orderly dragoon
standing beside the headmaster, who was eagerly perusing a letter in his
hands; when he had concluded, he spoke a few words to the soldier, who
at once wheeled round his horse and trotted rapidly from the spot.

Again the drums rolled out, and the order was given to form in line. In
an instant the command was obeyed, and we stood in silent expectation of
the news which we perceived awaited us.

"Messieurs les eleves," he began, when stillness was restored, "this
day being the anniversary of the glorious battle of Marengo, the General
Bonaparte has decreed that a review should be held of the entire school.
Lieutenant-General d'Auvergne will arrive here at noon to inspect you,
and on such reports as I shall give of your general conduct, zeal, and
proficiency will recommendations be forwarded to the First Consul for
your promotion."

A loud cheer followed this speech. The announcement far surpassed our
most ardent hopes, and there was no limit to our enthusiasm; and loud
vivas in honor of General Bonaparte, D'Auvergne, and the headmaster
himself were heard on all sides.

Scarcely was the breakfast over when our preparations began. What a busy
scene it was! Here were some brushing up their uniforms, polishing their
sword-hilts, and pipeclaying their cross-belts; there might be seen
others conning over the directions of field manoeuvres, and refreshing
their memory of the words of command; some practised marching in groups
along the corridor; others, too much excited by the prospect before
them, jumped madly from place to place, shouting and singing snatches
of soldier songs; but all were occupied. As for me, it was only two days
before I had obtained my grade of corporal; my new uniform had only just
come home, and I put it on for the first time with no inconsiderable
pride; indeed, I could scarce turn my eyes as I walked from the stripes
upon my arm that denoted my rank.

Long before the appointed time we were all assembled, and when the clock
struck twelve and the drum beat out, not a boy was absent. We were drawn
up in three columns according to our standing, spaces being left between
each to permit of our wheeling into line at the word of command. The
headmaster passed down our ranks, narrowly inspecting our equipments and
scrutinizing every detail of our costume; but a stronger impulse
than ordinary was now at work, and not the slightest irregularity was
anywhere detectable.

Meanwhile the time p