"I am ashamed to say, in the back," said the soldier, flushing at the recollection. "But if I had stood up and faced them the Eagle would have been lost."
The Russian laughed scornfully.
"In the back," he cried meaningly, "a fine place for a soldier!"
"Shame," said the Countess quickly.
"If I had faced them," returned the French soldier simply, "I should have been shot in the breast and killed, perhaps, but I should have lost the Eagle. It was my business to save the Eagle at all hazards, even though I should be branded with cowardice for having done so," he went on hotly.
"I understand," said the Countess. "I, who have known you from a child, know that you are a brave man, monsieur. Proceed."
"I staggered up the bank. Fortune had brought me to the place where the Emperor stood watching. There were staff officers about him. Oh, very few. The slaughter had been dreadful, the confusion was inconceivable, mademoiselle. They made way for me. How well I remember the whole scene," continued the young Frenchman. "The Emperor stood a little apart, his face pale, his head bent. He was frowning and whistling."
"Whistling! Damme," burst out Sir Gervaise Yeovil, deeply interested in the unpretentious account of so heroic a deed. "What was he whistling?"
"Malbrook-s'en-va-t'en-guerre."
"By gad," roared the Englishman. "Marlborough beat you. Just wait until we come in touch with you."