Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-09-20
The EmpGr0r'S Decision.
A STORY OF NAPOLEON.


Yes. General. There will be 70 re-
prieve," said Napoleon QI:e ~ with 4
frown and mis- chin en- his breast.
a momentary CLEAN CT satisfaction.
nay. triumph. for an instant flashed
across General Lazeile's taco. II did
not escape the cage eyes o. Napoleon,
which saw everything.
"A clear case OF desertion?" queried
Napoleon sharply.
Yes. sire. He. drummer in your
own guards, was found killing among
the rocks near the Somossicrra Pass
after yesterdays engagement"
Found b. whom. General:
by his own corporal. The prisoner
admits running away
One cf NY guards. too said the
emperor. sadly. Il thought they were
all proof against fear. What is his age.
genoral?"
Eighteen"
He is young. but-well, general, he
must pay the penalty-at dawn to-
morrow"
General Lazelle saluted.
Send his corporal to me immedi-
ately."
In another moment Napoleon Bona
parte was alone.
II was the day after the Somossierra
Pass engagement. The enemy had been
routed from an almost impregnable
position by the combined forces Of the
Spanish and French. A superb dash
for the enemy's trenches by the pick
of Naroleon's guards and Spanish in
fantry had carried the day-a day that
Wal stand out ccnspicucusly IL the
history of the Peninsula war.
The emperor's heart kindled when
he thought of it.
My brave guards, it was you who
won TIE battle. not /. All, my guards.
They are magnificent" ne thought.
He sat at small table in his tent.
Writing materials were al hand, and
he had just signed the desertcr's death
warrant. The plain. black chapeau
was at his side. and his uniform was
that of a general. There was nothing
10 indicate his high rank gave 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.
Yes. 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 / 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 motionless. but very pale. Ma
poleon noticed it.
Il want particulars of the de=ertar,"
said Napoleon. closely scanning the
features of the corporal. What is
his name?"
'Gavairre. sire"
A slight tremor passed over Ma
ro)eon.
"A relation of yours?"
son. my emperor"
Again the hawk-like eyes Of the
great leader flashed and seemed 10
pierce Gavai-re through and through.
Then came silence.
1t is unfortunate, my corporal"
There was no answer. save Tor the
jerky. labored breathing of Gavairre
The tone of voice in which the last
words were spoken meant volumes.
The corporal could have borne a tor
rent of abuse. Ire singing. biting
sarcasm was verse Than anything.
Repeat all you knew" saiG the en-
peror coldly.
"A corps Of your Imperial Guards
at the entrance of the Somossierra
Pass in the early hours OF yester6a y
morning" began the corporal. in halt
ing measured tones. "A voiiey Of
musketry rang out, followed by an
other and another right down The ra-
vine. The Guards paused. ard drew
back. Then a drummer stepped SLOW
ly forward. quickly beating the c.arge.
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
steadily marched on, and then they
saw their beloved emperor on his
charger. That instilled them with
fresh courage. They rushed tie ra-
vine. In the excitement and melee
the drummer, in the thick CT the shot
and shell, lost his head-and, well.
sire. you know the rest, concluded
Gavairre, white as death.
The hitherto impassive countenaace
of the emperor kindled with momen-
tary enthusiasm.
Il remember the incident, corporal.
Who was the drummer"
MY son, sir"
Your son is brave fellow. How
came he TO desert?"
II was his first taste CT shot, sir.
He confessed he tried to run away"
Does General Lazelle know Of the
Sonossierra Incident"
Yes. my emperor
A look of anger passed over Ma.
poleou's face. He remembered the gen.
erals intensely SATISFIED expression
when the death warrant YVES handed
him.
He never mentioned it to me. my