'
The famous soldier had paused opposite to us, and shook hands with my
companion. His elegant well-knit figure, large fiery eyes, and noble
bearing made this innkeeper's boy a man who would have drawn attention
and admiration to himself in any assembly in Europe. His mop of curly
hair and thick red lips gave that touch of character and individuality
to his appearance which redeem a handsome face from insipidity.
'I am told that it is devilish bad country for cavalry--all cut up into
hedges and ditches,' said he. 'The roads are good, but the fields are
impossible. I hope that we are going soon, Monsieur de Caulaincourt,
for our men will all settle down as gardeners if this continues.
They are learning more about watering-pots and spuds than about horses
and sabres.'
'The army, I hear, is to embark to-morrow.'
'Yes, yes, but you know very well that they will disembark again upon
the wrong side of the Channel. Unless Villeneuve scatters the English
fleet, nothing can be attempted.'
'Constant tells me that the Emperor was whistling "Malbrook" all the
time that he was dressing this morning, and that usually comes before a
move.
Pages:
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241