Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1904-08-17
The Decision of the EInDeror
e B E e Ell "a E7

said Napoleon. closely scanning the fea-
lures Of the corporal. What is his
name?
"Gavairre, sire"
A slight tremor passed over Napo-
leon.
"a relation of yours?
"Son, my Emperor"
Again the hawklike eyes Of the great
leader flashed and seemed to piece Ga
vairre through and through.
Then came silence
1T Is unfortunate, my corporal"
There was no answer, save for the
jerky, labored breathing of Gavairre.
The tone of voice In which the last
words were spoken meant volumes
The corporal could have borne tor
rent Of abuse. The singing, biting sar-
casm was worse than anything.
Repeat all you know" said the En-
peror, coldly.
"A corps Of your imperial guards
stood at the entrance of the Somos-
sierra Pass in the early Aours Of yes
terday morning." began the corporal,
in hating, measured tones. "a volley
Of musketry rang out, followed by an
other and another, right down the ra-
vine. The guards paused, and drew
back. Then drummer stepped slow
~ forward, quickly beating the charge
A cheer rang out, and the men, daunt-
ed for 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 the ra-
vine. In the excitement and melee the
drummer, in the thick of the shot and
shell, lost his head-and, we'll, sire,
you know the rest" concluded Ca
vairre, white as death.
The hitherto impassive countenance
of the Emperor kindled with momen-
tary enthusiasm
II remember the incident, corporal.
Who was the drummerY
"My son, SIRE"
your son Is brave fellow. How
came he to desertY
ut was his first taste Of shot, SIRE
He confesses he tried to run away"
docs General Lazelle know Of the
Somosslerra incident?"
Eyes, my Emperor"
A look Of anger passed over Napo-
Icons face. He remembered the gen
erals intensely satisfied expression
when the death warrant was handed
him.
HE never mentioned It to me, my
corporal. It was an important omis-
sion. 1t was unjust. Gavairre," put
in the Emperor suddenly, what I ask
you Is for no ears but yours. Perhaps
it may be irrelevant to the subject and
contrary to strict military discipline,
butt am Emperor"
The last words were proudly said.
Listen! Do you know If your son
has offended General Lazelle in any
wayw
Lazelle had risen from the ranks. In
those days promotion was swift, how
ever humble the soldiers birth.
"Sire, they are rivals in the game Of
love-" answered Gavairre.
"Ah"
Tho avo1o M fioro ocoopod Tho E,,,,,o
por almost unawares- In moment he
gained complete self-possession and
was once more calm, inflexible, i'm
passive.
"Sire, sire!' cried the corporal, sud-
denly, forgetting all save his son, or
in whose presence he was, and flinging
military discipline to the winds by
kneeling at the Emperor's feet; "a
word from you. my Emperor"
"Gavairrel You forget you are a
corporal in my guard" said Napoleon
Jelly.
In moment the man rose, and once
more stood at salute, pale, motionless.
Silence once more. Nothing could be
heard but the humping Of the cor
porals heart, which beat as fast as his
sons drumsticks.
"The warrant for his execution has
been sent in. signed it half an hour
ago, my corporal" began Napoleon at
length. "He must pay the penalty, If
only as an example to others"
"As you say, my Emperor"
That's all, corporal"
The man turned to go.