Embrace me!" And the Emperor fell upon my neck in the presence of his entire staff.
Then, recovering himself, he gently placed in my hand his own magnificent snuff-box, in exchange for mine, and hanging upon my breast the cross of the Legion of Honor which he took from his own, he bade one of his Marshals conduct me back to my regiment.
I was so intoxicated with the honor of which I had been the recipient, that on reaching our lines I uttered a shout of joy and put spurs to my horse.

The intelligent animal seemed to sympathize with my feelings, and fairly flew over the ground.

On a rising eminence a few yards before me stood a gray-haired officer, surrounded by his staff.

I don't know what possessed me, but putting spurs to my horse, I rode at him boldly, and with one bound cleared him, horse and all.

A shout of indignation arose from the assembled staff.