A regiment of Provera's hussars had but a few hours before nearly established themselves in the suburb of St.George.This Austrian corps had been clothed in white cloaks, resembling those of a well-known French regiment; and advancing towards the gate, would certainly have been admitted as friends--but for the sagacity of one sergeant, who could not help fancying that the white cloaks had too much of the gloss of novelty about them, to have stood the tear and wear of three Buonapartean campaigns.

This danger had been avoided, but the utmost vigilance was necessary.

The French general himself passed the night in walking about the outposts, so great was his anxiety.
At one of these he found a grenadier asleep by the root of a tree; and taking his gun, without wakening him, performed a sentinel's duty in his place for about half an hour; when the man, starting from his slumbers, perceived with terror and despair the countenance and occupation of his general.

He fell on his knees before him.

"My friend," said Napoleon, "here is your musket.