daybreak Marmont marches to Sézanne. The next day after I follow. I shall leave enough men behind the river here to hold back Schwarzenberg, or at least to check him if he advances. With the rest I shall fall on Blücher." 

 The young man's eyes sparkled. He had been bending over the map. He drew himself up and saluted. 

 "It is the Emperor at his best," he said. 

 "You have studied the art of war, young sir?" 

 "I have read every one of your majesty's campaigns." 

 "And you see what I would do?" 

 "Not altogether, but——" 

 "Fall upon the flank of the unsuspecting Prussian, burst through his line, break his center, turn to the right or left, beat him in detail, drive him back, relieve Paris, and then——" 

 "And then, Sire?" 

 "Come back and do the same thing with Schwarzenberg!" 

 "Your majesty!" cried the young soldier, as the whole mighty plan was made clear to him. 

 "Ha! It brightens your eyes and flushes your cheek, does it not? So it will brighten the eyes and flush the cheeks of France. I will show them. In six weeks I will drive them across the Rhine. In another month they shall sue for peace and the Vistula shall be our boundary." 

 "What does your majesty desire of me?" 

 "That you go at once. Take with you whomsoever you will. Bring or send me reports. You are educated?" 

 "I was a student at your majesty's Military College," answered the young man. 

 "Did you finish there?" 

 "I finished in your majesty's army last year." 

 "How old are you?" 

 "Twenty-two, Sire." 

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