d beast.

On reaching Lons-le-Saunier, Ney received a letter from Napoleon,
summoning him to join his standard as "the bravest of the brave." In how
far he guided or followed the sentiments of his soldiery we know not,
but the fact is certain, that he and they put themselves in motion
forthwith, and joined the march of Buonaparte on the 17th at Auxerre.
Ney, in the sequel, did not hesitate to avow that he had chosen the part
of Napoleon long ere he pledged his oath to Louis; adding that the
greater number of the marshals were, like himself, original members of
the Elbese conspiracy. Of the latter of these assertions no other proof
has hitherto been produced; and the former continues to be generally as
well as mercifully discredited.

In and about the capital there still remained troops far more than
sufficient in numbers to overwhelm the advancing column, and drag its
chief to the feet of Louis. He entrusted the command of these battalions
to one whose personal honour was as clear as his military reputation
was splendid--Marshal Macdonald; and this gentleman proceeded to take
post at Melun, in good hope, notwithstanding all that happened, of being
duly supported in the discharge of his commission.

On the 19th, Napoleon slept once more in the chateau of Fontainebleau;
on the morning of the 20th he advanced through the forest in full
knowledge of Macdonald's arrangements--and he advanced alone. It was
about noon that the marshal's troops, who had for some time been under
arms on an eminence beyond the wood, listening, apparently with delight,
to the loyal strains of _Vive Henri Quatre_ and _La Belle Gabrielle_,
perceived suddenly a single open carriage coming at full speed towards
them from among the trees. A handful of Polish horsemen, with their
lances reversed, followed the equipage. The little flat cocked hat--the
grey surtout--the person of Napoleon was recognised. In an instant the
men burst from their ranks, surrounded him with the cries of _Vive
l'Empereur_, and trampled their white cockades in the dust.

Macdonald escaped to Paris; but his master had not awaited the issue of
the last stand at Melun. Amidst the tears and lamentations of the loyal
burghers of the capital, and the respectful silence of those who really
wished for the success of his rival, Louis had set off from the
Tuileries in the middle of the preceding night. Macdonald overtook him,
and accompanied him to the frontier of the Netherlands, whic