CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
LIEUTENANT PUSS-IN-BOOTS.
Napoleon returned to his studies after his father's death, poorer than ever in pocket, and greatly distressed over his mother's condition.
For Charles Bonaparte's death had taken away from the family its main support.

The income of their uncle, the canon, was hardly sufficient for the family's needs.

Joseph gave up his endeavors, and returned to Corsica to help his mother.

But Napoleon remained at the military school; for his future depended upon his completing his studies, and securing a position in the army.
How much the boy had his mother in his thoughts, you may judge from this letter which he wrote her a month after his father's death: MY DEAR MOTHER,--Now that time has begun to soften the first transports of my sorrow.

I hasten to express to you the gratitude I feel for all the kindness you have always displayed toward us.