take care Of
YOU General answered he, firm
ly, q wear a uniform, and cannot
dine with valets.' must confess
that this noble answer gratifed me,
but | began TO fear so bold a reply
might displease Napoleon. In fact,
he turned in anger towards the gre-
nader, who returned his glance
without betraying either fear or sur
prise. Napoleon, however, soon re-
covered himself, changed his tone,
and said, you are right, my brave
fellow, and your opinion is correct /;
! put down your musket, take off your
knapsack, and sit down here by my
side THAT'S right replied the
other; that's what l call talking
; like an emperor He then made a
half turn, grounded his musket like
, a sentry on duty, and as the servants
FASTENED oficiously to assist him in
disencumbering himself ofhis accou,
trements, he said to them, loud O.
nough to be heard by us all, BE of
with you, and let me alone!' Hay-
ing Invested himself OF his arms, &C.,
he advanced to the emperor, and
raising his hand to his forehead, said,
Your orders, generals This sally
created a loud laugh, in which the
emperor joined, and it had the effect
, of restoring him to perfect good hu-
NOR. 'a"' q t''s'
lii the mean time, a knife and fork
:, had been laid by the emperor's side,
who said, sCome and sit down, iny
comrade, without any ceremony
You must be hungry THAT'S right
n this was his favourite expression }
It this is well worth 10y potato = g The
a emperor, who like the rest Of us wat
q much amused with the mans easy
q frank. and comical manners, helpet
y him with his own hands TO ever,
, thing he wished to eat, and made
i him drink in proportion. He asked