-
Articles/Ads
Article A PAGE FROM THE HISTORY OF NAPOLEON.* ← Page 4 of 13 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Page From The History Of Napoleon.*
" It opened on a straight corridor , at the end of Avhich xvere seen the white stone steps of a staircase ; but the corridor and staircase xx'ere both dark and empty . I entered and four men followed me , a fifth threw himself from the lighter on to the ladder , ready , pistol in hand , to advance as we had done ; but on a suddenand as if it turned invisible hingesthe
, upon , postern closed with a loud noise , and every part became instantly illuminated ; from the window of the castle which overlooked the lake , a volley was poured upon the txvo boats , xvhich in a fexv minutes xvere compelled to escape this deadly firing by regaining the opposite shore , encumbered with dead and xvounded . " The noise of the firing guided meI laced myself at the
; p head of my men , mounted the staircase , and arrived in a very fexv minutes in a vast hall , lighted by torches ; it was full of Legitimist soldiers , armed to the teeth , the chief of whom cried out , "Surrender , all resistance is useless . ' Instead of replying , I raised my pistol the height of his head , and fired .
" He stooped , the ball shattered a glass , at the same time that his soldiers replied , and at one discharge killed three of my men . I had a second pistol , which I took from my belt . I had not time to take aim , for a soldier of herculean frame threw himself upon me , at the risk of his own life , struck up my arm , and by this mox'ement preseiwed the life of his chief , and ball foimd its
my way into the cornice of the room . I had no time to draw my sword , I was felled to the ground , bound down , and the chief advancing , Avith courtesy saicl , ' Will you give me your word of honour , sir , not to make any resistance ?" " ' I give it you , ' I replied . " He made a sign , and I was released .
"' Sh * , ' continued he , ' you are free upon your parole , in this fortress . I trust that you Avill bear with patience the hospitality Avhich has been forced upon me . ' " He paused , and a melancholy smile played around his lips . "' You will not have to wait long , ' he added ; ' Ave haA'e only eight days to live ; happily we have plenty of powder , and we Avill hold out to the last . '
"I naturally looked at this man Avho could talk thus , evidently Avithout bombast ; and I was struck Avith his bearing and countenance . " He was a robust man , of perhaps fifty years of age , xvith black hair here and there silvered xvith gray , of small stature , xvith a high forehead , a quick eye , and a frame admirably proportioned and knit together . " His soldier ' s costume xvas a hunting dress ; he held a double-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Page From The History Of Napoleon.*
" It opened on a straight corridor , at the end of Avhich xvere seen the white stone steps of a staircase ; but the corridor and staircase xx'ere both dark and empty . I entered and four men followed me , a fifth threw himself from the lighter on to the ladder , ready , pistol in hand , to advance as we had done ; but on a suddenand as if it turned invisible hingesthe
, upon , postern closed with a loud noise , and every part became instantly illuminated ; from the window of the castle which overlooked the lake , a volley was poured upon the txvo boats , xvhich in a fexv minutes xvere compelled to escape this deadly firing by regaining the opposite shore , encumbered with dead and xvounded . " The noise of the firing guided meI laced myself at the
; p head of my men , mounted the staircase , and arrived in a very fexv minutes in a vast hall , lighted by torches ; it was full of Legitimist soldiers , armed to the teeth , the chief of whom cried out , "Surrender , all resistance is useless . ' Instead of replying , I raised my pistol the height of his head , and fired .
" He stooped , the ball shattered a glass , at the same time that his soldiers replied , and at one discharge killed three of my men . I had a second pistol , which I took from my belt . I had not time to take aim , for a soldier of herculean frame threw himself upon me , at the risk of his own life , struck up my arm , and by this mox'ement preseiwed the life of his chief , and ball foimd its
my way into the cornice of the room . I had no time to draw my sword , I was felled to the ground , bound down , and the chief advancing , Avith courtesy saicl , ' Will you give me your word of honour , sir , not to make any resistance ?" " ' I give it you , ' I replied . " He made a sign , and I was released .
"' Sh * , ' continued he , ' you are free upon your parole , in this fortress . I trust that you Avill bear with patience the hospitality Avhich has been forced upon me . ' " He paused , and a melancholy smile played around his lips . "' You will not have to wait long , ' he added ; ' Ave haA'e only eight days to live ; happily we have plenty of powder , and we Avill hold out to the last . '
"I naturally looked at this man Avho could talk thus , evidently Avithout bombast ; and I was struck Avith his bearing and countenance . " He was a robust man , of perhaps fifty years of age , xvith black hair here and there silvered xvith gray , of small stature , xvith a high forehead , a quick eye , and a frame admirably proportioned and knit together . " His soldier ' s costume xvas a hunting dress ; he held a double-