leading trains were
unharnessed, and efforts made to withdraw the guns from their position;
but the axles were, on both sides, embedded in the rock, and seemed to
defy every effort to disengage them.

At this moment, when the confusion had reached its height, and the
horses were unharnessed from the guns, the men standing in groups around
or shouting wildly to one another, a sullen silence spread itself over
the whole, and a loud, stern voice called out,--

"Who commands this division?"

"General Latour," was the answer.

"Where is he?" said the first speaker, so close to my ear that I started
round, and saw the short square figure of a man in a great coat, holding
a heavy whip in his hand.

"With the main body at the rear."

"Cannoneers, dismount!" said the other. "Bring the torches to the
front."

Scarcely was the order obeyed, when the light of the firewood fell upon
his features, and I saw it was the Emperor himself. In an instant the
whole scene was changed. The park tools were taken out, working parties
formed, and the ravine began to echo to the strong blows of the brawny
arms; while Napoleon, with a blazing torch in his hand, stood by to
light their labors. Giving directions to the under-officers and the men,
he never deigned a word to the officers, who now stood trembling around
him, and were gradually joined by several more, who came up with the
remainder of the train.

I think still I can see that pale, unmoved face, which, as the light
flickered upon it, gazed steadily at the working party. Not a syllable
escaped him, save once, when he muttered half to himself, "And this was
the first battery to open its fire to-morrow!"

General Savary stood at his side, but never dared to address him. Too
well he knew that his deepest anger showed itself by silence. By degrees
the granite wall gave way, the axles once more became free, and the
horses were again harnessed; the gun-carriages moved slowly through the
ravine. Nor did the Emperor quit the spot before the greater part of
the train passed; then mounting his horse, he turned towards Jena, and
notwithstanding the utter darkness of the night he rode at full speed.
Following the clatter of the horse's hoofs, I rode on, and in less than
an hour reached a small cluster of houses, where a cavalry picket was
placed, and several large fires were lighted, beside which, at small
tables, sat above a dozen staff-officers busily writing despatches. The
Emperor hal