While this scene was taking place, his Majesty had already reached Sezanne; and seeing many inhabitants of this village around him, he requested some one to guide him to Fere Champenoise, whereupon a bailiff presented himself.  The Emperor immediately set out, escorted by the officers who had accompanied him to Sezanne, and left the town, saying to his guide, “Go in front, monsieur, and take the shortest road.”  Arrived at a short distance from the battlefield of Fere Champenoise, his Majesty saw that every report of the artillery made the poor bailiff start.  “You are afraid,” said the Emperor to him.  “No, Sire.”—­“Then, what makes you dodge your head?”—­“It is because I am not accustomed like your Majesty to hearing all this uproar.”—­“One should accustom himself to everything.  Fear nothing; keep on.”  But the guide, more dead than alive, reined in his horse, and trembled in every limb.  “Come, come; I see you are really afraid.  Go behind me.”  He obeyed, turned his horse’s head, and galloped as far as Sezanne without stopping, promising himself most faithfully never again to serve as guide to the Emperor on such an occasion.

At the battle of Mery, the Emperor, under the very fire of the enemy, had a little bridge thrown over the river which flows near the town.  This bridge was constructed in an hour by means of ladders fastened together, and supported by wooden beams; but as this was not sufficient, it was necessary that planks should be placed on this.  None could be found, however; for those who might have been able to procure them did not dare to approach the exposed spot his Majesty occupied at this moment.  Impatient, and even angry, because he could not obtain the planks for this bridge, his Majesty had the shutters of several large houses a short distance from the river taken down, and had them placed and nailed down under his own eyes.  During this work he was tormented by intense thirst, and was about to dip water up in his hand to slake it, when a young girl, who had braved danger in order to draw near the Emperor, ran to a neighboring house, and brought him a glass of water and some wine, which he eagerly drank.

Astonished to see this young girl in so perilous a place, the Emperor said to her, smiling, “You would make a brave soldier, Mademoiselle; and if you are willing to wear epaulets you shall be one of my aides-de-camp.”  The young girl blushed, and made a courtesy to the Emperor, and was going away, when he held out his hand to her, and she kissed it.  “Later,” he said, “come to Paris, and remind me of the service you have rendered me to-day.  You will be satisfied of my gratitude.”  She thanked the Emperor and withdrew, very proud of his words of commendation.