The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-07-15

N\ -poleon's army. had built lit
a A tie hut and was once more a
woodsman. With his little
grandson Jean the old soldier was pass
ing his days in quiet
old Pierre would strl have been N the
enperor's guard II his left leg had not
been shot Off during the Russian cam
raign. Now. every evening, stories were
told by the old guardsman, which made
little Jeans eyes glisten. Most OF all.
he liked TO lear the story OF the little
bronze cross his grandfather wore fas'en-
ed 10 his coat With a piece Of faded lib
bon.
The great Emperor Napoleon had given
IL to Pierre for bravery during the battle
of Wagram.
Jean would sish and say: "Ahl II
could only go and win cross from the
emperor"
The little fellows chance was coming.
News came Of the alliance OF the other
European powers against Napoleon: then
the news of battles, fought and won and
lost.
Al last word came that the great en-
peror and his army was approaching
Dresden Old Pierre was all excitement.
Perhaps he might before he died see his
old commander again. Would the en-
peror remember him, or had he forgotten
Pierre OF the Guardf
'.The regiments will pass this wav and
perhaps wen see the emperor" he said,
excitedly One morning, Just as the sun
was rising there came the ciatter OF
hoofs. and as old Pierre stepped out or
his hut the emperor and several horse
men drew rein before him.
With a cry OF ''vive rEmperor!' old
Pierre took of his cap and stood bare
headed before Napoleon.
The emperor. with gracious words,
greeted his old guardsmnn. and when
Pierre called little Jean out. Napoleon
stopped from his horse and patisd the
little fellows head, saving. when he ts
older Pierre, we'll make n soldier or him.
Then the emperor called Pierre 10 one
side and said: Pierre, l must have a
watch fire on the hill here. ana wnen
the enemy's approach Is noticed the nYe
must be started, you understand. and VIII
watch night and day.
Yes, old Pierre viii serve his emperor
as faithfully now as before
with salute. Napoleon turned his
horses head and soon the clatter OF hoofs
died away in the distance.
old Pierre went into the hut and got his
Ak; then. with Jean at his side, started
for the top of the NH
Jean, my boy" he said. as they walk
ed along the narrow path. we have great
work ahead OF us TO watch for the en-
peror. who knows but perhaps you may
yet win your cross.
All day Pierre and Jean labored, gath
ering dead limbs and sticks into big
pipe for tho watch fire. and during each
day and night they watched the roads
for a sign of the enemy.
One day they started down the hill 10
get some fresh supplies Swiftly Pierre
and little Jean descended the hill and
were soon in their hut, quickly gathering
the supplies together When everything
had been placed in an old sack. Pierre
slung Il on his shoulder and turned TO &c
out OF the door, when. for the second
time. a ciatter of hoofs sounded outside,
Perhaps 81 is a messenger from tbs
emperor" said old Pierre, az he opened
the door, but the men who greeted the old
Frenchman were not In the uniform OF
the French horse The old man raised
his hand TO shield his eyes from the glare
OF his lantern. 40 that he could tell who
they were. As he did so, sabre flashed
from It's sheath and the lantern crashed
from his hand.
Old Pierre had seen enough. however,
and his cry OF ''The Prussianst' showed
that he knew that the enemies OF France
were before him.
80. old man. where are you going with
that ssck7' a big lieutenant asked.
Into the woods" was Pierre's short
reply
see what's In II. men," the lieutenant
said to his companions. They searched
old Pisrre's sack and then the hut. where
they found little Jean. Dragging him out
side, they showered questions on him. bat
Jeans answers gave them small satisfac-
ton.
Old Pierre. by this time, had discovered
that they were the advance guard OF tho
enemy, and were out doing scout duty
Bring the old man and boy along with
u.s." the lieutenant ordered and M there
were no extra horses Pierre ana Jean