Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1892-10-27
The Emperor and the Potato.

Was lCI COucluclIDio tluC III CuC
French Military service, and who
vouches for its authenticity. The ev-
ening before the battle of Ulm. when
Napolean, in company with Marshal
Bertheir, was walking incognito through
the camp and listening to the talk Of
the soldiers, he saw in group not far
off grenadier of the guard who was
roasting some potatoes.
I should like roast potato above
all things, said the emperor, to the
marshal ask the owner of them if he
will sell one
In obedience to the order Bertheir
advanced to the group and asked to
whom the potatoes belonged. A gren.
adler stepped forward and said,-
They are lnine.'
will you sell me onef
+ have only FIVE, and that's hardly
enough IoI my suppef'
i will give you two napoleons If you
will sell me one.
t don't want your gold; I shall be
killed to morrow, perhaps, and l don't
want the enemy to find me with an
empty stomach.'
Bertheir reported the soldiers answer
to Napoleon, WHO was standing Il little
in the background.
Lets see If | shall be luckier than
you, said the latter, and going close to
the grenader he asked him if he would
sell hun Il potato.
Not by Il long shot, said the grena-
dier ; I haycn't enough for myself
But you may set your own price.
Come. I'm hungry, and haven't eaten
to day.
I tell you I haven't enough for N.Y.
self. Besides all that, do you think l
don't know you in spite of your dis
guise ?
Who am |, them
'Bah-the little corporal,' as they
call yoh. Am right?
Well, since yon know me, Will you
sell me q potato:'
No, but if you will have me come
and dine will; you when you get back
to Paris, you may sup with me to
night
Done 7 said Napoleon, 'on the word
of little corporal, on the word OF an
emperor
We'll and good! Our potatoes must
be done by this time there are the two
largest ones-the rest III eat myself
The emperor sat down and ate his
potatoes, and then returned with Eer'
their to his tens, remarking.-
The rogue is q good soldier, I'll wa
GEL.
Two mon his afterward Napolean the
Great was in the midst of a brilliant
court IN the palace of Tuileries, and
was just sitting down to dine when
word was brought him that s. grenadier
was without trying to force the guard
at the door, saying that he had been IN.
vited by the emperor.
Let him come m sad bis majesty.
The soldier entered, presented arms,
and said to the EMPEROR
DO you Der once having sup
ped with me off my roasted potatoes |?
oh, is thut you? Yes, remember,
said the emperor. And 50 you haye
come TO dine with me, have you? Rus
tan, lay another cover on your table for
this braye fellow
Again the grenadier presented arms
and sald proudly
"A grenadier of the guard does not
eat with lackeys. Your majesty told
me | should dine with you-that was
the bargain, and trusting 10 your word
| have come hither.'
'True,' said the emperor; place Il
coyer near me. Lay aside your arms,
mon ami, and draw UP to the table.
Dinner oyer, the grena'lier stood up,
took up his carbine, and, turning to
the emperor, presented arms and said ::
"A mere private ought not to dine at
the table of his emperor
'Ah, understand you,' ssid NlpoIe-
on. I name you chevalier of the le-
gion of Honor, and lieutenant of my
company ofguards.'
4 thank you heartily. Vlvc J. En-
peye,1r /! answered the soldier and with
drew.