"I was ordered by General Grouchy to report to him and then——"
"Well, sir?"
"He sent me back here."
"For what purpose?"
"To find you, Sire, and to say to you most respectfully from the Marshal that the roads are absolutely impassable. He has put four teams to a gun and can scarcely move them. To advance is impossible. He but awaits your order to retrace his steps."
"Retrace his steps!" shouted Napoleon, raising his voice. "Never! He must go on. Our only hope, our only chance, salvation lies in an instant advance. He knows that as well as I."
"But the guns, Sire?"
"Abandon the guns if necessary. We'll take what cannon we need from the enemy."
And that admission evidenced the force with which the Emperor held his convictions as to the present movement. Great, indeed, was the necessity which would induce Napoleon to order the abandonment of a single gun.
"But, Sire——"