In fact, he overstayed his leave; got into trouble with the authorities because of this; smoothed it over; regained his health; wrote and worked; mixed himself up in Corsican politics; became a fiery young advocate of liberty; and at last, after a year's absence from France, returned to join his regiment at Auxonne, taking with him his young brother, Louis, whom he had agreed to support and educate.
It was quite a burden for this young man of twenty to assume.

But Napoleon undertook it cheerfully, he was glad to be able to do anything that should lighten his mother's burdens.
The brothers did not have a particularly pleasant home at Auxonne.

They lived in a bare room in the regimental barracks, "Number 16," up one flight of stairs.

It was wretchedly furnished.

It contained an uncurtained bed, a table, two chairs, and an old wooden box, which the boys used, both as bureau and bookcase.