The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 269 pages of information about The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard.

The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 269 pages of information about The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard.

I pricked up my ears, as you can imagine.  The Marshal unrolled a great map of the country and spread it upon the table.  He flattened it out with his little, hairy hands.

‘This is Santarem,’ he said pointing.

I nodded.

’And here, twenty-five miles to the east, is Almeixal, celebrated for its vintages and for its enormous Abbey.’

Again I nodded; I could not think what was coming.

‘Have you heard of the Marshal Millefleurs?’ asked Massena.

‘I have served with all the Marshals,’ said I, ’but there is none of that name.’

‘It is but the nickname which the soldiers have given him,’ said Massena.  ’If you had not been away from us for some months, it would not be necessary for me to tell you about him.  He is an Englishman, and a man of good breeding.  It is on account of his manners that they have given him his title.  I wish you to go to this polite Englishman at Almeixal.’

‘Yes, Marshal.’

‘And to hang him to the nearest tree.’

‘Certainly, Marshal.’

I turned briskly upon my heels, but Massena recalled me before I could reach the opening of his tent.

‘One moment, Colonel,’ said he; ’you had best learn how matters stand before you start.  You must know, then, that this Marshal Millefleurs, whose real name is Alexis Morgan, is a man of very great ingenuity and bravery.  He was an officer in the English Guards, but having been broken for cheating at cards, he left the army.  In some manner he gathered a number of English deserters round him and took to the mountains.  French stragglers and Portuguese brigands joined him, and he found himself at the head of five hundred men.  With these he took possession of the Abbey of Almeixal, sent the monks about their business, fortified the place, and gathered in the plunder of all the country round.’

‘For which it is high time he was hanged,’ said I, making once more for the door.

‘One instant!’ cried the Marshal, smiling at my impatience.  ’The worst remains behind.  Only last week the Dowager Countess of La Ronda, the richest woman in Spain, was taken by these ruffians in the passes as she was journeying from King Joseph’s Court to visit her grandson.  She is now a prisoner in the Abbey, and is only protected by her——­’

‘Grandmotherhood,’ I suggested.

‘Her power of paying a ransom,’ said Massena.  ’You have three missions, then:  To rescue this unfortunate lady; to punish this villain; and, if possible, to break up this nest of brigands.  It will be a proof of the confidence which I have in you when I say that I can only spare you half a squadron with which to accomplish all this.’

My word, I could hardly believe my ears!  I thought that I should have had my regiment at the least.

‘I would give you more,’ said he, ’but I commence my retreat today, and Wellington is so strong in horse that every trooper becomes of importance.  I cannot spare you another man.  You will see what you can do, and you will report yourself to me at Abrantes not later than tomorrow night.’

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The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.