What say you to a snow fort and a siege?
Who will join me ?" It was a novel idea; and, with all the boyish love for something new and exciting, the boys of Brienne entered into the plan at once.

"The fort, the fort, young Straw-nose!" they cried.

"Show us what to do! Let us build it at once!" With Napoleon as director, they straightway set to work.

The boy had an excellent head for such things; and his mathematical knowledge, together with the preparatory study in fortifications he had already pursued in the school, did him good service.
He was not satisfied with simply piling up mounds of snow.

He built regular works on a scientific plan.