Year: 1867




stoppinp there partly for pleasure and partlv
ON business One day l had been to a distant
part of the city, and was returning to nv hotel
when my attention was attracted by funeral
procession passing near me. 1t was small. and
thnv attended, but thought it one of the most
striking and picturesque | had seen in all Eu-
rope.


Following the hearse were few officials and
behind them walked three or four feeble totter-
ring old men, who endeavored with martial
pride, to carry themselves erect but in vain
That they had good cause for this feeling was
plain enough, for saw at glance. from their
old, faded uniforms, that they were survivors of
the "Oid Guard of Napoleon, with whose
deeds the world has rung. In all there was not
more than ten persons following the corpse, but
could not help feeling strangely attracted by
the scene and | wished that the great painter
Horace Vernet, was then living, that he might
transfer it to his magic canvas


Dismissing my conveyance, I followed the pro-
cession on foot. 1t continued its silent march
until it reached small, humble, cemetery, and
there deposited the remains


AS the group turned away from the grave, |
approached one Of the old grenadiers, and salut-
ing him respectfully, said


Pardon, monsieur. You were one of the
Old Guard, believe %


The old man returned nv salute and replied
politely: "Monsieur is right"


. am a stranger said /, an American,
and have been greatly interested in what have
seen to-day. | would esteem il both favor and
an honorif you wouldexplan to ne its meaning. -


:" Some other time, said the old man. Ny
comrades are returning, and | must go with
them. If you would call at our quarters"


~ would be glad" | remarked, ''if you
would go back TO my hotel and dine with me. l
Will send YOU safely to your quarters again"


The old mans face flushed with pride, and he
accepted my offer at Informing his COM
panions of his intention he reioined me- and
bowing to them, we left the cemetery Calling
a.fdcre, we were soon at my hotel. The old SOL
dier remained with until late in the evening,
when sent him back to his quarters in a
yeyance, and am that | never spent more
agreeable time in my life.


After we had dined, and were sitting over our
wine, | questioned the old man concerning the
soldier whose funeral had witnessed.


- Monsieur" said he, that was one of the
bravest men that ever drew a sword. He was
not Frenchman, but a Mameuke. When the
Emperor, then the First Consul, was in Egypt, |
with him. We had taken Cairo, and were
preparing for a march further into the enemy's
country For the day to which shall call your
attention Bonaparte had established his head
quarters in old building near the walls of the
city. | was on guard at the door of the room in
which he was engaged transacting his business.
My post was just outside of the room, in a large
hall filled with innumerablc crevices in the wall.





ing in one of these crevices, bat dismissed the
idea as mere fancy.


AT last the First Consul left the room and
went down the hall for something. lie returned
my salute with smile and kind word, and
followed him with grateful gaze. Suddenly
something sprang forward towards him, and
saw the CLEAN of a dagger. With a shrek of
horror, sprang forward with my musket club
bed, and in another moment the would -be-assas-
sin lying at my feet. ! was about to ba-
yonet him. when the Consul stopped me, and
permitted the man to rise. i
o The fellow tall, fnc-looking Name
luke, and knew, by the calm, unlalicrng eye
with which he met gaze. that he possessed
all the bravery OF his race. The Consul looked
him squarcly iE the face, and held ont his hand
for the dagger. The man handed it to him
calmly, and then barred his breast. fully expect
ing that the next instant would find the blade
planted in his heart. But the Little Corporal
was neither an assassin nor executiouer; yet
| expected him - order me to take the Name
luke into custody. Instead Of doing this. he
asked the man:


...Why did you seek TO take my lifc?'


q You are the enemy of my country, and my
religion, was the reply, in excellent French.


- Do you love your country so much as to
risk your life so rashIy - asked Bonaparte.


. The smiled proudly.


60 know how to die he said.


q The First Consul silent moment.
Then, handing the dagger to the man again, he
pointed to the opcu street and said


g.. Go. You are free hut remember brave
man should never stoop to do coward work


THE Mamelukc started with intense astonish-
ment, and his face twitched nervously with emo
ton. Then, bowing reycrently TO Napoleon, he
left the place.


60 owe You my thanks for your rtompt in
reference said the Consul to me- l stood
staring at him in blank amazement. Yon seem
su-uris se1 huf mari; my words U1On ami | have
changed enemy into friend


- Being on guard just ut the entrance of the
First CouSul's apartment, was not relieved
Late in the afternoon was astonished to see the
Mamelukc enter the hall again He came up OPP
posite the door and stood with his arms folded,
leaning against the wall ordered him away,
but be refused TO 90. He said he would stay
there until he had Frank Emir, as the ma
tives called the Consul l might fire on him if
would bat he would not move until he had
seen him. Finally. concluded to let him re-
main, but to watch him closely. He remained,
standing motiou.ess, with his arms folded, his
eyes cast on the ground, and but for his slow,
heavy breathing, one might have taken him for a
statue.


At last the door opened, and Napoleon came
out. Instantly the Mamelukc fell on his knees
ut his feet, and bowed his head to the pavement


Well, exclaimed Napoleon, in q tone Of
annoyance, what now ?


.t.Mighty Emr,' said the man, with his head
still bowed. to-day you spared my life when it
was in your power. l have come TO place
NV life in your hands. Tell INC how can serve
you.'


In short, the man offered to enter our service
TO prove his devotion to the Consul, which was
as strong as it was sudden.


Napoleon was at that tine contemplating the
establishment of a body-guard OF the Mamelukes
and accepted the mans offer. In a short time
this guard was organized, and was Immediately
attached to his person. The Mameluke, whose
name was Ali received sergeancy in it. lie
made splendid soldier, and his attachment to
our great commander equal 10 that OF the
oldest crenadier in the service. He watched his
benefactor closely and vigilantly, and once saved
his life He came to France with the emperor,
when he left Egypt. When the Legion OF Honor
was established he one of the first to win
the cross. lie rose to the rank Of lieutenant,
but refused to receive any higher promotion for
fear that i; mi sht remove him from bis proximity
10 Napoleon.


/" In the Russian campaign, his right foot was
frozen, but he kept with determination that
srNr1S sod tarln