tillery, she proceeded to relate
the plan of a flank movement, effected by some light infantry regiment
thrown across the river a considerable distance up the stream.

"We came along," said she, "under the shade of some willows, and at last
reached the ford. The leading companies halted; two officers sounded the
river, and found that it was passable. I was close by at the time. It
was the Colonel Lajolais who commanded the brigade, and he asked me for
a goutte.

"'It may be the last you 'll ever give me, Minette,' said he; 'I don't
expect to see you again.'

"'Are you going to remain at this side, Colonel?' said I.

"'No, _parbleu!_' said he, 'not when the Twenty-second cross to the
other.'

"'Neither am I, then,' said I; 'my place is with the head of the
battalion.'

"Well, well; they all pressed me to stay back; they said a thousand
kind things too. But that only decided me the more to go on; and as the
signal rocket was fired, the word was given, and on we went. For the
first eight or ten paces it was mere wading; but suddenly a grenadier in
the front called out, _Gare!_ lift your muskets; it's deep here.' And so
it was. With one plunge down I went; but they seized me by the arms and
carried me along, and some way or other we reached the bank. _Morbleu!_
I felt half drowned. But there was little time to think over these
things, for scarcely had the column formed when the cry of 'Cavalry!'
was given, and down came the lancers with a swoop. But we were all
ready. The flank companies fell back, and formed in square, and a
tremendous volley sent them off faster than they came.

"'Now, then, push forward double quick!' said the old colonel; 'the _pas
de charge!_, Alas! the poor little drummer was lying dead at his feet.
The thought suddenly seized me; I sprang forward, unstrung his drum,
threw the strap over my shoulder, and beat the _pas de charge_! A cheer
ran along the whole battalion, and on we went. _Mort de ceil!_ I was
never so near the fire before. There was the enemy, scarce two hundred
yards off,--two great columns, with artillery between,--waiting for us.
'Keep her back! keep back, Minette, _brave fille!_' I heard no more; a shot
came whizzing past, and struck me here."

She pulled down her dress as she spoke, and disclosed the scar of a
bullet's track on her white shoulder; then, as if suddenly recollecting,
she blushed deeply, drew her kerchief closely around her, and muttered
in a low voice,--

"