He had recognized the Marquis d'Aumenier, he had heard the Emperor's conversation and the name of Marteau, and a thrill went through the heart of old Bal-Arret when he learned that his beloved officer and friend was yet alive.
The body of the old Marquis--covered with his cloak, and over his heart the now discarded royal standard, for which nobody cared since he was dead--was placed on a farm wagon and escorted back to Grenoble by some of the officers of the regiment and two companies, with reversed arms.
He was watched over by the two Englishmen, whom Napoleon freely permitted to follow their own pleasure in their movements, being desirous of not adding fuel to any possible fire of animosity and of showing every respect to every Frenchman, whatever his predilection.
With the Fifth-of-the-Line in the lead, the army moved forward after a halt for noonday meal.

The greatly relieved, happy and confident Emperor, riding now with the old regiment of Italy in the van, and now with the grenadiers in the rear, approached Grenoble late in the afternoon.

The short March day was drawing to a close when they came in sight of the heavily garrisoned walls of the town.
Labedoyere had obeyed orders in some particulars.

The ramparts had been manned, the cannon were loaded, torches were blazing on the walls, and the town was awake and seething with excitement.

He had declared for the Emperor, and after a sharp little conflict had disarmed the royalist cavalry and himself held the gates.