Then he rode on, and we followed, each holding an arm of Lejeune, who rode between us.

At last we reached the hut and the emperor checked his horse again.

Roustan uttered a low whistle and, at the same instant, six gray-bearded giants of the imperial guard stood beside us as if they had sprung from the earth.

As soon as the conspirators entered the hut, they had cautiously approached it and, concealed behind the trees, awaited the preconcerted signal.
The emperor greeted them with the smile which bewitched his old soldiers, because it reminded them of the days of their great victory.
"I know that you are faithful," he said, "but I should also like to know whether you are silent." "Silent as the grave, if the Little Corporal commands it," said old Conradin, the emperor's favorite.
"Well, I believe you, and you shall give me a proof of it to-day.

Clear out the nest you see there, and catch the birds for me!" "He pointed with uplifted arm and menacing gesture to the hut; the soldiers rushed to it and broke in the door.