"Why did you not claim it?"
"I was wounded and left for dead; when I got back to France and my regiment I could not add to your anxiety by——"
"Here," said the Emperor, "I still have power to reward faithful servants and bold spirits." He took off his own cross, fastened it on the heaving breast of the amazed young soldier. "Prince," continued the Emperor, turning to Ney.
"Sire?"
"Spare me this young man. I need him on my staff."
"I can ill spare any officer from my weak corps of boys and old men, much less a veteran," the marshal laughed. "One campaign makes us veterans, it seems, nowadays, but you shall have him."
"Berthier," continued Napoleon, "make out the transfer. Give the young man a step up. Let him be Major."
"Very well, Sire," said Berthier, turning to one of the secretaries and giving him directions.
"Meanwhile, what's to be done?" continued Napoleon.
"Tell Caulaincourt to agree to anything," said Maret bluntly.