The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-02-23
A Cunning Soldier.

1
Napoleon was related by an Englshman,
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 Berthier, was walking iacoqnito
through the camp and listening to the talk
OF his soldiers, he saw in a group not far
off grenadier of the guard who was
roasting some potatoes.
Il should like a roast potato above all
things" said the Emperor to the marshal !;
task the owner of them if he will sell
one"
In obedience to the order, Berthier adj
vanced TO the group and asked to whom
the potatoes belonged. A grenadier step
ed forward and said, "They are mine"
Will you sell me one p inquired Ber-
thier.
81 have only tive," said the grenadier,
and that's hardly enough for my supper"
II will give you two napoleons if you
will sell me one" continued Berthier.
:" don't want your gold, said the gren-
adler; " / shall be killed, perhaps, to- NOR
row, and don't want the enemy to find
me with an empty stomach"
"Berthier reported the soldiers answer
to the Emperor, who was standing IL 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 potato.
Not by long shot," answered the
grenadier; " | haven't enough for myself"
But you may set your own price, said
Napoleon. "Come, | am hungry and
haven't eaten to-day"
~ tell you haven't enough for myself"
repeated the grenadier besides all that,
do you think / don't know you in spite of
your disguise ?"
"Who am 1, then p inquired Napo-
leon.
bah !" said the grenadier. "The lit
"Well, said Napoleon, "since you know
me, will you sell me potatoS"
mo-" 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 tonight"
Done !" said Napoleon on the word
of little corporal-on the word of an
Emperor"
"Well and good" said the grenadier.-
Our potatoes ought to be done by this
time; there are the two largest ones, the
rest I'll eat myself"
The Emperor sat down and ate his pota-
toes, and then returned with Berthier to
his tent, merely remarking:
"The rogue is good soldier, I'll
wager"
Two months afterwards Napoleon the
Great was in the midst of brilliant court
at the palace of the Tuileries, and was Just
sitting down to dine, when word was
brought to him that grenadier was with
out, 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 my roast potatoes 2"
"Oh, is that you2 Yes, yes, remem-
ber," said the Emperor "and SO you have
come to dine with me, have you2 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 lacqueys. Your majesty told me |
should dine with you-that was the bar
gain; and trusting to your word have
come hither."
"True, true," said the Emperor, clay a
cover here near me. Lay aside your arms
mon ami and draw up to the table"
Dinner over, the grenadier went ut his
usual pace, and turning to the Emperor,
presented arms.
"a mere private" said he, fought not
to dine at the table of his Emperor"
All understand you," said Napo-
leon, " name you chevalier Of the Legion
of Honor, and lieutenant in my company
of guards"
"Thank you heartily" returned the SOL
dier. "Viue u Emperor !" he shouted, and
then withdrew