The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1866-04-25
THE GRENADIER,s STORY.
BY HERBERT FALcONER,

| A'oS AohS dSO ClidAccu W De III IarlS.
| was stopping there, partly for pleasure,
and partly on business. One day l had
been to distant part of the city, and was
returning to my hotel, when my attention
was attracted by funeral procession pass
ing near me. 1t was small, and thinly
attended; but thought it one of the most
striking and picturesque had seen in all
Europe. Following the hearse were few
officials, and behind them walked three or
four feeble, tottering old men, who en-
deavored, with martial pride, to carry
themselves erect, but in vain. That they
had good cause for this feeling was plain
enough, for | saw at glance, from their
old, faded uniforms, that they were sur
vivors of the ''OId Guard" of Napoleon
with whose deeds the world has rung. In
all there were not more than ten persons
following the corpse; but l could not help
feeling strangely interested by the scene,
and wished that the great painter, Hor-
ace Nernet, were then living, that he
might transfer it to his magic canvas.
Dlsmisslng my conveyance, l followed
the procession on foot. 1t continued its
silent march, until it reached an humble
cemetery, and there deposited the remains.
As the group turned away from the grave,
l approached one of the old grenadiers,
and saluting him respectfully, said, PAR
don me- sir; but you were one OF the Old
Guard | belicye?''
The old man returned my salute, and
politely replied, "You are ri ght, SIR
Il am a stranger, and have been greatly
interested in what | have seen to-day; l
would esteem it both favor and an honor
if you would explain to me its meaning"
"Some other time said the old man:
My comrades are returning, and l must
go with them. If you would call at our
quarters-'
IL would be glad" ! remarked, ''if you
would go back to my hotel with me, and
dine with me. l will send you safely to
your quarters again.
The old mans face flushed with pride,
and he accepted my offer at once. Inform
ing my companions of his intention, he
rejoined me; and, bowling to them, we left
the cemetery. Calling a cab, We were soon
at my hotel. The old soldier remained
with me until late in the evening, when |
sent him back to his quarters in convey
ance, and am sure that never spent Il
more agreeable time in my life.
After we had dined, and were sitting
over our wine, questioned the old man
concerning the soldier whose funeral l had
witnessed.
''Sir,' said he, ''that was one of the
bravest men that ever drew sword. He
was not Frenchman, but Mameluke.
When the Emperor, then the FIRST Consul,
was in Egypt, l was with him. We
had taken Cairo, and were preparing for
Il march further into the enemy's country.
For the day to which | shall call your at
tention, Bonaparte had established his
headquarters in an old building near the
walls of the city. | was on guard at the
door of the room in which he was trans
acting his business. My post was just out
side OF the room, in large hall filled with
crcvices in the wall. Once or
twice l thought | saw something moving
the idea as mere fancy. At last, the
First Consul left the room, and went down
the hall for something. lie returned my
salute with smile and kind word, and
l followed him with grateful gaze. Sud
denly something sprang forward towards
him, and saw the CLEAN of IA dagger
With shrek of horror, lsprang forward
with my muskct clubbcd, and in another
moment the would-be assassin was lying at
my feet. was about to bayonet him,
when the Consul stopped me, and even
permitted the man to rise. The fellow was
a tall. tine-looking Mameluke, and knew,
by the calm, unfaltering eye with which
he met our gaze that he possessed all the
bravery of his race. The Consul looked
him squarely in the face, and then held
out his hand for the dagger. The man
handed it to him calmly, and then barred
his breast, fully expecting that the next in !
stant would find the blade planted in his
heart But the Consul was neither an as
sassin nor an executioner; yet expected |
him to order me to take the Mameluke in |
to custody. Instead of doing this, he ask
ed the man, ''Why did you seek to take my
life?
'.You are the enemy of my country, and
of my religion" was the reply. in excel
lent French.
"Do you love your country so much as
to risk your life for it SO rushly?' asked
Bonaparte.
''The man smiled proudly.
"'I know how to die, he said.
''The First Consul was silent moment.
Then handing the dagger to the man again, i
he pointed to the open street and said !
Go. You are free; but remember, a brave
man should never stoop to do a towards /
work
1.-The Mameluke started with intense as !
and his face twitched nervous
ly with emotion Then, bowling reverently /
to Napoleon, he left the place.
~ owe you my thanks for your prompt
said the Consul to me, as |
stood staring at him in blank amazement.
You seem surprised; but mark my words,
| have changed an enemy into friend |