The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-12-27


only a few days longer TO remain at St.
Helena. He was distressed at the thought
Of departing without being able to return
the treasure to its owner. What could
he do! All communication between him
and Longwood was peremptorily inter-
dicted. A plan occurred to his thoughts,
and he determined to run the risk of at
tempting its execution. Among the per-
sons who had recently arrived al ST. Hell
eua, there was an Eng Iish officer. whose
open countenance and candid manners en-
couraged Las Cases to place confidence IN
him. This officer came 10 Plantation
House, in the suite Of the Governor. He
spoke French perfectly: and Las Cases
seized an opportunity OF whispering few
words 10 him unperceived. Il have rea-
son to believe that you possess a noble
and generous heart, and will venture 10
put il to the proof. You can render me
a most important act of service; and one
that will compromise neither your con-
science nor your duty. 1t is an affair
which concerns my honor and that of my
family. have in my possession some
thing Of considerable value, which | am
ANXIOUS to return to the Emperor. If
you Will undertake to deliver It to him
my son will ship it secretly into your
pocket
The officer replied merely by a signif-
icant nod of the bend. Young Las Ca
ses who was with his father, had received
his instructions, rand Queen Hortense's
necklace was dropped into the officers
pocket unperceived, though quite within
sight of the Governors staff.
But the greatest difficulty yet remain
ed to be accompIished-tha of conveying
the treasu ure to It's owner. Two whole
years elapsed ere this could be effected.
1t occurred TO the Emperor Napol con
that he had, for some time, been the object
Of more vigilant watchfulncss than before.
He could not stir from LOngwOod without
observing an English officer, who kept
his eye upon him, following him like
shadow. One day, Napoleon remarked
that the officer was watching him more
closely than usual; and turning round be
exclaimed angrly, what is the meaning
of this! ii is very hard that cannot take
a breath of air without having a spy on
my footstepsr Then cutting short his
walk, he hurried back in the direction of
Longwood. The Englishman turned
back also, and coming close up to Napo-
leon-'Sirer said he, in a tone of pro-
found respect. .Begone, sirr said Napo-
leon sharply. 80. There can be no
communication between me and your en-
ployers. BogOne, | sayr
Sire resumed the officer, with an air
Of perfect cOmpOsure, your Majesty is
under a mistake II c then hurriedly ut
tered the words-'Count Las Cases-I
have something of value
'Ah!' exclaimed Napoleon, tell me
what you have to sayl'
Il beg that your Majesty will continue
your walk without seeming to notice me.
have packet which l have carried
about with me for two years, seeking an
opportunity TO deliver it. Will your Ma
jesty contrive to let me throw it into your
hat!'
Napoleon uncovered, and passed his
hand across his forehead, which was an
habitual action with him when endeavor-
ing to recollect any thing. By a move
ment as quick as thought, the necklace
was thrown into his hat.
Now said the officer in an undertone.
Il trust your Majesty will pardon my i'm
portunity. | have fulfilled my mission,
and you will see no more of me. May
God bless and preserve your Majesty
About the end ofApril 1921, some days
before his death, Napoleon desired Gen.
Montholon to come To his bedside. My
friend,' said he, Il have under my pillow
a necklace of considerable value belonging
to Hortense. / had good reasons for not
allowing any one here to know that pos
sessed an article of such value. When
am gone, take 1t into your care, and when
you return TO France, (should you ever
be SO fortunate as 10 return there;) give ii
to Horlense. Should sorrow have buried
her to an early grave, give it to her chill
dren, my nephews.
Montholon promised to fulfil these com
mands.
Now said Napoleon, pressing his
hand, i die satisfied.
The malady continued to make rapid
progress; and when General Montholon
was assured that Napoleon had but a few
hours TO live, he took his post like faith
ful sentinel, at the bedside of the invalid.
At length DIR. AnGomarchi pronounced the
fatal words, 9All is over!' and Monthoon
gently raising his sovereign's head, drew
from beneath the pillow the treasure con-
lided to his care.
After many adventurous Journeys in
Montholon returned to his native France.
i /