is youth and his inferior rank would be a security for his obedience,
and his character for his zeal. He would set an example of it to the
other marshals.

Finally, Berthier, the channel, to which they had been so long
accustomed, of all the imperial orders and rewards, would remain with
them; there would consequently be no change in the form or the
organization of the army; and this arrangement, at the same time that it
would be a proof of the certainty of his speedy return, would serve both
to keep the most impatient of his own officers in their duty, and the
most ardent of his enemies in a salutary dread.

Such were the motives assigned by Napoleon. Caulaincourt immediately
received orders to make secret preparations for their departure. The
rendezvous was fixed at Smorgoni, and the time, the night of the 5th of
December.

Although Daru was not to accompany Napoleon, who left him the heavy
charge of the administration of the army, he listened in silence, having
nothing to urge in reply to motives of such weight; but it was quite
otherwise with Berthier. This enfeebled old man, who had for sixteen
years never quitted the side of Napoleon, revolted at the idea of this
separation.

The private scene which took place was most violent. The Emperor was
indignant at his resistance. In his rage he reproached him with all the
favours with which he had loaded him; the army, he told him, stood in
need of the reputation which he had made for him, and which was only a
reflection of his own; but to cut the matter short, he allowed him
four-and-twenty hours to decide; and if he then persisted in his
disobedience, he might depart for his estates, where he should order him
to remain, forbidding him ever again to enter Paris or his presence.
Next day, the 4th of December, Berthier, excusing himself for his
previous refusal by his advanced age and impaired health, resigned
himself sorrowfully to his sovereign's pleasure.

CHAP. XII.

But at the very moment that Napoleon determined on his departure, the
winter became terrible, as if the Russian atmosphere, seeing him about
to escape from it, had redoubled its severity in order to overwhelm him
and destroy us. On the 4th of December, when we reached Bienitza, the
thermometer was at 26 degrees.

The Emperor had left Count Lobau and several hundred men of his old
guard at Malodeczno, at which place the road to Zembin rejoins the
high-road from Minsk to Wilna. It was necess