The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1902-11-06

TO be shot at dawn; those are
your orders. sire!"
"Yes, general. There will be no re-
prieve," said Napoleon, quietly, with
frown, and his chin on his breast
A momentary CLEAN of satisfac-
ton, Lay, triumph, for an instant
flashed across Gen. Lazelle's face. 1t
did, not escape the eagle eye of Ma
poleon, which saw everything.
"A clear case of desertion"' quer-
led Napoleon, sharply.
yes sire. He, drummer in your
,wn guards, was found hiding among
the rocks near the Somossierra pass
after yesterdays engagement"
Found by whom, general?'
''By his own corporal The pris-
oner admits running away"
"One of my guards, too" said the
emperor, sadly. Il thought they
were ali proof against fear. What is
his age, general?"
Eighteen"
''He is young, but-well, general,
he must pay the penalty-at dawn
tomorrow"
Gen. LaZelle saluted
"Send his corporal to me immedi-
ately."
1t was the day after the Somos-
sierra pass engagement. The enemy
had been routed from an almost i'm
pregndble position by the combined
forces of the Spanish and French. A
r1f1h-
es by the pick of Napoleon's guards
and Spanish infantry had carried the
day-a day that will stand out con-
spicuously in the history of the
peninsular war.
The emperor's heart kindled when
he thought of it.
'My brave guards, it was you who
won the battle, not I! All! my
guards. They are magnificent" he
thought.
He sat at small table in his tent.
Writing materials were at hand, and
he had just signed the deserter's
death warrant. The plain black
chapeau was at his side and his uni
form was that of general. There
was nothing to indicate his high
rank save the Legion of Honor
which decorated his breast, and that
wonderful face with its fierce eyes
and square jaws, which, once seen,
were never forgotten.
you summoned me, sire" said a
voice, interrupting the emperor's
train of thought. The corporal for
whom he sent stood at the salute.
Eyes, corporal" returned the en-
peror, looking up. "Ah! Corporal
Gavairre,'' he added, with an almost
imperceptible smile, still at it?"
still fighting for my emperor,
sire. Heaven grant l may yet go
through as many campaigns as l
have already done"
The grim old martinez, who had
fought in numerous engagements,
was a favorite of the emperor's.
Gavairrc stood motionless, but pale.
Napoleon noticed it.
81 want particulars of the desert
err" said Napoleon, closely scanning
the features of the corporal. What
is his rame?"
"Gavairre, sire"
A slight tremor passed over Ma
poleon.
ga relation of yours?"
"Son, my emperor"
Again the hawklike eyes of the
great leader flashed and seemed to
pierce Gavairre through and through.
Then came silence.
cit il unfortunate, my corporal"
There was no answer, save for the
jerly, labored breathing of Gavairre.
The tone of voice in which the last
works were spoken meant volumes.
The corporal could have borne a tor
rent of abuse. The singing, biting
sarcasm was worse than anything.
Repeat all you KNOW" said the
emperor, coldly.
"a corps of your imperial guards
stood at the entrance of the Somos-
sierra pass in the early hours of YES
terday morning" began the corporal,
in hating, measured tones. "a vol
ley of musketry rang out, followed
by another and another, right down
the ravine. The guards paused. and
drew back. Then a drummer stepped
slowly forward, quickly beating the
charge. A cheer rang out, and the
men, daunted for awhile, were
thrilled. They began to advance.
The drummer still beat the charge
with his right hand-his left was