My star is low on the horizon, but it has not set yet." "Nor shall it set, Sire, while I and my comrades live," returned Marteau.
"You are right," said the Emperor.

"You stand to me for France.

Your spirit typifies the spirit of my soldiery, does it not ?" "Theirs is even greater than mine, Sire," was the prompt answer.
"That's well.

Do you know the country hereabouts ?" "I was born at Aumenier." "Let me see," said the Emperor, "the village lies beyond Sezanne ?" "Yes, Sire." "In an opening in the great woods beyond the marshes of St.Gond," continued the other, studying the map, "there is a chateau there.

Are you by any chance of the ancient house of Aumenier ?" "My father was a warden on the estates of the last marquis." "Good.