THE STORY OF A BRAVE BOY

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 8, 21 February 1907, Page 37

THE STORY OF A BRAVE BOY

After the battle of Jena, in which the French defeated the Prussians, the Emperor Napoleon stood . among, the ruins of what "had been- a thriving village. It had been set on fire by the burning shells, and- all day long the sound of falling timbers had mingled with the groans of the wounded.**- . " _,„" Napoleon was conversing with his 'generals,, .who* were eagerly discussing the triumph of the day, when the marshal advanced, leading a man- who was severely wounded. His right arm hung in' a sling, while a, blood-stained bandage around his head told its own tale. His face, although pale and drawn -with 'suffering, wore a look of_resolute daring and courage. ' Sire,' said the marshal saluting, 'here is the man you inquired for.' \ Ah, captain,' said the Emperor, 1 I hear you._ delended your colors against five hundred Prussians. A captain who can rescue his standard at the risk of his life deserves some taken.' Taking' the glittering cross from his breast, the ' Emperor added : ' The bravest in the regiment shall not go unrewarded. Take th»is cross of the Legion of Honor, colonel, and every time you look at it, remem- • ber that Napoleon holds courage such as you have .- this day displayed at its true worth.' ' Sire,' replied the new-made colonel flushing deeply, * you will pardon me,- I trust*, but fhe crjoss does not belong) to me. I cannot take it.' Napoleon looked 1 -J surprised. ' I do not understand you,' he said. 'Do you mean that your modesty will not pern&t of your j receiving ithe well-earned reward' of your -. gallant deeds ? ' ' .s_ "Nay, sire, not so,' answered the officer ; •' but I cannot accept, a reward intended for the bravest in the „ regiment. Another than I deserves that title.' 'How?' exclaimed the Emperoiv, ' another officer braver than you ! I doubt it, colonel. However, will yoju be , kind enough to tell us where he can be found ? ' At a sign from the officer, a litUe drummer-boy" stepped out from the ranks. Advancing- and taking the "wondering child by the hand, the colonel led him to the , Emperor. ' Sire,' he said, ' .behold the bravest -in the • regiment ! ' ' Indeed ! ' said Napoleon, glancing down with an amused smile on the hoy, who, with! wide-open eyes, stood looking from one to another, unable to make out wfoati dt all meant. -' And, pray, how did this youthful hero distinguish himself to-day ?' 'He is, indeed, a hero, ' replied the colonelr ' When the fire was* raging fiercest," he brought ' water to the wounded men, with sh<st • and shell- and burning tim- > hers falling) around hijm _at every step. Besides this, I saw himi, at the risk of his life,- drag a wounded (comrade from a burning house, which not long after fell to the grouiifcl — a fea,t of courage and dario'g that would do honor to a veteran.' ~ As the officer ceased speaking, a ringing cheer burst from the ranks. - '-Well,' said Napoleon smiling, 'I think .you are right, colonel. This little fellow deserves the title which you have so generously relinquished.' " ' v v Then with Ms own 1 hand he placed the cross of the Legion o>f Honor- on the breast of the wondering drummer-boy, with . .the remark : 'If I mistiafce not I_ shall hear of you again.' Then, turning to the gallant officer, he added, ' You; colonel, shall have the. cross you so well deserve to-morrow.'

Napoleon did / hear of the drummer-b"oy. The little hero who, .at twelve years of age, risked , his life to relieve Ms suffering countrymen, became' a great general, who never forfeited the titled he had' earned at the •battle of .Jena— that of '- the bravest in the • regiment.'