Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-03

low rambling dwelling which for
nearly six years had served as
prison for Gen. Bonaparte" All day long the
wind and rain had dashed the lonely island,
and now as night was coming on, grey mist
drove fercely from the sea, while dark threat
ening clouds scudded across the sky. The cap
tain gathered his cape closely about him as ne
began his half-mile walk up the gradual ascent
to IongWood the house that sheltered the eX-
lied French Emperor. It would be dark In less
than half an hour but he had ample time to
reach his destination before night closed down.
He was due to relieve the officer of the guard
at G. Moving silently along, his eyes cast medl-
tatively on the path before him. he muttered
curse against the wealth and the Ill luck Chat
had brought him to such dreary spot.
AS OHara neared the house he casually
glanced toward it and stopped short, staring
in CONSERVATION. He could scarce peneVe ms
eyes; the whole place was alive with SololerS-
countless thousands of them as far as his eye
could reach-yet he had heard no Souno WhaI-
soever! With gasp Of establishment he dodged
behind a convenient tree and Involuntary lald
his hand on the hilt of his sword. His nrsC
startled thoughts were-where did they come
from; hcw did they get here what did 1t mean;
should he fly down the path and give the
alarm? From his point of vantage he focused
his frightened attention the house ana
peered intently into the gathering misty tWi-
light There were not only Soldiers-an army
of them-but many generals; he could see them
on their horses near the front OF the mousse
resplendent in handsome uniforms and many
in strange costumes unknown to him. They
numbered perhaps two-Score. One in particu-
lar caught his eye, a tall man on gray horse
almost white wearing a black three-cornereo
hat with cockaoe on the side. He wore blue
coat with brass buttons and edged with oun'
and his riding breeches, ending at the knees in
black boots were also of buff color. He sat
upon his great horse with serene dignity, look
Ing neither to the right nor to the left, although
he was among a group of other horsemen.
There was something familiar about the large
mans face: somewhere O'Hara Thought ne had
seen him before But he had scarce time to
ponder, when he seemed to recognize another
horseman in the group. He had hawk-llke
nose and wore the unmistakable dress OF
Roman He was carrying shield and his legs
were encased in steel greaves fastened below the
knees. There were knights in armor and many
other strange sights among the assembled
horsemen. What could mean that ancient
looking chariot in which stood warrior carry
ing q large shield and javelin? One tall inquire
was sfeathed in chain-mail and held long
lance upright beside him. His great war-horSe
was covered With a crimson cloth Another
looked as though he might be an ancient Greek
warrior-even Alexander-and another wore
headdress that was distinctly Egyptian, as If
Pharaoh had come back to earth again.
THE trent door of the house suddenly opened
and a man dressed as a marshal Of France
stood framed in the open door. He was hand
some figure with coat trimmed in gold and gold
epaulettes. white knee breeches and black
boots His hat was folded nat and carried I'M
der his left arm He looked upon the assembled
military array before the house, then raised his
hand and stepped aside. Instantly OHara saw
a compact formation Of trumpeterS raise their
long trumpets in unison to their lips, but no
Forfk1 aVAA khnwvs ca hA
Of Napoleon Bonaparte stood in the door. He
hesitated a second, then bowed his head once.
The great man on the gray horse raised
his hat with dignity. while the Roman held up
his right hand with palm outward All the
other horsemen made some salute at the same
moment and the tall warrior in chain-mail
lowered his long lance until it pointed straight
over the head of his draped war-norSe.
The Emperor the familiar green cuta-
way coat with red lapels and the decoration Of
the Legion of Honor upon his left breast, white
silk knee breeches, white silk stockings. He
had no hat and no cloak, and he looked pale
and thoughtful; somewhat bewildered, in fact.
He stepped onto the small p0rtico, and from
the doorway a group Of French generals fol-
lowed and stood closely about him. All were
uncovered and they seemed S0licitous about the
Emperor. One stepped forward and laid .
long gray cape about his shoulders; another
bowed and presented to him his hat With
slow elaboration the Emperor opened the hat
and put it on his head there was no installing
the hat.
During the few seconds Of time this pam
tomime had taken, Napoleon appeared to be
looking upon the great assemblage OF soldiers
before the house. He spoke no word and none
of the gorgeousy dressed Officers about him
seemed to speak. Prom behind the tree O11ara
peered with staring eyes, completely spells
bound. Where could they have come from.
and who were all thoAe French generals before
= the house win Bonaparte? Where was the
guard? His brain was in confusion Is these
tlnoaIeLats flashed Through hia mind. one crowd.