the siege?'

'A fellow who had made his escape from the English fleet, and swam
ashore? What I are you---- By Jove! so it is, the very same. Give me
your hand, my brave fellow. I've often thought of you, and wondered what
had befallen you. You joined that unlucky attack on Monte Faccio; and
we had warm work ourselves on hand the day after. I say, Vandamme,
the first news I had of our columns crossing the Alps were from this
officer--for officer he was, and shall be again, if I live to command a
French division.'

Massena embraced me affectionately, as he said this; and then turning to
the others, said--

'Gentlemen, you see before you the man you have often heard me speak
of--a young officer of hussars, who, in the hope of rescuing a division
of the French army, at that time shut up in a besieged city, performed
one of the most gallant exploits on record. Within a week after he led a
storming-party against a mountain fortress; and I don't care if he
lived in the intimacy of every Bourbon prince, from the Count D'Artois
downwards, he's a good Frenchman, and a brave soldier. Bourrienne,
you're starting for headquarters? Well, it is not at such a moment as
this you can bear these matters in mind, but don't forget my friend
Tiernay; depend upon it, he'll do you no discredit. The Emperor knows
well both how to employ and how to reward such men as him.'

I heard these flattering speeches like one in a delicious dream. To
stand in the midst of a distinguished group, while Massena thus spoke
of me, seemed too much for reality, for praise had indeed become a rare
accident to me; but from such a quarter it was less eulogy than fame.
How hard was it to persuade myself that I was awake, as I found myself
seated at the table, with a crowd of officers, pledging the toasts they
gave, and drinking bumpers in friendly recognition with all around me.

Such was the curiosity to hear my story, that numbers of others crowded
into the room, which gradually assumed the appearance of a theatre.
There was scarcely an incident to which I referred, that some one or
other of those present could not vouch for; and whether I alluded to my
earlier adventures in the Black Forest, or the expedition of Humbert, or
to the latter scenes of my life, I met corroboration from one quarter or
another. Away as I was from Paris and its influences, in the midst of my
comrades, I never hesitated to relate the whole of my acquaintance with
Fouche--a part of m