The hall was full of smoke. From
outside came shots, shrieks, cries, loud curses and groans, cheers,
French and Russian voices, the galloping of horses, words of command.
The French were there.

"To me," shouted Marteau at the top of his voice. "France!"

The first to heed the call was young Pierre. He descended the hall,
watched the conflict a moment and, having possessed himself of a club,
battered down the man nearest him, unsuspecting an attack from the
rear, then ranged himself by the side of the surviving Russian and the
Frenchman. He did not come through scathless, however, for one of the
renegades cut him fiercely as he passed. He stood erect by an effort
of will but it was evident he could now add little to the defense. The
Russian took the pistol from his hand. The next second the great hall
was filled with shouting figures of soldiers. Into the smoke and
confusion of the room came Napoleon.

CHAPTER XI

AN EMPEROR AND A GENTLEMAN

"The Emperor!" cried Marteau.

The Russian officer recognized Napoleon as quickly as the other. The
Emperor advanced, the soldiers crowding after threw themselves upon the
renegades immediately, while the Emperor strode forward alone. The
young Russian noble was a quicker witted man than his countrymen
ordinarily were. He saw a chance to end everything then and there, to
do his country a great service, although his life would be forfeited
instantly in the doing of it.

"My chance," he shouted, raising Pierre's pistol.

The shot was an easy one. It was impossible to miss. Marteau had
stepped forward. The thrill in the tones of the man's voice attracted
his attention. One glance and he saw all. He threw himself in front
of the Emperor just as the Russian pressed the trigger. At the same
moment the Countess Laure, who stood nearest him, struck up the
Russian's arm. The bullet buried itself in the ceiling above.

"Thank God!" cried Marteau as the sound died away and he saw the
Emperor standing unharmed.

Napoleon's keen eye had seen everything.

"It is this lady," said he gracefully, "to whom my safety is due. And
I am not unmindful that you interposed your own body between the bullet
and your Emperor."

"Your Majesty," cried Marteau, now that his Emperor was safe, fain to
discharge his duty, "I have tidings of the utmost importance. I have
held this chateau and detained this convoy the Russians had captured.
It contains powder, food, guns----