r bosom to us," he said. "Henceforth we have the
same interests and the same solicitudes. It is the sea alone which
separates us."

With but one lapse, he became a loyal son of France henceforth. The
Assembly, builded stronger than it knew, when it recognized Corsica!

After the first mutterings of revolt France became comparatively quiet
for nearly two years. Napoleon joined his regiment in 1791, and was
promoted to first lieutenant, in the Fourth Artillery, stationed at
Valence. It was at this time that the ill-starred king, Louis XVI,
tried to flee from the country, but was seized and held a prisoner.
The National Assembly was in complete control, and Bonaparte with other
officers of the army subscribed to a new oath of allegiance.

It was by no means a compulsory act on his part, but in tune with his
own active, impetuous spirit. He became secretary of a club called the
"Friends of the Constitution," and composed an Address to the National
Assembly.

At the same time occurred an episode which reveals the duplicity of his
nature--for Napoleon could be unscrupulous when he had his own ends to
serve. Taking advantage of the general state of turmoil he obtained
another leave of absence, and returned to Corsica. There, although
wearing the French uniform, he again fomented trouble against the
authorities. He organized a company of Corsican Volunteers, with which
he was to make a bold stroke for liberty. But the movement failed
ingloriously, and ended only by getting him into disrepute with both
his Government and his neighbors. He saw that his future safety and
career lay with the army, so he deserted the popular cause. The
Corsicans were so incensed that they declared him an outlaw and his
family infamous. In June, 1793, the Bonapartes removed from the
island; and only a few short years found him its conqueror in the name
of France. The last spark of his Corsican spirit was extinguished.

Only the outbreak of a war with Austria prevented the court-martial
which the recreant officer deserved. Instead, such was France's need
of trained men, that after a brief interval he was actually promoted to
a captaincy. As he himself said: "The beginning of a revolution was a
fine time for an enterprising young man!"

His first actual taste of warfare occurred at Toulon, where his
regiment was now stationed. Many of the inhabitants of this Southern
port were royalists, and they sought to hold the city for the K