"There was another officer of the same Legion whom I saw fall there, to the left," said the Marshal.
The young officer was brought and was told that his friend was dead.
"It is a pity," he said to the Marshal, "for you have lost a true soldier."
"What was his name?"
"Nicolas Gauthier."
"And yours?"
"Félix Saussier."
The Commander-in-Chief ordered the army to fall into rank, and then as they presented arms he took the Cross of the Legion of Honour which he was wearing himself and placed it on Lieutenant Saussier's breast.
"Wear it proudly," he said; "it is the recompense that France accords to her bravest sons, and you well deserve it."
Then taking another Cross from one of the officers who belonged to the État Major, he placed it on the body of Gauthier. "You, too, have well earned it," he said, "and shall take it with you to your grave."