The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1902-12-06
TlG EnDGI0p's Decision.
A STORY OF NAPOLEON.

ITO be shot at dawn; those are YOU
orders, sire!'
Yes, General. There will be no re
prieve,' said Napoleon quietly with {
frown and his chin on his breast.
A nomcntary CLEAN Of satisfaction
nay, triumph, for an instant flashed
across General Lazelle's face. 1t did
not escape the eagle eyes OF Napoleon
which saw everything.
"a clear case Of dcsertion?" querieL
Napoleon sharply.
"Yes, sire. He, drummer in your
own guards, was found hiIing among
the rocks near the SCmossierra Pass
after yesterdays engagement.
Found by whom. GencTal:'
by his own corporal. The prisoner
admits running away
"One of my guards, too" said the
emperor, sadly. Il thought they were
all proof against fear. What is his age,
gcneral?"
Eighteen"
"He is young, but-well, general, he
must pay the penalty-at dawn TO-
morrow"
General Iazellc saluted.
"Seud his corporal . me immedi-
ately."
In another moment Napoleon Bona
parte was alone.
1t was the day after the Somossierra
Pass engagement. The enemy had been
routed from an almost imrregnable
position by the combined forces OF the
Spanish and French. A superb dash
for the cnemy's trenches by the pick
Of Napolcon's guards and Spanish in
fantry had carried the day-a day that
Wll stand cut conspicuously in the
history of the Peninsula war.
The emperor's heart kinG!ed when
he thought Of it.
MY brave guards. it was you who
won tie battle, not l, 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 uniform was
that Of a 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, interruptias the cmpcror's
train Of thought. The corporal fer
whom he sent stood at the salute.
Yes, Corporal" returned the en-
peror, looking up. "Ah. Corporal
Gavairrc," he added. with an almost
imperccptibIe smile, "stiil at it?'
"Still fighting for my emperor, sire.
Heaven grant l may yet go through
as many campaigns as | already have
done"
The grim old martinez, who had
fought in numerous engagements, was
a favorite Of the emperor's. Gavairre
stood moticrloss, but very pale. Ma
poleon noticed it.
Il want particulars of the deserter,"
said Napoleon, closely scanning the
features Of the corporal. What is
his name?"
"Gavairrc, SIRE
A slight trenor passed over Ma
toleon.
"a relation Of ycurs?"
"Son, my emperor"
Again the hawk-like eyes of the
great leader flashed and seemed to
pierce Gavairre through and through.
Then came silence.
at is unfortunate, my corporal"
There was no answer, save for the
jerky, labored breathing Of Gayairre.
The tone of voice IL which the last
words We're spoken meant volumes.
The corporal could have borne a tor
rent of abuse. The stingilg, biting
sarcasm was worse than anything.
Repeat all you know" said the en-
peror coldly.
"a corps of your Imperial Guards
at the entrance Of the Somossierra
Pass in the early hours Of yesterday
morning" began the corporal, in halt
ing, measured tones. "A volley of
rang out, followed by an
other and another, right down the ra-
vine. The Guards paused, and drew
back. Then a drummer stepped slow
Iy forward, quickly beating the charge.
A cheer rang out, and the men, daunt-
ed for a while, were thrilled. They
began to advance. The drummer still
beat the charge with his right hand
his left was shot away. The men
marched on, and then they
Jaw their beloved emperor on dis
Ihsrger. That instilied them with
|gssh courage, They rushed the ra.
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