he right of it in a little
depression cut out by the rains of winter in the side of the hill,
underneath a great tree which was just beginning to show its leaves in
the soft spring air and sunshine. From there he could command every part
of the line with his glance, or move to the front or rear as the occasion
might warrant. There he could see and be seen.

He was always pale, his old face seamed and drawn, but to his friends,
the Englishmen, he seemed paler and older than ever, as he sat quietly
calming his nervous horse. And Sir Gervaise Yeovil was pale, too. Not
that he had any bodily fear, but the incident was so fraught with
consequences which a man as experienced as he could so easily foresee,
appreciate and dread, that its possibilities oppressed his heart. Young
Frank Yeovil was all excitement, however. Napoleon had been buried in
Elba, but none mentioned his name in any country in Europe without a
thrill. Few do it now without a thrill, for that matter. The young man,
modestly in the background, as was proper, leaned forward in his saddle
and stared at the approaching men and the figure to the fore. So this
was the great Bonaparte? He longed earnestly for a nearer view.

"Think you, my lord," whispered the Baronet to the old Marquis, his great
anxiety showing in his voice, "that your men are to be depended upon?
That they will----"

The Marquis shook his head, stared down the ranks at the men standing
grim and tensely silent at parade-rest.

"They look steady," he replied, shrugging his shoulders. "They have
taken an oath to the King, and--God only knows."

"What shall you do?"

"The best I can with the means at hand," was the indomitable answer.

"And if----"

"There are no 'ifs,' monsieur," was the imperious way in which the
Marquis silenced the other.

Recognizing that he had said enough, and indeed pitying the old man so
alone, the Baronet drew back a little.

"By heaven," whispered young Frank Yeovil to his father, "I wouldn't be
elsewhere for a thousand pounds."

"It may cost you that before you get away, and more," said the old man
grimly. "It will cost England millions, unless----"

"_Monsieur le Commandant_," said old Major Lestoype, riding up to the
group and saluting respectfully.

"Major Lestoype."

"The command is formed and ready, sir."

"Very good. Take your place and be prepared."

"Will _Monsieur le Marquis_ permit me?" asked the old soldier, who had
acquired a