The deep-toned rolling
of ammunition wagons and the heavy tramp of horses sounded through
the nights long. War, terrible war, spoke from every object around.
Strongholds were strengthening, regiments brigading, cavalry organizing
on all sides.

No longer, however, did I witness the wild enthusiasm which I so
well remembered among the soldiers of the army. Here were no glorious
outbreaks of that daring spirit which so marked the Frenchman, and made
him almost irresistible in arms. A sad and gloomy silence prevailed:
a look of fierce but hopeless determination was over all. They marched
like men going to death, but with the step and bearing of heroes.

I entered the little town of Verviers. The day was breaking, but the
troops were under arms. The Emperor had but just taken his departure
for Chalons-sur-Marne. They told me of it as I changed horses,--not
with that fierce pride which a mere passing glance at the great Napoleon
would once have evoked; they spoke of him without emotion. I asked if he
were paler or thinner than his wont: they did not know. They said that
he travelled post, but that his staff were on horseback. From this I
gathered that he was either ill, or in that frame of mind in which he
preferred to be alone. While I was yet speaking, an officer of Engineers
came up to the carriage, and called out,--

"Unharness these horses, and bring them down to the barracks. These,
sir," said he, turning towards me, "are not times to admit of ceremony.
We have eighteen guns to move, and want cattle."

"Enough, sir," said I. "I am not here to retard your movements, but if
I can, to forward them. Can I, as a volunteer, be of any service at this
moment?"

"Have you served before? Of course you have, though. In what arm?"

"As a Hussar of the Guard, for some years."

"Come along with me; I 'll bring you to the general at once."

Re-entering the inn, the officer preceded me up stairs, and after a
moment's delay, introduced me into the presence of General Letort, then
commanding a cavalry brigade.

"I have heard your request, sir. Where is your commission? Have you got
it with you?"

I handed it to him in silence. He examined it rapidly; and then turning
the reverse, read the few lines inscribed by the minister of war.

"I could have given you a post this day, sir, this very hour," said
he, "but for a blunder of our commissariat people. There's a troop here
waiting for a re-mount, but the order has not come do