Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1875-04-28
MISCELLANy.
Cunning Soldier.

The following snecdOte of the first
Napoleon was related by an English
man, who was a considerable time IN
the French military service, and who
vouches for its authenticity
The evening before the battle OF Ulm,
when Napoleon the First, in company
with Marshal Bertbier, was walking
incognito through the camp and listen
ing to the talk of his soldiers, he saw
in a group not far off grenadier OF the
guard, who was roasting some potatoes
in the ashes.
Il should like a roast potato above
all things said the emperor to the mar
shal ask the owner of them If he will
sell one.'
In obedience to the order, Berthier
advanced to the group and asked to
whom the potatoes belonged. A gren-
adler stepped forwarnd and said, They
are mine.
Will you sell me one?' inquired
Berthier.
Il have only fve,' said the grenadier.
and that's hardly enough for my
supper
Il Will give you two napoleons if you
will sell me one,' continued Berthier
i don't want your gold,' said the
grenadier Il shall be killed, perhaps,
tomorrow, and don't want the enemy
to find me with an empty stomach
Berthier reported the soldiers an
swer TO the emperor, who was standing
little in the background.
Let's see if | shall be luckier than
you,' said the latter, and going up
close to the grenadier, he asked him if
he would sell him a potato.
Not by long shot, answered the
grenadier Il haven't enough for my
SELF
But you may set your own price,
said Napoleon. Come, L am hungry,
and haven't eaten to-day
i: Il tell you haven't enough for my
self, repeated the grenadier besides
all that, do you think don't know you
in spite of your disguise?
Who am l, then? inquired Napo-
leon.
Bah = said the grenadier. The lit
tie corporal, as they call You. Am l
right p
well, said Napoleon, since you
know me, will you sell me potato ?
NO. said the grenadier but if you
will have me come and dine with you
when We get back to Paris, you may
sup with me to night
Done = said Napoleon 'on the word
of a little corporation the word of an
emperor
Well and good, said the grenadier.
Our potatoes ought to be done by this
time7.. there are the two largest ones,
the rest III eat myself.
The emperC.r sat down and ate his
potatoes, and then returned with
Berthier to his tent, Nmerely remarking
The rogue is a good soldier, I'll
wager
Two monthe afterward Napoleon the
Great was in the midst of q brilliant
court at the palace of the Tuile1es,
and was Just sitting down to dine,
when word was brought to him that
grenadier was without, trying to force
the guard at the door, saying that he
had been invited by the emperor.
Let him come in, said his majesty.
The soldier entered, presented arms,
and said to the emperor.
DO you remember having once
supped with me off nv roast potatoes?'
'0h, is that you? Yes, yes, 1 re-
member said the emperor and so yOu
have come to dine with me, have you
Russian, lay another cover on your table
for this brave fellow.
Again the grenadier presented arms
and said
A grenadier of the guards does not
eat with lscqueys. Your majesty told
me | should dine with-that was the
bargain and trusting to your word, L
have come hither.'
True, true,' said the emperor, 'lay
a cover here near me. Lay aside your
arms mon ami, and draw up to The
table
Dinner over, the grenadier went al
ms usual pace, took up his carbine,
and. turning to the emperor presented
arms.
a mere private, said he, ought not
to dine at the table of his emperor.
.Ah understand you, said Napo.
leon. L name you Chevalier os the
Legion of Honor, and lieutenant in my
company of guards
Thank you heartily returned the
soldier. 'rjrc Z Emperor = he
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