I concentrated all my will and power.

Holding the Eagle, I lifted it up in salute.

'What have we here ?' cried the Emperor, fixing his glance upon me.
'Lieutenant Marteau,' I answered.

His voice came to me as in a dream and my own voice sounded far away.

'Of what regiment ?' 'The Fifth-of-the-Line, Sire.' 'You have saved the Eagle.' 'Yes, Sire,' I replied.