us
for France," it was also the darkest in the history of Austria,--when
thirty-two regiments of infantry and fifteen of cavalry, with artillery
and siege defences of every kind, laid down their arms and surrendered
themselves prisoners.

Thus in fifteen days from the passing of the Rhine was the campaign
begun and ended, and the Austrian Empire prostrate at the feet of
Napoleon.

CHAPTER XLIV. THE CANTEEN.

The Emperor returned that night to Elchingen, accompanied by a numerous
staff, among whom was the General d'Auvergne. I remember well the
toilsome ascent of the steep town, which, built on a cliff above the
Danube, was now little better than a heap of ruins, from the assault of
Ney's division two days before. Scrambling our way over fallen houses
and massive fragments of masonry, we reached the square that forms the
highest point of the city; from thence we looked down upon the great
plain, with the majestic Danube winding along for miles. In the valley
lay Ulm, now sad and silent: no watch-fires blazed along its deserted
ramparts, and through its open gates there streamed the idle tide of
soldiers and camp followers, curious to see the place which once they
had deemed almost impregnable. The quartier-general was established
here, and the different staffs disposed of themselves, as well as they
were able, throughout the houses near: most of these, indeed, had been
deserted by their inhabitants, whose dread of the French was a feeling
ministered to by every artifice in the power of the Austrian Government.
As for me, I was but a young campaigner, and might from sheer ignorance
have passed my night in the open air, when by good fortune I caught
sight of my old companion, Pioche, hurrying along a narrow street,
carrying a basket well stored with bottles on his arm.

"Ah, mon lieutenant, you here! and not supped yet, I 'd wager a crown?"

"You'd win it too, Pioche; nor do I see very great chance of my doing
so."

"Come along with me, sir; Mademoiselle Minette has just opened her
canteen in the flower-market. Such it was once, they tell me; but there
is little odor left there now, save such as contract powder gives.
But no matter you 'll have a roast capon and sausages, and some of the
Austrian wine; I have just secured half a dozen bottles here."

I need scarcely say that this was an invitation there was no declining,
and I joined the corporal at once, and hurried on to mademoiselle's
quarters. We had not p