II. How the Brigadier Captured Saragossa
Have I ever told you, my friends, the circumstances connected with myjoining the Hussars of Conflans at the time of the siege of Saragossaand the very remarkable exploit which I performed in connection with thetaking of that city? No? Then you have indeed something still to learn.I will tell it to you exactly as it occurred. Save for two or three menand a score or two of women, you are the first who have ever heard thestory.
You must know, then, that it was in the Second Hussars--called theHussars of Chamberan--that I had served as a lieutenant and as a juniorcaptain. At the time I speak of I was only twenty-five years of age, asreckless and desperate a man as any in that great army.
It chanced that the war had come to a halt in Germany, while it wasstill raging in Spain, so the Emperor, wishing to reinforce the Spanisharmy, transferred me as senior captain to the Hussars of Conflans, whichwere at that time in the Fifth Army Corps under Marshal Lannes.
It was a long journey from Berlin to the Pyrenees.
My new regiment formed part of the force which, under Marshal Lannes,was then besieging the Spanish town of Saragossa. I turned my horse'shead in that direction, therefore, and behold me a week or so laterat the French headquarters, whence I was directed to the camp of theHussars of Conflans.
You have read, no doubt, of this famous siege of Saragossa, and I willonly say that no general could have had a harder task than that withwhich Marshal Lannes was confronted. The immense city was crowded witha horde of Spaniards--soldiers, peasants, priests--all filled with themost furious hatred of the French, and the most savage determination toperish before they would surrender. There were eighty thousand men inthe town and only thirty thousand to besiege them. Yet we had a powerfulartillery, and our engineers were of the best. There was never such asiege, for it is usual that when the fortifications are taken the cityfalls, but here it was not until the fortifications were taken thatthe real fighting began. Every house was a fort and every streeta battle-field, so that slowly, day by day, we had to work our wayinwards, blowing up the houses with their garrisons until more than halfthe city had disappeared. Yet the other half was as determined as everand in a better position for defence, since it consisted of enormousconvents and monasteries with walls like the Bastille, which could notbe so easily brushed out of our way. This was the state of things at thetime that I joined the army.
I will confess to you that cavalry are not of much use in a siege,although there was a time when I would not have permitted anyone to havemade such an observation. The Hussars of Conflans were encamped to thesouth of the town, and it was their duty to throw out patrols and tomake sure that no Spanish force was advancing from that quarter. Thecolonel of the regiment was not a good soldier, and the regiment was atthat time very far from being in the high condition which it afterwardsattained. Even in that one evening I saw several things which shockedme, for I had a high standard, and it went to my heart to see anill-arranged camp, an ill-groomed horse, or a slovenly trooper. Thatnight I supped with twenty-six of my new brother-officers, and I fearthat in my zeal I showed them only too plainly that I found things verydifferent to what I was accustomed in the army of Germany.
There was silence in the mess after my remarks, and I felt that I hadbeen indiscreet when I saw the glances that were cast at me. The colonelespecially was furious, and a great major named Olivier, who was thefire-eater of the regiment, sat opposite to me curling his huge blackmoustaches, and staring at me as if he would eat me. However, I did notresent his attitude, for I felt that I had indeed been indiscreet, andthat it would give a bad impression if upon this my first evening Iquarrelled with my superior officer.
So far I admit that I was wrong, but now I come to the sequel. Supperover, the colonel and some other officers left the room, for it was ina farm-house that the mess was held. There remained a dozen or so, anda goat-skin of Spanish wine having been brought in we all made merry.Presently this Major Olivier asked me some questions concerning the armyof Germany and as to the part which I had myself played in the campaign.Flushed with the wine, I was drawn on from story to story. It was notunnatural, my friends.
You will sympathise with me. Up there I had been the model for everyofficer of my years in the army. I was the first swordsman, the mostdashing rider, the hero of a hundred adventures. Here I found myself notonly unknown, but even disliked. Was it not natural that I should wishto tell these brave comrades what sort of man it was that had comeamong them? Was it not natural that I should wish to say, "Rejoice, myfriends, rejoice! It is no ordinary man who has joined you to-night, butit is I, THE Gerard, the hero of Ratisbon, the victor of Jena, the manwho broke the square at Austerlitz"? I could not say all this. But Icould at least tell them some incidents which would enable them to sayit for themselves. I did so. They listened unmoved. I told them more. Atlast, after my tale of how I had guided the army across the Danube, oneuniversal shout of laughter broke from them all. I sprang to my feet,flushed with shame and anger. They had drawn me on. They were makinggame of me. They were convinced that they had to do with a braggart anda liar. Was this my reception in the Hussars of Conflans?
I dashed the tears of mortification from my eyes, and they laughed themore at the sight.
"Do you know, Captain Pelletan, whether Marshal Lannes is still with thearmy?" asked the major.
"I believe that he is, sir," said the other.
"Really, I should have thought that his presence was hardly necessarynow that Captain Gerard has arrived."
Again there was a roar of laughter. I can see the ring of faces, themocking eyes, the open mouths--Olivier with his great black bristles,Pelletan thin and sneering, even the young sub-lieutenants convulsedwith merriment. Heavens, the indignity of it! But my rage had dried mytears. I was myself again, cold, quiet, self-contained, ice without andfire within.
"May I ask, sir," said I to the major, "at what hour the regiment isparaded?"
"I trust, Captain Gerard, that you do not mean to alter our hours," saidhe, and again there was a burst of laughter, which died away as I lookedslowly round the circle.
"What hour is the assembly?" I asked, sharply, of Captain Pelletan.
Some mocking answer was on his tongue, but my glance kept it there. "Theassembly is at six," he answered.
"I thank you," said I. I then counted the company and found that I hadto do with fourteen officers, two of whom appeared to be boys freshfrom St. Cyr. I could not condescend to take any notice of theirindiscretion.
There remained the major, four captains, and seven lieutenants.
"Gentlemen," I continued, looking from one to the other of them, "Ishould feel myself unworthy of this famous regiment if I did not ask youfor satisfaction for the rudeness with which you have greeted me, andI should hold you to be unworthy of it if on any pretext you refused togrant it."
"You will have no difficulty upon that score," said the major. "I amprepared to waive my rank and to give you every satisfaction in the nameof the Hussars of Conflans."
"I thank you," I answered. "I feel, however, that I have some claim uponthese other gentlemen who laughed at my expense."
"Whom would you fight, then?" asked Captain Pelletan.
"All of you," I answered.
They looked in surprise from one to the other. Then they drew off to theother end of the room, and I heard the buzz of their whispers. They werelaughing. Evidently they still thought that they had to do with someempty braggart. Then they returned.
"Your request is unusual," said Major Olivier, "but it will be granted.How do you propose to conduct such a duel? The terms lie with you."
"Sabres," said I. "And I will take you in order of seniority, beginningwith you, Major Olivier, at five o'clock. I will thus be able to devotefive minutes to each before the assembly is blown. I must, however, begyou to have the courtesy to name the place of meeting, since I am stillignorant of the locality."
They were impressed by my cold and practical manner.
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p; Already the smile had died away from their lips.
Olivier's face was no longer mocking, but it was dark and stern.
"There is a small open space behind the horse lines," said he. "We haveheld a few affairs of honour there and it has done very well. We shallbe there, Captain Gerard, at the hour you name."
I was in the act of bowing to thank them for their acceptance when thedoor of the mess-room was flung open and the colonel hurried into theroom, with an agitated face.
"Gentlemen," said he, "I have been asked to call for a volunteer fromamong you for a service which involves the greatest possible danger.I will not disguise from you that the matter is serious in the lastdegree, and that Marshal Lannes has chosen a cavalry officer becausehe can be better spared than an officer of infantry or of engineers.Married men are not eligible. Of the others, who will volunteer?"
I need not say that all the unmarried officers stepped to the front. Thecolonel looked round in some embarrassment.
I could see his dilemma. It was the best man who should go, and yet itwas the best man whom he could least spare.
"Sir," said I, "may I be permitted to make a suggestion?"
He looked at me with a hard eye. He had not forgotten my observations atsupper. "Speak!" said he.
"I would point out, sir," said I, "that this mission is mine both byright and by convenience."
"Why so, Captain Gerard?"
"By right because I am the senior captain. By convenience because Ishall not be missed in the regiments since the men have not yet learnedto know me."
The colonel's features relaxed.
"There is certainly truth in what you say, Captain Gerard," said he. "Ithink that you are indeed best fitted to go upon this mission. If youwill come with me I will give you your instructions."
I wished my new comrades good-night as I left the room, and I repeatedthat I should hold myself at their disposal at five o'clock nextmorning. They bowed in silence, and I thought that I could see from theexpression of their faces that they had already begun to take a morejust view of my character.
I had expected that the colonel would at once inform me what it was thatI had been chosen to do, but instead of that he walked on in silence, Ifollowing behind him.
We passed through the camp and made our way across the trenches andover the ruined heaps of stones which marked the old wall of the town.Within, there was a labyrinth of passages formed among the debris of thehouses which had been destroyed by the mines of the engineers. Acres andacres were covered with splintered walls and piles of brick whichhad once been a populous suburb. Lanes had been driven through it andlanterns placed at the corners with inscriptions to direct the wayfarer.The colonel hurried onward until at last, after a long walk, we foundour way barred by a high grey wall which stretched right across ourpath.
Here behind a barricade lay our advance guard. The colonel led me into aroofless house, and there I found two general officers, a map stretchedover a drum in front of them, they kneeling beside it and examining itcarefully by the light of a lantern. The one with the clean-shaven faceand the twisted neck was Marshal Lannes, the other was General Razout,the head of the engineers.
"Captain Gerard has volunteered to go," said the colonel.
Marshal Lannes rose from his knees and shook me by the hand.
"You are a brave man, sir," said he. "I have a present to make to you,"he added, handing me a very tiny glass tube. "It has been speciallyprepared by Dr. Fardet. At the supreme moment you have but to put it toyour lips and you will be dead in an instant."
This was a cheerful beginning. I will confess to you, my friends, that acold chill passed up my back and my hair rose upon my head.
"Excuse me, sir," said I, as I saluted, "I am aware that I havevolunteered for a service of great danger, but the exact details havenot yet been given to me."
"Colonel Perrin," said Lannes, severely, "it is unfair to allow thisbrave officer to volunteer before he has learned what the perils are towhich he will be exposed."
But already I was myself once more.
"Sir," said I, "permit me to remark that the greater the danger thegreater the glory, and that I could only repent of volunteering if Ifound that there were no risks to be run."
It was a noble speech, and my appearance gave force to my words. For themoment I was a heroic figure.
As I saw Lannes's eyes fixed in admiration upon my face it thrilled meto think how splendid was the debut which I was making in the armyof Spain. If I died that night my name would not be forgotten. My newcomrades and my old, divided in all else, would still have a point ofunion in their love and admiration of Etienne Gerard.
"General Razout, explain the situation!" said Lannes, briefly.
The engineer officer rose, his compasses in his hand.
He led me to the door and pointed to the high grey wall which towered upamongst the debris of the shattered houses.
"That is the enemy's present line of defence," said he. "It is the wallof the great Convent of the Madonna. If we can carry it the city mustfall, but they have run countermines all round it, and the walls are soenormously thick that it would be an immense labour to breach itwith artillery. We happen to know, however, that the enemy have aconsiderable store of powder in one of the lower chambers. If that couldbe exploded the way would be clear for us."
"How can it be reached?" I asked.
"I will explain. We have a French agent within the town named Hubert.This brave man has been in constant communication with us, and hehad promised to explode the magazine. It was to be done in the earlymorning, and for two days running we have had a storming party of athousand Grenadiers waiting for the breach to be formed. But there hasbeen no explosion, and for these two days we have had no communicationfrom Hubert. The question is, what has become of him?"
"You wish me to go and see?"
"Precisely. Is he ill, or wounded, or dead? Shall we still wait for him,or shall we attempt the attack elsewhere? We cannot determine this untilwe have heard from him. This is a map of the town, Captain Gerard. Youperceive that within this ring of convents and monasteries are a numberof streets which branch off from a central square. If you come so far asthis square you will find the cathedral at one corner. In that corner isthe street of Toledo. Hubert lives in a small house between a cobbler'sand a wine-shop, on the right-hand side as you go from the cathedral. Doyou follow me?"
"Clearly."
"You are to reach that house, to see him, and to find out if his plan isstill feasible or if we must abandon it."
He produced what appeared to be a roll of dirty brown flannel. "This isthe dress of a Franciscan friar," said he. "You will find it the mostuseful disguise."
I shrank away from it.
"It turns me into a spy," I cried. "Surely I can go in my uniform?"
"Impossible! How could you hope to pass through the streets of the city?Remember, also, that the Spaniards take no prisoners, and that your fatewill be the same in whatever dress you are taken."
It was true, and I had been long enough in Spain to know that that fatewas likely to be something more serious than mere death. All the wayfrom the frontier I had heard grim tales of torture and mutilation. Ienveloped myself in the Franciscan gown.
"Now I am ready."
"Are you armed?"
"My sabre."
"They will hear it clank. Take this knife, and leave your sword. TellHubert that at four o'clock, before dawn, the storming party will againbe ready. There is a sergeant outside who will show you how to get intothe city. Good-night, and good luck!"
Before I had left the room, the two generals had their cocked hatstouching each other over the map. At the door an under-officer ofengineers was waiting for me.
I tied the girdle of my gown, and taking off my busby, I drew the cowlover my head. My spurs I removed. Then in silence I followed my guide.
It was necessary to move with caution, for the walls above were lined bythe Spanish sentries, who fired down continually at our advan
ce posts.Slinking along under the very shadow of the great convent, we pickedour way slowly and carefully among the piles of ruins until we came to alarge chestnut tree. Here the sergeant stopped.
"It is an easy tree to climb," said he. "A scaling ladder would not besimpler. Go up it, and you will find that the top branch will enableyou to step upon the roof of that house. After that it is your guardianangel who must be your guide, for I can help you no more."
Girding up the heavy brown gown, I ascended the tree as directed. A halfmoon was shining brightly, and the line of roof stood out dark and hardagainst the purple, starry sky. The tree was in the shadow of the house.
Slowly I crept from branch to branch until I was near the top. I had butto climb along a stout limb in order to reach the wall. But suddenlymy ears caught the patter of feet, and I cowered against the trunk andtried to blend myself with its shadow. A man was coming toward me on theroof. I saw his dark figure creeping along, his body crouching, his headadvanced, the barrel of his gun protruding. His whole bearing was fullof caution and suspicion. Once or twice he paused, and then came onagain until he had reached the edge of the parapet within a few yards ofme. Then he knelt down, levelled his musket, and fired.
I was so astonished at this sudden crash at my very elbow that I nearlyfell out of the tree. For an instant I could not be sure that he hadnot hit me. But when I heard a deep groan from below, and the Spaniardleaned over the parapet and laughed aloud, I understood what hadoccurred. It was my poor, faithful sergeant, who had waited to see thelast of me. The Spaniard had seen him standing under the tree and hadshot him. You will think that it was good shooting in the dark, butthese people used trabucos, or blunderbusses, which were filled up withall sorts of stones and scraps of metal, so that they would hit youas certainly as I have hit a pheasant on a branch. The Spaniard stoodpeering down through the darkness, while an occasional groan from belowshowed that the sergeant was still living. The sentry looked round andeverything was still and safe.
Perhaps he thought that he would like to finish of this accursedFrenchman, or perhaps he had a desire to see what was in his pockets;but whatever his motive, he laid down his gun, leaned forward, and swunghimself into the tree. The same instant I buried my knife in his body,and he fell with a loud crashing through the branches and came with athud to the ground. I heard a short struggle below and an oath or two inFrench.
The wounded sergeant had not waited long for his vengeance.
For some minutes I did not dare to move, for it seemed certain thatsomeone would be attracted by the noise.
However, all was silent save for the chimes striking midnight in thecity. I crept along the branch and lifted myself on to the roof. TheSpaniard's gun was lying there, but it was of no service to me, since hehad the powder-horn at his belt. At the same time, if it were found, itwould warn the enemy that something had happened, so I thought it bestto drop it over the wall.
Then I looked round for the means of getting off the roof and down intothe city.
It was very evident that the simplest way by which I could get down wasthat by which the sentinel had got up, and what this was soon becameevident. A voice along the roof called "Manuelo! Manuelo!" severaltimes, and, crouching in the shadow, I saw in the moonlight a beardedhead, which protruded from a trap-door.
Receiving no answer to his summons, the man climbed through, followedby three other fellows, all armed to the teeth. You will see here howimportant it is not to neglect small precautions, for had I left theman's gun where I found it, a search must have followed and I shouldcertainly have been discovered. As it was, the patrol saw no sign oftheir sentry, and thought, no doubt, that he had moved along the line ofthe roofs.
They hurried on, therefore, in that direction, and I, the instant thattheir backs were turned, rushed to the open trap-door and descended theflight of steps which led from it. The house appeared to be an emptyone, for I passed through the heart of it and out, by an open door, intothe street beyond.
It was a narrow and deserted lane, but it opened into a broader road,which was dotted with fires, round which a great number of soldiers andpeasants were sleeping.
The smell within the city was so horrible that one wondered how peoplecould live in it, for during the months that the siege had lasted therehad been no attempt to cleanse the streets or to bury the dead. Manypeople were moving up and down from fire to fire, and among them Iobserved several monks. Seeing that they came and went unquestioned, Itook heart and hurried on my way in the direction of the great square.Once a man rose from beside one of the fires and stopped me by seizingmy sleeve. He pointed to a woman who lay motionless on the road, andI took him to mean that she was dying, and that he desired me toadminister the last offices of the Church. I sought refuge, however, inthe very little Latin that was left to me. "Ora pro nobis," said I, fromthe depths of my cowl. "Te Deum laudamus. Ora pro nobis." I raised myhand as I spoke and pointed forward. The fellow released my sleeve andshrank back in silence, while I, with a solemn gesture, hurried upon myway.
As I had imagined, this broad boulevard led out into the central square,which was full of troops and blazing with fires. I walked swiftlyonward, disregarding one or two people who addressed remarks to me. Ipassed the cathedral and followed the street which had been described tome. Being upon the side of the city which was farthest from our attack,there were no troops encamped in it, and it lay in darkness, save for anoccasional glimmer in a window. It was not difficult to find the houseto which I had been directed, between the wine-shop and the cobbler's.There was no light within and the door was shut. Cautiously I pressedthe latch, and I felt that it had yielded. Who was within I could nottell, and yet I must take the risk. I pushed the door open and entered.
It was pitch-dark within--the more so as I had closed the door behindme. I felt round and came upon the edge of a table. Then I stood stilland wondered what I should do next, and how I could gain some news ofthis Hubert, in whose house I found myself. Any mistake would cost menot only my life but the failure of my mission. Perhaps he did not livealone. Perhaps he was only a lodger in a Spanish family, and my visitmight bring ruin to him as well as to myself. Seldom in my life have Ibeen more perplexed. And then, suddenly, something turned my blood coldin my veins. It was a voice, a whispering voice, in my very ear. "MonDieu!" cried the voice, in a tone of agony. "Oh, mon Dieu! mon Dieu!"Then there was a dry sob in the darkness, and all was still once more.
It thrilled me with horror, that terrible voice, but it thrilled me alsowith hope, for it was the voice of a Frenchman.
"Who is there?" I asked.
There was a groaning, but no reply.
"Is that you, Monsieur Hubert?"
"Yes, yes," sighed the voice, so low that I could hardly hear it."Water, water, for Heaven's sake, water!"
I advanced in the direction of the sound, but only to come in contactwith the wall. Again I heard a groan, but this time there could be nodoubt that it was above my head. I put up my hands, but they felt onlyempty air.
"Where are you?" I cried.
"Here! Here!" whispered the strange, tremulous voice.
I stretched my hand along the wall and I came upon a man's naked foot.It was as high as my face, and yet, so far as I could feel, it hadnothing to support it. I staggered back in amazement. Then I took atinder-box from my pocket and struck a light. At the first flash a manseemed to be floating in the air in front of me, and I dropped the boxin my amazement. Again with tremulous fingers I struck the flint againstthe steel, and this time I lit not only the tinder but the wax taper. Iheld it up, and if my amazement was lessened my horror was increased bythat which it revealed.
The man had been nailed to the wall as a weasel is nailed to the door ofa barn. Huge spikes had been driven through his hands and his feet. Thepoor wretch was in his last agony, his head sunk upon his shoulder andhis blackened tongue protruding from his lips. He was dying as muchfrom thirst as from his wounds, and these inhuman wretches had placed abeaker of wine upon the table in
front of him to add a fresh pang to histortures.
I raised it to his lips. He had still strength enough to swallow, andthe light came back a little to his dim eyes.
"Are you a Frenchman?" he whispered.
"Yes. They have sent me to learn what had befallen you."
"They discovered me. They have killed me for it. But before I die let metell you what I know. A little more of that wine, please! Quick! Quick!I am very near the end. My strength is going. Listen to me! The powderis stored in the Mother Superior's room. The wall is pierced, and theend of the train is in Sister Angela's cell, next the chapel. All wasready two days ago. But they discovered a letter and they tortured me."
"Good heavens! have you been hanging here for two days?"
"It seems like two years. Comrade, I have served France, have I not?Then do one little service for me. Stab me to the heart, dear friend! Iimplore you, I entreat you, to put an end to my sufferings."
The man was indeed in a hopeless plight, and the kindest action wouldhave been that for which he begged.
And yet I could not in cold blood drive my knife into his body, althoughI knew how I should have prayed for such a mercy had I been in hisplace. But a sudden thought crossed my mind. In my pocket I heldthat which would give an instant and a painless death. It was my ownsafeguard against torture, and yet this poor soul was in very pressingneed of it, and he had deserved well of France. I took out my phial andemptied it into the cup of wine. I was in the act of handing it to himwhen I heard a sudden clash of arms outside the door.
In an instant I put out my light and slipped behind the window-curtains.Next moment the door was flung open and two Spaniards strode into theroom, fierce, swarthy men in the dress of citizens, but with musketsslung over their shoulders. I looked through the chink in the curtainsin an agony of fear lest they had come upon my traces, but it wasevident that their visit was simply in order to feast their eyes upon myunfortunate compatriot.
One of them held the lantern which he carried up in front of the dyingman, and both of them burst into a shout of mocking laughter. Then theeyes of the man with the lantern fell upon the flagon of wine upon thetable. He picked it up, held it, with a devilish grin, to the lips ofHubert, and then, as the poor wretch involuntarily inclined his headforward to reach it, he snatched it back and took a long gulp himself.At the same instant he uttered a loud cry, clutched wildly at his ownthroat, and fell stone-dead upon the floor. His comrade stared at him inhorror and amazement. Then, overcome by his own superstitious fears, hegave a yell of terror and rushed madly from the room. I heard his feetclattering wildly on the cobble-stones until the sound died away in thedistance.
The lantern had been left burning upon the table, and by its light Isaw, as I came out from behind my curtain, that the unfortunate Hubert'shead had fallen forward upon his chest and that he also was dead. Thatmotion to reach the wine with his lips had been his last. A clock tickedloudly in the house, but otherwise all was absolutely still. On the wallhung the twisted form of the Frenchman, on the floor lay the motionlessbody of the Spaniard, all dimly lit by the horn lantern. For the firsttime in my life a frantic spasm of terror came over me. I had seen tenthousand men in every conceivable degree of mutilation stretched uponthe ground, but the sight had never affected me like those two silentfigures who were my companions in that shadowy room. I rushed into thestreet as the Spaniard had done, eager only to leave that house of gloombehind me, and I had run as far as the cathedral before my wits cameback to me.
There I stopped, panting, in the shadow, and, my hand pressed to myside, I tried to collect my scattered senses and to plan out what Ishould do. As I stood there, breathless, the great brass bells roaredtwice above my head. It was two o'clock. Four was the hour when thestorming-party would be in its place. I had still two hours in which toact.
The cathedral was brilliantly lit within, and a number of people werepassing in and out; so I entered, thinking that I was less likely tobe accosted there, and that I might have quiet to form my plans. Itwas certainly a singular sight, for the place had been turned intoan hospital, a refuge, and a store-house. One aisle was crammed withprovisions, another was littered with sick and wounded, while in thecentre a great number of helpless people had taken up their abode, andhad even lit their cooking fires upon the mosaic floors. There were manyat prayer, so I knelt in the shadow of a pillar, and I prayed withall my heart that I might have the good luck to get out of this scrapealive, and that I might do such a deed that night as would make my nameas famous in Spain as it had already become in Germany. I waited untilthe clock struck three, and then I left the cathedral and made myway toward the Convent of the Madonna, where the assault was to bedelivered. You will understand, you who know me so well, that I was notthe man to return tamely to the French camp with the report that ouragent was dead and that other means must be found of entering the city.Either I should find some means to finish his uncompleted task or therewould be a vacancy for a senior captain in the Hussars of Conflans.
I passed unquestioned down the broad boulevard, which I have alreadydescribed, until I came to the great stone convent which formed theoutwork of the defence.
It was built in a square with a garden in the centre. In this gardensome hundreds of men were assembled, all armed and ready, for it wasknown, of course, within the town that this was the point against whichthe French attack was likely to be made. Up to this time our fightingall over Europe had always been done between one army and another. Itwas only here in Spain that we learned how terrible a thing it is tofight against a people.
On the one hand there is no glory, for what glory could be gainedby defeating this rabble of elderly shopkeepers, ignorant peasants,fanatical priests, excited women, and all the other creatures who madeup the garrison? On the other hand there were extreme discomfort anddanger, for these people would give you no rest, would observe no rulesof war, and were desperately earnest in their desire by hook or by crookto do you an injury. I began to realise how odious was our task as Ilooked upon the motley but ferocious groups who were gathered round thewatch-fires in the garden of the Convent of the Madonna. It was not forus soldiers to think about politics, but from the beginning there alwaysseemed to be a curse upon this war in Spain.
However, at the moment I had no time to brood over such matters asthese. There was, as I have said, no difficulty in getting as far as theconvent garden, but to pass inside the convent unquestioned was not soeasy.
The first thing which I did was to walk round the garden, and I was soonable to pick out one large stained-glass window which must belong to thechapel. I had understood from Hubert that the Mother Superior's room,in which the powder was stored, was near to this, and that the trainhad been laid through a hole in the wall from some neighbouring cell. Imust, at all costs, get into the convent. There was a guard at the door,and how could I get in without explanations? But a sudden inspirationshowed me how the thing might be done. In the garden was a well, andbeside the well were a number of empty buckets. I filled two of these,and approached the door. The errand of a man who carries a bucket ofwater in each hand does not need to be explained. The guard opened tolet me through. I found myself in a long, stone-flagged corridor, litwith lanterns, with the cells of the nuns leading out from one side ofit. Now at last I was on the high road to success. I walked on withouthesitation, for I knew by my observations in the garden which way to gofor the chapel.
A number of Spanish soldiers were lounging and smoking in the corridor,several of whom addressed me as I passed. I fancy it was for my blessingthat they asked, and my "Ora pro nobis" seemed to entirely satisfy them.Soon I had got as far as the chapel, and it was easy enough to see thatthe cell next door was used as a magazine, for the floor was all blackwith powder in front of it. The door was shut, and two fierce-lookingfellows stood on guard outside it, one of them with a key stuck in hisbelt. Had we been alone, it would not have been long before it wouldhave been in my hand, but with his comrade there it was impossible forme to hope to take
it by force. The cell next door to the magazine onthe far side from the chapel must be the one which belonged to SisterAngela. It was half open. I took my courage in both hands and, leavingmy buckets in the corridor, I walked unchallenged into the room.
I was prepared to find half a dozen fierce Spanish desperadoes within,but what actually met my eyes was even more embarrassing. The room hadapparently been set aside for the use of some of the nuns, who for somereason had refused to quit their home. Three of them were within, onean elderly, stern-faced dame, who was evidently the Mother Superior, theothers, young ladies of charming appearance. They were seated togetherat the far side of the room, but they all rose at my entrance, and I sawwith some amazement, by their manner and expressions, that my coming wasboth welcome and expected. In a moment my presence of mind had returned,and I saw exactly how the matter lay.
Naturally, since an attack was about to be made upon the convent, thesesisters had been expecting to be directed to some place of safety.Probably they were under vow not to quit the walls, and they had beentold to remain in this cell until they received further orders.
In any case I adapted my conduct to this supposition, since it was clearthat I must get them out of the room, and this would give me a readyexcuse to do so. I first cast a glance at the door and observed thatthe key was within. I then made a gesture to the nuns to follow me. TheMother Superior asked me some question, but I shook my head impatientlyand beckoned to her again.
She hesitated, but I stamped my foot and called them forth in soimperious a manner that they came at once.
They would be safer in the chapel, and thither I led them, placing themat the end which was farthest from the magazine. As the three nuns tooktheir places before the altar my heart bounded with joy and pride withinme, for I felt that the last obstacle had been lifted from my path.
And yet how often have I not found that that is the very moment ofdanger? I took a last glance at the Mother Superior, and to my dismay Isaw that her piercing dark eyes were fixed, with an expression in whichsurprise was deepening into suspicion, upon my right hand. There weretwo points which might well have attracted her attention. One was thatit was red with the blood of the sentinel whom I had stabbed in thetree. That alone might count for little, as the knife was as familiar asthe breviary to the monks of Saragossa.
But on my forefinger I wore a heavy gold ring--the gift of a certainGerman baroness whose name I may not mention. It shone brightly inthe light of the altar lamp. Now, a ring upon a friar's hand is animpossibility, since they are vowed to absolute poverty.
I turned quickly and made for the door of the chapel, but the mischiefwas done. As I glanced back I saw that the Mother Superior was alreadyhurrying after me. I ran through the chapel door and along the corridor,but she called out some shrill warning to the two guards in front.Fortunately I had the presence of mind to call out also, and to pointdown the passage as if we were both pursuing the same object. Nextinstant I had dashed past them, sprang into the cell, slammed the heavydoor, and fastened it upon the inside.
With a bolt above and below and a huge lock in the centre it was a pieceof timber that would take some forcing.
Even now if they had had the wit to put a barrel of powder against thedoor I should have been ruined. It was their only chance, for I had cometo the final stage of my adventure. Here at last, after such a string ofdangers as few men have ever lived to talk of, I was at one end ofthe powder train, with the Saragossa magazine at the other. They werehowling like wolves out in the passage, and muskets were crashingagainst the door. I paid no heed to their clamour, but I looked eagerlyaround for that train of which Hubert had spoken. Of course, it must beat the side of the room next to the magazine. I crawled along it on myhands and knees, looking into every crevice, but no sign could I see.Two bullets flew through the door and flattened themselves against thewall. The thudding and smashing grew ever louder. I saw a grey pile ina corner, flew to it with a cry of joy, and found that it was only dust.Then I got back to the side of the door where no bullets could everreach me--they were streaming freely into the room--and I tried toforget this fiendish howling in my ear and to think out where this traincould be. It must have been carefully laid by Hubert lest these nunsshould see it. I tried to imagine how I should myself have arranged ithad I been in his place.
My eye was attracted by a statue of St. Joseph which stood in thecorner. There was a wreath of leaves along the edge of the pedestal,with a lamp burning amidst them. I rushed across to it and tore theleaves aside.
Yes, yes, there was a thin black line, which disappeared through a smallhole in the wall. I tilted over the lamp and threw myself on the ground.Next instant came a roar like thunder, the walls wavered and totteredaround me, the ceiling clattered down from above, and over the yell ofthe terrified Spaniards was heard the terrific shout of the stormingcolumn of Grenadiers. As in a dream--a happy dream--I heard it, and thenI heard no more.
When I came to my senses two French soldiers were propping me up, and myhead was singing like a kettle.
I staggered to my feet and looked around me. The plaster had fallen,the furniture was scattered, and there were rents in the bricks, but nosigns of a breach. In fact, the walls of the convent had been so solidthat the explosion of the magazine had been insufficient to throw themdown. On the other hand, it had caused such a panic among the defendersthat our stormers had been able to carry the windows and throw open thedoors almost without assistance. As I ran out into the corridor I foundit full of troops, and I met Marshal Lannes himself, who was enteringwith his staff. He stopped and listened eagerly to my story.
"Splendid, Captain Gerard, splendid!" he cried.
"These facts will certainly be reported to the Emperor."
"I would suggest to your Excellency," said I, "that I have only finishedthe work that was planned and carried out by Monsieur Hubert, who gavehis life for the cause."
"His services will not be forgotten," said the Marshal.
"Meanwhile, Captain Gerard, it is half-past four, and you must bestarving after such a night of exertion. My staff and I will breakfastinside the city. I assure you that you will be an honoured guest."
"I will follow your Excellency," said I. "There is a small engagementwhich detains me."
He opened his eyes.
"At this hour?"
"Yes, sir," I answered. "My fellow-officers, whom I never saw until lastnight, will not be content unless they catch another glimpse of me thefirst thing this morning."
"Au revoir, then," said Marshal Lannes, as he passed upon his way.
I hurried through the shattered door of the convent.
When I reached the roofless house in which we had held the consultationthe night before, I threw off my gown and I put on the busby and sabrewhich I had left there.
Then, a Hussar once more, I hurried onward to the grove which wasour rendezvous. My brain was still reeling from the concussion of thepowder, and I was exhausted by the many emotions which had shaken meduring that terrible night. It is like a dream, all that walk in thefirst dim grey light of dawn, with the smouldering camp-fires aroundme and the buzz of the waking army. Bugles and drums in every directionwere mustering the infantry, for the explosion and the shouting had toldtheir own tale. I strode onward until, as I entered the little clump ofcork oaks behind the horse lines, I saw my twelve comrades waiting ina group, their sabres at their sides. They looked at me curiously as Iapproached. Perhaps with my powder-blackened face and my blood-stainedhands I seemed a different Gerard to the young captain whom they hadmade game of the night before.
"Good morning, gentlemen," said I. "I regret exceedingly if I have keptyou waiting, but I have not been master of my own time."
They said nothing, but they still scanned me with curious eyes. I cansee them now, standing in a line before me, tall men and short men,stout men and thin men: Olivier, with his warlike moustache; the thin,eager face of Pelletan; young Oudin, flushed by his first duel; Mortier,with the sword-cut across his wrink
led brow.
I laid aside my busby and drew my sword.
"I have one favour to ask you, gentlemen," said I.
"Marshal Lannes has invited me to breakfast and I cannot keep himwaiting."
"What do you suggest?" asked Major Olivier.
"That you release me from my promise to give you five minutes each, andthat you will permit me to attack you all together." I stood upon myguard as I spoke.
But their answer was truly beautiful and truly French. With one impulsethe twelve swords flew from their scabbards and were raised in salute.There they stood, the twelve of them, motionless, their heels together,each with his sword upright before his face.
I staggered back from them. I looked from one to the other. For aninstant I could not believe my own eyes. They were paying me homage,these, the men who had jeered me! Then I understood it all. I saw theeffect that I had made upon them and their desire to make reparation.When a man is weak he can steel himself against danger, but not againstemotion.
"Comrades," I cried, "comrades--!" but I could say no more.
Something seemed to take me by the throat and choke me. And then inan instant Olivier's arms were round me, Pelletan had seized me by theright hand, Mortier by the left, some were patting me on the shoulder,some were clapping me on the back, on every side smiling faces werelooking into mine; and so it was that I knew that I had won my footingin the Hussars of Conflans.