Part 13 (2/2)
Have you seen it?”
”It has not appeared, Sire.”
”Has anything been heard of it?”
”Nothing yet, your Majesty.”
”Have you scouted for it, sent out parties to find it? Where is the Comte de Grouchy?”
”I come from him, Sire. He is ahead of the Duke of Ragusa's corps.”
”Has he come in touch with the enemy?”
”Not yet, Sire.”
”The roads?”
”Worse than those we have pa.s.sed over.”
”Marshal Marmont?”
”I was ordered by General Grouchy to report to him and then----”
”Well, sir?”
”He sent me back here.”
”For what purpose?”
”To find you, Sire, and to say to you most respectfully from the Marshal that the roads are absolutely impa.s.sable. He has put four teams to a gun and can scarcely move them. To advance is impossible.
He but awaits your order to retrace his steps.”
”Retrace his steps!” shouted Napoleon, raising his voice. ”Never! He must go on. Our only hope, our only chance, salvation lies in an instant advance. He knows that as well as I.”
”But the guns, Sire?”
”Abandon the guns if necessary. We'll take what cannon we need from the enemy.”
And that admission evidenced the force with which the Emperor held his convictions as to the present movement. Great, indeed, was the necessity which would induce Napoleon to order the abandonment of a single gun.
”But, Sire----”
”Monsieur,” said Napoleon severely, ”you are a young officer, although you wear the insignia of a Colonel. Know that I am not accustomed to have my commands questioned by anyone. You will return to Marshal Marmont at once. Exchange your tired horse for one of my own. I still have a fresh one, I believe. And spare him not. Tell the Duc de Ragusa that he must advance at all hazards. Advance with the guns if he can, if not then without them. Stay, as for the guns---- Where is the Mayor of the town?”
”Here, Sire,” answered a plain, simple man in civilian's dress standing near.
”Are there any horses left in the countryside, monsieur?”
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