. 0* . tOS 
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS.
 
 THE SWORD OF 
 THE PYRAMIDS 
 
 of ittanp 
 
 BY 
 EDWARD LYMAN BILL 
 
 R. F. FENNO & COMPANY 
 
 18 EAST I?TH STREET - - NEW YORK
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1910 
 BY R. F. FENNO & COMPANY 
 
 Tkt S<worJ of the Pyramidt
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. PAQB 
 
 Under the Pine Tree 5 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 A Sad Day in July 22 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 A Night of Adventure 87 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 A Thrilling Ride 64 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 A Fateful Meeting 88 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 The Meeting in Richmond 80 
 
 CHAPTER VIL 
 Shattered Hopes 99 
 
 CHAPTER VHL 
 At Gettysburg 106 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 The Haunted House 120 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Appomattoz 146 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 Lucille's Letter 151 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 The Voice from the Grave ,. Jfi7 
 
 2125701
 
 yi CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 The Man of Destiny 174 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 TheDeadAlive 205 
 
 * CHAPTER XV. 
 The Primrose Path 336 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 The Offer of Napoleon III 236 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The Sword of the Pyramids 255 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 I Accept " 273 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 Knight-Errantry in Mexico 290 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 We must Watch this Lopez." 816 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 Judas 882 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 The Execution , . . . 343
 
 The Sword of the Pyramids* 
 
 CHAPTEB I. 
 
 UNDER THE PINE TREE. 
 
 OVER the mountains of Virginia the shades of night 
 are fast falling. The departing rays of the sun are still 
 shooting gleams of gold on the higher summits of the 
 range, while the heavy pines which cluster around the 
 lower valleys seem almost black in contrast like a dark 
 fringe circling a golden-flecked crown. A thread of 
 silver twines through the darkening valley. It is the 
 Osakala Biver speeding over its rocky way, foaming 
 around bowlders and hurrying on in apparent haste to 
 reach the sea. Yonder, miles away, the fading light of 
 the sun falls upon a stone building halfway up the 
 mountain side. It is the only bit of artificial scenery 
 visible. The country presents a stretch totally lacking 
 the work of man. About the house, out-buildings, 
 fences, horses and cattle, if there, are not visible owing 
 to the distance, the darkening shadows, and the inter- 
 vening foliage. Still, in spite of its uninhabited condi- 
 tion there is an attraction about the country which
 
 8 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 draws one, as it must have drawn and warmed the hearts 
 of the Cavaliers who saw here an opportunity to own 
 huge estates, a way of easy living, and unlimited fox- 
 hunting, besides transplanting institutions of feudalism 
 which must thrive when not annoyed by meddlesome 
 governmental interference. 
 
 In the gloaming two horsemen came slowly down the 
 valley. They clattered along without looking either to 
 the right or to the left. Suddenly the younger broke 
 the silence by saying : 
 
 "Here is the old pine where we were to meet Uncle 
 Pierre, but I think we are a little early foi him," taking 
 out his watch as they drew rein under a big pine which 
 stood out like a giant sentinel, alone in its silence at the 
 outpost of the lower range. 
 
 Let us look at the two men who are to play a promi- 
 nent part in the story which follows. The man who had 
 spoken was of commanding presence, tall, and in his 
 carriage was the unmistakable sign of one born to rule. 
 He was strongly built and was to all outward appearance 
 of a physique which is capable of withstanding much 
 bodily fatigue. His face was tanned to such an extent 
 that it was almost impossible to predict with any degree 
 of certainty whether his original complexion was light or 
 dark ; his hair, a reddish bronze in color, like that shade 
 of which Titian was so fond in his paintings. There was 
 nothing particularly noticeable about his features save 
 his eyes. They were of so shifting, changing a light 
 that it became almost impossible to determine their true
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 7 
 
 color. They were not wicked eyes, but they invariably 
 left the impression upon any one after talking with their 
 possessor that they were of such a peculiar quality, such 
 changing colors, as almost to give evidence of the chang- 
 ing and variable moods of the man who looked through 
 them. His age may have been anywhere from twenty- 
 five to thirty ; his face was young ; and a rather small, 
 neatly trimmed mustache imparted a somewhat boyish 
 expression to his features. He was dressed in the gray 
 uniform of an officer in the Confederate Army. The 
 long boots, the saber which he wore, together with his 
 ease in the saddle, told to which branch of the service 
 he belonged. His companion was a trifle older and more 
 bulky in appearance. Although his hair was devoid of 
 kink, and was hardly curly, although his nose was thin 
 and aquiline, his mouth firm, lips not over full, yet the 
 moment your eyes rested on this man you knew that 
 other than Caucasian blood flowed in his veins; you 
 knew that the blood of the negro was there mingled with 
 an aristocratic strain. The two men, after they had 
 halted under the big pine, instinctively raised their 
 hands to shade their eyes while they gazed long and 
 steadily in the direction of the stone house upon the far 
 mountain side. Presently the last described drew a long 
 breath of relief and exclaimed : 
 
 "Ah, I see Massa Pierre coming; he's jes' over yonder 
 by the stream." 
 
 "Yes, I see him; and now, Lafe, suppose you lead the 
 horses down to the river, water, and give them a good feed
 
 8 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 from the oats in your saddlebags, remove their saddles, 
 and give them all the rest you can. You know we hare a 
 hard ride for the night unless I decide to go up to the 
 old stone house with Uncle Pierre," said the young 
 man in an authoritative tone, as he quickly slipped from 
 his saddle and passed the rein up to the man whom he 
 had addressed as Lafe. 
 
 "All right, Cap'n Armand," replied the man, as he 
 started at once toward the stream, leading the horse lately 
 ridden by the young officer. 
 
 Left alone, the young man leaned against the tree and 
 watched the approach of the horseman for whom he was 
 waiting. There was a dash and a carriage in the old 
 man approaching for old he was which instinctively re- 
 minded one of the soldiers of the old school. There was 
 the martial carriage which at once you would associate 
 with the dashing gallants of the days of the chevaliers. 
 He was a very old man, to judge from the wrinkles and 
 seams which ran slantwise and crosswise over his face ; 
 it could be plainly seen that the fount of youth had long 
 since been dried within him ; his face was parchment 
 like, but his mustache, snow-white and fiercely waxed, 
 imparted to his looks a semblance of youthful vigor. 
 There was still fire in the old man, which showed in the 
 ease with which he rode his spirited steed. He looked 
 as if he might have been in the last charge of the Old 
 Guard at Waterloo. As he drew up to a halt he gave a 
 military salute to the younger man, who rushed forth to 
 meet him. They greeted each other effusively in French.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 9 
 
 after which the younger man tethered the horse, and 
 together they seated themselves upon the greensward. 
 
 "Your message, Uncle Pierre, stated that you wished 
 to meet me here. Of course I construed it to imply that 
 there was doubt whether your home would be accessible 
 lo me at this time. Some reports have reached our lines 
 that a considerable number of men from the main army 
 are foraging this valley, and your home might have been 
 wrecked, or at present used as headquarters for detach- 
 ments from the Union Army. Or, knowing that there 
 are many spies about, you might not care to have your 
 house suspected as a rendezvous for rebel councils. 
 Uncle, I am right glad to see you. I know or believe 
 that you must have had something of importance to com- 
 municate to me, or you would not have sent for me just 
 at this time when a Southern soldier should be where 
 duty calls." 
 
 The old man listened attentively to the almost impetu- 
 ous words of the young officer. He replied : 
 
 "Yes, Armand, my boy, there was something of great 
 importance, something that might affect your future that 
 I desired to communicate to you." 
 
 "Tell me, is it about my father ? Are you going to 
 clear up that mystery about my family? Oh, Pierre, 
 Uncle Pierre, how often have I hoped for this. You 
 know, sometimes I have imagined well, what nonsense 
 will not a young man evolve from that part of his 
 anatomy which he designates his brains? I have always 
 known since I was sent, a little toddler, to be educated
 
 10 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 by good old Father Dumois, at New Orleans, that there 
 was a family secret regarding my birth. Of course I 
 was too young to realize it then, but years after, when I 
 was a youth, I overheard Father Dumois conversing with 
 some foreign gentlemen who wore decorations upon their 
 breasts. I came suddenly in upon them, and the eldest 
 gentleman came up to me and patted me affectionately 
 and said : 'Looks like his father, has his eyes and his 
 hair, and I wonder if the world will hear as much of him 
 as of his father. ' The old priest looked at him reprov- 
 ingly, and the subject was changed. And after the gen- 
 tleman's departure this incident left an indelible 
 impression upon my mind. As I grew older I learned 
 that my father was an humble schoolmaster of only local 
 note, who married late in life a very young girl who died 
 shortly after I was ushered into the world. How could 
 those men have referred to my father in the manner they 
 did? I, of course, have a very meager knowledge of 
 him whom I called sire; you knew him well, my uncle." 
 
 "Very well, for years, and respected him greatly." 
 
 "He was not the country schoolmaster all his life?" 
 
 "No, Armand." 
 
 "Then you will tell me all now! Oh, uncle, you do 
 not realize how I have desired to know all that you can 
 tell me of my family! I have known that while my 
 father was to all outward appearances a teacher in limited 
 circumstances, I was the recipient of all that a rich man 
 could shower upon his son. I have learned from the old 
 nigger Pete that you joined my father after he had
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 11 
 
 resided near here for years. He said, uncle, that you 
 came upon the scene as my father's rich brother. 
 Whence you came I have never known. If you had 
 lived in New Orleans I should have heard of you, and 
 still you speak French fluently the French of Paris, the 
 same accent which I acquired during my residence in 
 that city. I have always been told that my family were 
 from New Orleans ; yet I have looked up the records and 
 I have found none of our name there. Shortly after you 
 came to this state you purchased the stone house. 
 Father came then with you. I have learned that you 
 chose the stone house on account of its seclusion ; that 
 both you and my father avoided meeting with the towns- 
 people. I have learned from the old gossips of the place 
 that one time you and my father drove to town intend- 
 ing to remain there for some days in order to attend to 
 certain business affairs, and that the knowledge that two 
 Frenchmen were visiting there caused you to return 
 home without once calling upon your lawyer. The old 
 nigger Pete, who died last year, also told me that the 
 day you returned you both sat for hours in your room 
 cursing French spies. All of this and more has intensi- 
 fied the desire to know something of the mystery which 
 shrouds my family history." 
 
 "You shall know all." 
 
 "Before you tell me, uncle, let me ask if there is in 
 my family the black shadow of an accursed crime if that 
 crime caused my father to seclude himself from the 
 haunts of his fellow-men ? If my father was guilty never
 
 12 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 tell me of what; if he was wrongfully accused, tell me 
 all." 
 
 "Your father with a crime on his soul? Your father 
 was a patriot, loyal and true ! My boy, I must hasten ; 
 the night is drawing on apace, and these poor old rheu- 
 matic bones will not now endure the bivouacs of old. I 
 am sorry that I do not consider it safe for you to come out 
 to the stone house, but the fact is the old place is closely 
 watched. There are plenty who know my relations to 
 you, and they in sonie way seem to have gained a knowl- 
 edge that you were expected. My servants, who have 
 been employed for the past ten days in the outlying 
 country, report that there are numbers of spies who are 
 watching all the outer approaches to the house by the 
 mountain passes, and you should be on the alert when 
 you return. They know that my sympathies are with 
 the South; they also know I am too old to wield 
 my sword in its cause, yet they think my home is the 
 rendezvous for the almost nightly councils of those who 
 sympathize with the Confederacy. They suspect this, 
 and any proof would cause the demolishing of the entire 
 property by the application of the torch. That should 
 be avoided, my boy. We wish to save what we can, and 
 then there will be little enough at the end of this war. 
 Ah, if my age would permit of my once more riding to 
 the sound of the bugle but let me go on, Armand. 
 When I sent you the message to join me I was impelled 
 by the desire to tell you the secret of your birth, be- 
 cause it is useless for me to deny that secret there is
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 13 
 
 My old wound had broken out afresh, and with the latest 
 onslaught by my enemy, the rheumatism," here the 
 old man winced, "I believed that I had only a few short 
 days to tarry here. My name was on the roll call, and 
 as I was about to be mustered out, I felt that I could 
 give you a few inspiring words regarding your father. 
 I cannot tell you all, but a few words from me might 
 increase your ardor on many a hard-fought field." 
 
 "You will not, then, tell the secret of my birth and 
 the reason why it has been withheld so long from me?" 
 
 "Armand, I cannot; I am bound by a soldier's oath 
 not to reveal to you the true facts concerning your 
 father's history. I have prepared all your father's docu- 
 ments, and will give proofs which will be satisfying to you 
 of the statement which I am to make before I leave this 
 spot. Under the third flagstone leading from the main 
 entrance to the stone house, you will find buried an 
 ijon box. In it you will find facts, documents, papers, 
 everything. You will also find a decoration which your 
 father wore, a decoration, higher than which there is 
 none. Your father wore it with honor. He was one of 
 the noblest of leaders, one of the bravest soldiers the 
 world has ever seen." 
 
 "My father a soldier decorated? Why has all this 
 been kept from me ? Surely a son should glory in the 
 brave record of his father." 
 
 "Ask me no more, Armand," and the old man's eyes 
 were moist ; the recollections had almost overcome him, 
 and recovering himself he said; "Your word, my boy,
 
 U THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 that you will not seek to examine the contents of the box 
 until the reveille has sounded for me and I have joined 
 my old commander." 
 
 The young man's hand reached out and gently clasped 
 the elder's. Neither spoke for a moment. Then 
 Armand said slowly : 
 
 "My dear uncle, my second father, I respect and shall 
 hold sacred your oath, and thanks for telling me the 
 words you have. They will be recalled when face to 
 face with the foe. I shall remember that my father was 
 a gallant soldier, that his blood flows in my veins, that 
 I have a name to maintain ; some day I shall learn that 
 name; but for the present let Armand Breton suffice. 
 Let me under the stars and bars win a soldier's name, or 
 if destiny compels, find a soldier's grave. If your life's 
 exit marks the time when I shall know that which for 
 certain reasons you now withhold, let the span be long, 
 let it be years that the old box may rust in hiding ere 
 my eyes shall behold the secret which it holds." 
 
 "Thanks Armand, for your expressions of esteem. The 
 love for your father, my promise to him and to your 
 sainted mother, compels me to keep the secret ; when I 
 am gone you will know all ; how your father suffered 
 There, I must leave you in a few moments, these old 
 bones will not stand the chill of these nights on the moun- 
 tain as they would once. What think you, my son, of 
 the result of this struggle now ? You know an old man, 
 alone, away from the theater of war, is not at all times 
 in receipt of reliable information, and I suppose much
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 15 
 
 of that which reaches me is colored with prejudice. 
 These fellows tell me ah, I know how unreliable much 
 of the war news is; it was always so," and the old man 
 sighed. 
 
 "Well, Uncle Pierre, one thing is certain, the leaders 
 of the Southern cause have reason to believe that they 
 have a bitter fight before them. It has been settled that 
 those cold-blooded Puritans will, and can, fight. You 
 know how contemptuously our leaders spoke of the 
 plowmen of New England ; they said they might be all 
 right OB a plowfield, but on a battlefield why, they 
 scoffed at the preposterous conception. I tell you, uncle, 
 that matter has changed, our belief has been shaken. 
 But you know the inglorious rout at Manassas was read 
 everywhere over the South as a convincing argument 
 that the Yankees could not fight, and that our cause was 
 as good as won already. We relaxed our preparatory 
 efforts instead of redoubling them, as we should have 
 done. But with the Yankees, slow to anger and slow to 
 cool when once aroused, it was different. They at once 
 realized that if they coerced the South it would require 
 a few more troops than the seventy-five thousand that 
 the Federal Government first called for. Their country 
 became animated with the hum of great factories for the 
 manufacture of the munitions of war, with enlistments 
 going steadily on, while our land in a measure was given 
 over to celebrations and feastings; that was valuable 
 time we lost. Still, it is hardly right for me, a young 
 man, to criticise the acts of my superiors; but as you
 
 16 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 asked for my opinion, it becomes necessary for me to 
 state that which is uppermost in my mind regarding the 
 present war." 
 
 "You do not regret your choice in this; you are glad 
 that you enlisted under the Southern bars?" 
 
 "Why do you ask me if I have regret? When the 
 echoes of the guns fired on Sumter reached me in dear 
 old Paris I lost no time in taking a steamer at once for 
 this country. I preferred to enter the army from New 
 Orleans because I knew there I would meet many of the 
 friends of my schooldays, friends who would stand 
 shoulder to shoulder with me to strike back the invaders 
 of our fair land. There in sunny old New Orleans I 
 would enlist under the Pelican flag. This State or local- 
 ity is almost foreign to me. There are, however, early 
 associations which I treasure here, memories of my 
 mother, of my father, dearer now that you have told me 
 of his valor. But my boyhood youth all have passed 
 within the gay Southern metropolis. You know our 
 division is made up of the best blood of the city. The 
 young Creoles whom I knew in those gay and careless 
 days of early youth make up the rank and file of our 
 regiment. I am at home with them. I should almost 
 feel among strangers with soldiers from this vicinity." 
 
 "You have a great chieftain, Armand, a man who is 
 destined to lead the South on to great victories, and after 
 all, it must be the leader whose genius inspires gives 
 courage to the men in action and out. We knew that at 
 Moakowa when "
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 17 
 
 "At Moskowa, uncle! why, surely you were not 
 there?" 
 
 "I did not say that. I meant to say that in order to 
 win battles it is absolutely necessary that the army 
 admire and place confidence in their leader. It was the 
 same at Moskowa, where the dash of the commanding 
 general won the day. He was close to the hearts of men, 
 and the rank and file of his army venerated him. ' ' 
 
 "It was Marshal Ney who commanded there. I be- 
 iieve after that battle the title of Prince of Moskowa was 
 conferred upon him, was it not? Oh, by the way, uncle, 
 you know the old soldier General D'Arville, to whom you 
 gave me letters in Paris, was a warm admirer of Ney. 
 He never seemed tired of recounting his exploits, his 
 triumphs, and his glories; he bore lightly upon his 
 ignominious end. For myself I must say, and when I 
 did say it the old general got so wrathy that he cursed 
 in two languages, that in my opinion Marshal Ney 
 merited fully his treatment. He was a brave soldier, 
 true, but not a loyal one. ' ' 
 
 "Stop, my son, you shall not utter such words. Mar- 
 shal Ney not loyal ! It is a lie, boy, do you hear, an 
 atrocious lie. He was a patriot, loyal, true, ' ' and the 
 old man's eyes fairly blazed with excitement. 
 
 "Well, well, uncle, you are as touchy on this matter as 
 General D'Arville, whenever the Ney matter was brought 
 up. He never seemed to weary of dilating upon the 
 victories of the unfortunate Ney, so that it grew at 
 times wearisome to me, and then I would call him down
 
 18 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 by remarking that I thought the gallant marshal received 
 his just deserts in the early morning in the gardens of 
 Luxembourg." 
 
 "Damn it, boy, stop that; you don't know how unjust 
 are your criticisms ; you shall not, ' ' roared the old man 
 excitedly. 
 
 "Oh, well, Uncle Pierre, if you are so touchy upon 
 the deserts of this man who was shot as he should have 
 been for being a traitor " 
 
 "Don't, my son, let me implore you to go no further 
 in your criticism." 
 
 "Well, to oblige you I will refrain from expressing 
 my opinion of this man, whom I admire for the posses- 
 sion of soldierly qualities of the highest order; still I 
 can never think of him as other than a traitor. ' ' 
 
 "In years to come you may have reason to repent of 
 unkind words." 
 
 "I hope so, but I cannot see why I should. Oh, by 
 the way, you know I heard a strange rumor regarding the 
 execution of Ney?" 
 
 "What kind of a rumor?" 
 
 "Why, one night after the theater we sat in a cafe 
 sipping our absinthe and discussing the gossip of the 
 boulevard. At the next table sat two elderly men. 
 They had evidently been dining well, if not wisely. 
 One suddenly brought his fist down with a force which 
 made the dishes clatter. This attracted my attention to 
 the words which followed. He said : 'I tell you I have 
 absolute proof that he was not executed ; it was arranged
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 19 
 
 before the firing ; lie escaped, and went to America. I 
 know a man who saw Marshal Ney. ' It made an impres- 
 sion on me because it was the same day that D'Arville 
 censured me for referring to Ney in the manner which I 
 did. Of course, the story was ridiculous. You have 
 never even heard the silly tale, have you?" 
 
 "Possibly, years ago. Did D'Arville treat you well?" 
 
 "Seemed very kind to me, but was a crusty old fellow. 
 Still I liked him, for underneath that rough exterior 
 beat a heart warm, generous and impulsive. I found 
 that out on more than one occasion. In all of my 
 escapades, the old general's purse was always open when 
 my remittances failed to arrive. He never chided me 
 for my indiscretions ; on the contrary he said youth was 
 the time to enjoy life, that the rose color vanished in 
 later years. Well, uncle, I regret that I cannot accom- 
 pany you home, but I know that under the conditions it 
 will be best for me not to go with you. I will call Lafe, 
 as I know that you should not delay later. ' ' Taking a 
 whistle from his pocket he gave three sharp calls. 
 
 "There, Uncle Pierre, he will have had the horse sad- 
 dled and here within a few minutes. I will unfasten 
 your horse and bid you farewell." 
 
 The old man rose slowly, almost painfully. 
 
 "Ah, Armand, I know your young, hot blood is 
 chafing to again be at the front. I am sure that you 
 must rise to higher rank ; that is your ambition and 
 destiny. Take an old man's blessing and best wishes 
 for your success ; may your future be bright ; and if my
 
 20 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 eyes should never behold you again, you will always 
 remember the affection that I had for you. ' ' 
 
 "That I will, mon pere," said the younger heartily; 
 and after their affectionate partings had been said they 
 embraced, and the old man was assisted to mount. Then 
 he turned in his saddle. 
 
 "Au revoir, monfih," he said as he struck his spurs 
 into the flank of his steed, which, smarting under the 
 sudden pain inflicted, dashed forward in the direction of 
 the stone house. 
 
 Armand Breton stood watching the fast disappearing 
 figure. 
 
 "Dear Uncle Pierre," he repeated. "How loyal 
 to his promise; and still he did wish so much to 
 tell me something that would inspire me, that would 
 give me courage under trying conditions. "What a 
 strange fact he revealed my father a soldier of renown, 
 decorated ; and still the dear old fellow will withhold my 
 real name. It must, indeed, be a strange case when a 
 son is told that his family name is not unknown to the 
 world, is untarnished, and still for some strange reason 
 the name is withheld. Well, I suppose I must be satis- 
 fied, and the knowledge that my uncle has conveyed to 
 me must suffice. Still, no one can quite kill the curiosity 
 which is accentuated by a limited knowledge of that 
 which interests. I suppose I shall know more about this 
 matter some day that is, if I outlive Uncle Pierre, and 
 from appearances I should say that the span of life would 
 not be extended much further. But then a soldier little
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 21 
 
 knows how soon a stray shot or a saber cut may compel 
 him to solve the mystery of the hereafter. Duty calls, 
 and the struggle is for the freedom of the Southland, 
 and until this war is over I shall not learn the name 
 which I inherit. I must try and make my own record 
 as Armand Breton, that my family mantle may fall on 
 worthy shoulders. I wonder what Lucille will say when 
 I tell her of the mystery which shrouds my name ; that 
 another greater here, where am I getting? I must not 
 forget that for the present I am Armand Breton, and 
 may I carry out my work so that I may meet with honor 
 anything which may befall me. Yes, Lafe, we are going 
 in for a mighty hard ride. The horses are rested well, 
 are they not?" 
 
 "Yes, Cap'n Armand." 
 
 "Come on then," said Armand Breton, as he swung 
 himself lightly into his saddle. "We must be back to 
 battle for Southern rights and Southern independence;" 
 and on they swept into the darkening shadows of the 
 night
 
 32 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER H. 
 
 A SAD DAY IN JULY. 
 
 THE guns of Sumter had kindled patriotic fire in every 
 hamlet in the North. From the busy centers of New 
 England, pulsing with industrial life, to the boundless 
 plains of the great West, came quickly the volunteers 
 answering response to the great Lincoln's first call 
 that call for men to teach the haughty Southerners a 
 lesson for firing upon the flag of their country, and try- 
 ing to dismember the republic which their forefathers 
 helped to establish by the generous offering of their 
 blood. The West caught up the glorious cry and sent 
 it back echoing again amid the old hills of New England, 
 where the sturdy descendants of revolutionary sires 
 the example of Putnam, and 
 
 "Left their plowshares in the mold." 
 
 the steady tramp of armed men was heard in 
 a city and town as the serried host was hurried on 
 toward the nation's capital. "Three months' enlist- 
 ment!" Ah, how little it was then believed that the 
 country was on the eve of a civil war which should 
 shake the republic to its very foundation ; that the "three- 
 month men," as they were styled, would remain in their
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 23 
 
 country's service, upholding her flag on many a hard- 
 fought field for three years yes, and four! They did 
 not weigh the fact that family struggles are oftentimes 
 the bitterest, that a vast country lay south of them which 
 was indisputably a unit owing to the pernicious legacies 
 of the institution of slavery, which poison had permeated 
 every portion of the great country south of the Ohio 
 River. How little the Northern leaders appreciated the 
 tremendous intellectual unity and intense loyalty which 
 the Southern chieftains, political and military, would 
 manifest toward their cause. They little reckoned that, 
 alarmed at the growing political preponderance of the 
 free States, and the limitation of the slaveholding lines, 
 they would fight to the last ditch; that back of the 
 haughty leaders there would arise phalanx after phalanx 
 of brave men, the bone and sinew of the country, who 
 were impervious to fear, and who at the beginning were 
 influenced by politicians, yet when once they had donned 
 the uniform of the soldier knew no more of defeat than 
 did their ancestors when battling with an Indian or a 
 foreign foe. 
 
 Many a youth bade his sweetheart farewell with 
 a light heart, believing that in a few weeks he 
 would return. Many a husband kissed his wife and 
 little ones ere he crossed his threshold on his departure 
 for Washington, saying: "Our company will be back 
 before the summer." Many of the best posted men in 
 the nation said that the rebellion would be ended at the 
 appearance of Northern troops in Washington. Many
 
 24 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 believed that the crushing of the youthful Confederacy 
 would date from the time when the troops were massed 
 at the capital ; that the open intention of the government 
 to suppress would be sufficient to bring the wayward 
 children of the Union back into the fold. Had not the 
 man who was at the head of the Confederacy declared 
 that he would gladly drink all the blood resulting from 
 war between the States? Many a home around whose 
 hearthstone sits no father, many a lonesome life tells 
 the story that the youth never came back to the girl who 
 all the years remained true to his memory ; that the wife 
 still mourns for her absent husband, who sleeps in the 
 swamps of the Wilderness. From Maine to Mendocino, 
 empty coat sleeves are reminders of the rivers of blood 
 which flowed from Manassas to Appomattox. The wave 
 of indignation that swept over the North after the guns 
 of Beauregard had reduced the walls of Sumter was 
 followed by a universal desire to avenge the insult to 
 the nation's flag. The gathering of the rebel forces near 
 "Washington was evidence that the capital itself was 
 threatened. On the soil of Virginia came the clash of 
 arms which marked the opening of the gigantic struggle 
 between the slaveholding and free States. The report of 
 the disastrous rout of the Union forces was flashed over 
 the North even before the last regiments of the fleeing 
 army had reached safety in the city they came to protect. 
 The first messages announcing the defeat and utter rout 
 of the raw troops, who sallied bravely forth to meet the 
 foe with an accompanying escort of Congressmen, who
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 25 
 
 went to drink confusion to the Southerners but not to 
 fight them, was first regarded in the North as incorrect. 
 Subsequent reports, however, confirmed the early news. 
 The blood of the Northern volunteers mingled with the 
 wine of the valorous Congressmen, who in their haste to 
 flee from the onslaught of the victorious rebels left even 
 clothing behind in their efforts to attain the maximum 
 speed toward Washington. The costly lunches and cases 
 of wines which they had brought down to the front to 
 regale themselves with while they witnessed what they 
 anticipated would be the first and final defeat of the 
 Confederate forces were untouched by them. In Early 's 
 camp that night the officers' mess was more appetizing 
 than at many subsequent times during the checkered 
 career of that general. Many were the jokes that were 
 passed around camp at the expense of the disappointed 
 statesmen who were then crying "On to Washington," a 
 reversal of their war cry of a few hours previous. 
 
 The people of the North could hardly credit the later 
 reports ; but they were soon confirmed by personal tele- 
 grams from survivors to friends. There was no mistak- 
 ing the fact that the Union forces had been whipped, 
 badly whipped at that. At the bulletin boards in the 
 great cities excited crowds gathered and discussed the 
 news from Manassas. At the corner stores in the agricul- 
 tural districts there was a like degree of excitement 
 manifested. In fact it would have been easy to have 
 raised an army of half a million men within twenty-four 
 hours after the defeat of the Union army on the initial
 
 26 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 battle ground of the rebellion. In the West as in the 
 East the direct result of this battle was to teach the 
 North that rebellion could only be crushed in the slave- 
 holding States by the employment of large forces of men 
 and capital. The people quickly showed their ability to 
 raise both, and ere long the furnaces throughout the 
 land glowed with heat as the huge molten masses were 
 quickly molded into armaments and munitions of war. 
 It was at the time when the country was at the first 
 throes of excitement after the retreat to Washington. 
 
 The weather had been insufferably warm the day the 
 tidings came from Bull Kun ; so thought two ladies who 
 sat upon an elevation near a famous summer resort over- 
 looking the lordly Hudson. The elder was fanning her- 
 self vigorously, hardly pausing in the rapid sweeps of 
 her fan, while the younger conversed with her ; she held 
 in her hand a yellow message a telegram which had 
 just been delivered to her. She was evidently excited, 
 but while she talked the elder lady only wielded her fan 
 more vigorously. 
 
 "Why, mamma, I really can't see why you take things 
 so indifferently. You are not excited in the least and 
 
 "Unduly excited, my dear; that condition you should 
 seek to avoid, particularly during such extremely warm 
 days." 
 
 "But, mamma, how can I suppress my excitement or 
 try to conceal my true feelings when my brother is in 
 danger may be dead."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 27 
 
 "My dear child, my anxiety is quite as keen as your 
 own. I have a husband and a son in danger. " 
 "But you have a different way of exhibiting it." 
 "Quite right. I do not exhibit; I simply assume that 
 which you term indifference, which is merely not giving 
 open expression to my inner feelings. This came to me 
 only after years of frontier life with your father at the 
 far-away Indians forts. I can remember when I was 
 prone to give myself up visibly to the inner emotions of 
 fear which filled my heart when the colonel was away 
 heading a scouting party. The other officers' wives 
 laughed at my fears when I first went West, a young 
 girl. Then, too, your father learned how much I con- 
 tinued to worry on account of this danger to which he 
 was constantly exposed; and once he offered, when he 
 found me in tears upon his return, to throw up his com- 
 mission in the army and return East. He was captain 
 then, and I knew that he dearly loved his profession and 
 was in the direct line of promotion. I knew that my 
 weakness was causing him unhappiness, and I sought to 
 control as well as to conceal my anxiety. I think that I 
 succeeded admirably, for your father often referred 
 afterward to the very sensible view which I took, or at 
 least pretended to take, of all the dangerous tasks which 
 were assigned him to carry out. I remember when once 
 his body was made a target for an Apache's bullet, and 
 he sent one of his men ahead of his litter to prepare me 
 for the shock. I knew when I saw the corporal that 
 something terrible had happened. I fainted even after
 
 28 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 he said that the wound was slight, yet when my husband 
 was brought in I greeted him without that which he 
 formerly used to characterize as my woman's weakness. 
 You see he detested tears, and I always used to have my 
 little crying spells alone. By and by I forgot them alto- 
 gether. When he was hit at the storming of Chepultepec, 
 why, I received the news quite heroically, even though 
 the first report was that he was fatally wounded. You 
 see, my dear, while I have followed my husband through 
 the fortunes of war, I also have studied, and have suc- 
 ceeded in a fair degree, to assume the same indifference 
 to the danger which confronts my husband that he him- 
 self manifests. ' ' 
 
 "Is this plan usually adopted by the wives of soldiers?" 
 
 "Oh, no, I have seen numerous instances where officers 
 preferred to have their wives just fall upon them and 
 weep, and of course the women receiving this kind of 
 encouragement soon became most demonstrative; that 
 was always distasteful to your father, and a soldier's 
 wife, like his men, should follow him." 
 
 "Do you feel inwardly alarmed at the news of the 
 Union defeat at Bull Run, or as it is called in the South, 
 Manassas?" 
 
 "Alarmed! I am anxious, but what can we do but 
 wait " 
 
 "But, mamma " 
 
 "And not worry; that is what your father would wish, 
 and I always try to follow out his desires. The tele- 
 gram shows that Washington is all turmoil and excite-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 29 
 
 ment. Even if your father has reached the city it is 
 possible that he has been unable to forward any message 
 owing to the accumulation of official business for trans- 
 mission, which in time of war takes precedence of any 
 other matter. That telegram which you have need cause 
 you no alarm beyond what the previous situation con- 
 tained. It simply says that at the headquarters in New 
 York City no information has yet been received from the 
 department in Washington of the location of Colonel Phil- 
 lips' regiment or of that to which Lloyd was attached." 
 
 "I can hardly think of Lloyd being exposed to the 
 hardships of battle, and when I do I think of him lying 
 on the field wounded, perhaps unable to move. Mother, 
 do you think if this trouble had not come on us that he 
 would have followed the profession of his father?" 
 
 "Why, no, Lucille, I do not. You know that he 
 showed great talent for painting, and I think that his 
 stay in Paris would have been prolonged to have enabled 
 him to follow out his inclination in that line had it not 
 been for the gathering of this war cloud. I suppose his 
 father has written him some letters which were calcu- 
 lated to make him believe that his place was here, 
 upholding the cause of the Union." 
 
 "Well, we surely have no cause to doubt his patriot- 
 ism. He came as quickly as he could after South Caro- 
 lina passed the ordinance of secession. He came with 
 Mr. Breton, one to join the Northern army, and one to 
 rapport the Confederate government," and the young 
 girl sighed.
 
 30 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "Yes, Lucille, although Mr. Breton refrained from 
 any strong expression of opinion while in our presence, 
 his dignified declaration that he had come back to battle 
 for the Southern cause showed, to my mind, his manli- 
 ness. ' ' 
 
 "Then you do not condemn him for following the flag 
 of his State?" 
 
 "I cannot condemn any man who owns up manfully to 
 a certain belief, no matter how much I may differ from 
 him ; but still again I cannot help thinking how wrong 
 his belief. I cannot admire any man who fights against 
 the country which gave him birth as a rebel as a traitor ! ' ' 
 
 "And do you think of Armand Breton as a traitor?" 
 
 "Well, I did not when he looked up at me so earnestly 
 and trustfully, and said with such sincerity, 'I think my 
 duty lies South. ' But now, when I think of him clad 
 in the habiliments of war, face to face with my husband 
 and son, ready to strike them down for trying to pre- 
 serve the Union, why, yes, Lucille, I suppose I look upon 
 him as a traitor; do you not?" 
 
 "Why, mamma, when you speak of him as trying to 
 kill papa or Lloyd I don't believe that he would. I 
 think he believed that he is entitled to his opinion as 
 much as they, and has a right to uphold it in the same 
 way, if he chooses. No, mamma, I can say that I do not 
 think of Armand Breton as a traitor, but I do wish he 
 was with, instead of against, us in this horrible war. I 
 can hardly think of one who has sat at our table as a 
 guest, as a chum of my brother, as a traitor or an enemy
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 31 
 
 either;" and a defiant little gleam of light shot from 
 Lucille 's eyes, and a pink flush illumined her cheeks. 
 
 "Yes, Lucille, but that is going to be the hardest part 
 of this war. You must either call those on the other 
 side traitors, or your father and brother are in the wrong. 
 Do you not think so?" 
 
 "Why, no; I suppose you know more about these 
 matters than I, but in spite of my father and brother 
 being on the Union side, I cannot think of Arinand 
 Breton as a traitor that is, such a type as we were 
 taught at school. I am, of course, only a young girl 
 whose time has been mostly passed in a seminary, but I 
 know while there we girls used to talk this matter over, 
 and there were girls from the South who took just as 
 decided a stand for the rights of the South as any of us 
 could possibly for the North. Of course I did not take 
 a warm interest in the matter, but they used to get very 
 mad in their debates, and wouldn't speak to each other 
 for days. When you and papa came up from that old 
 post in Arizona, and Lloyd came back from Europe, 
 accompanied by Mr. Breton, who passed a few days with 
 us before leaving for New Orleans, I thought how nice 
 it was for all of us to be together again ; and Mr. Breton 
 was so handsome, and Lloyd and he were such friends 
 why, it seemed so cruel and so unreal to think of their 
 separating and going to fight each other. Did you not 
 think Mr. Breton was very nice, mamma?" 
 
 "Why, yes, he seemed to be a well-bred gentleman." 
 
 "His French was just perfect."
 
 32 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "I think Lloyd said that he had passed some years in 
 Paris." 
 
 "Oh, yes, he had been pursuing studies there." 
 
 "What studies? What profession was he fitting him- 
 self for?" 
 
 "I did not ask him, mamma. Don't you think him 
 brave, just as brave as Lloyd, to come back and battle for 
 his part of the country?" 
 
 "Why, I should not think of him as a coward. " 
 
 "And he had no father, no mother, no sister to urge 
 him to come or fight for either. ' ' 
 
 "Now, don't you get that little sentimental head filled 
 up with silly nonsense about a good-looking, smooth- 
 tongued rebel." 
 
 "But I like Mr. Breton." 
 
 "Well, see that you confine yourself just to that word, 
 and do not place the Southern cause above our own. 
 Here comes that garrulous Mrs. Hipkins, whose husband 
 is in Congress, a fact which she has related to me no less 
 than twenty times since we have been here. I wonder 
 if she can have received any word that I have not. I am 
 getting a little worried." 
 
 "But, mamma I thought you told me that you never 
 permitted yourself to get worried. ' ' 
 
 "Tut-tut, my child." 
 
 A large, florid-faced woman at this juncture came up 
 to where the two women were sitting. Her costume 
 was evidently gotten up with greater regard for outward 
 effect than for comfort. The contrast between the
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 33 
 
 feminine types presented by the mother and daughter 
 and herself was strong indeed. With a gasp that 
 sounded like escaping steam she sank upon the settee 
 beside Mrs. Phillips. After a few minutes, which were 
 largely devoted to heavy sighing, she gasped between 
 breaths : 
 
 "Oh, Mrs. Phillips, isn't it awful?" 
 
 "The heat? Yes, it is somewhat intense, but it will be 
 cooler when the sun goes down." 
 
 "The heat! I don't mean the heat; I mean that battle 
 that is going on, or has gone, or something, I don't know 
 which. I am so excited. I am afraid that Mr. Hipkins 
 may be hurt. It is just like him to place himself in the 
 line of danger. He never thinks of how worried I am 
 and how much I care for Washington society, ' ' and her 
 fan was vigorously wielded while she paused for breath. 
 
 "Your husband is not in danger, is he? I thought 
 you had said he was in Congress. " 
 
 "So he is, but he wrote me that he was going down to 
 Bull Kun to see the fun and see the rebels get licked, 
 and now that they didn't get that licking, and I haven't 
 heard from him, I am afraid he's killed. You know it 
 was just like him to have taken a gun from some soldier 
 who was afraid to fight and take his place. Henry is 
 so brave. Have you received any word from your 
 folks, Mrs. Phillips ? Don 't you feel worried ? ' ' And the 
 fan continued to oscillate rapidly. 
 
 "No, I have heard nothing definite, and I am not 
 worried. I am, however, expecting a message from
 
 34 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 Colonel Phillips, and here comes Thomas now with a 
 telegram. ' ' Just then an attendant from the hotel came 
 bounding up the steps leading to the hill where the ex- 
 pectant party were sitting. 
 
 "A telegram for you, Mrs. Phillips, and the papers will 
 be right up, ' ' he said, bowing politely to the lady as he 
 handed her a telegram. 
 
 Mrs. Phillips calmly adjusted her glasses before open- 
 ing the message. 
 
 "Oh, mamma, hurry up; I am just dying with im- 
 patience, ' ' said Lucille, as she clinched her hands tightly, 
 while she eagerly watched her mother's deliberate prepa- 
 rations. Her mother, without replying, calmly tore off 
 the end of the envelope, and as she read scarcely a 
 muscle of her face changed. Whether the news was 
 pleasant or otherwise could not be discerned if her face 
 was an index. The young girl said impetuously : 
 
 "Tell me quick, mamma, are they hurt?" 
 
 "Not they, but one, and not seriously either, I trust, 
 from this message," calmly replied the elder. "This 
 is from Colonel Phillips. He wires: 'Lloyd is all right; 
 so am I with the exception of a slight wound. Shall see 
 you soon. ' Now, I know that the colonel is not in the 
 habit of stating other than facts, so I see no reason for 
 being alarmed, for when he says 'a slight wound' I know 
 that it is not serious. ' ' 
 
 "Will you go to Washington to see him?" asked 
 Lucille. 
 
 "Certaiuly not. If your father wishes ine he will
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 35 
 
 telegraph for me. Why, he may be even now on his way 
 here." 
 
 "I am so glad, mamma, that you think there is no 
 reason for worry, but this suspense has excited me so I 
 don't know whether to laugh or to cry. How I should 
 like to know if Armand Breton is wounded I It would be 
 just awful." 
 
 Mrs. Hipkins said with emphasis : 
 
 "I wish I could have had such good word about my 
 husband. I do hope I may have some news. Maybe 
 we will hear something in the papers ; that boy said they 
 would be right along, didn't he? Suppose we walk down 
 to the hotel and get an early copy." 
 
 "Stay, it is not necessary, as that boy is coming up 
 with them. Well, Thomas," said Mrs. Phillips as the 
 boy handed her a paper and another to Mrs. Hipkins, 
 "what do the papers say?" 
 
 "Oh, lots of things, ma'am. They say that the troops 
 came pell-mell back to Washington. They got awfully 
 licked at Bull Run, and that some of the Congressmen 
 were captured." 
 
 Here Mrs. Hipkins, who was closely scanning her paper, 
 gave a shriek. "Hear this," she cried, reading aloud: 
 
 " "There was a party of jolly Congressmen who went 
 down to see the fun. They had provided bountiful 
 lunches and innumerable cases of wine. Their pleasure 
 jaunt terminated differently from what they had antici- 
 pated. The victorious Southerners were rude enough to 
 interrupt their repast, appropriated to their own use the
 
 36 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 wines and sandwiches, retaining the statesmen as well. 
 Among the Congressmen captured was Henry Hipkins '* 
 With an incoherent "Oh!" Mrs. Hipkins flung the paper 
 which contained the notice from her and said : 
 
 "My poor Henry! Suppose they keep you? Suppose 
 you don't get away in time to run for re-election? That 
 spiteful red-headed Jones will be elected in your place. 
 It is just too bad;" and she sped toward the hotel, leav- 
 ing the other ladies to discuss alone the situation as it 
 closed that hot July night after the Union forces had 
 met defeat upon that battle ground where the blue and 
 the gray first met. 
 
 The first martial effervescence of the country was over 
 the South was triumphant and confident, the North 
 disappointed, but awakened to the seriousness of the 
 situation which confronted them upon the first recoil 
 from contact with Southern arms.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 37 
 
 A NIGHT OF ADVENTURE. 
 
 WE return to the horsemen whom we left in the 
 mountain fastnesses of Virginia. 
 
 For more than an hour a silence was maintained be- 
 tween them. The young captain, thinking over all that 
 had been told him, was silent and uncommunicative, and 
 Lafe discreetly said nothing as they rode on, knowing 
 that his master did not wish any interruption in the line 
 of thought in which apparently he was deeply buried. 
 The night was very dark. Lafe being familiar with the 
 country was riding ahead. Suddenly he slowed his 
 horse down to a walk and began to peer into the dark- 
 ness as if seeking some familiar landmark. Captain 
 Breton halted and asked : 
 
 "What is it, Lafe?" 
 
 "Well, yo' see, Cap'n Armand, it's Borne time since I's 
 been over this road, and it is about heah where the fork 
 of the road is, where we branch off, and I want ter be 
 po'ful certain that we get inter th' side road, or we's 
 apt to run inter something that won't be very pleasant." 
 
 "Well, be sure we get started right. I wish to avoid 
 any trouble down here that might bring any further
 
 38 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 suspicion upon Uncle Pierre. Why, what are you about ? 
 Do you mean to say that we will not follow the road by 
 which we came?" he added. His servant had come to a 
 halt and had slipped from his horse, while he was exam- 
 ining the roadside. 
 
 "Not 'xactly, Cap'n Armand. There is two roads 
 heah one that leads roun' the mountain, and then 
 inter the big one the other side ; that is, it turns in ter 
 the road we come by. There might be soldiers back on 
 the big road, and by going round the mountain we would 
 pass 'em." 
 
 ' ' Quite right, Laf e ; you have the advantage of know- 
 ing all of the mountain paths in this part of the country. 
 But suppose these fellows have learned of the round- 
 about path and have a guard posted there?" 
 
 "Then we mus' take chances, an' I's takin' no bigger 
 chances than I's forced to," replied Lafe, as he con- 
 tinued his examinations. "Ah, now I's suah, " he said, 
 as he tapped a large stone. "This stone, cap'n, marks 
 the spot where we turn in. No openin', but it's all 
 right as soon as we's through the brush." 
 
 The young officer followed Lafe as he entered the 
 opening, which after a few steps brought them into a 
 bridle path of fair width. 
 
 "This is a longer road than the one we just left, but a 
 heap sight safer, ' ' said Lafe, as he remounted and fell 
 into the path alongside of his master. 
 
 "Yes, and I am not particularly anxious for a brush 
 with any of these stray detachments from the regular
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 39 
 
 army which are lying in wait to pick one out of his sad- 
 dle before he has had an opportunity to fight for his life ; 
 besides, I have always detested fighting in the dark." 
 
 "We'd better move along without speakin', 'cause some 
 of the boys round heah may have told about this yer 
 road, and maybe we's seen comin' up the valley to-night, 
 cap'n, 'cause we come without tryin' to hide much." 
 
 "All right, Lafe, follow me about ten yards distant 
 and we will proceed with some caution until we get 
 around the mountain ; then we can press on rapidly. We 
 ought to get within our lines by to-morrow evening. ' ' 
 
 So on they rode, the captain in advance, but not alert. 
 Lafe had noticed that he was in a mood far from watch- 
 ful, therefore he had disregarded his orders to remain in 
 the rear and had gradually drawn nearer, until his horse 
 was almost abreast that of his master. The silence 
 between them was suddenly broken by the stumbling of 
 the officer's horse. With a half -suppressed curse the 
 rider straightened back as he narrowly escaped being 
 hurled to the ground by the sudden fall of his horse. 
 Just then came a quick call in front: 
 
 ' ' Halt ! who goes there V ' 
 
 Without considering a second Captain Breton replied : 
 
 "Friends of the South." 
 
 With a quick yell of "Come on, Lafe," he put spurs to 
 his horse and dashed down directly to the point, as nearly 
 as he could distinguish, from whence the call came. 
 Sharp flashes followed as a quick volley was poured at 
 them as they swept by, they returning the salute by
 
 40 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 emptying the contents of their pistols in the darkness at 
 the point where the sharp flashes told of the location of 
 the enemy. Once by, the two again wheeled in their 
 saddles, while their revolvers poured a parting volley at 
 their assailants. After a few minutes' hard riding the;, 
 halted and listened. 
 
 "Are you hurt, Lafe?" asked the captain. 
 
 "Not a scratch, cap'n. Are you?" 
 
 "And your horse?" 
 
 "Sound and on both legs, sah. " 
 
 "I'm all right. They are not following, either, as 
 there are no sounds. Now, then, do you know what I 
 propose to do?" 
 
 "No, cap'n; but I's just listenin'. " 
 
 "Well, for that cowardly attack, which is not war, but 
 assassination, I propose to teach them a few things that 
 they will not forget to-morrow. Load your pistols and 
 we will retrace our steps. ' ' 
 
 "Go back?" 
 
 "Yes, and I will have my turn now. They have given 
 up the pursuit and will not expect us to return. There- 
 fore, not anticipating us they will be talking over the 
 results of their attack. We can locate them then. 
 Understand, Lafe, I want you to follow me as you have 
 done on previous occasions. Shoot quick, do you hear, 
 and have your sword in readiness, as I propose to run 
 them down." 
 
 "Yes, cap'n, Iheah." 
 
 "Then follow me," and as the officer turned about hid
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 41 
 
 steed bis eyes seemed to emit phosphorescent flashes of 
 light. Slowly and cautiously they retraced their way, 
 approaching the point where they had been fired upon. 
 It was shortly after that Lafe, leaning over toward his 
 master's saddle, whispered: 
 
 "Dar dey are; I heah voices." 
 
 "Yes, and now slowly and softly, and not a word until 
 I order, and then follow." 
 
 They continued in the direction of the voices, which 
 reached them faintly. Just then the moon, struggling 
 between banks of clouds, threw a pale, weird light 
 through the thick branches of the trees. The light only 
 seemed to flash a second, but that time was sufficient for 
 Captain Breton to distinguish a small body of horsemen 
 riding a short distance ahead. Then there was darkness, 
 intensified by the sudden withdrawal of the pale 
 light. 
 
 The momentary gleam had been sufficient for the offi- 
 cer's purpose. He drove his spurs deep in the flanks of his 
 steed, and with a yell he dashed forward, "Charge them, 
 boy s, "and was among the dark, fleeing mass, shooting 
 with one hand and slashing with his right followed by 
 the willing Lafe. The onslaught had been unexpected, 
 and not knowing the strength of the attacking party, 
 their former assailants never made a stand. Their re- 
 treat was a disorganized run. So rapidly and skillfully 
 were the blades wielded that it seemed as if the attack 
 came from at least a half-dozen sources. After empty- 
 ing their pistols, and some saddles as well, and using
 
 4$ THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 their sabers with telling effect, the captain gave the 
 order to cease fighting, and Lafe and he jogged leisurely 
 back. 
 
 "Load your pistols again," was the first order given 
 by the leader, after he had learned that they both were 
 practically uninjured, with the exception of a saber cut 
 which he himself had received in the arm, the extent of 
 which he was unable to determine in the darkness. 
 
 "Somehow I think we're in for it to-night, for if they 
 were posted in this hidden road, why not another body 
 of men at the entrance on the other side of the moun- 
 tain ? and if so will they not have heard the shots and 
 perhaps even now may be hastening to lend their assist- 
 ance to the men whom we have just left?" 
 
 "Yes; but, cap'n, suppose they had been, wouldn't they 
 have gone down the other way, not supposin* for a 
 moment that we'd get by 'em heah?" 
 
 "No, because the second firing would puzzle them if 
 they heard both. How far should you judge that we 
 were from the other side of the mountain, the point 
 where we would strike the mountain road?" 
 
 "About one mile, maybe two; it is so dark I can't tell 
 just where we are." 
 
 "Get off your horse, Lafe; put your ear to the ground, 
 and tell me if you can distinguish any sounds. ' ' 
 
 Lafe slipped to the ground and listened. He gave 
 vent to a hearty chuckle. 
 
 "What is it, Lafe?" 
 
 "Why, golly, cap'n, them soldiers ain't quit runnin'
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 43 
 
 yet. I can hear their hoofs a-rattlin*. Ther's a heap on 
 'em, too. " 
 
 "In which direction do you hear the sounds?" 
 
 "Why, behind us. No, it is there they are right 
 ahead of us; that's funny. 
 
 "Not in the least funny. It is very serious, especially 
 with my wounded arm. I am not anxious to engage in 
 any more active warfare to-night, and it means that the 
 men whom I have suspected of being near the other end 
 of this road were there, and alarmed by the sound of fire- 
 arms are now coming this way. They know that there 
 is trouble down here. How near are they ? How soon 
 do you think they could reach this spot?" 
 
 Laf e listened, and then said : 
 
 "They're mighty close. In a few minutes they will 
 be heah. Will we fight, sah?" 
 
 "Not this time, unless we are forced to. The passage 
 seems quite wide at this point. Hide in close, and if they 
 get by without discovering us, why, you can rest assured 
 we will not disturb them. Come in close and remain 
 silent; back your horse well beside mine. Here they 
 come. Have your pistols ready, and remember we will 
 hew our way out if we have to. ' ' Down the path came 
 the dark, moving mass, hardly distinguishable from the 
 black shadows of the night. Nearing the spot where 
 the waiting soldiers stood they slowed down to a walk. 
 Two in the rear were carrying on an animated conversa- 
 tion which could be plainly heard ; one said : 
 
 "Are you sure that it was young Breton who came
 
 44 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 down the valley to-night? I haven't seen him since he 
 was a boy." 
 
 "Yes, it was he. I, too, haven't seen him for years; 
 but I will never forget his eyes, and I had a good 
 glimpse at him; besides, his hah* has that same tinge of 
 red which made his father so noticeable. If he gets 
 through and reaches Rutgers' Court House to-morrow 
 morning he may strike that other regiment that came 
 through the valley. You recollect the old yarn told 
 about Breton's father, don't you?" 
 
 "No, I don't know the people here as well as you. 
 You were raised here, and your knowledge of the coun- 
 try has been mighty useful in piloting regiments over 
 the mountains since you joined the Union cause. What 
 was the yarn?" 
 
 "Why, just before his death he said to his physician 
 that he was Just then the trooper's horse gave a 
 sharp whinny which prevented the listeners from hear- 
 ing more, as they were then nearly out of earshot. The 
 young officer sighed, and he repeated half-aloud : 
 
 "So the people here know rumors regarding my father. 
 Well, methinks I would have liked to have heard that 
 reply;" and after a few minutes he remarked, "Come on, 
 we will ride hard now; we must avoid the Rutgers' Court 
 House. There is a road around other than that by which 
 we came, is there not, Lafe?" 
 
 "No, Cap'n Armand, not that I know of." 
 
 "We should reach Rutgers' Court House by early 
 dawn, and under the friendly cover of partial darkness
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 45 
 
 possibly we can pass unnoticed in the uncertain light. 
 We will now make up what time we have lost that is, if 
 this confounded arm does not bother me, ' ' said Armand 
 Breton, after they had rounded the mountain and entered 
 upon the county highway. 
 
 "Won't we stop to feed the horses?" 
 
 "No, they have had an easy time; we can water them 
 down by the creek, and then we will have passed the dan- 
 ger point before stopping for rest. Here, Lafe, just knot 
 this handkerchief about this arm ; there, that is easier. ' ' 
 
 The trip was continued without further incident ; they 
 passed the creek, stopped a few minutes to blow their 
 steeds, and then on, as they climbed the hill which over- 
 looked the quiet valley where stood Rutgers' Court 
 House; the darkness of the night had already com- 
 menced, to be supplanted by that gray which precedes 
 dawn. The men never halted, and at once began their 
 descent, when they heard distinctly sounds which were 
 caused by the moving of heavy wheels. To their prac- 
 ticed ears the sounds meant artillery; they could clearly 
 distinguish the heavy rumble, and they knew that they 
 were preceded by a detachment of artillery sent, in all 
 probability, to join the regiment which perhaps was 
 already there. The dangers seemed to increase rather 
 than to diminish, and their return seemed fraught with 
 ever-thickening complications. Captain Breton slowed 
 his horse down to a walk, while he began to revolve in 
 his mind a plan to carry them on beyond the furthermost 
 point of the gathering Union lines. Lafe had looked
 
 46 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 anxiously toward his master, expecting at any moment 
 that he would disclose his plan of action. 
 
 "Now I have it," said the captain. 
 
 "I's a-listenin' fo* yo' orders." 
 
 "This darkness is fortunate for us, and now I propose 
 to turn yonder artillery to our advantage. They cannot 
 distinguish what color of uniform we wear, and the 
 noise made by the wheels will prevent them hearing our 
 approach. We will overtake them, fall into line, and for 
 the while we will be Union artillerymen. Just fall in 
 with the escort, which I will wager is not watchful after 
 their long trip ; and besides we may learn just what they 
 anticipate doing with the forces they are gathering near 
 here. "We may turn this night into advantage for our 
 causa ' ' 
 
 "Yes, but any mo' of this light an' they'll catch us, 
 suah." 
 
 "We must take chances, that is all. There's bound to 
 be a thick fog all through the valley, which will be to 
 our advantage. Come, Lafe, not another word, and see 
 that your horse doesn't stumble and fall to alarm them 
 fall into line on the opposite side from me. ' ' 
 
 The young officer had determined upon following out 
 a daring scheme, a plan which seemed feasible if the 
 darkness only remained. Then, again, he had concluded 
 that by riding up under the cover of the artillery, they 
 could pass, unchallenged, the lines of the forces which 
 he anticipated were already ahead, having arrived by 
 another road. The project was certainly worthy of the
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 47 
 
 man. The heavy wheels jolting over the stony road 
 enabled the two riders to reach the detachment without 
 having attracted the attention of the men which com- 
 posed it. They had been through a long, hard march, 
 and as the country through which they had come was 
 entirely free from the enemy they had relaxed their 
 vigilance. The rear guard were dozing on their steeds, 
 and the two Confederates favored by the darkness 
 dropped into line without causing more than a nod from 
 the sleepy riders whose horses were jostled as the two 
 pushed toward the front of the company. Captain 
 Breton's motive in pressing to the head of the line was 
 to be in a position, in the event of discovery, to be able to 
 make a comparatively unhampered flight. By traveling 
 in that way undiscovered he would have succeeded in 
 reducing the obstructions to nearly a stern chase. They 
 jogged along, the newcomers keenly alert to the danger to 
 which they would soon be exposed. Soon, and very soon 
 if the regiment was ahead, they must encounter it, for 
 twenty minutes more and the courthouse square would be 
 reached, and in the meanwhile the darkness had grown 
 into a misty gray which would shortly be replaced by 
 dawn. Would they pass ? Ten minutes more just then 
 the front line was halted by the call of a picket. There 
 was no mistaking the clear sharp call which caused the half- 
 sleeping artillerymen to straighten up in their saddles. 
 There was no delay. The reply to the picket was quickly 
 given and the outposts had been passed, and shortly they 
 would go into camp. The Confederates gave an involun-
 
 48 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 tary sigh of relief, and Captain Breton was almost upon 
 the point of creating some diversion which should attract 
 the attention of the company and at the same time afford 
 them an opportunity of beginning their dash to regain 
 their own lines. They were now upon the camp of the 
 cavalry regiment; through the mist figures could be 
 easily distinguished. Not a moment was to be lost : the 
 race for life must be commenced or else they must surely 
 become prisoners ; discovery could not be delayed much 
 longer. Captain Breton then made a discovery that 
 caused him sudden joy; he looked at one, then another 
 of the men about; in the indistinct light they looked 
 gray ; they did not wear the blue of the Federal army. 
 Was it possible that they had been traveling with 
 friends? The young officer was on the point of giving 
 an exultant shout, which happily for him he did not, 
 when the situation dawned upon him. The night mist 
 of the mountains had covered all their garments with a 
 filmy grayish coating which was greatly increased after 
 they had encountered the heavy white fogs of the low- 
 lands. To all appearances they were clad in gray at 
 least for the moment there was no difference between 
 Federal and Confederate uniforms. This coating would 
 only be temporary, hut the discovery imparted at once 
 a confidence to the captain. He could hardly retain his 
 joy at his discovery. The next instant he thought that 
 he could now gain information regarding the future 
 movements of the troops that they were with ; ten min- 
 utes would be sufficient, then well, suppose it was a run
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 49 
 
 for life, it wa<* worth the risk at least so thought the 
 young officer. How to learn the news without exciting 
 suspicion? In an instant his move was determined. 
 After the order had been given to dismount he slipped 
 to the ground and said in a half-drowsy tone to the man 
 nearest him, while the other had drawn away : 
 
 "I thought we were fixed down the valley for the 
 summer. I wonder what in thunder the old man is 
 going to do next? I don't like this running over the 
 country, do you?" 
 
 The soldier addressed grunted, struck a match, and 
 lit his stubby pipe, and after a couple of whiffs said: "I 
 don't know don't care I foller orders if it leads to hell. ' ' 
 
 This bluff was hard to get over, and in order to learn 
 anything he must adopt different tactics. He drew out 
 a pocket flask and said : 
 
 "Saved a little of the old stuff; have a pull?" 
 
 The artilleryman melted ; he reached out his hand and 
 caught the proffered bottle, and the gentle gurgle down 
 his throat told where the contents of the captain's flask 
 were being poured. The gurgle ceased, a long-drawn, 
 contented sigh came from the soldier as he passed back 
 the half-emptied flask. 
 
 "That's good, pardner, an' say, I didn't want ter be 
 short with yer about the old man's doin's, but I do 
 happen to know where we're goin'. I jest happened to 
 learn, an' I'll tell you, but it ain't no business of mine, 
 and I don't like to repeat it, specially as yon are one of 
 them new fellers. ' '
 
 50 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "Well, it makes no difference, we'll all know in time," 
 said the young Confederate; "I wasn't specially anxious 
 to know, but it is only natural that a fellow should know 
 something of where he is going." The soldier came 
 close and said : 
 
 "Oh, well, you're good enough ter give me a swig of 
 yer stuff, an' I'll tell yer if yer want ter know so bad, 
 an' how I heard it." 
 
 He leaned over and said a few words in a low tone to 
 the young Confederate, over whose face as he listened 
 stole a satisfied smile. Hardly had he finished his re- 
 cital when there was considerable commotion heard down 
 at the other end of the camp. A horseman rode over to 
 where the two soldiers stood talking. 
 
 "Say, boys," he said, "a rider has just come in and 
 reported that two rebels had a scrimmage with some of 
 our boys over the mountains toward Osakala last night. 
 He says they must have come that way, and as this is 
 the only cut through the mountains, why, we must look 
 out for them. They couldn't have gone ahead of us hello 
 how did you get hurt. We haint been doing any fight- 
 ing lately, ' ' he said as he saw the fluttering bandage on 
 the captain's arm. "Why, man," he said as he came 
 nearer, "what kind of a uniform have you got on? Why, 
 it's gray you are treach " He could get no 
 further. 
 
 Captain Breton saw the discovery was made; 
 with a quick turn he caught the man ere he could com- 
 plete his sentence, and hurled him from his saddle. The
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 51 
 
 big trooper with whom he had been chatting stood for a 
 moment open-mouthed in wonder, then his leathern 
 lungs pealed forth a cry: "Rebs in camp " He could 
 not finish giving the alarm. Lafe had been drawing near, 
 and the instant that he saw the man hurled from his 
 saddle he was there to support his master. As the man 
 started to give the alarm Lafe lowered his head, and 
 struck the soldier with it as a battering ram just below 
 the belt which he wore. The tall fellow doubled up 
 like a jackknife, and sank with a grasp. 
 
 "To your horse, Lafe," said the captain as he swung 
 into his saddle, and they were off like a flash. In an 
 instant the camp was in an uproar. The soldier who 
 had been pitched from his saddle had fallen heavily and 
 had dislocated a shoulder; the artillery man whose 
 stomach had encountered Lafe's head was gasping for 
 breath ; no one could explain just what was the matter 
 for a few minutes; and in the meantime the officer and 
 his companion had gotten fairly under way, and with 
 every beat of their horses' hoofs were being carried 
 further from camp. Pursuit was immediately ordered, 
 and although the fugitives had the advantage of a few 
 minutes' start, the number following them gave a decided 
 advantage to the pursuers. Again, the horses ridden by 
 the Confederates were far from fresh after the long ride 
 of the night. Captain Breton knew well the enduring 
 qualities of the steeds ridden by himself and Lafe, but 
 he knew also that they could not maintain the same 
 speed for long that they were at present holding.
 
 5$ THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 \ 
 He turned to Lafe and asked: 
 
 "You are familiar with the country through here, are 
 you not, Lafe?" 
 
 "Like a book, cap'n." 
 
 "Well, how about the roads, are there many of them?" 
 
 "Pretty near as many roads as men follerin' us, I 
 reckon; golly, I's jest thinkin' how that feller I hit mus' 
 feel, and my head ain't a bit sore, either." 
 
 "Never mind, it will be if that fellow gets a chance to 
 put a piece of lead in it ; but seriously, Lafe, what is the 
 best road for us to take? Soon it will be troad daylight, 
 and we must try and throw them off our trail. " 
 
 "It'll be mighty hard to do that. " 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 " 'Cause it gettin' lighter and they can tell by our tracks 
 which way we go. ' ' 
 
 "True, but you know it feels like rain, and if that 
 comes, why, all traces of our horses' tracks are quickly 
 rendered difficult to trace. " 
 
 "Ter know what I's thinkin' cap'n?" 
 
 "No." 
 
 "That they'll jest go and split up." 
 
 "Well, suppose they do, what then?" 
 
 "More apt to get us treed." 
 
 "Hear those hoofs! They are coming_ close after us 
 now. Here is a road shall we make that turn?" 
 
 "No, cap'n, fo' the love of Gawd don't go down off 
 there, jes' keep on a bit; there is a road for us; it's 
 smoother, and then they may not see it. They is comin'
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 53 
 
 mighty close ; will we get a shot at 'em 'fore we get off 
 inter the road?" 
 
 "Why, there is one fellow almost on us; the others are 
 back some distance ; what he sees us surely, and we are 
 in plain view now that he has rounded the corner. He 
 is trying to wing us, too, ' ' said Armand Breton as two 
 reports rang out in the air, and a bullet whistled danger- 
 ously near his head. ' ' Laf e, you are a good shot. My arm 
 is unsteady : I wrenched it when I gave that fellow a tip 
 from his saddle. Just wheel and reply to the salute that 
 he has given us." 
 
 Lafe cpaickly wheeled, in an instant his revolver 
 cracked, and one pursuer staggered in his saddle and 
 fell heav>ly to the ground. The captain never turned. 
 
 "Is he still coming?" he asked. 
 
 "No, he's jes' stopped for repairs, waitin' for the 
 others," said Lafe laconically; "and now, Cap'n Armand, 
 jes' over that little hummock an' we turn to the right." 
 
 "All right, ride hard; hear those fellows yell. " The 
 pursuing party, hearing the shots, had pressed on with 
 redoubled efforts ; but the pursued had passed out of sight 
 and had swung off on another road when the party had 
 rejoined their fallen companion. Here they again lost a 
 few moments of valuable time, and the distance was 
 increased between the horsemen.
 
 54 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A THRILLING BIDE. 
 
 IT was after a long dash, and the gray of morning had 
 been supplanted by the broad light of day, that the two 
 men slowed their steeds down to a walk. 
 
 "We've done gone an' lef 'em su', 5 ' said Lafe. The 
 two then drew up to a halt. The captain said : 
 
 "Jump down, Lafe, and see if you hear any sounds." 
 
 Lafe obeyed. 
 
 "Not a soun' ; de's gone, su'." 
 
 "Well, we must draw off in the forest as soon as we 
 shall strike a stream, blow our horses, feed and water 
 them as well as ourselves, and we will be ready for any 
 other excitement that may come our way." 
 
 Shortly after, a rippling mountain stream gladdened 
 the sight of the weary travelers ; they dismounted and 
 led their steeds through the forest to a point where they 
 were effectually screened from view in case any horse- 
 men came by the path which they had just left. Lafe 
 took the horses, led them behind a huge gray bowlder 
 after watering them, then dove deeply into the capa- 
 cious pockets of the saddlebags, whence he extracted 
 some feed for the animals. Then turning his attention 
 to their own needs he asked his master if he should light 
 a fire. The captain replied :
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 55 
 
 "Yes, Lafe, I don't think there is the slightest danger 
 where we are ; besides, I think a good cup of coffee will 
 set me all right after the work of the night." 
 
 Lafe's eyes glittered as he replied: 
 
 "Jes' what Fs a thinkin'." 
 
 In a few moments Lafe had a fire merrily crackling, 
 over which he placed a small pot of coffee. The captain, 
 while he awaited the preparations of breakfast, had 
 taken off his coat, and washed his wounded arm in the 
 cool spring. He found upon examination that his wound, 
 although painful, was not dangerous. After cleansing 
 the cut and having his handkerchief carefully bound 
 about it he was ready for the welcome meal which Lafe 
 had provided. A few slices of smoked beef and a hand- 
 ful of crackers washed down by the fragrant coffee 
 renewed the strength of both men. The captain, after a 
 long wait, looking at his watch declared that it was 
 time to be off again. His companion quickly carried 
 out his orders, and soon they were back in the road, 
 headed toward the Confederate lines, traveling at a good 
 round gallop. 
 
 "I think we have seen the last of those Yankees,' said 
 the captain. 
 
 "Dunno, cap'n, dese mountains jes' full 'er roads; they 
 might come back this way. ' ' 
 
 "What is that you have strapped on behind you, 
 Lafe?" said the captain, as, looking over Lafe's saddle, 
 he saw a package which attracted his attention. Lafe 
 hung his head and said :
 
 56 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "Dat's fo' 'mergency." 
 
 "For emergency! what do you mean?" 
 
 "You see, Cap'n Armand, when we's down in that 
 camp at the Co't House I saw two blue coats lying there, 
 and I thought they might come in handy, and so I jes' 
 rolled 'em up while that feller thought I's tendin' the 
 horses, and the's right here now." 
 
 The captain laughed heartily over the theft, and said : 
 
 "You are going to get even for what the other people 
 are doing down here?" 
 
 It was past midday when the captain said, "Well, we 
 will soon be within our lines, and from what I learned 
 this morning we will have a mighty lively time to keep 
 the valley clear. "What is that?" he said suddenly, as 
 the sound of approaching horsemen reached his ears. 
 
 "Sounds po'ful like cavalry, cap'n. " 
 
 "Yes, and coming from our lines too. Can it be some 
 of those Yankees shying around?" 
 
 "Dunno, but I's thinkin'." 
 
 "Thinking what?" 
 
 "That it'd be a mighty good plan to pull on these 
 blue overcoats if you're goin' to keep straight on." 
 
 "Excellent idea, Lafe. Yes, we will keep straight on, 
 and if tney are not friends, why, the coats will prove 
 useful." 
 
 Lafe passed quickly to the captain one of the coats 
 which he had taken from the Union camp, and in a 
 twinkling the two men were transformed by the long 
 closely buttoned blue coats into Union soldiers. They
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 57 
 
 were not an instant too soon, as around a sharp turn in 
 the road dashed a small body of mounted men ; through 
 the cloud of dust it was hard for the moment to distin- 
 guish to which army they belonged. Soon, however, the 
 keen eyes of Breton saw that they wore the blue uniforms 
 of the Federal Army. Smothering a half-suppressed 
 curse, he rode straight up and said in a tone expressive 
 of disappointment : 
 
 "You didn't get them, did you?" 
 
 "Didn't get what?" growled back the man in charge. 
 
 Captain Breton believed that the men in their front 
 were a part of the pursuing party, and he had deter- 
 mined upon a bold plan to throw them off. Both he 
 and Lafe wore the same uniform and his plan was to 
 assume for the moment that they belonged to the same 
 regiment, trusting to something else to occur to give 
 them an opportunity to get beyond the party that im- 
 peded their progress. After the reply he knew that 
 they were ignorant of the affair at Rutgers' Court House, 
 and his words came quick. 
 
 "Oh, I thought you were of the regiment that reached 
 Rutgers' last night. We had a little fun down there this 
 morning with some Johnnies and we were out after 
 them. Our party got all broken up by separating on 
 the different roads, and we expected to meet some of our 
 boys returning. Have you seen any of them down tiie 
 road?" 
 
 "Nary a man, and you won't find any of them beyond 
 neither."
 
 58 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "Well, we will go a piece ahead and see what we will 
 find." 
 
 "But there is no use " 
 
 "There is a road that turns off, and we will turn " 
 
 "What regiment do you belong to?" suddenly asked 
 the sergeant in charge. 
 
 "Why, the Seventh New Yo " 
 
 "The Seventh New York ! Why, good heavens, man, 
 that is down the valley; that is Colonel Phillips' regi- 
 ment. How could you have been over to Rutgers?" 
 
 Just then Lafe had drawn close to the captain and 
 whispered in his ear : 
 
 "Fo' de love of Heaven, we mus' be off; dem other 
 soldiers right behind." 
 
 Armand Breton never exhibited the slightest excite- 
 ment as he replied to the sergeant. 
 
 "Can't help it, my boy, where the Seventh was; I know 
 where it is now. Come on, Lafe, we will turn on the next 
 road," and with this they were off before the surprised 
 officer could recover his astonishment. 
 
 "You know what I think, sergeant?" said an old 
 grizzled trooper as he edged alongside of the puzzled- 
 looking man. 
 
 "No, out with it." 
 
 "Why those fellows have played a trick on you; I'll 
 bet they are rebels " 
 
 "And," broke in another, "I am sure that I saw gray 
 trousers on them. ' ' 
 
 "Why in thunder well, here's some more. What are
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 59 
 
 you looking for?" asked the sergeant as a party of men 
 reined up in front of them. 
 
 "Two of the slickest rebels in the South played a trick 
 on us last night; this morning another " 
 
 "Yes, and now it's my turn, for I'll wager that yonder 
 goes the men you're looking after," pointing toward the 
 fleeing Confederates. 
 
 "Forward, men, and we will have them now," thun- 
 dered the officer in command. 
 
 The Confederates had a short start. Captain Breton 
 took a quick glance over his shoulder. 
 
 "They are after us," and he smiled grimly as he mut- 
 tered, "this time it is a race for life." 
 
 "The's a heap of 'em," added Lafe. 
 
 The pursuing party numbered at least twenty, and it 
 was obvious that unless the Confederates left the road 
 they would inevitably be captured. The captain thought 
 that a dash through the forest might save them, and com- 
 municated his ideas to Lafe. 
 
 "But, cap'n, we can't leave; the's no road." 
 
 "Then it depends upon our horses." 
 
 "Yes, an' those fellers are fixed jes' same's we." 
 
 At times their pursuers were so close that they could 
 hear the breathing of their horses. 
 
 "Halt halt!" and this followed by fierce imprecations 
 from those behind. 
 
 Captain Breton drove his spurs deeply into the flanks 
 of his steed, and enraged by the cruel steel, his horse
 
 60 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 dashed on and on; the distance between the men 
 widened. 
 
 "Ten minutes more, Lafe, and we will be out of 
 danger." 
 
 "My po' horse mos' gone, su'." 
 
 Just then a volley whistled over their heads. 
 
 "They mus' shoot better 'n that to down us," muttered 
 Lafe. 
 
 Captain Breton glanced anxiously ahead. He was 
 sure that in the distance he saw cavalry. In another 
 minute he was positive. "Ahead of us and behind. " He 
 thought this time that escape was impossible. 
 
 "Like rats in a trap this time," he said aloud. He 
 strained his eyes. The party ahead were dashing down 
 upon them rapidly. They were signaling. The captain 
 gave a shout of joy. 
 
 "Lafe," he said, "if they don't drop us out of our 
 saddles in five minutes we will be with our own men. ' ' 
 
 Two minutes more and the pursuers in their mad 
 haste had not noticed the cavalry coming in the opposite 
 direction. Another volley at close range, but owing to 
 the terrific pace at which they were going, the bullets 
 sped wide of their mark. Another shot, and Lafe gave 
 a yell of pain, and two bullets passed through the cap- 
 tain's hat. The pursuers then gave a yell; they saw the 
 coming cavalry, and turned to flee, but the men in gray 
 passed the captain and Lafe and thundered down upon 
 them with drawn sabers. There was a short but deter- 
 mined struggle, quick yells, the sharp ring of carbines
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 61 
 
 and the clash of sabers, and it was over. The vanquished 
 pursuers were prisoners of war. 
 
 "Lieutenant Percy, you were in the right time for 
 us, ' ' said Captain Breton as he greeted the young Con- 
 federate officer. 
 
 "Yes, captain, you know we came down this way on a 
 little reconnoitering trip, and as I knew that you would 
 possibly return this way we prolonged the journey, a 
 fact of which I am heartily glad. " 
 
 Lafe then gave a hearty chuckle. "By golly, cap'n, 
 here's that feller that I jes' tapped with my head. " 
 
 Sure enough, the trooper, smarting for revenge, had 
 followed as soon as he regained his equilibrium. 
 
 "Yes," he snarled with an oath, "and you wouldn't 
 be where you are now if my aim had been a little better 
 two minutes ago." 
 
 In ten minutes the company of cavalry was moving 
 back with the mounted prisoners, while the officers were 
 laughing together over Captain Breton's narrative of the 
 adventures of the evening.
 
 63 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 A FATEFUL MEETING. 
 
 BACK to the Confederate camp rode the party, and 
 from the merry song which went ringing out, 
 
 "If you want a good time, 
 Then join the cavalry," 
 
 it could be readily understood that they were in capital 
 spirits. 
 
 Shortly after his arrival in camp Armand Breton 
 quickly made his way to the department headquarters. 
 He was at once admitted to the tent where, around a 
 long table, sat three men, who, judging from the serious 
 looks upon their faces, were engaged in the discussion of 
 some knotty problem of the war. They all arose and 
 greeted the young officer warmly, who asked : 
 
 "Ami intruding upon a secret conference, general? 
 If so I will withdraw and await your pleasure. " 
 
 The man whom he addressed as general removed a 
 half-consumed cigar from between his white teeth, which 
 glistened through a jet-black mustache, and said in crisp 
 tones : 
 
 "No, Captain Breton, I had already givea instructions
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 63 
 
 to have you admitted without delay ; you may be able to 
 assist me somewhat; you are acquainted with the 
 topography of the country about here, are you not?" 
 
 "I have only a slight knowledge " 
 
 "But I understood that you were from near here " 
 
 "It is true, but my boyhood was all passed in New 
 Orleans, beyond which I have been almost a citizen of 
 Paris, General Beauregard." 
 
 It was none other to whom he spoke than the redoubta- 
 ble Pierre Beauregard, the man who opened the rebel- 
 lion by firing upon the flag which floated proudly over 
 Sumter's walls, that flag which he had sworn to uphold. 
 General Beauregard came from an old Louisiana Creole 
 family. His French ancestry was directly traceable in 
 his swarthy complexion, his brilliant, flashing eyes, and 
 his quick, nervous movements. After Armand Breton 
 had finished he asked him in French : 
 
 "Was your father a Frenchman yes, he must have 
 been from your name and have you been educated as a 
 military man?" 
 
 "Yes, in a limited way, general." 
 
 "Then you are familiar with the science of fortifica- 
 tions as well as handling troops?" 
 
 "Slightly, sir." 
 
 "Good! men like you will win rank in the Confederacy. 
 Now, Breton, I have in mind a little expedition which I 
 hope will sweep the valley clear of the Yankees. I want, 
 further, a man who is thoroughly acquainted with all 
 the smaller mountain roads which are not indicated
 
 64 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 here," sweeping his hand across a map while speak- 
 ing. 
 
 "I have the man my servant who was raised in these 
 parts. He is brave as a lion, true as steel." 
 
 "The very man but a nigger, did you say " 
 
 "Well, yes; at least there is some colored blood in his 
 veins, but he is nearly white. ' ' 
 
 "And your slave. " 
 
 "Yes, general, and I came here now for this. I have 
 some important news to communicate to you, which I 
 gained while away on my short furlough to my old home. " 
 
 General Beauregard's black eyes snapped in an an- 
 ticipatory way as he requested the captain to speak out 
 what he had learned, and in English, in order that the 
 two other officers present might better understand. 
 Long after Armand Breton had stated the incidents of 
 his night's ride, and the plans that he had gained of the 
 enemy's intended operations, the officers sat tracing out 
 the lay of the land from the maps before them. General 
 Beauregard then rose, and taking a few quick strides 
 halted again at the table and said : 
 
 "From all the information at our hands, I should say 
 that the Yankees are now eighty-five hundred strong at 
 Rutgers'. They will wait there two days until reinforce- 
 ments reach them, then they will strike that is, if we 
 permit them, which, ' ' he added with a significant smile, 
 "I hardly think we will. Owing to heavy draughts 
 made upon us, our available force at this point is small 
 indeed when compared with that of the Yankees, and iia
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 65 
 
 two days they will outnumber us three to one. I can 
 spare from this point only a small number of men. We 
 must act, and act at once. I have promised the Presi- 
 dent to sweep the enemy out of this valley, and unless I 
 move quickly I may not be able to keep my prom- 
 ise. " 
 
 After musing a moment, he ocntinued: "Breton, you 
 told me that one of the regiments which was coming up 
 was Colonel Phillips. ' " 
 
 "Yes, general." 
 
 "I wonder if that is the same Phillips whom I knew 
 in the Mexican war. If so he is a soldier of great worth. ' ' 
 
 "He was in the Mexican war." 
 
 "You know that are you acquainted with him?" 
 
 "I knew his son well in Paris. We were close to each 
 other there and came back together. I remained a day 
 or two in New York as his guest before leaving for the 
 South; his father is a most estimable man." 
 
 "Yes, true, we fought together once, now against 
 each other ; how singular the irony of fate ! I recollect, 
 now, that he had two children. I saw them years ago. 
 Is his daughter living? If so, I'll warrant she has 
 developed into a pretty miss if she takes after her 
 mother. ' ' 
 
 "Yes, she is a most charming young lady bright, 
 vivacious, and piquant. I think that she wins the hearts 
 of all those with whom she comes in contact." 
 
 "You do, eh?" and General Beauregard glanced up at 
 the young officer in a way which made a flush of red
 
 66 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 creep athwart his bronzed cheeks. The next instant the 
 subject was changed, much to the delight of Breton, 
 who had an opportunity to hide his confusion. Turn- 
 ing to one of the officers present, the general said: 
 "Colonel Esten, this is my plan: I will attack the en- 
 campment of the enemy the day following to-morrow at 
 early dawn. We will converge our troops upon them from 
 three directions ; our artillery, such as we have to spare, 
 must, with two mortars, take position on the overlook- 
 ing mountain spurs in order to immediately open fire in 
 the early morning, at an hour I will decide upon later. 
 The fire will draw them off, and then the concerted 
 attack will be made. Colonel, I shall assign you to the 
 most difficult position; with your command will be 
 Breton ; his servant will render you valuable assistance 
 in making the mountain passes to the point at which I 
 shall designate that you must be at three o'clock the 
 morning following to-morrow. You have a roundabout 
 trip to make and must at once put yourself in readiness 
 to begin to move your men, who should be fresh for the 
 conflict when the signal gun is fired. 
 
 "I shall proceed at once, with your permission, to 
 accomplish a part of the distance to-night, halting in the 
 mountain defiles to-morrow." 
 
 "Very well, you may remain with me a few moments 
 after the others have retired and I will talk further with 
 you." Turning to Breton he asked: "You have your 
 servant here now?" 
 
 "Yes, general."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 67 
 
 "And you need nothing not even rest after your 
 adventure and fatigue of the night?" 
 
 "Nothing, general, save fresh horses." 
 
 "Spoken like a soldier," and as the general arose he 
 warmly pressed the hands of the two men, who passed out 
 into the night. Lighting a fresh cigar, he turned to 
 Colonel Esten, who remained, and said: "Your wound 
 will not cause you inconvenience on this trip, will it? If 
 so I will appoint some one in your place. ' ' 
 
 Colonel Esten replied almost warmly : 
 
 "General Beauregard, I am highly honored by your 
 selection of me to assume an important mission, and beg 
 to assure you that the slight reminder that I have of 
 Yankee lead at Manassas will not deter me from per- 
 forming my duty to the South in the part that you have 
 allotted me, and that, I trust, to your satisfaction. I 
 left Maryland when it no longer afforded a field on which 
 I could maintain the rights bequeathed me by a revolu- 
 tionary ancestor. 1 am at your command to continue 
 the battle for State rights to the end, and do not think 
 that my recent hospital experience will materially weaken 
 the enthusiasm which burns in my heart for the cause of 
 the South." 
 
 "After such a declaration there is but one course for 
 me to pursue, viz., to hold to my original programme, 
 and to bid you Godspeed on your journey." After a 
 few brief instructions the men separated. Pierre 
 Beauregard sat alone a few minutes in silence, then half- 
 aloud repeated to himself: "Thus far the conflict
 
 68 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 between the Confederates and Yankees has clearly dem- 
 onstrated the fact that the individuality, self-reliance, and 
 habitual use of arms by the Southern people have been to 
 some extent substitutes for military training, and the 
 want of that training evident in the Northern army 
 gives us an advantage. Now, to keep my promise to 
 Davis ; and so I may meet my old friend of the Mexican 
 war, Colonel Phillips. That young Breton has the mak- 
 ing of a soldier; I shall recommend him for promotion 
 if he acquits himself creditably in this campaign and 
 lives. How furiously he blushed when referring to that 
 Phillips girl! Let me think, what was her name a 
 pretty one Lucy no, Lucille, that is it. Well, Breton 
 will find a strong opponent in the mother if she hasn't 
 toned down a bit, now that his sword is raised against 
 the cause supported by her husband; and now I will 
 look over camp, and then to rest. ' ' With this he flung a 
 long cape over, his shoulders and passed out, while his 
 active mind was busy revolving plans for an early aggress- 
 ive movement. 
 
 During the night an unusually heavy fall of rain had 
 rendered the mountain roads heavy and almost impass- 
 able, but with unfaltering purpose and energy the troops 
 under the command of Colonel Esten had pressed for- 
 ward on their long detour. Lafe's familiarity with the 
 paths proved of almost inestimable benefit, as had it not 
 been for his intimate knowledge of the labyrinth of roads 
 in all probability the command would have strayed from 
 their course in the blackness of the night. In the early
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 69 
 
 dawn Lafe joyfully announced that they were near the 
 best possible hiding-place where the prying eyes of 
 reconnoitering scouts, if about, could not discover them. 
 They went into camp, as it was the positive order of the 
 commanding general that they should proceed with the 
 greatest secrecy in order that the enemy might not sus- 
 pect that a move was to be made on them. The great- 
 est care was exercised, by which discovery was averted. 
 The following night, and at nearly two o'clock, Lafe 
 announced that they were within about a mile of the 
 place where the general had directed them to be at three 
 o'clock. Colonel Esten said shortly after the news had 
 been announced to him : 
 
 "Breton, you know I had a strange dream the night 
 before I came on this campaign of Beauregard's, and I 
 wish to say just a word to you before we go into action. " 
 
 "Perhaps there will be no better time than the pres- 
 ent," replied Breton. 
 
 "No; and do you know it makes me sad to dwell upon 
 it." 
 
 "Then why do so?" 
 
 "Well, I must," and the officer heaved a sigh. "The 
 night before we started I had such a weird dream; and I 
 have been unable to free myself from its depressing 
 influences. I had retired early, and was soon in sound 
 slumber; shortly after, it seemed, a pleasant series of 
 pictures passed before me. There were visions of 
 childhood boyish groups playing in flower-decked fields. 
 The scenes were reproduced from my old Maryland home.
 
 70 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 One was particularly sweet; my little, girlish sweetheart 
 the girl who is to marry me when this war is over and 
 I were seated together on the big vine-embowered veranda 
 which runs around her old home. In her lap were fresh- 
 picked, fragrant flowers which we together had plucked 
 from the meadow. The birds sang sweetly in the trees 
 and we were happy in our childish love, while the warm 
 sunlight glinted through the vines on the veranda. 
 Suddenly the whole scene changed, grew black as night. 
 I could not see my little sweetheart she had fled. The 
 next instant I was looking or seemed to be gazing 
 down into a beautiful valley. Here and there were scat- 
 tered dead horses and men it was a battlefield; my 
 attention seemed drawn toward one man clad in gray; 
 his face was turned from me, still there was an irresisti- 
 ble fascination about that form ; it seemed familiar. A 
 body of men came next and gathered together the corpses 
 of the dead. They reached the body reclining so still, 
 and turning it the sunlight fell across the face and 
 merciful heavens, Breton, it was I and I was gazing into 
 my own dead face. Do you wonder that I awoke with a 
 start, while my body was bathed in cold perspiration? I 
 had looked upon the face of my dead self. Was it pre- 
 sentiment? Call it what you will, Breton, but it has worn 
 upon me. I have no fear, I am a soldier, but as sure as 
 there is a God above, it was a warning, a notice ; to- 
 morrow's sun will cast its beams upon my lifeless form 
 in yonder valley. Do you wonder now that I am 
 depressed?"
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 71 
 
 Breton's arm was extended, and together the two men 
 clasped hands in the darkness, and for a moment neither 
 spoke; then the voice of Esten, heavy with feeling, 
 continued : 
 
 "Ah, that girl it will break her heart when she learns 
 of my death. She was at a Northern seminary when the 
 war broke out, but now, angel that she is, is ministering 
 to the wants of Southern soldiers in the hospitals at Rich- 
 mond. I have this request to make, Breton. We are 
 almost strangers, but I feel that you are near to me in 
 heart; there is that strange telegraphy of mind to mind 
 that tells me that you are my friend. I shall never refer 
 to this again, therefore I now ask that as soon as the 
 war is over you will hasten to her, talk with her, com- 
 fort her; you will do this for me, my friend?" 
 
 Armand Breton's eyes were moist, and with a voice 
 trembling with emotion he replied: "Colonel Esten, if 
 it be my sorrowful destiny to carry out your request 
 made to me now, it shall be done, upon the honor of a 
 soldier." 
 
 "Enough," said Esten; "I have no letter, nothing, 
 only what I have requested. I have not passed my 
 gloomy moments since this warning came to me in writ- 
 ing pages of sickly sentimentalism. I love her like a 
 soldier and like a man I shall die. I will tell you her 
 name ; the address is in my effects. Her name I love to 
 repeat," and leaning forward he whispered softly, "Nita 
 Calvert." 
 
 He then turned and rode away. The march was con-
 
 72 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 tinned until Lafe imparted the news that he had identi- 
 fied certain landmarks, and they were already on the 
 ground they had been directed to occupy. They were 
 some time in advance of the specified hour, therefore the 
 halt gave time for recuperation and the adjustment ot 
 arms. Pacing up and down, Colonel Esten glanced once 
 and again anxiously at his watch. He conferred with 
 his officers and announced to them that the time had 
 arrived when the artillery should sound the signal. 
 Minutes passed, yet the silence was unbroken. Of 
 course the officers argued that the passage of the guns 
 was delayed by the heavy mountain roads. It had 
 begun to grow light on the mountains. Looking anx- 
 iously in the direction where the artillery should be, the 
 men on the alert could discover nothing. Suddenly the 
 colonel grasped tightly the arm of Breton and said in 
 low tones: "The signal see?" In the gray dawn a faint 
 spark of light showed in the direction they had been 
 gazing. It grew brighter, and, leaving a trail of sparks 
 behind, a shell described a beautiful arc and descended 
 into the valley. It was followed by another, and then 
 by others, until shot and shell directed by expert 
 marksmen were dropping down with rapidity into the 
 valley below. 
 
 "Beauregard has good gunners," said Breton, who 
 could judge from the location of the camp that the mis- 
 siles were fairly effective. 
 
 Esten never replied, but said : 
 
 "Ten minutes of that will throw the camp into inde-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 73 
 
 scribable confusion; then the batteries will cease; we 
 move forward and our three lines converge." 
 
 Watching the sight before them the men waited. 
 
 " Attention!" commanded the colonel. The lines of 
 gray closed in an orderly compact mass. 
 
 "Forward draw sabers guide right!" They were 
 off, and every man gripped his saber a little more tightly 
 as he realized that he was moving down into the mael- 
 strom of death in the meadows below. Still there was 
 no lagging behind ; on the contrary a strange feeling of 
 exultation crept into every trooper's breast as he plunged 
 on down toward the valley. 
 
 They passed pickets, outposts; then the guns on the 
 heights ceased to play. In the valley there was wild 
 confusion. Company after company wheeled into line. 
 The officers were confused ; they could scarcely tell where 
 the enemy was located; they had not anticipated an 
 attack, but they fought with all the valor of American 
 soldiers. 
 
 Eaten 's troopers passed the outer lines with only a few 
 empty saddles, and then line after line of shadowy forms 
 in blue confronted them. 
 
 From Esten's lips like a trumpet blast came the words : 
 
 "Gallop charge!" 
 
 There was then no faltering, as, impelled by the in- 
 spiring words of their leader, they pressed hard behind 
 on straight through the lines which opposed them rode 
 the valiant Southerners. But they were confronted by 
 another, a stronger phalanx of men. With terrible
 
 74 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 momentum they drove into it as a huge iron wedge is 
 driven by giant strength into soft wood. They recoiled ; 
 it was there that Greek met Greek. The camp was scat- 
 tered but neither of the two other columns which were 
 to converge there was yet in the line of support for 
 Esten. It was no time to ask why they were not there. 
 History oftentimes has been changed by the non-arrival 
 of a few men. It was fight and many a blood-bespat- 
 tered horse and rider told how the thirst for human 
 blood was quenched. Shouts from the mountain side 
 indicated the coming of fresh troops. But as at Bull 
 Run, one side was to be disappointed in reinforcements. 
 The shouts of the Federals proved that they were satis- 
 fied that the oncoming men were theirs. This uncer- 
 tainty soon became certainty, and at the critical moment 
 the delayed columns of the Confederates reached the 
 place where the men of Esten were continuing an un- 
 equal contest. Their delay was occasioned by losing 
 their way in the mountain passes. Then the tide of 
 battle surged back and forth. In the fight Breton be- 
 came separated from his leader. A strange thirst for 
 blood overpowered him, and fighting like a demon he 
 reveled in the destruction of human life. His blade was 
 wielded with telling effect. One tall Union soldier 
 opposed him; he was also mounted. Biding forward 
 Breton met him in a fierce hand-to-hand encounter. For . 
 awhile it was with them parry and thrust. For one 
 instant the Union soldier left his right uncovered. The 
 Confederate was quick to see his opportunity and gave a
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 75 
 
 fierce lunge with his sword ; the man fell heavily from 
 his saddle. Through the dim light he saw upturned 
 plainly the features of his old friend Lloyd Phillips. 
 The horrible thought came over him that he had killed 
 his chum and Lucille 's brother. Just then, drenched in 
 blood from a saber cut in his head, and a pistol shot in 
 his shoulder, his head swam, his eyes closed; he sank 
 from his saddle, only saved in the fall by the arms of the 
 ever-ready Lafe. When Armand Breton regained con- 
 sciousness he was stretched upon a couch beside which 
 sat Lafe, bathing his master's brow with cooling lotions. 
 The young officer tried to sit up, but fell back again upon 
 his couch. "And, Lafe," he gasped faintly, "are we the 
 victors?" 
 
 "Suah's preachin', we'sthe winners of the fight, Cap'n 
 Armand." 
 
 "Then Beauregard has cleaned the valley?" 
 
 "Don't know 'bout the valley, but he's knocked the 
 stuffin' out er these fellers heah, su'. " 
 
 "Was Colonel Esten injured, Lafe?" 
 
 "Don't know 'bout that, Cap'n Armand; I's been 
 watchin' you mos' of de time." 
 
 "Leave me and ascertain how the colonel has fared. " 
 
 The slave quickly complied, and in a few minutes he 
 returned, wearing a mournful look upon his face. 
 
 "De cunnell he has fared mighty hard, su'," he said, 
 as his master looked at him inquiringly. 
 
 "Is he dead or only wounded?" 
 
 "He am as dead as can be."
 
 76 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 Breton murmured: "Ah, poor Esten, his dream proved 
 true." Then his mind reverted to his own last plunge 
 before the blackness of insensibility had closed over him ; 
 he thought, could it be possible that he had killed his 
 dear friend? "Lafe," he said, "do you know where I 
 fell?" 
 
 "I specs I can find it; I was there." 
 
 "You were there. Did you see me kill a man before I 
 tumbled from my saddle?" 
 
 "I saw a man come po'ful near killin' you, 'n would've 
 if you hadn't bin mighty quick, cap'n. " 
 
 "Have the bodies been gathered up?" 
 
 "No; mos' ob dem is where de fell," said Lafe. 
 
 "Then I must look upon his face; perhaps it was a hor- 
 rible dream. I must see for myself or this will haunt me 
 all my life long ; and now, Lafe, you must get an attend- 
 ant, place me on a stretcher, and take me where I fell. 
 I must go, do you hear?" 
 
 "I'sa-listeninV' 
 
 "Well, act at once." 
 
 Soon the captain was lifted and taken on a stretcher 
 to the point where he had fallen from his horse. He 
 could not distinguish it, but Lafe was certain. All the 
 bodies had been removed and heaps of newly-turned 
 gravel on either side showed that the victors had quickly 
 removed from view the bodies of their late enemies. 
 Breton was heavy-hearted, and the thought that he had 
 killed one who had been near and dear to him in the 
 days agone unnerved him. He was very weak from loss
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 77 
 
 of blood ; this, with the wrenching which the trip caused 
 him, was too much, and his senses again forsook him. 
 
 Captain Breton's wounds proved more serious than 
 was at first anticipated, and owing to his overwrought 
 mental condition a heavy fever set in, and for days he 
 tossed in delirium upon his couch. In his fever-haunted 
 dreams his mind wandered back to the time when he 
 dealt the deathblow to his cherished friend. As his 
 physical strength increased, in like proportion his mind 
 regained its former clearness. He would repeat to 
 himself by the hour : "It was in fair fight it was war " 
 then the mood would change, and he would curse him- 
 self for having murdered his friend, and more, for 
 having erected an insurmountable barrier between him- 
 self and the girl he loved ; for Armand Breton no longer 
 doubted that he loved Lucille Phillips with a pure, 
 strong, manly devotion. But how could her brother's 
 slayer ever look into her trustful eyes and ask her to 
 become the wife of the man whose hands were reddened 
 with his life blood? The thought was maddening to 
 him. So melancholy did he become that his convales- 
 cence was seriously retarded. It seemed to him that the 
 great cloud of sorrow overshadowed his life ; and though 
 he considered that he had committed an act which must 
 forever separate him from Lucille, yet he loved her only 
 the more strongly. In his dreams he could see her 
 bright, sweet face, as she bade him farewell and said the 
 words to him so trustfully, "I respect a man who fights 
 for the cause he loves." He had thought many and
 
 78 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 many times that respect might only be a stepping-stone 
 to a warmer sentiment, and now the words seemed steeped 
 in gall and wormwood, as he would repeat to himself : 
 "Yes, but suppose that man killed her brother." 
 
 His mind was haunted by that ghostly upturned face. 
 The picture of that last fatal charge seemed to hang 
 framed in his memory. His suffering was intensified 
 by the personal affection which he held for the man 
 whom he had slain. In strong contrast with these 
 mental pictures came other fleeting visions recollections 
 of the happy days passed with the man who was lying 
 with the unknown dead under the shadows of the 
 Virginia mountains. 
 
 Lafe had become alarmed over the condition of his 
 master, and had adopted the plan of getting in men 
 who were entirely conversant with the state of affairs 
 at the front. The inspiring words of the supporters of 
 the Southern cause seemed to interest him temporarily ; 
 under the excitement his eyes would emit their old-time 
 flash, but shortly after the departure of his comrades 
 he would lapse into spells of listlessness and melancholy. 
 One day he told Lafe that unless he regained his strength 
 shortly he would resign from the service that he was 
 through fighting forever : later, inspired by the report of 
 the success of Southern arms, he said that in one month 
 he should report for duty if alive. That very evening a 
 large official envelope was handed to him. It bore the 
 address "Colonel Armand Breton." True to his inten- 
 tion, Beauregard had forwarded to the authorities in
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 79 
 
 Richmond a recommendation warmly indorsing Armand 
 Breton, for promotion to a colonelcy. There had been a 
 fearful gap in the roster of officers who had taken part 
 in the affair at Rutgers', and the recommendation from 
 Beauregard was sufficient to secure for Breton advance 
 in official rank. Enclosed with his commission was the 
 request that he report for duty in five weeks from the 
 date of his commission. This made practically a month 
 from the time Breton received the notice. 
 
 Lafe was delighted to learn that his master was 
 promoted. 
 
 "Golly, you is a cunnell, su'!" 
 
 Colonel Breton gained rapidly physically, and one 
 day he decided to pay a visit to Richmond in order to 
 carry out the last request of the man under whom he 
 served at Rutgers'. He lost no time in putting his pur- 
 pose into execution.
 
 80 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE MEETING IN RICHMOND. 
 
 THE entire South was like a huge armed camp. In 
 very part there was excitement of the most thrilling 
 character. There was plenty of fighting from the north- 
 ernmost to the southernmost part of the country which 
 was in rebellion against the government founded by the 
 heroes of the American revolution. The crack of the 
 carbine and deadly missile of lead interrupted many a 
 night's bivouac by smoldering campfires, under forest 
 trees, while the roar of artillery seemed never to cease. 
 Richmond at that time was the hot-bed of secession, and 
 when Armand Breton reached the capital of the Confed- 
 eracy it was in deep mourning over the death of that 
 valiant soldier Stonewall Jackson. The untimely tak- 
 ing off of the man whose military genius must compel 
 admiration as long as history is recorded was a tremen- 
 dous shock to the Confederacy. His eccentric figure his 
 followers had learned to love ever since General Bee 
 uttered the historical words at Bull Run, "Look, there 
 is Jackson, he stands like a stone wall." His lightning- 
 like handling of troops, together with the results which 
 lie accomplished, made him one of the strong pillars of
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 81 
 
 the Confederacy. Arm and Breton knew in his soldier's 
 heart, as he bent over Jackson's bier in the capitol, that 
 the cause of the South had suffered in his death an almost 
 irreparable loss. 
 
 He compared the tragic death of Jackson shot by his 
 own men with his own last thrust which was fatal to his 
 friend. He sought the hospital where he learned that 
 the girl to whom Colonel Esten was affianced was staying. 
 He waited in the reception-room for the appearance of 
 her whom he had come to Richmond to comfort. Pres- 
 ently the soft rustle of a dress caused him to start, and 
 before him stood a tall, queenly woman, supple of limb 
 and of graceful carriage. He knew instinctively that 
 she was the affianced of the brave officer who met his 
 death in the thickest of the fight at the battle of Rutgers'. 
 
 In low, sweet tones she asked : 
 
 "And you are Colonel Breton?" 
 
 The officer bowed a reply, and a sad look crept into 
 her expressive brown eyes as she said : 
 
 "You came from Edmond, did you not?" 
 
 "Armand Breton murmured a reply. Somehow, he 
 who could charge a battery, could not muster sufficient 
 courage to talk to the stately girl who seemed to look 
 into his very heart with her searching eyes. 
 
 "Then you have learned of his death?" he said at last. 
 
 "Yes; of course, I scan every bit of war news, and 
 knowing .of Edmond's presence near Rutgers', I read 
 with inexpressible sorrow that he was killed there. I 
 read also that you were dangerously wounded. When
 
 82 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 your name was now sent in to me I at once divined that 
 you came to me with a message from Edmond." 
 
 "You are perfectly correct; and now Miss Calvert, let 
 me ask if we will be liable to interruption here. Some- 
 how I feel the message I have is too sacred to repeat 
 before others ; too sorrowful to be related while any but 
 you are present. ' ' 
 
 "We will be quite alone; I have requested it." 
 
 In earnest tones the young soldier related how Colonel 
 Esten was depressed by his warning dream ; how he knew 
 almost that he was going into his last battle ; how ten- 
 derly and how manfully he dwelt upon his affection for 
 the girl whom he loved ; how tender his message for her ; 
 how brave and fearless his bearing! Long before he 
 had finished the beautiful eyes of his listener were 
 swimming in tears. Then a silence fell between them. 
 The young officer quietly arose, saying that he would 
 call on the morrow, and reverently passed out, leaving 
 the girl alone with her sorrow. 
 
 On the following day he called at about the same hour. 
 Nita Calvert was perfectly composed as she greeted him, 
 and after they had conversed some minutes she said: 
 "Colonel Breton, I have some news which I think you 
 may be pleased to learn." Breton looked at her in sur- 
 prise and asked : 
 
 "And if that be so I pray you to tell me. " 
 
 "There is in this city an acquaintance of yours whom, 
 I think, you will be glad to meet." 
 
 "And whom may that be?"
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 83 
 
 "She mentioned your name to me to-day. I do not 
 think that you have known her long, but I am sure that 
 you will be pleased to meet her again, even in Richmond, 
 and a Yankee at that." 
 
 "You mean " 
 
 "Lucille Phillips." 
 
 "Good heavens, Lucille here, in Richmond at this 
 time? Tell me, Miss Calvert, what brings her here?" 
 
 "Why, did you not know that her father, Colonel 
 Phillips, was wounded at Rutgers' ; taken with other pris- 
 oners of war and brought here ? The men are at Belle 
 Isle, the wounded are being cared for at our hospi- 
 tals." , 
 
 "Colonel Phillips wounded at Rutgers' ! Could I have 
 no, Miss Calvert, I was not aware that he was in that 
 engagement, although I knew that he was reported as 
 being in the valley ; for personal reasons I have never 
 even read the official report of that battle." 
 
 "And yet there is where you won promotion. You 
 were a captain before, and now your title is a higher 
 one." 
 
 "True, but I cannot dwell upon the sorrowful results 
 of that battle without suffering the keenest anguish. " 
 
 "You thought so much of my poor dead Edmond. " 
 
 "I knew him but a short time, but respected him 
 greatly, and never while life lasts shall I forget the night 
 he met his death. You know, Miss Calvert, there are 
 some incidents in our lives which seem beyond the 
 power of removal from memory ; that night's work will
 
 84 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 never be effaced from mine. But pardon me, may I ask 
 where is Miss Phillips and is her father out of danger?" 
 
 "She is stopping at Ford's, where yesterday her 
 father was removed from the hospital greatly improved. 
 Her appearance here was a surprise to me. Possibly 
 you did not know that she and I were roommates at a 
 seminary in New Jersey. After the war had broken out, 
 somehow I felt that my place was in the hospitals where 
 I could care for the brave men who upheld the cause of 
 the South. Lucille I had not seen since then, and you 
 may imagine my astonishment when one day she called 
 upon me." 
 
 "Then her father was not at this hospital?" 
 
 "No; it was after his removal to this city that his con- 
 dition was considered dangerous. Lucille, learning of 
 this, asked permission from the Confederate authorities 
 to pass through our lines to nurse her father. This was 
 readily granted, and she came. Under her tender care 
 her father grew rapidly better, and soon now, I suppose, 
 will be exchanged for some Southern colonel who is now 
 languishing in the North. ' ' 
 
 "Lucille Miss Phillips, then, knows of my presence 
 here?" 
 
 "Yes; and I think that she will be delighted to see 
 you. I am sure her appearance indicated that when I 
 told her that Colonel Armand Breton had brought me 
 the last earthly message from the man I loved. She 
 said: "Arrnand Breton is he here? I shall be glad to 
 see him; he was such a warm friend of my brother ''
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 85 
 
 "Yes, we were very fond of each other in Paris." 
 
 "She said that you came back together, and she won- 
 dered if you could have met her brother ; he was also at 
 Rutgers', and never has been heard of since. Why, 
 how pale you are, colonel ! the shock occasioned by the 
 sudden news of the death of your friend is too much for 
 you in your weakened condition." 
 
 "It is so sudden! poor Lloyd! and you say that his 
 body was not recovered?" 
 
 "No, it was not identified, but still there can be no 
 doubt of his death Lucille even admits that, and is 
 plunged in the deepest sorrow. He was her only 
 brother ; you must try and comfort her, colonel. ' ' 
 
 "I wish to heaven I could," said Breton brokenly. 
 He was thinking of that fateful night, and how with the 
 blood of her brother upon his hands he could face the 
 girl he loved. He groaned aloud in anguish as he 
 turned a face drawn with pain toward Nita Calvert, and 
 said: 
 
 "What you have told unnerves me, saddens me, 
 makes me sick of this terrible war and its awful destruc- 
 tion of human life. ' ' 
 
 Then with deep lines of sorrow across his face he 
 retraced his footsteps to his tarrying place. All that 
 night he tossed in mental agony. At times he thought 
 that he would hold forever locked within his own breast 
 the awful secret of Lloyd Phillips' death, and try his 
 every power to win the girl he loved. Then, again, hia 
 whole nature would revolt, and he would cry, "No, that
 
 86 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 cannot be ; love the murderer of her brother and marry 
 him ? Never. ' ' 
 
 When the dim light of dawn began to creep into 
 his chamber he fell into a deep slumber from which 
 he did not awaken until the morning was well advanced. 
 Then, after breakfast, he wended his way with a 
 heart torn with conflicting emotions toward the hotel 
 where Lucille and her father were staying. It was 
 only a short time after he had sent up his name before 
 Lucille came down to meet him. She was clad in deep 
 mourning, her face although pale was sweet and beauti- 
 ful framed with its crown of golden hair. She seemed 
 to have been transformed since their former meeting 
 from a happy, winsome, light-hearted girl into a tender, 
 sympathetic woman ; so thought Breton as he arose to 
 greet her. At first it was hard for him to tell whether 
 he loved more the bright, piquant maiden, or the 
 womanly creature whom he saw before him. But, man- 
 like, he chose the present. The past was a joyous mem- 
 ory, while the present to him was at least sweet as he 
 bent low over her hand. For the moment the sad 
 thoughts which had so lately oppressed him were dis- 
 pelled under the magic cast upon him by the presence of 
 the woman who had become so dear to him. His pleas- 
 ant day-dreams were soon to be rudely shattered, for 
 after a few conventional phrases, Lucille suddenly asked : 
 
 "You were dangerously wounded at Rutgers', were you 
 not? And now that I can see you fairly I note how thin 
 and pale you are; I suppose you also can see many
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 87 
 
 changes in me. This dreadful war ! It has already cost 
 me my brother ; and papa, too, came near going. I have 
 often wondered if you could have met Lloyd in that 
 awful battle. 
 
 Slowly and painfully Breton replied: "I was almost 
 sure, Miss Phillips, that I saw him once, but then only 
 for an instant. Your friend Miss Calvert, whom I came 
 to Richmond to see, told me yesterday that his death 
 has never been reported officially." 
 
 "No, but then, if Lloyd had lived he would surely 
 have communicated with us before this. Sometimes I 
 have vague doubts, but I am afraid they are not in 
 accordance with facts. ' ' 
 
 Breton was suffering infinite torture while listening to 
 Lucille, and he felt that he must divert the conversation 
 into other channels, or else he must relate to her the 
 part which he had played in the disappearance of Lloyd. 
 
 "Ah, Miss Phillips, would to God that I could undo 
 the work of that night. The suffering which it has 
 caused us is beyond calculation, and I can never revert 
 to it without sorrow. I beg of you let us change the 
 current of our talk. I was warmly, devotedly attached to 
 your brother, and in his death I am a most wretched 
 sufferer. The subject is too painful for you and me to 
 dwell upon. You have lost a brother, and I a friend, for 
 whom the attachment could have scarcely been stronger 
 had he been my brother. Tell me now of the living. Is 
 Colonel Phillips considered out of danger?" 
 
 "Oh, yes, papa is getting on nicely."
 
 88 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "And your mother does she bear up bravely under 
 the great sorrow which has befallen her?" 
 
 "Why, mamma has suffered greatly, yet she has such 
 perfect control of her feelings that outwardly she does 
 not give that evidence of anguish which we who know 
 her believe is almost consuming her." 
 
 After a short stay the officer arose, and accepting an 
 invitation from Lucille to call on the following day, 
 returned to his hotel. 
 
 After that his calls were frequent. He would sit by 
 the hour by the bedside of the old Union officer, while 
 Lucille flitted about the room, performing some dainty, 
 feminine task, which made the room pleasant to stay in, 
 while the sunshine of her presence diffused a radiance 
 which made both men happy. Thus the days passed, 
 and as time sped on Armand and Lucille were thrown 
 more and more in each other's society. Together they 
 Would visit the hospital where the sweet presence of Nita 
 Calvert cast a soothing influence over the war-tossed 
 soldiers whose mangled forms told the story of the fear- 
 ful gap being made in the ranks of the men who were 
 struggling for the freedom of the Southland. Often- 
 times when Lucille's patient was able to dispense with 
 her presence they would take long rides. All the while 
 they were drifting unconsciously, as it were, toward a 
 deeper and stronger current that current where two 
 
 
 
 lives are blended in one. Armand thought only of 
 Lucille, and while he knew that his furlough was becom- 
 ing more and more narrowed, yet thoughts of love instead
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 89 
 
 of war were uppermost in his mind. The dream was so 
 idyllic that he feared to awaken. One morning some- 
 thing occurred to bring him to a keen sense of realiza- 
 tion of the situation ; and, counting the days, he found 
 that there remained less than seven before the expira- 
 tion of his leave of absence. Soon he must be in the 
 saddle, and should he tell Lucille all before he left? 
 On this he pondered. At last he concluded that he 
 would at least know the feelings the girl would entertain 
 toward the man who struck down her brother in fair 
 fight. Still he hesitated, and his leave of absence nar- 
 rowed down to two days. His health had returned, and 
 it was with quick strides that he sought the hotel which 
 was the temporary home of the Union officer and his 
 daughter. Colonel Phillips, under the tender nursing 
 of Lucille, had improved wonderfully. He now was able 
 to be up, and pleasant days he sat upon the wide 
 veranda. Armand Breton said to her after he had gone 
 over the latest war news with her father: "I report to- 
 morrow to the department for assignment to duty." 
 
 "So soon?" said the girl. "How papa will miss you. " 
 
 Breton sighed, "I wonder if any one else will notice 
 my absence or would care if I came back or not?" 
 
 Lucille, while her face was partly turned from him to 
 hide a red tinge which crept up over her cheeks, as she 
 arranged tfye lace curtains, said : 
 
 "Why, I am sure there are others; I know Nita Cal- 
 vert will miss you, and I shall miss you, sir, as in- 
 structor. You have not completed your riding lessons
 
 90 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 yet, and I am only beginning to show improvement 
 under your tuition. You have time for one more lesson ?" 
 
 "Do you wish to go now?" he asked. 
 
 "Of course, my last lesson! how could I miss it? I 
 will be ready by the time the horses have been saddled 
 and are led around. ' ' 
 
 "Very well, I will at once have them saddled. Which 
 one shall I order for you to-day ? You know the black 
 one you rode yesterday is hardly safe for you to ride ; I 
 should say it would be better for you to ride the bay. " 
 
 The young Confederate had a motive beyond that he 
 expressed in recommending the bay. With that he knew 
 he would have an opportunity of carrying on a con- 
 versation with her, while if she rode the high-spirited 
 black steed, she would be separated from him, or not 
 close enough to converse the greater part of the ride. 
 But Lucille was determined to ride the black one, and 
 replied : 
 
 "No, I cannot allow you to carry away with you to- 
 morrow an impression that a Yankee girl is afraid to 
 ride. I know that Southern ladies excel in riding. 
 Please have the black one saddled for me, will you not?" 
 
 Breton could only bow in acquiescence, and departed 
 to give the orders. Soon the horses were brought 
 around and the young officer was following, Lucille in 
 the lead, toward the suburbs of the city. They were 
 well in the country when Breton galloping alongside 
 aid: 
 
 "Miss Phillips, your horse seems unusually fiery
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 91 
 
 to-day. We will turn back shortly if you find him 
 unmanageable. ' ' 
 
 But Lucille would not listen to such a proposition. 
 
 The excitement of the ride and the clearness of the 
 air made her face glow, so that Breton thought he 
 had never seen her look more bewitching than just 
 then ; such an animated picture ; so full of life, beauty, 
 and strength, the golden-haired rider and the fierce 
 black horse. They rode along side by side, chatting 
 pleasantly, and once, when the officer was on the 
 point of touching upon the subject uppermost in his 
 taind, Lucille said : 
 
 "See yonder tree, let it be the turning point, and let 
 us race for it. ' ' 
 
 The tree to which she pointed was nearly a mile away. 
 Her challenge was accepted, and they were off. Lucille, 
 after a short spurt, took the lead and held it. Turning 
 in her saddle she gayly shook her head defiantly toward 
 her escort who was following close. Just as she turned 
 the sharp crack of a rifle near at hand caused her horse 
 to wheel quickly, half-carrying her from the saddle. 
 The horse was then going at a terrific pace down a steep 
 decline in the road ; a rolling stone a mad plunge, and 
 the horror-stricken Breton saw Lucille going flying over 
 the horse's head, striking among the rough, cruel 
 bowlders in the road side. 
 
 Spurring hastily forward, in an instant he was dis- 
 mounted and bending over the motionless form of the 
 girl, who was lying still and white where she had
 
 92 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 fallen. Her face was pallid as death, and from a gash in 
 her matted golden hair a stream of blood trickled down 
 and across her marble-like face, staining her dress with its 
 crimson flow. A stream of water ran along the roadside 
 a short distance below. Breton rushed to it, seized his 
 hat, filled it with the cool liquid, and returning, bathed 
 the wound on her head and her brow, but no sign of life 
 was shown. Was she dead ? and so full of life and energy 
 but a short time before ! Breton chafed her hands, then 
 with his arms supporting her lifeless form he bathed her 
 brow again and again in feverish haste. 
 
 "Lucille, my love, speak to me," he frantically called 
 to her, using endearing names. "Lucille, my darling, 
 it is too cruel. You are not cannot be dead!" and he 
 bent and kissed her. 
 
 Just then the blue eyes opened, and looked up at him, 
 while her lips whispered his name 
 
 "Armand." 
 
 Soon she was able to sit up, and as her blood began to 
 course through the many arteries her face gradually 
 assumed its flush of pink. Upon examination it proved 
 that the cut upon her head was not in the least danger- 
 ous, her insensibility having been caused by the concus- 
 sion received from her fall. After a little Lucille 
 declared that she never felt better in her whole life, 
 glancing shyly at Breton while she added, "or happier." 
 
 Breton was too much occupied with his own thoughts 
 to notice the last words. After assuring himself that 
 she had suffered no serious results from her fall, he at
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 93 
 
 once went in search of the black horse, which, after some 
 delay, he succeeded in capturing. Returning, he de- 
 clared that he would not permit her to ride that horse 
 she must ride'his own. Lucille interposed no objections, 
 and after changing saddles they were shortly on their 
 return trip. Breton was strangely silent, while Lucille 's 
 looks were downcast. As they approached the hotel 
 Lucile asked : 
 
 "Will you not stay and dine with us to-night? Papa 
 will be glad to have you, and I need not add that it will 
 give me pleasure as well. Besides, after all the trouble 
 I have caused you to-day I think you should at least 
 allow us to try and make pleasant your last night in 
 Richmond." 
 
 Breton quickly accepted the invitation and passed a 
 most delightful evening in company with the colonel and 
 his daughter. Lucille seemed determined not to allow 
 him to see her alone, and the old colonel seemed in a 
 particularly reminiscent mood ; his health had improved, 
 and he was feeling in capital spirits. He talked of the 
 days when he knew Lee, Longstreet, Beauregard, and 
 other leaders of the Confederacy in the Mexican war and 
 on the frontier. While the colonel's stories would have 
 been entertaining under ordinary conditions, yet to 
 Breton, in his excited state, they were devoid of even 
 interest. Presently the elder man began to show signs 
 of sleepiness, and much to the delight of Breton, he 
 bade him good-night. Then the young officer, turning 
 to Lucille, said, "To-morrow I leave, and before going
 
 94 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 to-night may I have your permission to relate a little 
 story a sketch of a man's life?" 
 
 Lucille bowed in assent ; then Breton, seating himself 
 so that his face was in the shadow cast by the light, 
 began : 
 
 " 'Tis only a brief sketch. It may interest you. 
 Years ago a little boy was sent by his father to be edu- 
 cated in New Orleans. He was born in Virginia. His 
 mother he never saw. He grew up under the guidance 
 of good men. He was impressionable, and became a 
 firm believer as a youth in the institutions of the South. 
 Years passed on and he was sent to Paris. He was 
 neither better nor much worse than other young men of 
 his age. While in Paris he met a young man an 
 American like himself to whom he became devotedly 
 attached. The feelings existing between them were of 
 the most friendly nature. They studied together. From 
 across the Atlantic came the news of the coming dismem- 
 berment of the American Republic. Both the friends 
 were wrought up over the reports which reached them. 
 They had been reared under different environments; 
 therefore they thought differently about the matters 
 which agitated America. When the war opened they 
 left Paris on the same steamer. They were to enter the 
 army one North one South. The man whose story I 
 tell stopped a short time with his friend ; he met his 
 sister; at that time he did not know his true feelings 
 toward her. Later he had no difficulty in analyzing 
 them he loved her with all the strength of his manhood.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 95 
 
 The war went on, and the man or my story was on his 
 native soil of Virginia wielding his sword against her 
 invaders. One day he received a message from his uncle, 
 wno had always lived at the old Virginia homestead, that 
 ne desired to communicate to him something of impor- 
 *ance regarding his family. There had always been a 
 mystery about his father, and that had aroused the inter- 
 est of the young man. He met his uncle at a certain 
 rendezvous, where he had told him the startling news 
 ttiat the name by which ne was known was not his 
 tether's true name. His father was a soldier of renown, 
 wnose real name was withheld. On his way back to his 
 wwn lines he had several narrow escapes, being shot at 
 irom ambush once. He learned some valuable news 
 f^garding the enemy -s movements, which upon his 
 return he at once communicated to his commanding gen- 
 eral. He was ordered with the principal attacking party. 
 J& was a night attack. The fight was fierce, and every step 
 wg advance was met with bitter opposition. The young 
 nan was a soldier he was drunk with human blood 
 MA hacked and hewed Ills way through living masses 
 relentlessly. In the dark, murky air, thick with sul- 
 phurous clouds, friends were hardly distinguishable 
 from foes. He was opposed by a stalwart soldier, and 
 his blade crossed with that of his opponent. Both were 
 mounted. He made a terrible lunge, the guard of the man 
 who opposed him was t>roten, he reeled in his saddle 
 and fell ; in the lurid light made by an exploding shell 
 he saw the face of the man wnom he had slain. It waa
 
 96 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 the friend of his youth, of his manhood whom he loved, 
 and the brother of the woman he hoped to win. ' ' 
 
 Lucille, who had been listening intently, stood upright 
 before him and half -screamed : 
 
 "You, Armand, you " 
 
 Breton arose, stepped forward where the light fell full 
 upon him ; his face was ashen pale, but his voice was firm 
 as he replied sadly : 
 
 " I killed Lloyd Phillips, my friend." 
 
 Lucille 's strength gave way, and she swayed as if 
 about to fall. Supporting her gently, Breton assisted her 
 to an easy-chair, then standing over her he said : 
 
 "Lucille, I need not tell you how I have suffered. We 
 are all of us blind forces whom cruel fate guides to 
 unknown destinies. Rather than to have killed Lloyd I 
 would have taken my own life. I have only told you 
 in brief. But short as has been my story, it represents 
 to me ages of suffering. Ah, God ! what have I not 
 suffered ! But, Lucille, there is one part which I must 
 dwell upon. It is this : neither Lloyd nor I knew each 
 other. We fought as soldiers in ignorance of each other's 
 identity, and I unconsciously struck down the man who 
 was my friend your brother, thereby raising between 
 me and the woman whom I love with all the strength of 
 my manhood an insurmountable barrier. With your 
 brother's blood upon my hands I should never have told 
 you of my love for you had it not been for your accident 
 of to-day. I knew that I had no right to speak of my 
 love for you. But when I saw you so still and white,
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 97 
 
 believing you dead, my true feelings overawept the bar- 
 riers of resistance which, under ordinary circumstances, 
 would have sufficed to restrain me. Then I considered 
 it my duty to tell you the part which I played in the 
 horrible tragedy enacted under the dark shadows of the 
 mountains at Eutgers'. I played an unwilling part an 
 unconscious part ; but nevertheless the curtain has been 
 rung down upon my happiness forever. Lucille, in 
 judging me I pray you to first consider that I knew not 
 whom I assailed. 
 
 Lucille looked up at the young officer and said : 
 
 "It is so sudden, so dreadful, I can scarcely believe 
 that it is not some terrible dream. But, Armand, you 
 have been brave and frank with me. I will also be frank 
 with you in return. This is no time for other than 
 truthful statements as you and I part to-night perhaps 
 forever" and her voice was tremulous. "While I can 
 never forget that you killed my brother, yet I do not 
 blame you in the sense of reproaching you for the act 
 which you committed in the performance of your duty 
 as a soldier. I can never think of Lloyd without in the 
 same instant thinking of you as being his slayer; but I 
 shall not think of you in the light of a murderer. It 
 was war ; and you, after all, were only an instrument ; 
 you were directed you struck all were foes, but you 
 killed your friend " 
 
 "Then you do not loathe me for the unhappy 
 which I played?" 
 
 "I could not loathe you."
 
 98 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "Lucille, how often have I repeated to myself the 
 words which you said to me in New York 'I respect the 
 man who fights for the cause he loves. ' Since that mad 
 plunge I have wondered it you could respect that man, 
 although in the line of a soldier's duty it caused him to 
 become the slayer of your brother. What would I not 
 give to recall that fateful night's work! It has cost me 
 my friend's life. Et has cost me nw Deace of mind for- 
 ever ; for it has cost me the riaht to strive to win you 
 for my wife. ' ' 
 
 The fair listener said, after a pause* "Armand, suppose 
 I should relate a story, preserving the same characters as 
 in yours, only that the sister., after analyzing her feelings 
 toward the young man, found that she that " 
 
 "You don't mean, Lucille, that you love me?' 
 
 "I suppose, sir, that word would correctly express the 
 feelings which the young girl entertained toward her 
 brother's friend." 
 
 As he clasped her in his arms while he rained kisses 
 upon her lips, Breton murmured: 
 
 "Thank God, Lucille, my darling, the clouds have 
 passed away, and now it is all sunshine."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 99 
 
 CHAPTER VH. 
 
 SHATTERED HOPES. 
 
 THERE was wild turmoil and excitement in Richmond 
 the following morning. Colonel Breton was aroused 
 from his peaceful slumbers by the clanging of bells and 
 the excited voices of the populace. That dashing cavalry- 
 man, Kilpatrick, had gone completely around Lee's army 
 and had swept like a whirlwind up to the very gates of 
 Richmond before his wild raid was stopped by the men 
 of Hampton's Legion. It was the intention of the Union 
 cavalry leader to dash into Richmond and liberate the 
 Federal soldiers imprisoned at Belle Isle and Libby 
 prisons, and but for the timely arrival of that gallant 
 soldier Wade Hampton, it is possible that the impetuous 
 Kilpatrick would have accomplished his daring scheme. 
 Knowing that the unusual excitement meant that some- 
 thing of importance had transpired, Breton lost no time 
 in ascertaining its real import. He then became the 
 soldier, and after a hasty breakfast he at once reported 
 to the war department for assignment. His old com- 
 mander, Beauregard, was then in Tennessee, and he antici- 
 pated that he would be sent again to him ; but to his 
 surprise he was assigned to the Army of Virginia. The
 
 100 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 invasion of the North had been decided upon by the 
 Southern leaders, and even then the intrepid Lee was 
 marching with his valiant hosts toward the fruitful val- 
 leys of Maryland. Armand Breton came back to the 
 hotel with an exultant smile upon his features. He 
 was glad to be with Lee, and the signs portended plenty 
 of hard fighting. It was with elastic step that he sought 
 the hotel. He would arrange his effects, send for Lafe, 
 who had been staying with some acquaintances in the 
 city, then he would go over and say farewell to his sweet- 
 heart. As he thought of Lucille, a look of added happi- 
 ness overspread his features as he repeated to himself : 
 "The dear girl! so she loved me then, and she has made 
 me so happy. What a difference a day oftentimes makes 
 in one's feelings! Yesterday I was in the depths of 
 despair, I was positively overwhelmed with gloom, and 
 to-day, well, I feel as light-hearted as when Lloyd 
 poor Lloyd, I can never forget that unhappy night and 
 I went out together to see the sights of Paris. "What 
 times we did have ! I did not love then, and it was differ- 
 ent. I shall tell Lafe to-day, as Lucille requested, that I 
 shall give him his freedom. He is a faithful fellow, that 
 Lafe looks a little like me too I wonder it is possible 
 Well, I shall tell him that he is as free as I am after 
 to-day, anyhow. Now for Lucille: how sweet she 
 looked, how cleverly she told me that little story! She 
 would not say to me that she loved me, until ah well, ' ' 
 and up the steps leading to the entrance of the hotel 
 bounded the young man with a heart as light and airy as
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 101 
 
 the fleecy June clouds which floated in the sea of blue 
 above him. 
 
 In his haste he rushed into a man, who was evidently 
 waiting on the threshold, with such force as to send 
 him spinning half across the lobby. The man who 
 had temporarily blocked his progress he saw was a 
 servant who waited on the Phillipses. "When he had 
 recovered himself he came forward and said, while he 
 held in his hand extended toward Breton a letter : 
 
 "Marse Cunnell, Miss Lucille tole me to be suah and 
 give this to you." 
 
 "Wonder what is up now," thought Breton, as he 
 took the letter. "I presume the dear girl wishes me to 
 come over and dine with her before I leave to-day. 
 Can't do it; I should like to awfully, and I wonder if I 
 can't manage to catch a few extra minutes with her alone. 
 I shall tell her father to-day, but not the Rutgers' part. 
 "Wonder what the old colonel will say when he learns that 
 he is to have a rebel son-in-law? and Mrs. Phillips, I know 
 she will object. But then she can't withhold her con- 
 sent when we both plead with her. ' ' Thus musing Breton 
 had passed with the letter unopened to his room, after 
 dismissing the servant. Seating himself by the window, 
 he opened the missive and read. As his eyes scanned 
 the lines his face became deathly pale, and all the light 
 forsook his face. Then he buried his face in his hands 
 while his frame shook with suppreswed emotion. After 
 awhile he sat up and again gazed at the pages before 
 him. His whole being had undergone a complete
 
 102 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 change. There was a look upon his face which seemed 
 to mirror forth poignant suffering; that look told of 
 stony despair, of infinite depths of woe. His lips 
 moved, but gave forth no sound his eyes remained 
 transfixed upon the lines before him as he read : 
 
 "ARMAND, MY BEST BELOVED: It causes me bitter suffer- 
 ing to write these lines, but I think, no matter what it 
 costs us both you and I it will prove better in the end 
 than to have suffered eternal remorse as I am sure that 
 we would did you and I wed. Can you not see that our 
 alliance would be unholy, sacrilegious almost? Can 
 you not see that between us would always be the 
 ghost of my dead brother? Can you not see that we are 
 separated by a brother's blood? Last night after you 
 had gone all this came to me, and I asked myself was it 
 right, Armand, that I should love you and should marry 
 you? In the stillness of my chamber I asked God for 
 guidance. I then grew calm and felt a new strength 
 strength to pen these lines, even though my heart is 
 breaking. It is better thus, Armand, than a lifetime of 
 bitter remorse. I know that remorse would come to you 
 as well as to me. I do not wish to pain you. God 
 knows what anguish it causes me to write what I feel it 
 my duty to do ; but we must part, and if you come to- 
 day you would only make the task before me harder, 
 and the parting fraught with still greater sorrow. Your 
 presence would also unnerve me, and I desire and need 
 all my strength to carry out the resolutions which I believe 
 both you and I will say in years to come are the wisest. 
 You cannot know, Armand, what I suffer in my resolve 
 to ask you to leave me forever, for I love you dearly. 
 And now I feel that it would be unwomanly in me not
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 103 
 
 to say in frankness I have loved you long. I wish you 
 to remove from your heart doubts, if any exist, that I 
 blame you for having played an unconscious part. I do 
 not ; you were guided by some cruel, inexplicable decree 
 of fate an instrument for an unhappy purpose. Let 
 me not dwell upon that ; my heart will be always with 
 you, and, Arm and, some time later, not now, you will 
 write to me. It will comfort me to hear from you, my 
 dearest. LUCILLE PHILLIPS." 
 
 After reading the letter Breton sat awhile in silence. 
 His expressive face showed the great grief that he was 
 suffering. Then, starting up, he took a few rapid strides 
 across the floor while he muttered: "So this is the end 
 of my dreams of a moment ago shattered broken 
 wrecked. I could have endured it had it not been for 
 last night, with heaven in sight reached, and then to 
 be plunged into the blackest depths of hell makes hell 
 only the more bitter. Why could I not have gone down 
 forever on that field as well as Lloyd? Lucille is right 
 perhaps well, it is over! and now for action. The 
 horrible pastime of killing men there is strange fas- 
 cination in it. Let me revel in it now. Since the kill- 
 ing of one man has destroyed my happiness, let me add 
 many more to the list. I will glut myself with human 
 blood, and let my sword give good service toward sweep- 
 ing these cursed Puritans from the bosom of Virginia." 
 And with this he descended to the office, where he at once 
 dispatched a messenger for Lafe, telling him to report 
 immediately. Lafe was waiting for orders when the
 
 104 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 messenger arrived, and repaired at once to his master's 
 room. "Come in," shouted Breton in response to Lafe's 
 timid knock. 
 
 "Lafe," he said, "I suppose you know that the Fed- 
 eral president has declared officially that all slaves are 
 now free?" 
 
 "Yes, Marse Cunnell, I know all about dat. Massa 
 Linkum freed de slaves. " 
 
 "Well, Lafe, I called you over to say this. That what- 
 ever proclamation Lincoln has made does not influence 
 me in the slightest, because I deny his right legally and 
 morally to act as he has in this matter. But yesterday 
 a lady whom I revere made it clear to me that I should 
 be only acting right to give you freedom. I have never 
 considered slavery just in the light in which she pre- 
 sented it. And, Lafe, now it gives me pleasure to say 
 that you are as free from this hour as I. Go where you 
 will. I have no longer the right to control your actions. ' ' 
 
 "Mus' I leave you, cunnell?" 
 
 "No, not unless you desire, but from this date your 
 services will receive some remuneration from me." 
 
 "I's all de 'numeration I want, and I don't want ter 
 leave you. I's much 'tach to you Marse Armand; you 
 know de ole massa, he always lets me do as I like ; I grew 
 up with you all, 'til you's sent 'way to New Orleans, 
 then Lafe see berry little of young massa till war done 
 brok' out. De ole massa berry kind to Lafe, an' Massa 
 Cunnell, I don't wan' ter leave you." 
 
 "And I, Lafe, prefer you to stay with me. When I
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 105 
 
 gave you your freedom I did not mean to drive you 
 away. I want you with me ; but it is no longer master 
 and slave, it is henceforth man and man." 
 
 "Massa Cunnell, you's made me berry happy." 
 
 "Enough; and now, Lafe, we will leave in a short 
 time for the front. ' ' 
 
 "Mo' war?" 
 
 "Yes, and plenty of it. We are to at once join Lee 
 who is on his way North."
 
 106 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTEK VHT. 
 
 AT GETTYSBURG. 
 
 UP from the invasion of Maryland came Lee's expect- 
 ant hosts. The cause of the South was borne on a flood 
 tide, the battle-scarred hills and valleys of Maryland 
 pulsed beneath the onward march of the invading legions 
 in gray ; the imperious Lee was about to fling back into 
 the very heart of the North the same measure of war's 
 suffering which had been meted out to the bleeding 
 South. 
 
 "Let the invaders of our fair land feel, too, the suffering 
 wrought by the iron heel of war and consequent pillage ! 
 
 "Let us load our war trains from the fruitful valleys 
 of the enemy! 
 
 "Let the North learn some of the lessons which hava 
 been taught us! 
 
 "A successful invasion, and the rights of the South 
 will be recognized!" 
 
 So thought the leading minds of the South; and 
 toward the North was hurried the army of the Con- 
 federacy. 
 
 The flower of the Southern army was there the men 
 who had withstood the shock of battle on innumerable
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 107 
 
 occasions since their baptism of blood at Bull Run. 
 Inspired by previous successes and encouraged by the 
 numerous additions which he was constantly receiving 
 to his army, the military chieftain of the South believed 
 that a systematic Invasion of Northern soil would not 
 only strengthen the Confederacy at home, but bring to 
 its support many In the North as well. It was to be the 
 grandest triumpnai march yet recorded in the annals of 
 war. For wnere could men be found men who could 
 halt the matcniess army of the South under Lee, Long- 
 street, Pickett, Stuart, Hill, and hosts of others who'had 
 won immortal lame as American soldiers? On through 
 the mountain passes meeting with but little resistance, 
 swept the glittering: army of invasion. The soil of Penn- 
 sylvania was reacned and passed. The eyes of Hooker 
 were on the invaders, and their intention was quickly 
 divined. A reiusal on the part of General Halleck to 
 permit him to augment his army with the ten thousand 
 troops quartered at the place where John Brown first 
 attempted the invasion of Virginia caused Hooker to 
 resign, and tne man wlio was to measure lances with Lee 
 was appointed! in his place. General Meade at once 
 intended to give tne venturesome Lee battle. It was 
 destined that tne contending armies should meet in the 
 decisive battle of the war at the old, sleepy hamlet of 
 Gettysburg. In the army of Lee were men from Hamp- 
 ton's Legion Imboden's Virginians the Louisiana 
 Tigers Jeb Stuart's men, all gathering for the titanic 
 struggle before tnena. Down the dusty turnpikes cam*
 
 108 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 the war-worn troopers rattling up for the South. 
 Urged on by cursing drivers came the endless lines of 
 artillery which was soon to vomit forth its death to the 
 blue hills which formed a natural rampart back of 
 Gettysburg. There, gleaming like a star, was the white 
 horse of Ashby. On they came, the bronzed cohorts of 
 war with all its brilliant panoply. On past the frowning 
 wall of old South Mountain, and through the peaceful 
 sunlit fields about the quaint old town, where soon the 
 crimson tide of battle was to ebb and flow. The 
 affrighted citizens quickly sought places of safety as the 
 ominous clouds of war drew nearer and grew darker. 
 The lurid flashes were omens of the awful storm which 
 was soon to burst upon them in all the awe-inspiring 
 splendor of battle. It was the eve of Gettysburg ! 
 
 Colonel Breton had swept up from the south with 
 Stuart's men. Their onward march had been triumphal, 
 and with faces lighted with hope they entered Pennsyl- 
 vania. Victory seemed about to perch upon the banners 
 of the South, and Dixie rang with praises of its military 
 chieftain praises which were soon to be turned to 
 curses. The massing of the Federal troops near Gettys- 
 burg could only be construed in one way that Meade 
 intended here to dispute the right of Lee to invade the 
 North. If Lee took up the gage it meant that a battle 
 must be fought a battle that should be the mightiest of 
 the war and of the age, almost, because upon the result 
 of that battle hung the future of the Confederacy. The 
 harvest lay thick in swaths where it had fallen the pre-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 109 
 
 vious day, but as the rays of the morning sun lighted up 
 the scene and transformed the glistening dew into liquid 
 gems, no harvesters were there to complete their peace- 
 ful task, already half-performed. In the place of the 
 husbandmen of peace stood the great reapers of war, and 
 their harvest was to be plentiful, and well -garnered. 
 
 Early on the morning of July 1, 1863, Hill's corps 
 advanced over the dusty Chambersburg turnpike toward 
 Gettysburg, which soon was to be lifted out of the ob- 
 livion of the past and become the future Mecca of the 
 American soldier. The preparations for the coming 
 mighty struggle went steadily on. Brigade on brigade, 
 division on division swept by with measured tread, with 
 the stars and bars waving proudly over them. The dull 
 booming of cannon, the sharp rattle of musketry told in 
 war's language to the affrighted citizens that the battle 
 had begun. Steadily on moved Heth's division, meet- 
 ing the skirmish lines of the Union army and forcing 
 them to retire before it. General Keynolds, watching 
 the first of the battle fringe as it rolled toward him, 
 quickly hurled forward the famous "Iron Brigade" to 
 check the onward roll of the rebellious wave. But with 
 irresistible force the Southerners pushed back the sturdy 
 veterans, who retired, carrying with them the body of 
 their late leader. 
 
 Form and re-form as they would the Federals were 
 driven back beyond the old town, and the victorious Con- 
 federates bivouacked that night on the ground they had 
 won. The second day the fighting was continued with
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 unremitting vigor. Colonel Breton was in some heavr 
 engagements on the enemy's flank. He had seen, dur- 
 ing a temporary lulL- the "Louisiana Tigers" cliaxae 
 up Cemetery Hill two thousand strong, returning less 
 than three hundred, His soldier's heart was aflame* and 
 he longed to be in such a charge. For life ne cared 
 nothing, and such a death seemed to him the triumphal 
 end of a soldier's career. The second day's battle resulted 
 as a whole in a victors for the army of Lee. The gallant 
 onslaught of Lontfstreet had swept back the Union Hues 
 still further, and he would have broken through Meade's 
 line of battle had it not been for the timely arrival of the 
 gallant Sedgewick* whose men had panted full manv a 
 weary mile that day to reach the point where the battle 
 was raging. Hour after hour, while the hot July sun 
 poured down upon them, the two armies met in the shock 
 of battle. 
 
 Fearful was the slaughter, and when the shades 
 of night closed down over the gory field tne stream 
 that ran throuah the forest glen was red with the 
 blood of a disunited people. The fighting had been 
 continuous and both armies were fatigued. The leaders 
 knew full well that the morrow would be tne decisive 
 day, and all the men who were closely associated with 
 Lee knew that the fate of the Confederacy nung trem- 
 bling in the balance that with Gettysburg lost, it would 
 indeed be with them a lost cause. All that dark and gloomv 
 night, from Seminary Ridge to the gun-crowned heiahts 
 of Little Bound Top, beat many anxious hearts under
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. Ill 
 
 coats of gray and of blue. What was the secret which the 
 morrow would reveal ? Would Lee retire shattered and 
 broken to recuperate amid the mountain fastnesses of 
 Virginia ; or would he pierce through the lines of Meade, 
 and press on to the great cities of Pennsylvania? 
 
 Both armies had been fearfully weakened, and the two 
 days' fighting closed with the cause of the South in the 
 ascendency. The Union lines had fallen back to the 
 hills beyond the town, where they further added to 
 natural defenses by throwing up earthworks. 
 
 General Meade had fully determined not to retreat 
 further, but fight the battle to the end where his lines 
 bivouacked on that fateful night of July 2 
 
 And let God decide! 
 
 Armand Breton learned through his brother officers 
 that night that the Southern chieftain had resolved to 
 storm the enemy's center on the following day, provided 
 they could not carry the wings and put Meade 's army to 
 flight. He learned that Pickett's division would lead 
 the charge. He became actuated by a strong desire to 
 be with Pickett on that charge. Having a personal 
 acquaintance with General Longstreet, he decided upon 
 his course. Riding over to that general's headquarters he 
 obtained an audience with him. General Longstreet was 
 busily engaged in opening dispatches, sending out cou- 
 riers, and at the same time carrying on a broken conver- 
 sation with some members of his staff who sat about 
 him. He looked up, and while reading over a dispatch 
 just handed him said:
 
 112 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "Well, Colonel Breton, what is it?" 
 
 Breton saluted, and replied : 
 
 "General Longstreet, I have come to ask a special 
 favor " 
 
 "Yes, and that is " 
 
 "That I may be assigned to General Pickett's division 
 to-morrow." 
 
 "A transfer, eh? Why do you wish this, and in what 
 capacity do you wish to serve?" 
 
 "Because I believe that I can serve the South better. 
 In the matter of assignment I should be only too willing 
 to accept any vacancy which may be open of a lower 
 grade than my present." 
 
 "Spoken like a soldier a temporary assignment?" 
 
 "Yes, general." 
 
 Longstreet smiled grimly as he said : 
 
 "Your request is an unusual one; you, a colonel of 
 cavalry, wish a transfer to a lower rank in order well, 
 no matter two days' hard fighting in the saddle have 
 not quenched your desire for more fighting this for 
 which you ask may; and, alas, I fear that many lives 
 will go out in that charge if it is ordered. You, colonel, 
 come to me with a strange request. We will need brave 
 men to-morrow in that division. I will grant your wish, " 
 and hastily writing a few lines to General Pickett, ask- 
 ing him to assign Colonel Breton to his command, Long- 
 street courteously bade Breton good-night. Then, after 
 he had passed out, he turned to his officers and said 
 slowly: "There is a brave man; he asks to go to-morrow
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 113 
 
 to what is almost certain death, if Lee orders the charge 
 to break the center." 
 
 Breton lost no time in repairing to the presence of the 
 gallant Pickett, who, after he had glanced at the com- 
 munication said : 
 
 "I cannot appoint you to a position above a captaincy. 
 I have a most valiant fellow, a Louisianian, who is very 
 ill. I can appoint you to his company and in Armstead's 
 brigade. ' ' 
 
 "I thank you, general; I accept with pleasure the 
 assignment; and did you mean to imply that the com- 
 pany also were from Louisiana?" 
 
 "Yes, from New Orleans." 
 
 "I also enlisted from that city, and it gives me renewed 
 pleasure to be with my former townsmen again. ' ' 
 
 "Well, I am sure that an officer who voluntarily asks 
 for such a position as you have, will give a good account 
 of himself. ' ' 
 
 "Your words are complimentary, General Pickett, 
 and I trust that they will be deserved," and with this 
 the young officer retired. 
 
 Early the next morning the troops stood to their 
 arms, while the crashing volleys all along the miles 
 of battle line foretold another day of struggle and 
 slaughter. Braver men never met upon a battlefield. 
 Lee hurled forward his battalions, but only to have 
 them beaten back shattered and bleeding. The Union 
 wings were both tried, but it seemed as if Meade's 
 lines had become a wall of adamant against which the
 
 114 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 heaviest surges broke, but could not overtop or weaken 
 them. Baffled in his designs to break the wings, Lee 
 had reserved for the last the move upon the center. 
 Before the grand charge the artillery duel was opened, 
 and then there followed the most terrific cannonade ever 
 witnessed on this continent. For hours the hills trem- 
 bled beneath the recoil from three hundred cannon. The 
 great artillery duel lasted until nearly four o'clock. The 
 one hundred and fifty guns had been replied to by an 
 almost equal number from the long Union lines which 
 extended from Little Eound Top to CemeteryHill, where 
 the tombstones were shivered to fragments and the earth 
 was scattered in showers over the graves. The earth 
 seemed to shake beneath that awful cannonade, while 
 gun answered gun, and the whizzing shells went shriek- 
 ing through the air. Men were torn limb from limb ; 
 their groans, added to the wild neighing of disemboweled 
 horses, exploding caissons, fierce oaths and imprecations, 
 hurled at man and beast, while the two armies were 
 wrapped in the murky, sulphurous clouds, made the scene 
 one beyond the power of human description. The time 
 drew nigh for the march of Pickett's division on the 
 enemy's center. The available ammunition of both 
 armies was somewhat depleted, and occasionally there 
 were short lulls in the artillery storm. The hour for the 
 charge arrived, and still there was no move. Evidently 
 there was some unlooked-for delay some reasons why 
 the orders given by Lee to Longstreet were not carried 
 put. Staff officers dashed hither and thither carrying
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 115 
 
 messages from different points on the field. Longstreet 
 had disagreed with Lee as to the charge. To him it 
 seemed a useless sacrifice of brave men to hurl Pickett's 
 splendid army across that great open space, exposed to 
 the withering fire from the Union line. While he hesi- 
 tated about giving the order, the chief of artillery sent 
 him word that his stock of ammunition was now very 
 low, and that unless Pickett moved at once he could not 
 properly support him. 
 
 Chafing under the terrible nervous strain to which he 
 was subjected by the delay, Pickett himself dashed up 
 to Longstreet's headquarters and asked with courtly 
 grace: 
 
 "General, has not the time arrived for my advance?" 
 
 Knowing full well that the order meant the awful 
 slaughter and perhaps annihilation of his gallant men, 
 Longstreet groaned inwardly and never replied. 
 
 Again the knightly Pickett, who was as carefully 
 attired as if on dress parade, repeated the question. 
 
 Somehow his commander could not reply. His lips 
 refused to frame the words. He bowed and turned silent- 
 ly away. Lifting his hat, in which waved a beautiful 
 plume, Pickett said in a voice strong with determination : 
 
 "Sir, I shall lead my division forward." 
 
 Remounting he rode rapidly away, and soon under- 
 neath the heavy sulphurous clouds were steadily form- 
 ing the long silent lines of gray. There was for a 
 moment a cessation in the death-dealing storm before 
 them. Every man in that immortal division knew that
 
 116 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 the pause was made in order to gain fresh strength for 
 the coming struggle. They moved out from the clouds 
 which seemed to hang over them like a pall. As they 
 passed into the clearer sunlight no man could have gazed 
 upon that division without being thrilled with admira- 
 tion. Save for the dark clouds of war on flank and rear 
 their march might have been made on a gala-day parade 
 those well-formed ranks of veterans ; but upon their 
 resolute faces rested no holiday expression there was a 
 firm look the lines were tightly drawn they meant to 
 do or die. 
 
 The fate of the Confederacy was at stake. 
 
 With stately tread, bayonets glinting, and battle flags 
 waving over them, they were marched on. The lull was 
 broken and the death struggle commenced. Then the 
 Federal artillerists reopened their fire with deadly effect. 
 Grape, canister, and hissing shells mowed enormous 
 swaths in their ranks, as they moved in perfect lines 
 across the open wheatfields, where the harvester of peace 
 had been supplanted by another reaper who cut down a 
 human harvest and left it behind in ghastly winrows. 
 Steadily on they kept marching, closing in the breaches 
 made by the enemy's fire. Half across the field they 
 halted, re-formed their lines and obliqued to the enemy's 
 center. A thrill of admiration swept through the heart 
 of every soldier as he gazed upon the magnificent spec- 
 tacle that undying lesson of American valor. In close 
 and thinning lines and with rhythmic tread they advanced, 
 obeying every command with such perfect precision that
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 117 
 
 they were in truth a perfectly organized human machine. 
 With telling effect the well-directed missiles were hurled 
 from the iron-throated cannon before them. Men 
 dropped from the ranks in scores ; the ground behind 
 them was blood-flecked and dotted with the lifeless forms 
 of their comrades. The survivors moved steadily on. 
 A half-wheel to the right makes a clump of trees, near 
 which is Gushing 's battery, their objective point. The 
 gallant Southerners advanced in well-closed ranks and 
 with elastic step. At this time they were almost enfiladed 
 by the fire which blazed from Little Round Top and 
 Cemetery Hill. A few minutes more, and that band who 
 won deathless glory are near the Union lines. Will they 
 win? Nothing seems to halt them. But from behind 
 the stone walls the Federal infantry, which had been 
 converging at that point, pour in upon them thousands 
 of shots. At that close range every crack of a musket 
 means the death or disablement of a man. Behind, the 
 field is dotted with forms in gray, with no support from 
 the Confederate army before, they face a rapidly aug- 
 menting army of Federals, artillery and infantry, who 
 are gathering to crush them. Flesh and blood cannot 
 stand against that iron hail. How rapidly they melt 
 away! Still the survivors keep on toward the clump of 
 trees. Now, for the first time, they run, and with a wild 
 yell, that rebel yell, they dash on. The first line disap- 
 pears like a wreath of mist ; the wall is reached, and a 
 cheer goes up as they clamber over, force back the gath-
 
 118 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 ering Union lines, and break through them. A little 
 beyond at his battery stands the gallant Gushing. 
 
 "Give them one more shot, boys," he shouts, as a 
 second after he stoops to sight a gun. It is the last 
 word of command he ever utters, for the next instant 
 he is stretched lifeless beside his guns. Over the wall 
 leaps that fearless warrior Armistead ; close beside him 
 is Breton, followed by the remnant of his gallant Louisi- 
 anians. They are but a handful of brave men. The 
 Union lines are passed and within are waving the rebel 
 banners. 
 
 "We have won," said Armistead, turning to Breton, as 
 he dashed in advance of his men, waving his gleaming 
 blade aloft. 
 
 Toward that gory spot are hastening reinforcements 
 from all along the Federal lines. It was then that Armi- 
 stead, looking behind, saw that he was not supported. 
 In his soldier's heart he knew that the triumph would 
 be but momentary, but he would die like a soldier, fight- 
 ing for the position that he had won. 
 
 "With the cry upon his lips, "Give them the cold steel, 
 boys," he pressed on to the high- water mark of the 
 rebellion. Sword in hand, his face toward the foe, he 
 fell upon the highest point ever reached by Southern 
 troops. There, upon the crest of the wave, for one brief 
 moment floated the stars and bars. The high-water mark 
 was reached and the human wave receded. Backward, 
 hemmed in, lost, shot at from front and flank, stubbornly 
 fell the remnant of Pickett's immortal division men
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 119 
 
 whose names are forever inscribed on fame's undying 
 scroll men whose deeds shall ever be sung in tales of 
 doing and daring. 
 
 But, alas, as at Balaklava, some one had blundered. 
 
 Borne back on the receding tide was Armand Breton. 
 He was hatless, bleeding from bullet wounds and bayonet 
 thrusts, his face was blackened and blood-stained. He 
 had been with Pickett and had lived. When they 
 reached their own lines Breton saw Lee, on whose face 
 was depicted inexpressible grief, ride up and say, in 
 mournful tones: 
 
 "It was all my fault. Let us get together and do the 
 best we can." 
 
 What human power can portray the feelings of the 
 Southern chieftain as he rode that night back through 
 the mountain passes, his soul tortured with bitter reflec- 
 tions, while his ears were filled with the groans the 
 sighs the curses of the wounded, as they were roughly 
 jostled in that passage over the rude mountain roads? 
 
 Could he not then have seen, religious man that he 
 was, the workings of a higher power in his own defeat, 
 and could he not have peered into the shadowy portals 
 of the future and discerned the field of Appomattox?
 
 120 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTEE IX. 
 
 \ 
 
 THE HAUNTED HOUSE. 
 
 WHILE the slopes of Gettysburg were reddening with 
 human blood, two men in far-away Mississippi sat under 
 the shade of a spreading oak. Their talk was earnest. 
 They were arranging the terms of the capitulation of 
 that Western stronghold of the Confederacy Vicksburg. 
 One short, bronzed, determined, was puffing slowly at a 
 half-consumed cigar. His beard, close clipped, revealed 
 a firm mouth, with a set expression. He was clad in the 
 undress uniform of a private soldier, his shoulder straps 
 alone indicating his exalted rank. The other was attired 
 in faultless gray, which showed to advantage a splendid 
 physique. A magnificent dress sword hung by his side. 
 They had been classmates at West Point. They were 
 Grant and Pemberton victor and vanquished. 
 
 The surrender of Vicksburg and the defeat of Lee at 
 Gettysburg were flashed over the wires to the anxious 
 North, and caused an unusual exultation on the nation's 
 holiday. The nation seemed reborn on that Fourth of July 
 after Gettysburg and Vicksburg had been heard from. 
 Little thought Lee, who had retired with his shattered 
 and broken army to his native Virginia, that the young, 
 untried lieutenant whom he, the proud Lee, had met
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 121 
 
 when he was chief of staff in the Mexican war, would be 
 the one to whom he would finally surrender the army of 
 Northern Virginia. Strange, indeed, are the workings 
 of fate. The bashful, retiring man, who never talked, 
 but worked his way into recognition, was destined to lead 
 to victory the largest armies ever gathered on this con- 
 tinent. One by one the Northern generals had demon- 
 strated their unfitness to command. They may have been 
 political soldiers, but military tacticians, soldiers in all 
 that the word implies, never. Time and time again they 
 had encountered the rapier of Lee only to retire before 
 his quick thrusts. The great Lincoln saw in this man 
 this silent soldier, Grant the very quality which he 
 had long sought for in his generals. The inactivity of 
 McClellan had retarded Northern success. In Grant the 
 quality of determination, of adhesiveness, dominated. 
 Such qualities must put an end to the great civil conflict 
 between the States, reasoned the president, and the per- 
 sistent soldier, whom he had never met, was summoned to 
 Washington, where he was invested with supreme control 
 of the Union armies. How well the president judged is 
 history. When Grant assumed command the Confeder- 
 acy was a vast military camp. From the Potomac to 
 the Eio Grande, for thousands of miles, arose the smoke 
 from camp fires, where lay a sullen but not a beaten peo- 
 ple. To end the war required heavy, unceasing blows 
 with no pause to allow the South to recuperate. Soon 
 the whole country began to realize the grandeur of the 
 designs of Grant; the war must end and quickly.
 
 122 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 There should be no isolated battle, but steady unrelent- 
 ing blows, dealt by the greatest war machine that the 
 world had ever known. True, it meant terrible slaughter. 
 But what war but slaughter? It must end no matter 
 the costl 
 
 The Wilderness! Ah, what thoughts those two words 
 inspire. It was in that mournful and desolate almost 
 impenetrable thicket that two hundred thousand men in 
 blue and gray met in the awful struggle of death. 
 
 Armand Breton was still with Lee. He had fully 
 recovered from his wounds received at Gettysburg, and 
 had distinguished himself on several occasions since that 
 memorable charge with Pickett's immortal heroes. For 
 him the horrible art of war had become a pastime ; its 
 awful fascination charmed him. For the time all his 
 past seemed blotted out. Forgotten was Lucille Lloyd 
 Phillips all seemed swallowed up, had vanished in war's 
 yawning crater. He had become personally acquainted 
 with the commander-in-chief, who had more than once 
 personally complimented him for his bravery. His 
 education, his engineering skill, and the military dash 
 which he inherited from a fighting ancestor, all combined 
 toward bringing him into stronger prominence. His 
 superiors had grown to look upon him as a true and 
 valiant officer who could be relied upon in trying 
 emergencies. In the desperate struggle which was 
 fought in the shadowy depths of an almost impenetrable 
 swamp, where the weird cry of the whip-poor-will com- 
 ing from the tufts of stunted oaks was suddenly drowned
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 123 
 
 by the fierce rattle of musketry, as the gloomy shadows 
 were lighted by war's flame, there, also, Colonel Breton 
 won further distinction. 
 
 In that vast jungle the Cavalier Lee and the Puritan 
 Grant, with all the best qualities of the blood from 
 which they sprang, were engaged in their first titanic 
 wrestle. About that battle is a horrible attraction 
 it is like a maelstrom it sucks in whole regiments. 
 There is no pomp of war, no brilliant banners proudly 
 fluttering, no firm and stately tread of marching bat- 
 talions as they wheel into line. The paths are blocked 
 with men, and in miry pools dead and wounded are 
 trodden out of sight. Still the roar of battle goes on. 
 The covering of the thickets and the absence of artillery 
 make it an awful struggle, the lines almost touching as 
 they reel to and fro. The dead and wounded are lying 
 everywhere. Through the gloom are issuing groans 
 curses cheers. The Wilderness no battlefield in the 
 world bears a more appropriate name. 
 
 Time rolled on, and amid the mighty movements, 
 gigantic battles, and fearful slaughter which shook and 
 crimsoned the earth between Washington and Richmond, 
 came the echoes of the victorious shouts of Sherman's 
 troopers, who were hewing their way to the sea. The 
 country was beginning to awaken to the fact that the 
 actions of Grant were characterized by no such apathy as 
 had been prominent in his predecessors. The simul- 
 taneous movement of the Federal forces in all parts was 
 calculated to shake the tottering Confederacy until its
 
 124 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 pillars should crumble ; and until the structure toppled 
 the carnival of death must continue. 
 
 Honor and obstinate resolve must conquer. Grant 
 possessed those qualities ; and more, he had a powerful 
 government behind him. 
 
 One night Colonel Breton sat in his tent chatting with 
 his brother officers; some were despondent over the 
 future of the Confederacy. Lieutenant Peyton, now 
 captain, said: 
 
 "It seems to me, colonel, that Grant is going to wear 
 us out. He is pounding us to pieces at many points, 
 and it is only a question of time when we will be forced 
 to surrender." 
 
 "And I, Peyton, disagree with you," said Breton; 
 "you see in the North there is already a tremendous 
 element which favors us ; rest assured they will help us 
 to win our independence. In the great city of New 
 York the men not only sullenly refused to enlist, but it 
 became absolutely necessary to dispatch soldiers there 
 from the front in order to suppress riots occasioned by 
 the drafting of men. They tried to force them to fight 
 us by the draft act, and now they have to fight them into 
 line. What does such a condition of affairs mean, you 
 may ask. I will answer by saying that there are in the 
 North a large number who recognize the injustice of try- 
 ing to coerce us. Now, when Grant has to fight in the 
 rear as well as in front he has a hard task, has he not?" 
 
 "Why, yes, I will admit that, surely, but my opinion 
 is that this draft rioting of which we hear in the North-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 125 
 
 era cities springs principally from the rough element 
 which congregate in all great cities, and is lawless by 
 instinct. If those men who profess to be such friends 
 of the South would support our cause either by their 
 swords or by their pocketbooks I should think their 
 interest in the success of the Confederacy more sincere. 
 They know that we need men, and that we need money 
 more. See where the paper money of our country has 
 gone to ; why, the other day in Richmond it just took a 
 bale of the stuff to pay for a lunch we had at Ford's. 
 To tell you the truth, Breton, I have been reduced to 
 such an extent that I haven't been able to dress decently. 
 Look at those boots," and Captain Peyton ruefully 
 moved into prominence a pair of boots from which half- 
 protruded a pair of unstockinged feet. 
 
 "Say, Peyton, old man, I can help you out," and 
 Breton's hand sought an inner pocket, from which he 
 produced a leathern packet. After looking through it 
 he said in a disappointed tone : 
 
 "No, I am frank to say that as far as gold goes I 
 haven't a piece left. In that respect I am in about the 
 same position as yourself. ' ' 
 
 "And," broke in a listening officer, "that is just about 
 where we are all drifting. We are getting all used up 
 at home as far as resources go, while abroad our credit 
 is crippled more than ever. Again, with Sherman's 
 bummers laying waste the rich valleys of Georgia, 
 whence we have drawn the rations for our armies, and 
 Sheridan burning and pillaging everything in the Shenan-
 
 J26 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 doah Valley, it will soon begin to be a game of starve 
 out." 
 
 "I cannot agree with you," said Breton. "I have 
 faith in the Confederacy, I have faith in the ability of 
 General Lee. He is the greatest military tactician of 
 the age. The old lion will never be beaten by this man 
 Grant, whose sole genius, I think, lies in his ability to 
 hurl masses of men against us. ' ' 
 
 "True, colonel, but is a lion not oftentimes brought to 
 bay?" 
 
 "Why, yes, but I cannot believe that such will be the 
 case with General Lee." 
 
 "Have you ever traveled in the North? Do you know 
 of its tremendous resources?" asked Captain Peyton. 
 
 "Not extensively." 
 
 "Never West?" 
 
 "No." 
 
 "Well, an old friend of mine, of the Seventh Virginia, 
 was for a long time in a prison near Chicago. He was 
 exchanged a short time ago, and I saw him in Richmond. 
 He said: 'I tell you, Peyton, our cause is hopeless. 
 Why, the people up there don't seem to know that a war 
 is going on in this country. Their towns are growing 
 rapidly ; their factories are filled and are busy ; and their 
 agricultural products seem almost limitless. There is a 
 screw loose somewhere ; our leaders should have known 
 better than to have gone to war with such a country. ' 
 He seemed bitter against our leaders and was ready to 
 take his oath of allegiance to the United States. "
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 127 
 
 "He should have remained there. The South has no 
 room for such renegades, ' ' said Breton hotly. 
 
 Just then there was a slight commotion outside the 
 tent, and Lafe, who had followed Breton through all of 
 his wanderings, came forward and said : 
 
 "Massa Cunnell, de's a boy outside from old Massa 
 Pierre, an' he's 'structed to see you, su'." 
 
 Colonel Breton started up, exclaiming quickly, "From 
 uncle ! That is my old home, gentlemen, and the mes- 
 senger is from my dear old uncle. Show him in, 
 Lafe." 
 
 Presently a coal-black negro came in. Breton looked 
 at him sharply. "Your name is Eph, is it not?" he 
 asked. 
 
 "Yes, Marse Arman', an' I's come from de ole marse. 
 He done tole me to bring you this," and the negro 
 quickly took off his jacket, ripped up a seam in the back, 
 and removed a packet, which he handed to the officer ; 
 then he took from his person a belt, which, as he laid it 
 upon the table, gave forth a heavy metallic sound, "and 
 dis yer, too." 
 
 "Very well, Eph; when did you leave the stone 
 house, and how did you leave Uncle Pierre?" 
 
 "Lef last night, and Marse Pierre he am berry 
 sick." 
 
 "You may go now; remain with Lafe until I send for 
 you." 
 
 "Suah, Marse Arman'." 
 
 Colonel Breton, while the others were chatting, said :
 
 128 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "Pardon me, gentlemen, if I read." 
 Hastily tearing open the letter he ran down the page. 
 It was \nritten in French. 
 
 "ABMAND, MY SON: I have not heard from you directly 
 for a long time, although I have learned from outside 
 sources that you have been highly complimented on many 
 occasions by your superiors. I had hoped to hear before 
 being mustered out that you had won the rank to which 
 I am sure your abilities entitle you. Nevertheless, I 
 know that recognition must come. Your lineage entitles 
 you to command. It would be the sweetest sound that 
 could come to me, that you were called General Breton. 
 I could then die happy. It will be only a short time 
 longer that I shall be here. Send me greeting by the 
 man whom I send. Eph is honest. We have only a few 
 niggers left ; the rascals have nearly all gone. I know 
 that you must need money, and that is my principal 
 reason for dispatching Eph. The paper money of the 
 South is almost worthless and you must have gold to 
 support your rank. There is plenty more in the hiding- 
 place I named to you. How does the cause of the South 
 appear to you, Armand ? Write me, I can learn the true 
 state of affairs from you. Trusting that Eph may return 
 with good news to cheer me, UNCLE PIERRE." 
 
 After reading the letter Breton mused a moment, then 
 he hastily penned a few lines to the commanding general. 
 Calling Lafe he instructed him to deliver it at once and 
 await a reply. After this he said to his brother officers, 
 "I have applied for a leave of absence for a few days;
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 129 
 
 not more, as I expect some fighting from your great 
 Yankee general, Peyton." 
 
 Captain Peyton, who had been chatting with the others 
 present, replied: 
 
 "Well, colonel, I am frank to say that I think that 
 General Grant will continue to hammer us until either 
 we are starved out or get outside help. I am despondent 
 over the present outlook for the Confederacy. You are 
 asking for a leave. I suppose your letter contained 
 important news." 
 
 "Yes, my old uncle, who has been a second father to 
 me, lies at the point of death. I have a belief that 
 unless I can see him now I shall never behold him again, 
 and I know how much comfort it will be to him, and it 
 will give me much gratification as well." 
 
 "And is the trip far? Will you be able to obtain the 
 furlough at this time?" 
 
 "I should be able by hard riding to accomplish it in 
 twenty hours. I could return here by Wednesday 
 night. I should not ask the furlough at this time, only 
 I know that we are to remain here for some time longer. " 
 
 After the officers had chatted some little time Lafe 
 returned, bearing in his hand a message which he handed 
 to the colonel. 
 
 After reading it Breton gave a half-sigh of relief, and 
 said: 
 
 "I thought the general would grant my request, but 
 still was a little dubious ; something seems to tell me that 
 much depends upon my taking this trip, Lafe," he added,
 
 130 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 turning to the man, who stood respectfully by waiting 
 orders; "have my horse here in ten minutes; tell Eph to 
 remain here awhile and follow on ; you will go with me ; 
 we are in for a hard ride; we will visit the old stone 
 house. ' ' 
 
 The face of Lafe lighted with joy as he said: "To 
 ole stone house an' see Massa Pierre? I's have de 
 bosses right heah. ' ' With this he whisked out of the 
 tent with more agility than he had displayed for many a 
 day. 
 
 Breton arose, drew on his long boots, buckled on his 
 sword, and said laughingly: "My request was granted 
 readily, and in just the briefest words possible." 
 
 "The old man never wasted a word yet." 
 
 Said one, "But anything peculiar about your reply?" 
 
 "Kead it," replied Breton, "and tell me what you 
 think of the time he names ; means more than is stated 
 therein." 
 
 The officer read aloud : '"Bequest granted; must re- 
 port for duty Wednesday, ten P.M.' Why, do you think 
 he means to move up the valley, or that he plans a little 
 move on the enemy at that time?" 
 
 "Now, worse than a Yankee, you reply to my question 
 by asking of me not one but two questions ; at any rate, 
 gentlemen, I shall see you Wednesday night sure." 
 
 "Hosses am here, cunnell," said Lafe, appearing in 
 the door of the tent. 
 
 "All right; good-night, gentlemen," and touching his 
 hat, Breton passed out. Lafe had placed the pistols in
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 131 
 
 their holsters, and it was hardly necessary for Breton to 
 glance over the equipments to see that he had planned 
 for a long ride. Passing the little skirt of pine trees 
 outside the camp they pressed rapidly on. 
 
 "We must make good time to-night," said Breton. 
 "This country is filled with spies and detachments from 
 the Federal army, and in daylight we cannot perhaps 
 make such speed." 
 
 The roads were well known to Lafe, so there was no 
 delay on that score. When morning dawned they were 
 well on their way toward the old home of Breton. The 
 following day they were more or less delayed by the fact 
 that once or twice they came close upon small bodies of 
 the Union troops. When the shades of night began to fall 
 over the mountains Breton said in a disappointed tone : 
 
 "Lafe, we have not passed Kutgers' yet. How near 
 are we?" 
 
 "Why, you see, cunnell, we cum by a different road 
 than we follered last time we's up to see Massa Pierre." 
 Lafe knew that they had lost much time, but he wished 
 to withhold the fact from Colonel Breton that a hard task 
 lay before them to reach Stone House and return within 
 the time which had been granted them. Provided that 
 they met with no further interruption or delay, the time 
 which they could pass at Stone House would be short. 
 Breton, although he was unfamiliar with the road, seemed 
 to know instinctively that a hard task lay before them in 
 the accomplishment of his errand. For a long time he 
 rode on in silence. The gloom of the night deepened
 
 132 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 and soon became intense. Fate seemed against the 
 travelers, for Lafe suddenly slowed down his horse, and 
 with a half-uttered oath Breton turned back and asked 
 the cause of his delay. 
 
 "I's a little mixed, cunnell." 
 
 "A little mixed? Do you not know the country? 
 Are the roads not familiar to you?" 
 
 "I's never seen a blacker night, cunnell." 
 
 There was gloom and some anger in Breton's voice as 
 he replied : 
 
 "Suppose it is black. Have there not been other black 
 nights? What are you halting for? Come on, do you 
 hear?" 
 
 "I's heah, suah, Massa Cunnell, but I'spo'ful mixed," 
 and a silence fell between them that was as lugubrious 
 as the grave. 
 
 "Lafe, tell me what you mean by not obeying my 
 orders? Have you lost your way?" 
 
 "I's obey orders; but, cunnell, I's mixed an' no mis- 
 take; ober yonder somewhere," and Lafe swung out his 
 left hand, "is de battle ground of Rutgers'; near heah 
 am two roads; one goes down to de ole Co'thouse an' 
 the oder goes ober de mountains to the stone house, 
 and it 'pears to me's 'f we's off on de Rutgers' road." 
 
 "How can you tell?" 
 
 "De's on the Rutgers' road an ole house, kep' by an 
 old nigger woman, an' de do say she deals wid de debbil, 
 an' dat de house am haunted." 
 
 "Deals with the devil and haunted fiddlesticks! where
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 133 
 
 is the house? How soon shall we know if we are] on 
 the wrong road?" 
 
 "De house am right by de road; de do* opens right 
 on de road, cunnell. " 
 
 "Well, come on, and in ten minutes more we can tell 
 just how matters stand," said Breton, as he dashed down 
 the road, while Lafe was careful to keep in the rear. 
 They turned a sharp angle in the road, and for an instant 
 they could distinguish objects fairly well. 
 
 "De house! We are on the wrong road," exclaimed 
 Lafe. 
 
 Before them could be discerned the outlines of a build- 
 ing a large, gloomy object; no glimmer of light could 
 be seen ; the horsemen had halted directly in front. For 
 an instant neither spoke. Their eyes seemed riveted by 
 some strange fascination on the ghostly outlines of the 
 structure. Then suddenly the intense darkness closed 
 down upon them. It was inky ; it was like a pall. 
 
 While the men were impelled by some occult force to 
 gaze toward the building which was screened from them, 
 the door opened and a flood of light poured out. Lafe 
 gave a yell. All the pent-up superstition of his race 
 seemed concentrated in that yell. In the doorway, out- 
 lined with awful distinctness by a brilliant light beyond, 
 stood an old, withered black hag. Her skin was shriveled 
 and parchment-like. Her form was bent and shrunken, 
 and her eye seemed to blaze with an unearthly light ; 
 but behind her, towering over her, stood the form of a 
 man on whose features both men gazed with a feeling
 
 134 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 akin to horror. To the face of that man their gaze was 
 drawn as by a powerful magnet. It was the face of the 
 man whom Breton had last seen upturned upon the field 
 of Rutgers', the man whose blood had reddened his, 
 hands, and whose death ^had kept ^him from the woman 
 he loved it was the face of Lloyd Phillips. The door 
 flew to with a sudden clang, and the travelers were again 
 enveloped in inky darkness. For a moment neither 
 spoke ; then, with teeth still chattering Laf e murmured : 
 "She do deals in debbils. For the love of Gawd, Massa 
 Cunnell, le's get back on the oder road." 
 
 "Devil or woman, this night's mystery shall be ex- 
 plained ; we have been drawn here ; it is not chance, and 
 now for the solution of this strange occurrence," said 
 Breton, as he slipped from his horse. "Remain here 
 until I return." 
 
 "Yo's goin' in that house, cunnell?" 
 
 "Certainly; did you not see the features of a man 
 behind that old hag?" 
 
 "As suah as I see you now" Lafe could not see two 
 inches before him. "An' I see him last at the battle of 
 Rutgers', when I fired my pistol at him when he's just 
 gettin' ready to run his sword through you." 
 
 The last part of the sentence was lost upon the officer, 
 whose mind was busily occupied trying to solve the 
 meaning of the strange apparition which he had just 
 seen. 
 
 "Without another word he strode toward the house, and 
 soon succeeded in locating the door, upon which he
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 135 
 
 knocked loudly. No response came from within. He 
 repeated the knock, and still no sound to indicate the 
 presence of inmates. Without further ado Breton placed 
 his shoulder against the door and hurled his weight 
 against it. The rotten fastenings gave way with a snap, 
 and the door fell open with a suddenness which precipi- 
 tated the intruder half across the room. Recovering 
 himself, a strange sight met his gaze. The room was 
 well lighted by a huge blazing log which half-filled a 
 cavernous fireplace. Before this stood the old black hag, 
 who glared at the bold intruder as if her very looks would 
 annihilate him. It was a moment or two before Breton 
 had recovered his equilibrium and had become accus- 
 tomed to the light, which came in brilliant flickerings 
 from the resinous old log. Gazing about him he saw no 
 signs of the apparition which had appeared in the door- 
 way. Noticing an old skin which half-screened a corner 
 of the room, he strode toward it and swept it aside. Be- 
 fore him stood the figure of a man ; his covering was half 
 rags, his features haggard and cheeks unshaven. Not- 
 withstanding the woebegone appearance, the Confeder- 
 ate doubted no longer that his old school friend stood 
 before him. It was no creation of a disordered or imag- 
 inative mind; Lloyd Phillips stood before him in flesh 
 and blood. With both hands outstretched Breton rushed 
 forward with the words on his lips : 
 
 "Lloyd, my dear chum, alive and here!" 
 No response from the man before him, who gazed with 
 expressionless eyes at Breton, who, dropping the hands
 
 ]36 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 which he had pressed effusively, started while he re- 
 garded the man before him with horror-stricken eyes. 
 Then he swept his hand across his brow as he muttered 
 in broken tones : 
 
 "My God, Lloyd, this is worse than death." 
 Turning to the black woman he began questioning her 
 wildly. To his incoherent questions, hurled at her with 
 almost savage fierceness, the old woman vouchsafed hardly 
 a reply. Becoming more rational in his queries he at 
 last found a way to unlock the secret which lay in the 
 woman's heart. He drew forth the purse which Eph 
 had brought him, and extracted from it a few pieces of 
 gold, which he dropped into the outstretched palm of the 
 old hag. Closing her claw-like fingers upon the yellow 
 metal, she told Breton that which he yearned to know. 
 Her story was told in a broken way, and all the while 
 her eyes were fastened with an avaricious glitter upon 
 the pieces of precious metal clinched in her hand. 
 
 Her story was this : In the early morning after the 
 battle of Rutgers' she was attracted to the field. Pre- 
 sumably her motive was plunder, but while passing 
 among the lifeless bodies she was startled to see the 
 form of a Union soldier arise; she turned to flee, and 
 strangely enough the figure followed her. She fled to 
 her hut, but after her came the Union soldier, calling her 
 Aunt Bess. She soon found that he was harmless, that 
 he was like a child with her, always calling her Aunt 
 Bess. Beyond murmuring a few meaningless sentences, 
 this was the extent of his vocabulary. She soon grew
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 137 
 
 attached as much as was possible for one of her capabili- 
 ties to the friendless, insane soldier who came to her 
 from the battlefield. They had lived on with this pecu- 
 liar friendship existing between them. He obeyed her 
 in everything, and the old woman had grown to look 
 upon him with considerable affection. Every one else, 
 even the negroes from the neighboring plantations, had 
 shunned her as one possessed of the devil, and this poor 
 demented man had been her only associate. He had 
 never been able to tell more of himself, nor had he ever 
 desired to leave her. 
 
 Breton listened to the tale with suppressed excitement. 
 When she had finished he began questioning her. 
 
 "Was he not badly wounded, stabbed in the breast?" 
 he asked. 
 
 "He was berry weak, an' after awhile I done up his 
 wounds. He was stabbed in the chest, but dat was not 
 de spot where his trouble cum from." 
 
 Amazed, the officer said: "Not the spot where the 
 trouble came from? WTiat do you mean?" He had 
 been busily revolving in his mind how it was possible 
 for a swordthrust to have made a man insane. It was 
 all so sudden, and his mind not in a condition to analyze 
 fairly the cause of Lloyd Phillips' insanity. A great 
 load had been lifted from his mind. His hands were 
 not red with the life blood of his old friend. He started 
 up in wild excitement as the old hag replied : 
 
 "De stab wasn't much, but de bullet done de mischief. " 
 
 "Bullet what bullet?" he gasped.
 
 13S THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "Why, on de top of his head was a long mark made by 
 a bullet ; one day I follered up the furrer with a piece of 
 steel wire, an' I jes' ran right inter a bullet, an' it am 
 dar now." 
 
 "A bullet lodged in his brain! Are you sure of this?" 
 
 "Suah's you befo' me now." 
 
 "And no effort has been made to dislodge it, nothing 
 beyond your probing?" 
 
 "Nary a thing." 
 
 A flood of light began to pour upon Breton. Lloyd 
 Phillips was before him ; he had not even been seriously 
 injured by his swordthrust. His trouble came not from 
 that source. If his insanity was caused by a pressure 
 upon the brain caused by the presence of the bullet, it 
 would be a matter of simple surgery to remove it. If it 
 were worse, even a bone fracture, then trepanning would 
 bring about the reseating of reason on its throne. Thus 
 reasoned Breton, and while his mind was busily occupied 
 in finding a way in which to secure a speedy return to 
 mental health for his unfortunate friend, he had not once 
 thought how his own future happiness might be affected 
 by this discovery of one whom he blamed himself for 
 slaying. 
 
 His friend must be at once removed to a spot where 
 he could receive expert surgical skill. He reasoned that 
 Richmond was perhaps the most desirable city where the 
 patient could be taken. He had friends there who would 
 bestow upon Lloyd Phillips the best treatment which the 
 modern school of surgery permitted. He thought further
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 139 
 
 that he would write a letter to Nita Calvert telling her 
 all about the awful cloud that had hung over him ; of his 
 discovery of Lloyd ; and asking her for his sake to see that 
 the poor fellow had the best of nursing. 
 
 All these thoughts came surging in upon his mind in 
 rapid succession. The sudden joy caused by finding 
 alive his friend whom he had thought that he had slain 
 had driven from his mind all thought of the real object 
 of his trip over the mountains. He paced the floor for a 
 few minutes, deeply meditating as to what immediate 
 action he should take. He then strode to the door, flung 
 it open, and hastily summoned Laf e, who advanced toward 
 the house with considerable hesitation. 
 
 "Come inside; I can talk to you better here than out 
 there in the darkness," said Breton, as Lafe stood halt- 
 ing on the threshold. Lafe entered, but glanced around 
 him in a manner which betokened that he wished him- 
 self well out of the old hag's habitation. "And," con- 
 tinued the young officer, "I have found a dear friend of 
 mine here whom I thought dead upon the field of Rut- 
 gers'. He is ill, very ill, and stands in great need of 
 expert medical treatment. Until he receives it lie can- 
 not recognize his friends." 
 
 Lafe gazed at Breton in a dazed way and gasped : 
 
 
 
 "He's yo' friend, Massa Cunnell?" 
 
 And Lafe suspiciously eyed the unfortunate Phillips, 
 who stood in a listless manner in a far corner of the 
 room. 
 
 "Yes, my closest friend, or was; why do you ask?"
 
 140 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "I's a thinkin'. " 
 
 "What?" 
 
 "That I's po'ful sorry that I shot him if he's a friend 
 of yours, but you had a mighty queer way of showin' 
 yo' 'feetion " 
 
 "Sorry that you shot him! Speak out, what do you 
 mean?" and the officer's voice trembled with suppressed 
 excitement. 
 
 "Beggin' yo' pardon, Massa Cunnell, "dat's jes' what 
 I's goin' to do. You know de fight we had ober yon- 
 der?" and Lafe tossed his head toward Kutgers' Court 
 House. 
 
 "I have good reason to recollect it." 
 
 "Well, I's a sayin', you's mighty mad that night, a 
 cuttin' and a slashin', and I's doin' a little of it my- 
 self. I's behind you mos' of de while, but one time 
 I lagged a little, I was fightin' a feller who 'sputed my 
 path. When I got up to you you was havin' a right 
 hard time with a Yankee, an' I had my pistol in my 
 hand, and, Massa Cunnell, I jes' banged away at him. I 
 didn't spect that he was anybody you liked from your 
 actions. A po'ful strange way to show any kind of nice 
 feelin' existin' 'tween you. He was try in* to get at 
 you and you was slashin' at him; jes' as I shot him an' 
 he fell from his saddle, I was up alongside an' a second 
 later you tumbled over an' I caught you as you fell. I 
 thought that I'd come just too late, but you come to 
 after awhile. I spec', Massa Cunnell, you was a think- 
 in' about that when you sent me out to look over the
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 141 
 
 field. I's po'ful sorry, but I's a thinkin' then that I's 
 doin* yo' a good turn " 
 
 And Lafe's eyes grew suspiciously moist as he uttered 
 the last words. Breton clasped Lafe's hand as he said 
 in a voice heavy with emotion : 
 
 "And so you were, Lafe. Had you not sent that bul- 
 let perhaps my hands would have been, as I had believed 
 they were up to this time, red with the blood of my 
 beloved friend. Your shot saved me that, and your 
 statement to-night has now explained all the unhappy 
 events of that night, and, ' ' continued Breton, in a half- 
 aoliloquizing way, "it has cleared the red mist from my 
 brain. It has lifted from my mind the sorrow of having 
 inflicted upon my old chum the wound which caused 
 him to be bereft of his reason. Thank God! I now can 
 look back upon that night without a shudder and with- 
 out pain. Ah, now, I understand it was not chance that 
 brought us here to-night. We were impelled by that 
 strange, inexplicable force, which is all about us, and 
 controls our actions. Some call it fate. We did not 
 wish to come this way; we fought against it; but of 
 what did our own weak wills avail when compared with 
 the tremendous forces that were controlling our actions ? 
 We were passive, Nature even veiled her face. The 
 shadows of the night were black, and you, who have 
 passed your entire life in these mountains and know 
 every bridle path by night as well as by day, were 
 unable to find your way. A dark night, truly, but it 
 will be the brightest dawn that I have ever known."
 
 142 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "I's mighty joyful to hear yo' speak like that." 
 
 "And, Lafe, I myself am overjoyed with the result of 
 this night's disclosures. No longer am I weighed down 
 with the awful remorse that comes from reddening one's 
 hands with the life blood of a friend of a brother. Yes, 
 the curse of Cain has been upon me. I have been shad- 
 owed with the memories of an awful crime, memories 
 which time could not dim, nor could the red tide of war 
 lessen their bitterness. ' ' 
 
 For a few minutes the officer remained silent, while 
 Lafe stood respectfully by without once daring to 
 intrude upon his mental reflections. Breton had lapsed 
 into a reverie. The past came back before him, the bril- 
 liant period when he mounted to the heights gilded by 
 the rising sun which, alas, had become buried in the 
 shade of night love and joy had been succeeded by 
 sorrow and pain ; and now he would not be compelled to 
 drag out a sorrowful existence saddened by futile regrets. 
 The finding of Lloyd Phillips meant for him the begin- 
 ning of a new life. A look of ineffable joy stole over the 
 features of the young officer, as he thought of the girl 
 whom he loved with all the strength of his mature years. 
 
 "Lucille," he murmured, "thank God, the barriers 
 are at last swept away. ' ' 
 
 Like the faithful hound, Lafe watched his master in 
 silence; he was getting visibly nervous, but still he 
 refrained from interrupting the reverie of the officer. 
 Suddenly Breton wheeled and said quickly : 
 
 "Lafe, you must go to Kichmond. "
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 143 
 
 "Yes, Massa Cunnell." 
 
 "At once; take this man with you. I will write a 
 letter to the lady at the hospital where you are to take 
 him." 
 
 "An' will we go to Stone House?" 
 
 "I will proceed there alone; you need not delay your 
 departure for Richmond." 
 
 "But, Massa Cunnell " 
 
 "Well, speak out, Lafe; what is it?" 
 
 "Why, I's a thinkin' that it is pretty nigh impossible 
 for you to go to Stone House an' get back to camp, time 
 you said yo' mus' be there, suV 
 
 Breton glanced anxiously at his watch as he replied : 
 
 "But I must go there, I must see Uncle Pierre. " 
 
 Lafe knew the roads well, and he knew that the young 
 officer had set his heart upon visiting the home of his 
 boyhood, but the delays that they had encountered made 
 it impossible for them to traverse the mountains and 
 return to their camp by the expiration of the furlough 
 granted. He knew, also, that Breton would make any 
 sacrifice rather than be absent from his command at the 
 time set, particularly when he with others anticipated 
 that it was on the eve of an important engagement. 
 Therefore he fully realized the importance of convincing 
 his leader of the impossibility of attempting to proceed 
 to Stone House. The trip if carried out meant the 
 absence of Colonel Breton from his post of duty as a 
 soldier when his superior officer had demanded his pres- 
 ence. Lafe knew that if he could once convince Breton
 
 144 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 of the hopelessness of his undertaking that he would 
 abandon it, as first of all Armand Breton considered his 
 duties as a soldier. With the night still dark, the paths 
 uncertain and beset with difficulties, it would be fool- 
 hardy to attempt the trip. 
 
 After Laf e had made this clear to Breton he abandoned 
 the trip to the stone house, but not without sorrowful 
 regret. He then decided to send Lafe on to tell Uncle 
 Pierre of the delay and how it had rendered impossible 
 his intended visit. Lafe would be accompanied by 
 Lloyd Phillips, and after he had delivered Armand's 
 message he would turn back upon the main road, taking 
 a short route to Richmond, where he would leave his 
 charge in the hospital designated by Breton. All this 
 was gone over rapidly. After he had decided upon the 
 course which he deemed wise, the Confederate ordered 
 Lafe to feed the horses while he prepared some messages. 
 
 First, he wrote a brief letter to Uncle Pierre telling 
 him of the bitter disappointment he suffered in not being 
 able to carry out the trip already begun to Stone House. 
 A soldier's duty, he said, compelled him to retrace his 
 steps in order to respond to the command of a superior 
 officer. 
 
 Then to Lucille he addressed a message, full of loving 
 tenderness. He briefly recounted the finding of 
 Lloyd ; his sad mental condition ; the fact that his valet, 
 Lafe, had fired the shot which had caused his loss of 
 reason ; and the further fact that his own hands were 
 unstained with her brother's blood. He wrote also that
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 145 
 
 he had sent Lloyd, under the guidance of Lafe, to Rich- 
 mond, to the hospital where the sympathetic nursing of 
 Nita Calvert, aided by expert medical skill, would with- 
 out doubt speedily restore Lloyd to his mental health. 
 
 Next he wrote a letter to Nita Calvert, telling her of 
 his discovery, and of the identity of the man whom he 
 sent to her. The note to Lucille he inclosed to her, ask- 
 ing that she forward it, if Lucille had left Richmond. 
 
 By the time he had finished these messages the candle 
 furnished by the old hag spluttered low. But he 
 managed to scrawl a line to an eminent surgeon, a per- 
 sonal friend, in Richmond, whom he asked to bring to 
 bear his skill upon Lloyd Phillips' case. 
 
 That part of his duty completed, Breton arose and 
 gave the old hag a piece or two more of the gold which 
 had been sent by Uncle Pierre. 
 
 Shortly after Lafe announced that the horses were all 
 ready. The darkness of the night had lifted somewhat, 
 and after receiving his final instructions Lafe swung 
 into his saddle, half-lifting beside him the slender form 
 of Lloyd Phillips. 
 
 Breton stood beside his horse a few minutes in silence. 
 Then he repeated half -aloud: "Ah, God, what sorrow I 
 have endured ! After suffering an inconsolable grief I 
 now cast off all signs of mourning and open my heart 
 anew to thoughts of love, for I doubt not that Lloyd's 
 recovery will be speedy. But perhaps the future may 
 be as deceptive as the past. It may be that I am re- 
 served for unforeseen and still more poignant sufferings.
 
 146 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 APPOMATTOX. 
 
 BRETON'S ride back to camp was uneventful, and thanks 
 to the superb steed which he rode, he was in advance of 
 the hour which marked the expiration of his leave of 
 absence. The camp, however, was aglow with excite- 
 ment, and Armand knew that some important move was 
 decided upon. 
 
 Captain Peyton greeted Breton with the exclamation : 
 
 "Well, old man, it is not fight here; we are to with- 
 draw." 
 
 "Do you mean retreat?" exclaimed Breton. 
 
 "Perhaps that expresses the situation, although the 
 orders, as I understand, are to move up the valley to a 
 strategic position of more importance than our present. 
 And your man, did you leave him?" 
 
 "Sent him on to Richmond on an important mission. 
 But that sounds a little like fighting, ' ' added Breton, as 
 the sharp rattle of musketry was distinctly heard in the 
 forest below them. 
 
 "Engaging our pickets. The great Hammerer seems 
 pounding us at all points. Our provision trains are on 
 the way up; hope they will not cut them off; and now," 
 said Peyton smilingly, "our cavalry will have to go
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 147 
 
 down to help those trains up. You are in the nick of 
 time, Breton." 
 
 So it proved; Breton's cavalry was ordered down the 
 valley to assist the provision train. The Union general 
 had dispatched a force to capture the train before it could 
 reach the Confederate lines. Considerable fighting 
 ensued, but Breton brought the much-needed train into 
 Confederate lines. Then as the Union forces had become 
 much augmented, the Confederates drew off across the 
 river, destroying the bridge after them. 
 
 For months the devastating war continued. Grant, 
 the great Union general, followed one blow by another 
 blows delivered with such rapidity that the Confederates 
 were afforded no opportunity to recuperate. They 
 fought with desperate determination, but it was impossi- 
 ble for them to do more than temporarily evade the tre- 
 mendous onslaught made upon their forces at all points. 
 It was not an isolated battle here and there, but a steady 
 pressure upon all the sources and resources of Confeder- 
 ate strength. 
 
 Breton had followed the waning fortunes of Lee. 
 Everywhere the mighty army of Grant surged in upon 
 them like the inrolling tide of the sea. There seemed 
 indeed little rest for the Confederates at the hands of 
 Grant, who seemed omnipresent. 
 
 Breton had heard from Nita Calvert that Lloyd Phillips 
 had undergone a surgical operation, and that his mind 
 was now clear. The operation made necessary his reten- 
 tion in the hospital for some time.
 
 148 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 Not a word came from Lucille, but his nomadic life 
 made it impossible for him to receive messages with any- 
 thing approximating regularity. Whether Lucille had 
 ever received his message he knew not. Indeed, he had 
 little time to ponder over the turn his own affairs had 
 taken since the finding of Lloyd Phillips at the haunted 
 house. His duty as a soldier kept him ever on the move, 
 as the carnival of death was continued by the tremen- 
 dous strokes of Grant, which were often parried by the 
 great military tactician Lee. 
 
 It was plain to all that the Confederacy was tottering. 
 Reinforcements were not sent to the front to make good 
 the loss made by the terrific blows dealt them. 
 
 The opening of 1865 was dark and gloomy for the Con- 
 federates. The Union armies had been victorious in the 
 West. In the South Sherman had hewed his way to the 
 vitals of the Confederacy ; while in Virginia the victori- 
 ous legions of Grant were pressing in upon the crumbling 
 army of Lee. 
 
 April came, and still over the sea and land there hov- 
 ered the cloud of fratricidal war. But those who were 
 behind the scenes knew that the curtain was about to be 
 rung down upon the frightful drama. The principal 
 actors knew it. The lines of Grant had been drawing 
 closer, and the men who opposed him knew full well that 
 the Southern cause was doomed. 
 
 When an orderly splashed with mud strode up the 
 aisle of the church in Richmond where the Southern 
 president sat, and handed him a message telling him that
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 149 
 
 Petersburg had fallen, it could not have surprised him, 
 because his intelligence must have told him that nothing 
 but a miracle could have saved it. Petersburg in the 
 hands of the enemy meant that Richmond could no 
 longer be retained. Soon there was no Southern capital 
 save in the field ; for Richmond was evacuated, and the 
 officers of the Confederate government president, secre- 
 taries were fleeing southward ; while westward, north of 
 the Appomattox moved the shattered army of Lee, pursued 
 by the invincible Grant, and harassed by the dashing 
 cavalry leader, Sheridan. 
 
 Hungry and footsore, the Southern army retreated 
 toward the mountain fastnesses of Virginia. Close, and 
 ever closer, on flank and rear, hung the victorious Fed- 
 erals. Could Lee have reached his provision train en 
 route to the mountains he might have been able through 
 junction with Confederate forces south to have thus pro- 
 longed the war indefinitely. But this was not to be. 
 
 On his trail thundered the Union troops. Day and 
 night without ceasing the roar of cannon, the rattle of 
 musketry, and the clash of sabers told how closely the 
 gallant Southerners were pressed. 
 
 What need to enter into the details of that retreat of 
 Lee? The Confederates had reached the village of 
 Appomattox, destined after that to be known to fame for 
 all time. 
 
 On all sides they were enveloped. Infantry, cavalry, 
 and artillery ringed them about. Grant had done his 
 work well. But one closing act remained before the
 
 150 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 awful drama ended. Gordon, the gallant Georgian, 
 mounted the hill at Appomattox Court House with his 
 skirmish line. Before him lay the Federals blocking the 
 way. It was then that Gordon, with whom was Breton, 
 made a last charge for the Confederacy. Before their 
 impetuous charge the Union lines gave way, and the 
 dusky gray masses swept on. Their victory was short- 
 lived, for just beyond was seen the splendid cavalry of 
 Sheridan opening right and left and unmasking the 
 superb artillery of the Federal army. 
 
 There was a momentary lull a mysterious silence 
 and on the heights of Appomattox there fluttered a white 
 flag Grant had met Lee, and the drama had ended. 
 
 Eight or wrong, the South was brave was she not? 
 She risked all she lost all. 
 
 After partings had been said, after the men who 
 fought side by side for years had gathered around their 
 leader, who sat on his white steed like a cavalier of old, 
 and their bosoms had been shaken by fierce sobs, they 
 turned sorrowfully away to their homes; or rather to 
 where their homes had been, for, alas! the desolated 
 fields, the ruined dwellings, the vacant firesides, told in 
 heart-rending language of the awful scars of war which 
 the Southland bore upon her beautiful breast. , 
 
 And all this in defense of a principle of a belief.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 151 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 LUOILLE'S LETTER. 
 
 AFTEK the melting away of the army in gray Breton 
 turned his face in the direction of the home of his boy- 
 hood. 
 
 He was anxious to see Lafe, whom he had not seen 
 since he parted with him at the haunted house. He had 
 instructed him to return to Stone House, where he was to 
 remain with Uncle Pierre. This Lafe did, and since the 
 death of Uncle Pierre, which occurred shortly after Lafe 's 
 return from Richmond, where he left Lloyd Phillips, he 
 had been at the plantation. 
 
 It was with a heart overflowing with sorrow that the 
 soldier drew near to the home of his youth. He marked 
 the old pine where he last met Uncle Pierre. 
 
 "Poor, dear uncle," he thought, "how much he wished 
 to clear up the mystery of my birth." Passing on he 
 soon drew rein in front of the old house. Its gray stone 
 walls made the place almost fortress-like in appearance. 
 Besides, it had such a deserted look it made the home- 
 coming of Breton far from a pleasing one. 
 
 He learned from one of the negro boys playing about 
 the "quarters" that Lafe had gone to town and was
 
 152 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 expected back soon. Breton thought he might as well 
 journey on and meet him upon his return. He had not 
 far to go before he met Lafe on his way back. 
 
 "Suah, Massa Cunnell, I'se po'ful glad to see you, "said 
 Lafe, as he greeted the officer. 
 
 "And, Lafe," replied Armand, "I am glad to see you 
 again. I have been at the death of the Southern Confed- 
 eracy since we parted Our cause is lost. But that is 
 past now. How go affairs at Stone House?" 
 
 "Well, you see, Massa Cunnell, inos' de niggers, de run 
 away; but plenty stay to work de ole plantation. De 
 say their home is here and here de mean to stay." 
 
 "And so they shall, and we will do as well by them as 
 we can. Poor Uncle Pierre ! the first time that I ever 
 came to Stone House and did not find him here to greet 
 me, ' ' said Breton, as they drew rein in front of the old 
 house. 
 
 "Massa Pierre he am laid away over yonder," and 
 Lafe pointed to a little plot on the hillside where stood 
 a gleaming white shaft that marked the last resting- 
 place of Armand' s parents. 
 
 "I's been to town, and here's some mail for you," 
 said Lafe, as they walked toward the door. 
 
 "There can be nothing of importance," replied 
 Armand, as he took the pouch which contained the mail. 
 He directed his steps to the library. He laid aside 
 sword and pistol, and after he had hung them on the wall 
 he surveyed them. 
 
 "Fought and bled in vain, " he said. "Now that peace
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 153 
 
 has spread her wings over this land we may as well beat 
 our swords into pruning hooks. ' ' Carelessly he emptied 
 the contents of the mail pouch upon the table before him. 
 A bundle of papers and a package of letters tied together 
 fell out. He scanned the addresses with no apparent 
 concern. He felt that none of the envelopes contained 
 anything of interest to him. "Hello, " he said, as his eye 
 caught a letter addressed to himself. "A letter bearing 
 a foreign postmark addressed to me. Well, as I live, 
 from my old friend General D'Arville." Hastily tearing 
 open the letter, the handwriting on which he recognized, 
 he eagerly read its contents. It was written after the 
 general had been advised of Pierre Breton's death. It 
 was full of warmth and tenderness for Breton and love 
 for his departed relative. Before closing the general 
 wrote that when the civil war was brought to a close he 
 looked forward with much pleasure to welcoming his 
 former protege back to Paris, which city he believed 
 would become his abiding place. 
 
 "Dear old General D'Arville, a magnificent type of the 
 soldier, and at the same time he has a heart as tender as 
 a woman's," soliloquized the officer, as he ran over the 
 addresses on the remaining envelopes. 
 
 "Business communication, one from Uncle Pierre's 
 attorney well, it can hold ; and " As the address on the 
 last remaining envelope met his gaze his head swam ; he 
 stopped, gazed at the writing while he murmured: "At 
 last, Lucille, at last. ' ' The handwriting was none other 
 than Lucille 's.
 
 154 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMEDS. 
 
 Breton reverently pressed the missive to his lips, then 
 opened and read it. It was short, but nevertheless after 
 reading it a flood of happy sunshine seemed to pour in at 
 the heavy stone window casements, and the dark shadows 
 of the room were illuminated. The whole apartment 
 seemed radiant with happiness. 
 
 Lucille wrote : 
 
 "My OWN DEAREST ABMAND: This is the third time that 
 I have written you since you sent me the message of 
 Lloyd's return to life, and not one word from you in 
 reply. Can it be that you have been wounded and even 
 now are sick unto death? If so, I would gladly fly to 
 your side and show by carefully nursing you back to life 
 and strength the love I bear for you. I send this letter 
 to your old home, as I am sure that you have friends 
 there who will see that it reaches you. If you are ill I 
 will come to you. If not, Armand, dear, now that this 
 cruel war is nearly over, I shall look for a Southern inva- 
 sion of the North as a retaliation, and I can promise that 
 one Yankee girl will not strive by word or action to drive 
 back the invader. Lovingly, 
 
 "LUCILLE." 
 
 "P. S. Lloyd is almost well. ' ' 
 
 "And I can swear that I shall now carry the war into 
 the enemy's country," thought Armand. 
 
 The rest of the day the young man passed in going 
 over the affairs of the plantation with Lafe, whom he 
 informed that he should leave in charge at Stone House. 
 The day following the message of Uncle Pierre, given 
 under the shadow of the old pine, occurred to him, and
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 155 
 
 he told Lafe that he wished him to assist in unearthing 
 the old iron box. The day was well spent when the two 
 men moved aside a huge flagstone from near the main 
 entrance to Stone House. It was after a few minutes of 
 hard digging that Lafe's spade struck a hard substance 
 which gave back a metallic sound. 
 
 "The box," said Breton, "precisely as Uncle Pierre 
 stated." 
 
 It required only a few minutes to uncover it, but it 
 took the united strength of the two men to lift it from its 
 hiding-place and carry it to the library. The box was 
 long, massive, and heavy. After he had unlocked it Bre- 
 ton lifted the lid with a heart surcharged with nervous 
 emotion. Before him at last lay the secret of his birth 
 of his father's name. The young man called for lamps, 
 which were speedily brought in. In one corner lay a 
 number of small bags which, when moved, gave out a 
 metallic sound. They contained the coin of which Uncle 
 Pierre had spoken. In another portion of the box was a 
 package; lifting it up Armand read the following in 
 Uncle Pierre's handwriting: "Valuables to be opened 
 only after Armand Breton has read his father's commu- 
 nication." Then he found another package addressed in 
 the same hand: "Armand's father to his son: to be read 
 after the death of Pierre Breton. ' ' 
 
 "The history of my father's life," said Breton, as he 
 tenderly unfolded the package after breaking the seal 
 placed thereon by Pierre Breton. Underneath lay the 
 package wrapped in oiled silk, which had preserved the
 
 156 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 writing from atmospheric effects. Armand's hands 
 trembled, and his eyes blurred as he opened the roll of 
 manuscript. It was in a plain, firm hand, and the clear- 
 ness of its pages was unmarred by the ravages of time. 
 
 "Will I curse the hour I read this? Is there some 
 frightful family skeleton that will not down ? Will the 
 mystery haunt the life of the son, causing him to 
 shun the haunts of men, as it did his father? Or will 
 there be for me a new happiness in life from this hour ? 
 Will there be a pride in having as my sire an illustrious 
 man? Am I heir to a great name?" These and many 
 other thoughts flitted through the brain of Armand Bre- 
 ton as he flattened out with religious care the manuscript 
 before him. 
 
 Opening it he read in French.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 157 
 
 CHAPTER XH. 
 
 THE VOICE FBOM THE GRAVE. 
 
 "ARMAND, MY DEARLY BELOVED SON: Having reached 
 the decline of life, retired from its struggle, its ambition, 
 its hopes, I am like the traveler, who, on the summit of a 
 hill, slowly and laboriously climbed, can cast a retrospec- 
 tive glance over a peaceful, sunlit landscape. My life has 
 been tempestuous, and as I look backward I can see 
 across the bounds of territory traversed, deserts over 
 which are strewn the wreckage of nations, the vain ambi- 
 tions of men ; and even unto the most remote horizons, I 
 can see hovering the lurid, sulphurous war clouds. 
 
 "I have lived in an epoch which has laid bare the cor- 
 ruptness and insincerity of men and nations. And, 
 after all, what are nations but the creations of men, 
 piratical oligarchies, destitute of real political sentiment ! 
 Divided interests and warped convictions create dissen- 
 sion which is adhered to with a bitterness and intensity 
 that to the disinterested is beyond comprehension. Yes, 
 my son, and the glass for me has run at times darkly, it 
 has been roughly shaken and the sands have glowed. 
 
 "Throughout the span of my life what changes! The 
 armies of France the masters of all Europe ! New king-
 
 158 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 doms created and old ones absorbed. Great European 
 coalitions with but little centripetal force ; kings swept 
 from their thrones. Is it possible for one man to have 
 compassed more than I in the short space of life? 
 Strange things the whirligig of time brings forth. To 
 have lived with the modern Csesar, yea, even greater than 
 Caesar, is enough glory for one poor mortal. To have 
 been with and followed the man at whose beck ancient 
 kingdoms and dynasties melted away, the man who more 
 than any other demolished the structures on which rested 
 the thrones of men who ruled by divine right, has been 
 my fate. He mocked their divine right and showed that 
 the only divinity is God ; that behind any ruler must rest 
 the battalions of that Higher Power. The greater his 
 conquests, the more ridiculous became the vain preten- 
 sions of the historic rulers whom he defeated. 
 
 "I can refer but to one man, Napoleon Bonaparte, the 
 man chosen by Deity to perform prodigious tasks in 
 behalf of mankind. Ordained by God, he fulfilled his 
 mission to show to the whole world that next to God 
 the only ruler is intellect; that no man is empowered 
 with hereditary rights to crush his fellow-man. His 
 imperious presence has left an indelible impress for all 
 time upon the world's history. He was above all others 
 the truest friend America ever had. Against the wishes 
 of brother and advisers, he sold to America that kingly 
 territory which created her a rival of England. I can, 
 looking through the years, predict that the Yankee 
 nation will learn the lesson which he taught Europe
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 159 
 
 freedom. As long as the blight of human slavery casts 
 its stain upon this land just so long this country will 
 retain the shackles which he removed from the down- 
 trodden, suffering peasantry of Europe. The slavery of 
 kings had reduced them almost to serfdom. Napoleon 
 threw off the shackles, gave them learning, gave them 
 art, gave them science, gave France the best laws yet 
 written. Napoleon, the Imperator it is of him and my 
 association with him that I will write. 
 
 "I will pen a few brief pages from my life's history ; 
 and then, my son, you will be better able to judge if 
 there remains a stain on the name which has been with- 
 held from you. And more, I will tell you of the nobil- 
 ity of my chief, whose glorious name jealous traducera 
 have assailed. 
 
 "When I was a young soldier the mutterings of the 
 revolution pervaded all France. Ah, when I think of 
 those days the days of my youth the heart of a soldier 
 beats again strong within me. The dark days, just before 
 the people rose in a disorganized mass and toppled the 
 ancient aristocracy of France from its arrogant position, 
 come back. Lafayette, broken-hearted at the treatment 
 which he received from his army, throughout which the 
 seeds of discord had been sown and were bearing fruit, 
 was forced to abandon his position, in which he had 
 taken such pride. And, yes, my son, I must say it, 
 Marquis Lafayette, whom the Americans love on account 
 of his patriotic services in their behalf, was forced to 
 flee for his life from the soldiers of France. He be-
 
 160 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMID!*. 
 
 longed to the titled class the aristocracy whom the 
 people hated. They did not hate Lafayette because he 
 was Lafayette, but because he was a marquis a noble 
 a representative of that class whose blood flowed in 
 streams through the gutters ot Paris before their thirst 
 was to be satisfied; they had to be glutted with the gore 
 of the nobles; and while they fespected Lafayette, the 
 individual, they hated Lafayette, the noble. Their ad- 
 miration for him as a soldier was sufficient for awhile to 
 hold them in check. But as the hot words of the repub- 
 licans were poured into their ears they began to gather 
 in a force and momentum which carried everything 
 before them. The aid of Washington, the idol of the 
 Americans, was compelled by the terrible exigencies of 
 the occasion to lay aside his sword and Ieav6 Paris 
 incognito, for his chateau. The storm burst with greater 
 fierceness and swept the kingdom of Louis XVI. out of 
 existence, while it carried him to the scaffold. 
 
 "France then was ruled by the people. The policy 
 then inaugurated was favorable to the advancement of 
 those of plebeian birth to positions of rank in the army 
 and state. Ah, how many young men who rose to high 
 rank under the empire received their first lessons in the 
 art of war in those bloody days which preceded th 
 execution of the unfortunate Louis ! 
 
 "Foes without! foes within! It has been the unhappy 
 lot of France more than of any other nation to be thus 
 assailed. While torn with internal dissension, the 
 immemorial enemies of our country were hammering at
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 161 
 
 the outposts. The hungry eyes of the soldiers of all 
 Europe were cast upon our fruitful lands. I was then a 
 young man, younger perhaps than you will be when you 
 peruse these lines. I had been educated for a legal 
 calling. But try as I would, I could not keep from fill- 
 ing my mejnory with the records and achievements told 
 me by my father, of 'the seven years' war in which he 
 served. How he, a soldier whose whole soul throbbed with 
 love for the knightly deeds of valor in the historic past ; 
 how he, himself a soldier whose brave deeds had been 
 told me over and over again by his old comrades; how 
 he, whose blood flowed in my veins, could expect or even 
 desire that his son should follow the tame profession of 
 law, be a notary, dressed in black, I never could com- 
 prehend. Or better, yes, I think that it could be traced 
 to a yearning on the part of my dear mother, that I 
 should be of the calling of her father, who was a barrister 
 of some renown at Sarrelouis. Moreover, her life was 
 made unhappy by the prolonged absence of my father 
 when engaged in the wars of France. 
 
 "She was constantly reminding me, when I would 
 tell her of my youthful desire to don the uniform 
 and join the army of my country, that promotion 
 in the army only came to nobles, and then by favorit- 
 ism. In this, too, my father heartily joined. I 
 recollect on many occasions I have heard him speak 
 in the most bitter terms of the rule of the nobles. He 
 said that under their rule only men belonging to their 
 class could be advanced in the army that family and
 
 162 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 lineage were the only necessary passports to higher 
 places that valorous deeds among the so-called plebeians 
 counted for naught. It was blood lineage family that 
 was needed to reach high offices in the army. I think 
 that condition of affairs imbittered my father's life that 
 is, the latter part of it. From his old comrade in arms I 
 had learned that he had won distinction on several occa- 
 sions which should have brought him at least a modicum 
 of recognition from those high in authority. That 
 reward to which his services justly entitled him never 
 came. Hence I should say that perhaps my father's 
 aversion to have me enter the army sprang directly 
 from his own experience, which was laden with the in- 
 gratitude of his superiors. 
 
 "Still, all the bitterness on the part of my father, and 
 the tearful remonstrances of my mother, did not deter 
 me from entering the army before my twentieth birth- 
 day. I had, all through my boyhood, dreamed that I 
 was destined to achieve military renown. These boyish 
 fantasies filled my mind, and there was nothing left 
 for me but ill-concealed disgust in poring over manu- 
 script in the dusty office of the old notary under whose 
 tutorage my mother fondly hoped I would acqiiire 
 fame. 
 
 ' ' I had at odd moments learned to become somewhat 
 proficient in swordsmanship. One of the old soldiers who 
 was with my father had taken quite an interest in my 
 boyish enthusiasm, and had drilled me in the use of 
 arms, so that before I entered the army I ranked as an
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 163 
 
 expert swordsman. The knowledge came useful to me 
 sooner than I expected, as I will tell you later on. 
 
 "It was a beautiful spring morning when, attired in the 
 uniform of the Fourth Hussars, the regiment which I 
 first joined, I called on my mother to advise her of the 
 action that I had taken. I had enlisted, and I knew 
 that any objections which she might offer would not 
 avail. As I came up the path leading to the porch 
 where she was sitting, I well remember the expression of 
 horror which overspread her features when her eyes first 
 rested on my uniform. She said: 'Well, Michael, so 
 you would not heed your mother's wishes. You will 
 always be a poor soldier, and you might have become a 
 good lawyer.' I had expected a flood of touching 
 words, but they never came ; she seemed to realize that 
 protestations were useless, and like a sensible woman 
 she accepted the situation without any further words. 
 I asked where I would find my father. A stern voice 
 behind me replied: 'He is here.' Turning, I was 
 accosted by my father. He was much perturbed, but he 
 seemed to take a different view of the matter from my 
 mother. He said: 'My son, I see signs in the skies 
 which portend a coming storm ; it is a storm which may 
 topple a throne and sweep the cursed nobles along with 
 it. The people of France will rise ; but as to the out- 
 come, the finale, it is difficult to predict. In your veins 
 flows a soldier's blood. It has asserted its dominancy, 
 and you are impelled by that strange force, which is 
 destiny, to don a soldier's uniform. Perhaps the
 
 164 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 rights which were denied the father may not be withheld 
 from the son. You will rise, my son ; I feel that strange, 
 unaccountable assurance that your future will be bright. 
 Last night I dreamed that you had won military glory 
 for yourself and for France. But there came, before the 
 dream was over, a cloud black as night and obscured 
 the brilliancy of your achievements. "What is it? How 
 strange these dreams! and yet to a large extent they 
 come true! This is the first time that I have in my 
 dreams referred to you ; and it is doubly strange that 
 this day you should appear before us in the garb of a 
 soldier. ' 
 
 "My father had in his make-up a large element of the 
 superstition so common in soldiers of that period. 
 
 "His words thrilled me; they seemed to burn them- 
 selves into my heart in letters of fire. I found myself 
 that day oft repeating them, and asking were they 
 prophetic. 
 
 "The words uttered by my father never left me. "Were 
 they true ? I will tell you as I give you the brief chap- 
 ter of my life. At once I began to like the life of a 
 soldier, and I found that the knowledge which I had 
 acquired of the use of arms stood me well in hand. The 
 regiment in which I enlisted was composed of dashing 
 daredevils, who, when they were not fighting the enemy, 
 were fighting among themselves. Dueling became so 
 common among non-commissioned men, as well as with 
 the officers, that stringent laws were put in force to 
 suppress its frequency. I was a giant in stature then,
 
 THE SWORP OF THE PYRAMIDS. 165 
 
 and although I was young in the regiment I soon 
 acquired the reputation of being a good fencer. I have 
 often thought, looking back over my career, that had it 
 not been for my soldier tutor my military career would 
 never have been written. I was young, strong, and I 
 took pride in my strength as a swordsman and never lost 
 an opportunity to display it. One day at a wine house 
 in Metz a fencing master passed an insult upon our own 
 regimental fencing teacher. I was then a non-commis- 
 sioned officer, and as our party were sitting at a near table 
 we decided to at once resent the insult without referring 
 it to the fencing master, who had been wounded slightly 
 in a bout with the offender. His words were a reflec- 
 tion upon the regiment, and I begged the men present 
 to allow me to deal with the offender. Before we had 
 settled the matter as to who should have the honor of 
 calling out the master he had seized a goblet of wine 
 and dashed it full in my face. I sprang to my feet, 
 drew my sword, and those around quickly cleared a 
 space. Our blades crossed, and back and forth across 
 the floor we surged, a wall of steel between us. The 
 fight was well on when suddenly a party of soldiers 
 entered and we were placed under arrest. Dueling was 
 a serious offense. We were imprisoned, and it seemed 
 as if my military career would then terminate. How- 
 ever, through the influence of my friends, we both aftef 
 a time obtained release. I was still smarting from the 
 effects of that insult which even a prison wall would no! 
 remove. Therefore I renewed my challenge, and
 
 106 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 arranged through my brother officers a secret meeting. 
 The meeting came off in an old vineyard near where 
 we were garrisoned. In all my life I never can recollect 
 such a single combat as that which occurred at early 
 dawn in the old San Bernado Vineyard. I had sworn to 
 cut off the hand which threw the goblet, but I could get 
 no opportunity to get within his guard. Sometimes I 
 found myself hard pressed, and was placed on the defen- 
 sive. My turn came, the opportunity for which I sought. 
 In recovering from a fierce lunge at me he had inad- 
 vertently uncovered. Like a flash my blade found the 
 opening and the hand which held the sword dropped to 
 the ground, severed at the wrist. 
 
 "Although we used every effort to conceal the particu- 
 lars, yet they were scattered among the army. I never 
 was arrested for the part which I took. The event 
 caused my fame as a swordsman to become known 
 throughout France. The fencing master could no longer 
 follow his profession, and years after when I learned of 
 his poverty, I enlisted the government in his behalf and 
 he secured a pension as a solder. 
 
 "It was 1789. All royalist Europe was alarmed. The 
 abolition of titles was proclaimed. Smarting under the 
 loss of their privileges, the nobles were almost ready to 
 side with the invaders of France. Still, the common 
 danger brought them to their senses. 
 
 "The Revolution opened the field for my advancement. 
 Plebeian birth instead of being a bar was then an aid to 
 promotion. The man of humble birth might aspire to
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 167 
 
 the highest position of military honor. There was 
 plenty of fighting to do ; all the monarchical countries of 
 Europe seemed arrayed against the young republic. I 
 was attached to the staff of Lamarche, and was after- 
 ward with General Kleber. It was in the campaign 
 against the Austrians that I won my first advancement. 
 
 "It is not my intention in these papers to dilate upon 
 personal deeds, which my countrymen were kind enough 
 to characterize as valorous. Let me add that in seven 
 pitched battles we defeated the enemy and beat them 
 back across the borders. My services in that campaign 
 won me the commission of adjutant-general. It was 
 about this time I met the young Corsican whose deeds 
 were to startle the world. Napoleon Bonaparte had then 
 begun to demonstrate those masterly qualities which so 
 highly distinguished him from his fellow-men. Sprung 
 from the middle class, he knew intimately the acts 
 necessary to win them. 
 
 "He was then penetrating to the heart of Italy with 
 thirty thousand troops. In this campaign I again 
 figured. With one hundred dragoons, the very flower 
 of my command, I was enabled to accomplish some very 
 satisfactory results, principally in the surrender of 
 Wurzburg, gaining there my title of brigadier-general. 
 Shortly after, at Nemvied, with a few hundred of trusty 
 horsemen, I had broken through the Austrian lines ; the 
 enemy were too numerous; they fairly submerged us. 
 My steed fell with me into a deep ravine, and surrounded 
 by the enemy I was captured after having broken my
 
 168 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 sword in vainly resisting. After arriving in the camp of 
 the enemy they made merry over the appearance of my 
 steed. They remarked sneeringly that infantry could 
 capture such a horse. They permitted me to mount, and 
 no sooner was I in the saddle than my faithful horse 
 darted forth as if shot from a canon. The alarm was 
 given so quickly that I saw I could not get beyond the 
 inner lines, and came back to the spot where my captors 
 were standing, amazed. My horse as well as myself was 
 treated with the greatest of consideration after that. 
 Shortly after I was, through exchange, permitted to 
 rejoin my command, which then was increased to a divi- 
 sion. Thes.6 are incidents, my son, which marked my 
 career. It was during the campaign in Italy that I be- 
 came intimately acquainted with Bonaparte. His bril- 
 liant accomplishments in Italy had brought him before 
 France. He returned a conqueror ; Paris was at his feet. 
 His conquests, reaching up to the very shadow of the 
 pyramids, had endeared him to the people. They were 
 heartily tired of the old government, and having found 
 the man destined to lead them, they were willing to at 
 once recognize his ability. He became first consul. It 
 was about the time when we returned from the Italian 
 war that I first met Paul Barras, then director. This 
 Barras, whom I disliked, was by birth an aristocrat, allied 
 by blood to the noblest families of France. His youth 
 was passed in the wildest kind of dissipation. When the 
 Revolution came he cast his lot with the anti-royalists 
 because he thought they would win, knowing as he did
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 169 
 
 the injustice suffered by the people at the hands of the 
 aristocracy. He thought that the nobility could not 
 stay the rising tide. Hence he was outwardly against 
 them, while all the time he was in sympathy with them, 
 and hated the common people. His open espousal of 
 the cause of the people won for him a high position. In 
 time he became virtually a dictator. He had met young 
 Bonaparte at Toulon, and, himself being a man of keen 
 discernment, at once saw the remarkable intellect of the 
 man destined to lead France to glory. Barras, selfish 
 man, thought by helping Napoleon to a position he 
 would be advancing his own interests. Therefore this 
 man was instrumental in securing for the young Corsican 
 advancement. Little did he know that the young eagle 
 would soon grow his own wings, and clip his. This hap- 
 pened when Napoleon came back and all Paris fell at his 
 feet. Barras himself loudly proclaimed that he, Barras, 
 was the real author of Napoleon's victories; that he had 
 planned the campaign ; that his ideas had been carried 
 out ; and that to him belonged the entire credit of the 
 battles won. Of course, to soldiers who had seen not 
 only the personal valor of Napoleon on innumerable 
 occasions, but his wonderful strategic brilliancy as well, 
 such mouthings from a man like Barras were preposter- 
 ous and absurd. I recollect well what the Austrian gen- 
 eral said at Lodi of Napoleon : 'No one seems to know 
 what he is about. The French general is a young block- 
 head who knows nothing of the regular rules of war. 
 Sometimes he is on our right, at others on our left, now
 
 170 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 on our front, and presently in our rear. This mode of 
 warfare is contrary to all system and is utterly insuf- 
 ferable. ' And still an egotistical blatant like Barras 
 mouthed before his associates that Napoleon only exe- 
 cuted his orders. 
 
 ' 'The rancorous venom of this man was something 
 amazing. He was a defamer not only of Napoleon ; for 
 with him it made no difference whether it was man or 
 woman ; if the latter, he, forgetting the hereditary gal- 
 lantry of the French, would claim the most intimate rela- 
 tions with her. Barras was an unscrupulous defamer of 
 men and women alike, and was a person of the most 
 utterly contemptible character. There is no doubt 
 that Josephine de Beauharnais was the mistress of this 
 man before her marriage to Napoleon. The open boast 
 which he made of the liaison with Madame Beauharnais 
 did not, for some reason, reach the ears of Napoleon, who 
 was a soldier, and wrapped deep in his profession. He 
 had no direct way of knowing of the relations which 
 existed between Barras and Madame Beauharnais. It was 
 at the salon of the director that Napoleon met her. He 
 was at the first desperately enamored of the Creole. Her 
 chief charm was not her face, but her form, which pos- 
 sessed the lissomeness of the Creole. It was at the time 
 when Paris was plunged deep in the excesses which 
 followed the ^Revolution. Barras was a leader of the 
 decadent set. Possessing all the vices of the old regime, 
 he was the acknowledged head of the dissolute coterie 
 which had headquarters at his salon. There was Madame
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 171 
 
 de Stael and Madame de Tallien, with both of whom Barras 
 boasted of the most intimate relations. Into this fast set 
 came the youthful, unsophisticated soldier. The intoxi- 
 cating southern charms of Madame Beauharnais inthralled 
 him. He was madly, passionately, devotedly in love with 
 her. She was poor, having had two children to support 
 since her husband, the marquis, was guillotined. Madame 
 Tailien had become interested in her to the extent that 
 she brought her under the protection of the director. 
 Blinded by love and unacquainted with the depravity 
 which existed among the upper classes in Paris, Napo- 
 leon saw only the sensuous Creole, whose lissome form 
 diffused that intoxicating perfume peculiar to her race. 
 All the while Napoleon was carrying on his courtship 
 she was continuing her intrigues with the director. 
 They had a little cottage just outside Paris where weekly 
 she met the director, whose coming was always heralded 
 by the arrival of innumerable hampers and baskets of 
 wine. Then, perhaps, a merry troop of the director's 
 confreres would join them. All this was common talk in 
 the army. But no one knowing of the love of our com- 
 mander dared to bring the gossip of the boulevards to 
 him. Besides, the whole town and court, the city and 
 civilians, were drunk with the same vintage. One could 
 not be gloomy in the gay whirlwind of Paris. The 
 nation had given itself up to pleasure and luxury, the 
 Reign of Terror had become a dream. Amid all the beau- 
 ties of Paris, Napoleon had selected a woman past the 
 freshness of youth. True, she possessed that indefinable
 
 172 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 Creole charm, together with a suppleness of form, which 
 gave her attraction. Napoleon loved her ; he married her 
 shortly before he left as commander-in-chief of the army 
 of Italy. All through the campaign that followed he 
 sent to his wife epistles which breathed of the passionate 
 adoration which he held for her. In the fierce battles 
 from Arcola to Lodi it would seem there could be but 
 little time for aught save the science of war; yet love 
 was uppermost in the thoughts of the man who was win- 
 ning battles and replenishing the depleted treasury of 
 France. 
 
 "Toward Paris were rumbling huge wagon trains 
 freighted with plate, money, statuary, paintings by the 
 old masters, which gave an impetus to French art. 
 Napoleon was grimly carrying out his words that 
 'Wars must pay their own expenses. ' Reports then began 
 to reach him that Josephine was not leading just the life 
 she should. Around her was installed a circle of admir- 
 ers, and she, indolent and indifferent, neglected replying 
 to Napoleon's letters. These reports flung him into the 
 depths of the blackest despair. His men, trained in a 
 religion full of mysticism, held him in an aimost super- 
 stitious adoration as he led them on from victory unto 
 victory. His own personal courage at all times gave 
 them a glorious example. All this time the insidious 
 work of Barras was going steadily on. Stories of Jose- 
 phine's intimacy with certain officers were set afloat; 
 and one by one the stories of Madame Bonaparte's infidel- 
 ity reached the tent of the war-tossed conqueror, where,
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 173 
 
 dreaming of Oriental conquests, he led his hosts over the 
 sands of Egypt up to the very shadows of the pyramids. 
 These rumors at times seemed to unnerve the com- 
 mander, and I think, as proof indisputable began to 
 pour in upon him, he saw clearly the part played by the 
 despicable Barras. His heart, so full of love, was turn- 
 ing to steel. The warm channels which pulsed so full 
 of tenderness for his wife were chilled. After his return 
 to Paris it was only through the pleadings of his 
 adopted children, one of whom, Eugene, had been with 
 him in Egypt, that he consented to pardon his erring 
 wife. "While the private life of the first consul was 
 clouded with sorrow, his public life was one of public 
 glory. When he came into power Barras, the director 
 who stabbed him in the back, was exiled, and never dur- 
 ing the subsequent reign of Napoleon did he have an 
 opportunity to spew his vile mouthings upon the people 
 of France. Toward his wife the first consul, to all out- 
 ward appearances, was a devoted husband, yet to those 
 who had an insight into his private life it was plain that 
 he was coldly indifferent. The indolent Creole had 
 thrown away by her heartless liaisons the empire of love 
 over which she had formerly reigned. She never again 
 assumed the scepter over the conqueror's heart."
 
 J74 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIH. 
 
 THE MAN OF DESTINY. 
 
 "As first consul Napoleon was renowned for his wisdom. 
 His ability was not alone in the line of military strategy 
 and personal valor, but his wisdom in the councils of 
 state was remarkable for its logic. With this man of 
 destiny there seemed to be one predominant impulse to 
 make the French people freer stronger better. He 
 divested state customs of their useless appendages. 
 The old way was nothing, provided it was hampered with 
 conventionalities which seemed to him absurd. Every- 
 thing must be made clear to the people. The most 
 philosophical and erudite argument could not swerve 
 him from reducing the workings of the state department 
 to the practical, common-sense platform which could be 
 plainly overlooked by the common people. In that wa3 r 
 he won their confidence. It was his genius which dom- 
 inated the legislative and the administrative affairs of 
 France. That God-given intellect won for its possessor 
 the veneration of the most learned men in Europe. The 
 conquerors of history, Alaric, Attila, Csesar, had been 
 military dictators annihilators rather than promoters 
 of human freedom. This man, our chief, was as great
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 175 
 
 in steering the ship of state as in leading war's red hosts 
 to victory. Under his reign France made wonderful 
 advances in science, literature, art, and music. Her peo- 
 ple were free, happy, and the vineyards and harvest 
 fields rang with the merry songs of the contented 
 people. His assumption of the imperial crown was 
 solely for the reason that with the additional power he 
 could make France freer greater by the reduction of 
 her enemies, foreign and domestic. For you should 
 understand that the dark brood of plotters lurked even 
 within the walls of Paris. There was an attempt to kill 
 the first consul by the explosion of a bomb. Always 
 loyal to his supporters, he distributed to the generals 
 who had won his esteem and confidence the highest 
 military gifts. It was then, my son, that I received that 
 title which my boyish lips had often whispered a mare- 
 chal of France. Is it any wonder that I worshiped the 
 emperor! I recollect the day that I carried the news 
 personally to my father. He was quite ill. As I bent 
 over his couch and whispered the words announcing my 
 title, he 'sat bolt upright, while a look of ineffable joy 
 stole over his features : 'Ah, thank God, who has given 
 us Napoleon! Michael, I can now die happy but that 
 dream will your future be darkened?' And he fell back 
 upon his couch the spark of life had fled. What sad- 
 ness, what scenes of triumph, of joy and bitter disap- 
 pointment I recall as I pen these lines! There come 
 trooping out from the dark galleries of memory forma 
 long since laid away, forms which once pulsed with the
 
 176 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 warm current of youth, beauteous figures over whose 
 heaving bosoms glowed rich and sparkling jewels, manly 
 figures on whose proud breasts glittered orders of the 
 highest degree. I can see the stately Notre Dame, the 
 vaulted roof re-echoing the sacred chanting of the priests, 
 who invoke the blessing of Almighty God upon the 
 coronation of the emperor. I can see the brilliant uni- 
 forms, the nodding plumes, the royal cortege as it moves 
 with stately sweep adown the aisle toward the throne of 
 France. Napoleon, our emperor, garbed in the imperial 
 trappings of his high oflice, appears singularly calm. 
 There is hovering over his face a tender smile, that sen- 
 sitive mouth is closed, and the firm lines drawn about 
 either corner show the inflexibility of the nature that 
 dwelleth within. As the pope raises the crown of 
 Charlemagne, there is a sad look stealing over Napoleon's 
 face. Can he have penetrated the secret of the future? 
 Can that kingly mind have then peered through the 
 shadowy portals of time and caught a fleeting glimpse 
 of Elba of Waterloo of St. Helena? That laurel- 
 crowned brow is of marble paleness as it supports the 
 crown of Charlemagne. Then, as the pope anoints the 
 crown and closes with the words to God, 'Napoleon, 
 whom we thus anoint emperor in your name,' a flush 
 of red surges like a hot wave across the pale cheek of the 
 emperor, his eyes flash as I saw them flash when he led 
 the men across the bridge at Arcole. The spirit of the 
 soldier for one brief instant dominates, and while it lasts 
 he is the personification of the war god. Then the red
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 177 
 
 flush recedes and his face is half-turned from me, show- 
 ing a profile like unto a Greek god. It is Josephine's 
 turn, and I partly turn my head away. I have an aver- 
 sion for this woman I cannot control, even though she 
 is to be my empress. The emperor with quiet dignity 
 advances as Josephine gracefully inclines her beautiful 
 neck, places his crown upon her head while she kneels at 
 his feet. She looks up at the emperor smiling, though 
 her tears are falling fast. There is for one brief instant 
 a mutual telegraphy of love between them ; their faces 
 are radiant with inexpressible beauty, while the cords of 
 love seem to bind them. A breath, then a murmur 
 then like a huge wave gaining strength as it advances, 
 and the suppressed applause of the assemblage rolls 
 toward them the Emperor and Empress of the French. 
 The vision is over. 
 
 "Armand, many times as my thoughts have drifted back 
 to that memorable time when the people, through their 
 chosen officials, had assembled to witness the coronation 
 of their emperor, have I wondered at the changing lights 
 which I saw sweep across the emperor's face. Could his 
 prophetic vision have foretold the future? I saw again 
 the same sad look at Fontainebleau, when he bade us fare- 
 well farewell to the marshals of France. 
 
 "After the coronation came years fraught with anxiety, 
 carrying with them such a responsibility as the world 
 never had witnessed. Yet above all the waves of passion 
 and rivers of blood which ebbed across the continent, 
 Napoleon stood like a giant oak, sturdy and upright
 
 178 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 while the currents surged at his feet. Where did he 
 get his knowledge, his ability, his intellect to master the 
 perplexed conditions of the times? Where did Galileo 
 obtain his Shakespeare Luther Washington, but 
 from the Divine power which had through them worked 
 miracles? The monarchs of Europe, jealous of the 
 miraculous advance made by the new emperor, whom they 
 designated the Corsican parvenu, were constantly form- 
 ing combinations to annihilate the plans for French 
 greatness which were evolving from the brain of Napo- 
 leon. All this time he was fast uprooting the feudalism 
 of old from the Italian and Germanic states. He gave 
 to his subjects personal liberty, equality before the 
 law, religious tolerance. He planted the tree of human 
 liberty so deep that the combined monarchs of Europe 
 never could uproot it. It was these new ideas, freedom 
 of speech and thought, which were distasteful to the 
 men who alleged that they ruled by divine right. Napo- 
 leon was placed on the throne by nearly four million 
 ballots. They could understand that under the bright 
 rays from the Napoleonic lamp the dark corners in their 
 realms must be made bright. Hence the man who 
 threw ancient customs to the wind must be annihilated. 
 This was the spirit against the youthful conqueror ; for 
 young he was, only thirty -five, when the iron crown of 
 Lombardy was placed upon his brow. It was the one 
 thing on which the cunning Russ, the haughty Austrian, 
 the fiery Hun, the phlegmatic Prussian and the stolid 
 Briton all agreed Napoleon must be annihilated-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 179 
 
 "I cannot enter into details of the campaign that fol- 
 lowed, the long marches, the brilliant maneuvers, the 
 lightning-like handling of troops, all dominated and 
 directed by that imperious genius whom combined 
 Europe could not subdue. Plainly I can recall those 
 long marches, through icy slush, over tortuous moun- 
 tain paths, the emperor himself setting the example to 
 us all. When the men were weary and footsore, or when 
 harassed by the enemy, he would talk to them encourag- 
 ingly, take them in his confidence, and if a storm of 
 musketry was withering the ranks, he would ride uncon- 
 cernedly down and take his observations as calmly as if 
 inspecting a brigade drill. Such fearlessness, indiffer- 
 ence to danger, and almost touching consideration of his 
 men won for him their superstitious adoration. 
 
 "Shall I ever forget that night's bivouac before Auster- 
 litz ! The night was cold, bitter cold, and a heavy fog 
 spread over the armies that were to hurl themselves to- 
 gether at early dawn. Napoleon had divined the inten- 
 tion of the allied leaders, and all night was placing his 
 reserves in position, giving instructions to the officers 
 and encouraging the men. His physical endurance was 
 remarkable. I know that for the week previous he had 
 scarcely removed his boots, and all that night he was 
 omnipresent and apparently in the best of health and 
 spirits. It was the anniversary of his coronation. I 
 called at his headquarters to obtain his last instructions, 
 because I commanded the center, and we were to attack 
 first. As I entered his tent he was facing me, with his
 
 180 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 hands folded across the back of his chair ; his hat was on 
 and his brow was corrugated with deep thought for the 
 plans for the morrow. He never moved, but said : 'Mar- 
 shal, I have just completed my plans. At eight o'clock 
 to-morrow the fog will have lifted; be in readiness to 
 attack the enemy's center, provided you hear the signal 
 gun fired once then attack. We will win, I have that 
 presentiment. When the sun goes down to-morrow the 
 eagles of France will float proudly over Austerlitz!' 
 Prophetic words! I was nervously awaiting the time 
 for the gun to give the signal for our charge. A few 
 minutes before the appointed time the fog lifted like a 
 veil ; there before us, just as the emperor had planned, lay 
 the armies of Russia and Austria. Before their officers 
 had an opportunity to recover from their astonishment 
 the signal gun had boomed, and the emperor himself 
 dashed down my line ; we were off, and so fierce was our 
 onslaught that we broke the enemy's center. The im- 
 perial guard of Alexander could not withstand the wild 
 charge of our troops, who knew that the eyes of the 
 emperor were on them. All day long the irnpurpled tide 
 of battle ebbed and flowed, but ere the fall of night the 
 eagles of France perched triumphant over the bloody 
 marshes of Austerlitz. The lull that followed was but a 
 breathing spell. Prussia and Fjngland were jealous of 
 the advances made by France, and openly proclaimed that 
 French politics had been the scourge of humanity for 
 fifteen years. Napoleon labored hard for peace but 
 after months of bitter correspondence came conflict.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 181 
 
 The war that followed was bloody. We had only time 
 to "burnish our arms when were hurried on to the historic 
 fields of Jena. Here I won the warm praise of the 
 emperor. I think, Armand, that I can truthfully say 
 that Jena was the grandest battle of my life ; but I will 
 not show my weakness in recounting my personal 
 achievements. After Jena came Friedland, and our 
 triumphal entry into Berlin. Such fighters were those 
 Prussians, such swordsmen ! the most soldierly race I ever 
 met; their bravery compelled my admiration. After 
 Friedland came the historic meeting of the Emperors of 
 France and Eussia and the King of Prussia. How my 
 mind reverts to the old struggle at Jena ! Before that I 
 won the battle at Elchingen, in honor of which the em- 
 peror had conferred upon me the title of Duke of Elch- 
 ingen. My associations after that with him were of the 
 closest. But at Jena my best work was done. The 
 brave Prussians could not turn the army which swept 
 toward them like an avalanche. The words that Napo- 
 leon said to me with his face glowing with the inspira- 
 tion of battle, were: 'Marshal, you have handled your 
 command nobly, better than I have ever witnessed upon 
 any field. ' 
 
 "I was recalled from a mission to Switzerland to take 
 part in the affairs of Spain. The abdication of the Bour- 
 bons resulted in placing Napoleon's brother Joseph on 
 the throne of Spain. Joseph was a weak man, and soon 
 there was a general revolt against him. The presence of 
 the emperor there later was, however, inspiring to the
 
 182 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 Spanish people. He gave them a liberal constitution. 
 The horrors of the inquisition were ended, interstate 
 customs were done away with. But under a religious 
 enthusiasm enkindled by the priests, the rebellion grew. 
 Owing to plotting in Paris against the emperor, he was 
 compelled to return at a time when his presence was 
 imperative to carry his plans to success in Spain. 
 
 "Dark plots were being formed in Paris during the 
 emperor's absence in the peninsula. No man could 
 have attained such prominence without exciting jealousy. 
 Constant rumors began to reach his ears of the intrigues 
 which were going on at the capital. It caused his return 
 to Paris when his masterly hand was most needed in 
 Spain. Talleyrand, the most cunning and subtle of the 
 arch plotters against the emperor, was aided in perfecting 
 his plans by Fouche, who had been commissaire of police 
 during the period when the emperor was consul. He 
 was a most excellent and worthy mate for the unprin- 
 cipled Talleyrand. These men were indebted to the 
 emperor for numerous favors, as he had given them many 
 positions of trust and honor in the filling of which they 
 were unfaithful to their chief. They awaited the emper- 
 or's absence from the capital to set their insidious plans 
 in motion. Talleyrand, the leader, was endowed with a 
 high order of intellect, and his long associations with the 
 affairs of state gave him an intimate knowledge of the 
 weak spots in the emperor's armor. He, like the fawn- 
 ing dog, was preparing to bury his fangs in the hand 
 that fed him. Suspecting him of duplicity, Napoleon
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 183 
 
 removed him from his official position; not, however, 
 before he had succeeded in injecting much of his poison 
 into the channels of state affairs. This two-faced Talley- 
 rand had used every argument to induce Napoleon to 
 commence the invasion of Spain, while on the other hand 
 he was secretly denouncing the move. For months he, 
 through his followers, was blaming the emperor for the 
 abdication of the Bourbons and the placing of Joseph on 
 the throne of Spain ; and at the same time he was hold- 
 ing an official position under him and pouring constantly 
 into his ears persistent words of encouragement to con- 
 tinue in the path which he had marked out. Napoleon 
 said to him before a meeting of high officials : 'You have 
 been a traitor to your duties, you have deceived every- 
 body, nothing is sacred to you, you would sell your own 
 father. I have loaded you down with gifts, but there is 
 nothing that you would not undertake against me. I can 
 smash you as a wineglass, but I despise you too much to 
 take the trouble.' Even the emperor could not then 
 fathom the subtle treachery of this man. I could, in 
 after years, trace the hand of this dark plotter in many 
 of the events which came hastening on. 
 
 "I was recalled from Spain to take part in the war with 
 Austria. It was carnage in fact the profession of war 
 is so terrible that after awhile it becomes fascinating. 
 Many times have I turned on my pillow as my dreams 
 have carried me back amid the lurid war clouds of 
 Europe. Few indeed were the cities over which the 
 eagles of Napoleon did not fly triumphantly.
 
 184 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "The capitals of the Briton and the Turk were exempt, 
 but over the walls of Vienna floated the flag of Austerlitz. 
 With the domestic affairs of the emperor's life I shall 
 deal briefly. Suffice it to say that it was with much joy 
 that I learned of the divorce which legally separated him 
 from the sensuous Creole who had been his wife. Some- 
 how whenever I saw Josephine I could not help recalling 
 the stories of her relations with Barras and others. It is 
 but fair for me to say that this woman had undergone a 
 complete change of feeling toward the emperor. After 
 her marriage to him she had flung to the winds her mar- 
 riage vows and plunged madly into excesses, regarding 
 her husband with coldness and indifference, while his 
 heart was torn and lacerated over her unfaithfulness. 
 She later underwent a complete change of feeling; 
 it was impossible for any one to be long brought into 
 close contact with Napoleon without loving him without 
 adoring that imperial spirit which found a home in his 
 breast. Josephine was not different, and her weak 
 woman's heart had long since capitulated. She loved the 
 emperor with a passion which amounted to veneration, 
 but his heart never returned to her keeping after the 
 cruel shafts had pierced it during the early period of his 
 married life. His love had lost its illusion. There were 
 state reasons for a divorce. France was assured of the 
 perpetuation of freedom under the Napoleonic rule, and 
 it was of the utmost importance that a son should suc- 
 ceed Napoleon. He was married to Marie Louise, 
 daughter of the reigning house of Austria. The enthusi-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 185 
 
 asm of the French people was unbounded when the 
 booming cannon announced the birth of Napoleon's eon 
 the King of Rome. Rejoicings and fetes followed, and 
 Napoleon himself declared it to be the happiest period of 
 his life. But this joy was to be short-lived. In the 
 horizon ominous clouds were gathering. The compact 
 entered into with Russia in regard to the admission of 
 English goods was violated by the czar. Napoleon was 
 sorely irritated when he realized that Alexander was 
 playing him false. He sent to St. Petersburg many 
 documents in relation to the continental blockade ; with 
 him it had become the fundamental law of the empire. 
 To all of his communications, Alexander maintained the 
 strictest silence, vouchsafing no reply. Some of the 
 emperor's letters were almost pleading in their senti- 
 ment. Napoleon desired no war. He wished peace 
 between his people and the Russians, and here is where 
 the poisoned shafts of Talleyrand entered. He had pri- 
 vately sought audience with the czar, and had counseled 
 him to remain silent to Napoleon's pleadings. He said 
 it was preposterous to think of Napoleon invading Russia. 
 The czar lent a willing ear to Talleyrand and' his con- 
 freres and pledged himself to ignore Napoleon's commu- 
 nications. The false Talleyrand knew that Napoleon 
 would advance, that the ignoring of his letters would 
 cause him to cross the Nieman. Then he knew that with 
 the emperor out of France he would be enabled to carry 
 on his propaganda against him. I had a presentiment 
 that disaster would come of the Russian campaign, and
 
 186 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 counseled the emperor against the invasion ; he himself 
 did not then believe that there would be war. He be- 
 lieved that the march of the army of over a half-million 
 men toward his possessions would bring Alexander to a 
 sense of realization of his duty and of his obligations. 
 But true to his word to Talleyrand he preserved a silence. 
 Toward the frontier were hurled Napoleon's legions, 
 while he himself fondly hoped that Alexander's letter 
 would reach him ere he crossed the Jine. The communi- 
 cation came not. Talleyrand had triumphed, the Russian 
 campaign was on. Before us lay the snow-clad plains of 
 Russia. Leagues of barren and devastated fields lay 
 between us and the icy towers of Moscow. For miles on 
 either side our path was through a country where the 
 people had destroyed the crops in fact, ruined fields and 
 smoking villages made the task of securing supplies for 
 our army a difficult one. After the battle of Moskwa, 
 the emperor conferred upon me the title of Prince of 
 Moskwa. It was there we lost fifty thousand men. We 
 reached Moscow with its glittering minarets and fanastic 
 spires, linked together with gilt chains. Backward from 
 its smoking ruins and flame-swept squares lay our route. 
 The horrors of that homeward march under the leaden 
 skies and wintry blasts of Russia ! The suffering which 
 we endured was slight indeed compared with the anguish 
 of the emperor. Who among us could fathom the inner 
 feelings of that mighty soul and read what was passing in 
 it as he gazed in mournful silence at the passing of his 
 ice-clad hosts ? Shattered and worn, we at last reached
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 187 
 
 the Nieman, not the grand army that had marched 
 proudly out with waving banners and throbbing drums. 
 I thought as I followed the last shattered regiment across 
 the river that the enemy had truly starved back the 
 invaders. During our absence the insidious work of the 
 conspirators, Talleyrand, Barras, Fouche and others, had 
 progressed steadily. They had even gone so far as to 
 publish an announcement of Napoleon's death. They 
 had even read in the senate a proclamation to the effect 
 that the imperial government was at an end. This showed 
 to the emperor that the plotters against him were many, 
 and that the disasters of the Russian campaign had been 
 used all over France to turn the people against him. 
 Outside of France the fires of freedom had been kindled 
 by the deeds of Napoleon, the tree of human liberty had 
 been planted so deep that the combined efforts of all the 
 monarchs of Europe could not uproot it. The rulers 
 were convinced that the only way that the growth of lib- 
 erty could be checked was by the annihilation of the man 
 who had with his God-given power instilled the princi- 
 ples of enlightenment throughout Europe. He, the man 
 of glorious destiny, must be destroyed. Hence, my son, 
 we found all Europe marching against us. At home the 
 cunning disciples of Talleyrand, Barras, and Fouche had 
 done much in secret to undermine the faith of the French 
 people in their chosen ruler. Paris had been the very 
 hotbed of Talleyrandism, and it was there that the doc- 
 trine of the plotters was infused into the army. Napo- 
 leon himself realized that even the old guard was against
 
 188 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 him. The apathy of the men who even wore the grand 
 cordon of the Legion of Honor was apparent. The 
 treachery on the part of the men for whom he had done 
 BO much saddened his heart ; the people, the army, the 
 legislative bodies seemed paralyzed with indifference. 
 Napoleon said to me, vhile his eyes were wet with tears, 
 'These people misunderstand me. What would I not do 
 for France and liberty?' Outside of France the hatred 
 of the emperor had become almost fanatical and the one 
 absorbing impulse was to remove him beyond the pale of 
 action. It was a war not against a nation, but against an 
 individual. There could be but one result from the com- 
 bined attacks, front and rear. Our own army was honey- 
 combed with plots against the emperor. What matter 
 how gallantly we fought ! What matter how the genius of 
 Napoleon triumphed over the allied armies! Even his 
 genius could not overcome the treachery of those whom 
 he left behind to protect Paris ; that Paris behind whose 
 walls lurked foes more dangerous than bronzed cohorts 
 of the allied armies wJ- ich were steadily closing in upon 
 her. 
 
 "We were at Fontainebleau when the news reached us of 
 the fall of Paris. The emperor was deeply moved at the 
 condition which confronted him. The lines of sadness 
 deepened upon his face at the news of some fresh deser- 
 tion. Every influence, falsehood, intimidation, and pur- 
 chase had been used, and the army was fast deserting 
 him. In Paris, Talleyrand through his influence with 
 Alexander had triumphed, and Paris turned, through the
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 189 
 
 falsehoods of this man, upon its benefactor, the man who 
 had made it great. Then came the desertion of Mar- 
 mont, and Napoleon, although surrounded by a small 
 army, realized that the frightful combination against him 
 was insurmountable. He who could withstand the shock 
 of battle could not recover from the treachery of his 
 former friends. The nobility of his soul, the sincerity of 
 his love for France was evident, when, upon abdicating 
 his throne he said, while his eyes filled with tears: 
 'There is no personal sacrifice, even that of my life, 
 which I would not make in the interest of France. ' That 
 April morning at Fontainebleau when he bade us farewell 
 who had been true to him to the last ! What saddening 
 echoes ring through memory's gallery as I recall that 
 parting ! We who had faced death on many a hard-fought 
 field, who had followed our leader unmoved through the 
 icy wastes of Kussia, were weeping when the time came 
 to say farewell to our hero, the builder of modern France. 
 Silently, with uncovered heads, we embraced the man 
 who must in history tower above all others. His face 
 was pale, but his manner composed, and as I bade him 
 farewell, he said, while a smile lighted his face: 'Mar- 
 shal, I see the sword still remains with you. ' I replied : 
 'Yes, sire, to be drawn for you and yours forever.' 
 The sword which I wore was the one which he brought 
 back from the battle of the pyramids, and presented to 
 me. It was wrought of the finest steel, and its strangely- 
 jeweled hilt had often been remarked upon. Napoleon 
 had related to me the tradition concerning it. The old
 
 190 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 legend ran thus : That every one who had worn it had 
 been shot, not in the heat of combat, but for the part 
 which they played in uprisings against existing govern- 
 ments. Effendi Tekelan, who was the owner before me, 
 was shot by the order of Napoleon. He laughingly 
 recited, as he rolled a final cigarette, the history of the 
 sword to the emperor just previous to his execution. He 
 said: 'General Bonaparte, there is my sword: it has a 
 long history, a fateful one, and as I am a fatalist I believe 
 that it will continue; give it to some one whom you 
 know to be loyal ; it will then test the strength of tradi- 
 tion. We Mussulmen believe it. ' Before Napoleon pre- 
 sented it to me he told me of its strange history; he 
 asked if, with such a career, I cared to keep it. I replied 
 that for whatever belief the Mohammedans might repose 
 in its effect upon the life of man, I cared nothing, but as 
 a present from my general I should accept it, swearing to 
 wield it only in his or my country's behalf; and if ever 
 upon my person when he or a Bonaparte should call, it 
 would be raised in his behalf. This sword, my son, was 
 with me all through my campaigns. And in spite of a 
 certain degree of skepticism which I inherited from my 
 matter-of-fact mother, I had learned long ere we came 
 together in the courtyard at Fontainebleau to look upon 
 the blade with an adoration that was superstitious in its 
 character. While wearing it I had never up to that time, 
 that sad parting, lost a battle. In the fateful march to 
 the icy minarets and glistening towers of Moscow, I had 
 at the field of Moskwa been beaten back twice by the
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 191 
 
 fierce Cossacks, when noticing that my valet had in his 
 haste in the morning passed me the wrong sword, I 
 quickly dispatched an aide to my headquarters for my 
 sword the sword of the pyramids, as I had named it on 
 account of the location where it passed into Napoleon's 
 possession. When I drew that blade from its sheath it 
 seemed to emit flashes of crimson, and the huge, pale 
 opal in the hilt glowed blood-red. I charged the Russian 
 center, broke through their lines, and in a few minutes 
 the wild Cossacks of the steppes were fleeing before us. 
 It is strange, indeed, Armand, that I, a blunt, plain sol- 
 dier, should have become surcharged with a feeling akin 
 to superstition, from contact with an inanimate object. 
 Such was the true feeling which I entertained toward the 
 sword of the pyramids. I had learned to study with 
 feverish interest the ever-changing lights of the big opal 
 in the center of the crescent in the hilt. In times of 
 peace it was of a beautiful milky color. Before a battle 
 it seemed to emit little steely flashes. In the heat of 
 conflict it became a living globe of fire; it seemed to 
 reflect the crimson tide which flowed about us. I became 
 not only attached to the sword, but interested in its his- 
 tory, and sought through friends in Egypt to trace its 
 ownership through the centuries. Through the prophets 
 of Allah I was able to learn a most remarkable history. 
 It was first owned, so runs the story, by Bajazet, who in 
 1402 exchanged the title of emir for the prouder name of 
 sultan. The banners of the Turk which bore the cres- 
 cent shone victorious from the blue waters of the Medi-
 
 192 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 terranean to Thracedonian and Servian hills. At Nicop- 
 olis he routed the chivalry of France which had mus- 
 tered to roll back the dark tide of Moslem war. Greece, 
 too, was ravaged by his victorious hordes. The glitter- 
 ing crescent of Bajazet seemed to carry everything before 
 it. Then, suddenly, there arose the most terrific warrior 
 that Asia has ever produced Timour, descended from 
 the Zenghis khan who carried his banners to the walls 
 of St. Peter. He fell upon the Eastern frontier of 
 Bajazet with cyclonic force, and everything was swept 
 before the fierce Mongol. At Angora he met Bajazet and 
 utterly routed his forces. It was here he is said to have 
 built a pyramid of twenty thousand bleeding heads. 
 Timour ordered Bajazet to be beheaded with his own 
 sword, and that his mutilated head be placed upon the 
 apex of the pyramid formed by the heads of his slaugh- 
 tered soldiers. Hence you see there is a double meaning 
 in the name that I have given it. It was the sword of 
 the pyramid of Timour. Bajazet, before his execution, 
 called down the curse of the prophet upon all who should 
 wear his sword that they should be executed as well as 
 he. The sword fell into the hands of one of Timour 's 
 generals, who was executed by the fierce janizaries into 
 whose hands he fell. 
 
 "Every part of its strange career is filled with interest. 
 On the throne of the Eastern Empire sat Constantino 
 Palaeologus, the last of the Caesars, himself no unworthy 
 wearer of the royal purple. Before his capital city, 
 Constantinople, rested Mahomet, commanding an army of
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 193 
 
 nearly a hundred thousand fierce followers of the cres- 
 cent. After many attempts to carry the beleaguered 
 city, both by land and by sea, the terrible janizaries at 
 last succeeded in clambering over the ruined walls. 
 Their leader, Hassan, was then wearer of the sword, and 
 with it, say the prophets, he slew Constantino, the last 
 of the Caesars, and the last Christian ruler in the city 
 which bore the name of Constantino the Great. Even 
 on the day of his death, the rites of the Moslem were 
 held under the vaulted dome of St. Sophia. It then 
 traveled back and forth wherever the crescent was flung, 
 from the palaces of the Moor to the blood-stained sands 
 of Egypt. Through centuries, according to the Moham- 
 medan prophets, the curse of the old sultan lived. In 
 spite of its dark past, and the sultan's curse, there were 
 always plenty to wear it. It seemed to possess a mag- 
 netic attraction, for nothing but death would cause its 
 wearer to give it up. Then the man to whom it fell 
 wore it in his turn, unceasingly. This history was not 
 known to Napoleon only the brief words regarding it 
 which were spoken to him by Effendi Tekelan previous 
 to his execution. While I cannot say that I accept the 
 tradition regarding the sword, still there is about it an 
 attraction that I have never yet been able to understand. 
 Yes, it exists, that subtle, inexplicable magnetism, which 
 is beyond comprehension. Whether the attraction lies 
 in the shining blade of steel, the strangely wrought carv- 
 ings, the weird, shifting lights of the diamond-hooped 
 opal in the crescent upon its handle, or in its eventful
 
 194 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 history as related by the followers of Allah, I cannot tell 
 No blade ever influenced me like that. Although its 
 history has been bloody from the time when its first 
 wearer's head crowned the pyramid of Timour, yet there 
 lingers about it a halo of romance as well; tales which 
 speak of the soft twilight among the hills of southern 
 Spain ; tales of daring and of love amid the glittering 
 mosques of the Moslem capital and amid the shifting 
 sands of Egpyt. There is about its history a tinge of 
 romanticism as well as occultism. But, Armand, I must 
 now go back to that sad morning when the emperor said 
 to me: 'Marshal, you still wear tlie sword.' 
 
 "After his departure for his island home what was there 
 left in life for me? Nothing but emptiness, I thought, 
 as with bowed head and moistened eye I turned away. 
 To Paris I hastened. I had one desire uppermost in my 
 mind, to terminate the earthly career of Talleyrand, 
 Barras, and Fouche. One day, while waiting at the 
 entrance of the senate, I met the arch-plotter Talleyrand. 
 I half drew my sword, when a revulsion of feeling caused 
 my hand to drop limp at my side. I was a soldier, not 
 an assassin. Days of idleness in Paris then followed. 
 It is true I was courted by the followers of the Bourbons, 
 whose chief, under the title of Louis XVIII., was king. 
 The highest position in the army was offered me. Still 
 my heart was heavy. I grew gloomy. Activity I must 
 have. And then, if I did not love the money-grabbing 
 Bourbons, I loved France she needed friends. I could 
 at least serve her. If again threatened by foreign foes,
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 195 
 
 I could shed my blood for her and not for Louis, King 
 of the Ducats, who knew as little how to rule as did his 
 brother who was guillotined. Back came the exiled 
 noblesse. Louis gave the people, with immensely 
 patronizing and swaggering airs, certain privileges, 
 which proved to be empty forms. They were ground 
 down in the dust of taxation that Louis, the Ducat King, 
 might sit on his throne. 'As spring approached the 
 mutterings of discontent began to roll over the land ; the 
 misrule of the Bourbons was being brought into stronger 
 contrast with the wise rule of the emperor. It was 
 clearly evident that the love of the people for their great 
 ruler was unquenched. I was at Grenoble when the 
 news reached me of the emperor's arrival at Cannes from 
 Elba. Conflicting emotions swept through my mind. I 
 was a soldier an officer of France. I was officially 
 under the direction of the King of France. But first of 
 all I was a Frenchman, and the good of France was 
 nearest my heart. How could my country be benefited 
 by my marching against the man who had raised her 
 from a mire of corruption, and placed her in the front of 
 the great nations of the earth ? All night long, after I 
 had received my orders from Paris, did I reason as to 
 the best course for me to pursue. To render my posi- 
 tion more bitter the vile Talleyrand, whom Louis had 
 rewarded for his treachery to the emperor with a minis- 
 ter's portfolio, sent me word to bring the emperor back 
 to Paris in a cage. A commotion in front attracted my 
 attention, and riding rapidly ahead, I saw there the
 
 196 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 figure of the emperor. His form had increased in stout- 
 ness, but his eyes had lost none of their brilliancy, and the 
 voice that had made the grand army thrill as with an 
 electric shock, that voice with all its magnetic eloquence 
 was there. I halted, I could hear his words plainly as 
 he said : 'If there be among you a soldier who would 
 kill his general, his emperor, let him do it now, here I 
 am. ' Then a cry went welling up from the entire army, 
 rolling like a huge wave all along our lines Vive VEm- 
 pereur! I halted there stood the man whom I had 
 been sent out to capture. I was a soldier and should 
 obey orders or what? I, a marshal of France, was a 
 traitor. I drew my sword to order my men to fall back 
 into line when I looked at my blade strange fate, it 
 was the sword of the pyramids. That sword, Armand, 
 I had sworn never to use except in the cause of Napo- 
 leon, when I returned to Paris from Fontainebleau after 
 my last parting with the man who stood there before me. 
 That sword who can explain its occult force? had 
 remained untouched by me until that morning. Singu- 
 larly enough, my valet had passed it to me in my hur- 
 ried departure in the morning. Still, I could have 
 sworn that it was in Paris. How strange and inexplica- 
 ble are the workings of fate! The sword of the pyra- 
 mids, no matter by what secret forces impelled, was with 
 me. Should I raise it against my emperor, the hero of 
 France? No, and raising my voice with the swelling 
 thousands I burst through the lines with the glad cry, 
 Vive I'Empereur! upon my lips. Beaching the emperor's
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 197 
 
 side I extended my sword and said: 'Sire, command 
 me.' That paleface lighted up with joy as he warmly 
 embraced me. Did I do wrong ? Let future generations 
 decide, when they shall be able to judge dispassionately. 
 For myself I say this : I obeyed the highest and best 
 instincts of my nature. I was loyal to France in my 
 actions. How could I serve her more nobly or better 
 than by the side of the great chieftain who had done so 
 much for her? Never, in all the intervening years of 
 exile, have I suffered one pang of regret for the princi- 
 ples which I supported at that time. If, in a strictly 
 military sense, my actions were disloyal, as long as I 
 held the king's commission, I say this: a soldier's first 
 and highest duty is to his country. All my life I had 
 served France faithfully, and could I give higher proof 
 of my love for her than by placing my sword under the 
 guidance of the great emperor ? No matter, my son, how 
 the world may look upon my actions, every drop of blood 
 in my veins was ready to be shed for my country every 
 heart-throb was for France. Surcharged with those feel- 
 ings, I offered my sword to him who had done most for 
 my beloved country. We pressed on to Paris and 
 entered its streets with flashing sabers and clattering 
 hoofs. Down we swept to the Tuilleries, whence the 
 frightened Louis had already departed. The allied foes 
 of France were amazed at the action of the emperor, and 
 at once took steps to crush him. Soon dark plots were 
 formed by the Bourbons. Aided by foreign foes, they 
 materially weakened the influence of Napoleon. Then
 
 198 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 again, as my duties brought me into close communion 
 with him, I saw that he had undergone a terrible change. 
 The fact that his wife, the Austrian, had deserted him, 
 and thereby prevented his seeing his son, whom he 
 dearly loved, had saddened him. It was only at times, 
 when under the influence of some powerful excitement, 
 that the inner soul of the conqueror illumined his care- 
 worn features. I remember when I was recounting some 
 of the devilish machinations of Talleyrand and how he 
 had influenced the people through channels that were at 
 his disposal, that the emperor suddenly stopped me. He 
 said: 'Enough, marshal. When I am gone and the 
 petty jealousies which seem to have inspired enemity 
 toward me shall have subsided, then will the people of 
 France be best able to judge of my true intentions 
 toward her. It is written that the seed which I have 
 strewn shall bear fruit which the advanced intellectual- 
 ity of the French people will be best able to enjoy when 
 the feeling of passion which now sweeps over the land 
 shall have subsided. I have labored for France. Me- 
 thinks at times that my mission here is almost fulfilled. 
 Deserted by those of my own blood, by those who are 
 bound to me by the closest ties ; betrayed by those who 
 have fattened on my favors; have I not had my full 
 share of glory and of woe?' Then he fell into deep 
 thought, with a settled look of melancholy upon his 
 features. I noticed that these spells of depression grew 
 upon him. He grew moody, sorrowful, depressed. I 
 said to him: 'Sire, you must arouse yourself. France
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 199 
 
 leans upon you.' His reply was: 'And, Peter' he used 
 to call me Peter at times 'she now leans upon a broken 
 staff.' The armies of the countries of Europe arrayed 
 against Napoleon numbered nearly a million men. It was 
 at Quatre Bras where I encountered Bliicher. It was not 
 my first meeting, and I had learned to respect him for his 
 soldierly qualities long before the hot Belgian sun shone 
 upon the burnished helmets of his cuirassiers in that 
 fateful June. We continued to advance to prevent his 
 junction with the English general Wellington whom I 
 had also met in Spain. 
 
 "Of our struggle at Ligny and Quatre Bras how the 
 emperor himself fell upon them with overwhelming fury ; 
 how Wellington, in consequence of Bliicher 's retreat, fell 
 back to Waterloo I shall touch lightly. Dwell upon 
 those final struggles, those sanguinary charges the first 
 and last battles that I ever lost I cannot. To the blood- 
 red field of Waterloo, where I led the last forlorn hope, 
 my mind will turn in spite of all I can do to prevent it. 
 There come trooping up before me visions of that last 
 great combat. As I write, it all comes back to me. I 
 can see the emperor as he came dashing down and said 
 to me : 'You must break their center or the day is lost. ' 
 The old guard was there, the flower of the imperial army, 
 the men who had on many a field withstood the deadly 
 leaden hail. With nodding plumes and flashing sabers 
 we are moving across the plain. At the sight of that 
 soldierly column in all the brilliant panoply of war, the 
 English cease for an instant their death-dealing batter*
 
 300 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 ies. A lull in the storm, and the next moment the plain 
 is hail-swept, carrying to earth by the hundreds the 
 very flower of the French army. On I Do they falter ? 
 No true Frenchmen, up to the very muzzle of the guns 
 they move. They reel, stagger back flesh and blood 
 cannot stand against that awful rain from close-shotted 
 guns. Back, for France. Back they turn. Fresh men 
 press on and fill up the emptied ranks. What is that 
 from over that low ridge? A long line of men. They 
 wear glittering helmets. I have seen them before. They 
 are Bliicher's, and thirty thousand strong. Stand your 
 ground, men and now for the last charge of the old 
 guard. We reel, we stagger back. What is that? 
 Fresh cavalry on our right flank; and Bliicher's troops 
 in our front ! Steady, men Grouchy will be here to help 
 us. Soldiers of France, stand as you stood at Austerlitz ! 
 Ah, God! we are moving backward. Where are Grou- 
 chy 's fresh troops to aid us? Not here, and the time is 
 long past. Another halt another horse ; four did you 
 say have gone down under me ? What matter this is 
 our last stand, soldiers of the empire. Shoulder to 
 shoulder, close up the ranks; thinning! Well, never 
 show the enemy the back of a Frenchman. The tide is 
 strong; we can stem it; but where is Grouchy? Don't 
 make a rout ; die where you stand ! Still we stagger 
 stumble backward we reel. Waterloo is lost! 
 
 " 'Tis over, and never can I dwell upon the time when 
 the eagles of Napoleon settled down forever on the 
 empurpled plains of Waterloo without the shadowy forms
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 201 
 
 of the struggling hosts appearing before me. With 
 awful distinctness these visions appear to me on each 
 recurring anniversary day of Napoleon's last struggle for 
 the land he loved. The specters of that battle, aroused 
 from their eternal slumber, pass by me in shadowy 
 legions, as they wheel on into line for the last charge. 
 I see the emperor, as he looked when I reached him with 
 all that was left of my gallant troops heroes of a hun- 
 dred fights ! He sat upon his white charger, and in spite 
 of my terrible excitement I saw that he was utterly 
 broken down. I said: 'Sire, we could win even now if 
 Grouchy were only here with his fresh troops. ' To this 
 he vouchsafed no reply, but said in the most saddened 
 tones that I have ever heard him use : 'It is over, and 
 now for death, ' and he plunged forward to hurl himself 
 upon the guns which were sweeping toward us. It was 
 only by force that we restrained him. Then back we 
 fell from Waterloo, beaten and dispirited defeated by 
 the failure of Grouchy to arrive. On the way to Paris 
 the emperor scarcely spoke. He seemed benumbed by 
 some strange influence which he made no attempt to 
 shake off. Once I asked if he had orders for me to 
 carry out in reference to his future plans. He raised 
 his head and said listlessly 'I have no plans for the 
 future, Peter.' 'Peter the Bed,' was the name I had 
 gained at Marengo when my hat had fallen in a charge 
 and my long red hair waved like a banner behind me in 
 the charge. 'Then, sire,' I replied, 'if you have no 
 plans I, your general, would ask of what uae is your
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 army?' 'Of no use. I am through with armies for- 
 ever. ' I thought some action on my part might awaken 
 him from the lethargy into which he had fallen. There- 
 fore I said: 'Then, sire/ drawing my sword, 'if you 
 have no use for the army I then can have no further 
 use for my word/ I broke it in twain across my 
 knee. 
 
 "The action aroused him slightly, and he said: 
 'Broken, like my hopes.' I looked at the two pieces of 
 my weapon which I held in my hand, and a thrill of joy 
 swept over me. I had performed the action quickly and 
 impulsively, and the minute after regretted what I sup- 
 posed to be the destruction of the historic blade which 
 had shone on many fields. I had not changed my uni- 
 form since the day of the final battle. I had on the pre- 
 ceding eve dropped on my couch for a few minutes' rest, 
 when I was suddenly aroused by a member of my 
 staff. 
 
 "The communication which he delivered made my pres- 
 ence imperative at a distant point. I at once donned my 
 coat and sword, which I had thrown off before lying 
 down, mounted my steed, and was off. As was the usual 
 practice among officers of high rank, I had among my 
 effects two or three swords of about the same length and 
 weight, and in the darkness of the tent I had not buckled 
 on the sword of the pyramids, but one fashioned after 
 it. 
 
 "As I did not return again to my quarters I wore the 
 same sword through all that fateful combat when the
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 203 
 
 tri-color of France went down in the gloom of defeat. I 
 repeat, I was glad for two reasons ; the sword I prized 
 it linked me with a glorious past and its history charmed 
 me. Again, while wearing it I had never lost a 
 battle. 
 
 "Now, Armand, do not understand me to say that had I 
 worn the sword Waterloo would have resulted differently. 
 No, not that ; for while I am willing to acknowledge that 
 I may possess a modicum of that which is termed super- 
 stition, so natural to soldiers, yet I cannot attribute the 
 defeat at Waterloo to the fact that the sword of the 
 pyramids was not in my hand. No, Waterloo was lost 
 because Grouchy failed either through stupidity, igno- 
 rance, or treachery to support us. I could not have 
 fought better. But still it was pleasant at that moment 
 to know that my historic blade did not lead me to 
 defeat. Perhaps those who are versed in the mysticism 
 of the Orient can best explain why my feelings were 
 joyful, as I repaired at once to my quarters and buckled 
 my favorite sword upon my person. My joy, however, 
 was short-lived. Immersed in intrigue, the plotters 
 Talleyrand and Fouche sat in Paris. Their control of 
 the two chambers of the Legislature was unquestionable, 
 I saw. Shortly after our arrival Napoleon, owing to 
 certain misrepresentations, abdicated the throne in favor 
 of his son. The lawmakers accepted the provision 
 which he made for his heir; but through the influence 
 of the arch plotter the allies proceeded to the restoration 
 of the Bourbons, not granting the French people the
 
 204 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 right of selecting their own ruler. After his cruel be- 
 trayal by those to whom he gave himself up, there is 
 little to say. The last time I saw him it was for a brief 
 moment. He said: 'It is destiny, Peter, destiny. 
 These hungry wolves are clamoring for my blood; per- 
 haps it is well for them to taste it. '
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 205 
 
 CHAPTER XTV. 
 
 THE DEAD ALIVE. 
 
 "Now, my son, I shall recount an episode which his- 
 tory fails to record. While the allies, having removed 
 their dreaded foe, were wrangling over the slices of ter- 
 ritory which they were to cut from unhappy France, and 
 the enormous costs of the war which bleeding France 
 must pay, I was thrown into prison on the charge of dis- 
 loyalty treason. I, who had fought a hundred battles 
 for France and not one against her, was now under the 
 odious charge of treason. Of course, I had a mock trial 
 given me, and I shall never forget that day when the men 
 appointed by those who desired me out of the world con- 
 demned me, solely because I was loyal to the emperor. I 
 can recall the sneering look upon the face of Marmont aa 
 he entered the room where sat the tribunal which was to 
 condemn me to death. To the infinite credit of my old 
 comrade at arms, Marshal Massena, I wish to say that not- 
 withstanding we had long been estranged, yet he refused 
 absolutely to sit with the council which condemned me, 
 and denounced it as illegal, a statement which brought 
 down upon him the hatred of the Bourbonists. Then 
 there was Wellington England's Iron Duke, the man
 
 206 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 whose sword placed the trembling Bourbon back on the 
 throne ; he openly proclaimed that the council was abso- 
 lutely illegal, and that I had acted entirely from patriotic 
 impulses. Still, arguments would not avail; my blood 
 alone would suffice ; and the hungry appetites of the fol- 
 lowers of Louis must be appeased. I was asked if I had 
 anything to say in defense of my actions. I arose and 
 said: 'Nothing but this: I have always fought for France 
 and will die for her. ' The sentence of death was passed 
 upon me ; I knew this would be. After I had been found 
 guilty I was removed to Luxembourg prison, from which 
 place I was to be taken out and shot by the order of the 
 king the ruler of the country which I had served so 
 long. It is true when the news of my sentence became 
 general, that there was almost a tidal wave of sentiment 
 in my favor. All the efforts in my behalf seemed useless. 
 The king and the council decided that I must die. 
 Wellington, himself a daring soldier, became interested 
 in my case. He called upon Louis at his palace and 
 requested of him a favor. Louis asked of what nature. 
 Wellington replied, that I be restored to France. The king 
 turned coldly away without replying. The day was 
 set for my execution. The date was December 7th. 
 The year 1815. Death itself had no terrors for me. I 
 had in a sense become calloused to fear. My life had 
 been such that I cared but little for the final exit. But 
 the manner of death ! to be shot as a traitor to France ! 
 I false to my country ! Must my name be so recorded 
 on the pages of history ? These thoughts, together with
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 207 
 
 my imprisonment for I was accustomed to life in camp 
 and field made me very miserable indeed. My wretched- 
 ness was accentuated by the reports which reached me of 
 the treatment accorded the emperor in his island prison. 
 So wretched had my existence become that I longed for 
 the day of my execution to arrive. The days dragged 
 heavily and painfully along, and in the narrow confines of 
 my cell I paced, weary and heartsore. At last there was 
 only one day between me and the solution of the mystery 
 of the hereafter. I had written farewell letters to some 
 of my old comrades of bygone days the days when our 
 hearts pulsed with the strength borne of war. I had 
 among others written a farewell letter to my beloved 
 leader that leader who was then suffering indignities 
 heaped upon him by England's officers at St. Helena. I 
 had finished, and the feeling engendered by penning 
 those lines made me sorrowful. I thought of the bitter 
 contrast of the present with the glory of the few years 
 fled. The driftwood of years floated by me, and I took a 
 fleeting glance at each fragment as it went swirling past. 
 Then I thought of my father's dream the prediction 
 that my future would be darkened. Could my father 
 have parted the mystic curtains of the future and fore- 
 seen this? My mind plainly recalled the time that he 
 related it. As I sat there with bowed head, and heart 
 that was heavy, I wondered can dreams be true are we 
 foredoomed? If so what strange, mysterious forces 
 envelop us? forces we fain would analyze and cannot. 
 Ah, well, all this is strange and inexplicable. Why
 
 208 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 should I bother about it? To-morrow I shall have solved 
 the great problem. Now let me turn my attention toward 
 the disposition of my property. After I had completed 
 that I leaned back in my chair and gave a sigh of relief, 
 and said half-aloud, 'And now for death. I will at least 
 die in the uniform of a marshal. ' I laid out my full uni- 
 form and then looked at my sword, which was hanging on 
 the wall. Being an officer of rank, I was granted some 
 extra privileges at Luxembourg. I gazed at my blade ; I 
 saw the shifting lights of the opal, which seemed to glow 
 with some devilish life. Then, like a lightning stroke, 
 it flashed across me. My God the sultan's curse ! The 
 fateful sword of Bajazet had maintained its reputation 
 through the centuries, and I, who had looked upon its 
 tradition with much skepticism, was to be executed as 
 were its former wearers ! For an instant the superstitious 
 dread which my discovery had awakened almost over- 
 powered me, and I seated myself in my chair, while the 
 cold perspiration seemed to ooze at every pore. I tore 
 open the letter which I had addressed to Napoleon, and 
 added the words: 'When I am shot I shall wear the 
 sword of the pyramids. ' Napoleon himself had ordered 
 to execution the man who wore the sword before me, and 
 who told him of its strange career. I had hardly com- 
 pleted the postscript to the emperor when the creaking 
 of the door behind me broke the train of occult thoughts 
 in which my mind was plunged. It was the governor of 
 the prison, who announced to me the fact that the exact 
 hour of my execution would be nine o'clock in the morn-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 209 
 
 ing, on the plains of Crenelle, just outside the city. 
 Then the door swung back and I was left alone with my 
 thoughts. Shortly after, I was again aroused by the 
 opening of the door and the ushering in of a man clad in 
 a long military cloak, who was admitted as the attendant 
 said, 'by the permission of the governor.' The door 
 closed and the man advanced and threw off his cloak as I 
 rushed forward to greet him. That man had been an 
 officer in my 'Terrible Fourth,' an organization which, 
 the emperor said, was to him what the Third Legion was 
 to Caesar. That man had faced death by my side from 
 Marengo to Waterloo. He was with me when the fatal 
 tide bore us, broken and shattered, from that last gory 
 field. He was by my side when the Old Guard made the 
 last grand charge. He was the man whom you have 
 been taught to call uncle the man whom you have be- 
 lieved to be my brother Pierre Breton. He was at that 
 time an officer under the king, who was in ignorance of 
 the close friendship which existed between us. You may 
 imagine that it was with great joy that I greeted Colonel 
 Breton, who after a few words said to me : 'I am the 
 bearer of important news. The king, having no knowl- 
 edge of the strong ties which exist between us, has issued 
 to me instructions to take your execution in charge, both 
 as to time and place. It is now announced on the walls 
 of Paris that it will take place at nine o'clock on the 
 plains of Grenelle. ' 
 
 '"I have been so informed by the governor. You 
 have accepted the commission from the king?' I asked,
 
 210 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 wondering that my old friend should not demur at the 
 instructions to supervise the killing of his general. 
 
 "'I have accepted gladly, nay, joyfully,' he replied, 
 'and have already given to my captain the names of the 
 men who are to carry out my orders. ' 
 
 " 'You act quickly, you always did,' I said slowly. 
 
 " 'I have acted quickly in this case, as there is but 
 little time left me, and I may as well notify you that I 
 also have changed the hour of your execution to an 
 earlier one. ' 
 
 "I looked at him amazed. 
 
 "He continued: 'I have not only changed the time, but 
 the location as well ; and I hereby notify you that in- 
 structions have already been issued by me to proceed with 
 your execution at seven o'clock to-morrow morning. 
 The place will be in the gardens in the rear of this 
 prison. ' 
 
 "I was astonished, and said: 
 
 " 'I will hardly require breakfast, as the time is abbre- 
 viated, and I shall not have the opportunity of a ride 
 before my body receives the bullets. ' 
 
 " 'On the contrary, I think it advisable for you to eat 
 a hearty breakfast, that you may be in readiness to under- 
 take quite a journey,' continued Colonel Breton, as he 
 drew nearer and added in a low tone: 'My appointment 
 is most providential. Do you think, my dear general, that 
 I could shoot you down ? No ; neither does your eternal 
 bivouac begin to-morrow if Pierre Breton can prevent it. 
 Everyone in Paris will read that your execution will take
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 211 
 
 place at Grenelle at nine to-morrow. Hence thousands 
 will be drawn there out of curiosity, and there will be no 
 unusual gathering near here ; for that reason I have decided 
 that the execution shall take place here, while the throngs 
 are pursuing their way to Grenelle. I have notified the 
 governor that a detachment of my men will be here at 
 twenty minutes of seven and that you must be delivered to 
 them. He acknowledged my authority when I showed 
 him the king's seal. At the same time I told him that I, 
 personally, would call upon you to convey the news of the 
 change of time. The men are twelve in number, have 
 served long under you, and can be depended upon. 
 They will be in charge of an officer who will carry the 
 news personally to the king that he saw you fall. The 
 official records will also contain his indorsement that you 
 were executed according to the sentence passed upon you 
 by the council. The volley will be fired ; you will fall ; 
 a physician will certify to the fact of your death ; your 
 friend, young General D'Arville, will at once claim your 
 body ; and as for its disposition, I shall leave that with 
 him/ 
 
 "I looked at Colonel Breton in a bewildered way and 
 stammered : 
 
 " 'Then you mean ' 
 
 " 'That I haven't a man under me who can shoot suffi- 
 ciently straight to kill his general. The shots will be 
 fired. They will go over your head; but you are to fall 
 and feign death. You will be examined by a physician 
 who will testify as to the number of bullets which have
 
 212 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 entered your body. In the meanwhile General D'Arville 
 will have made arrangements for your immediate trans- 
 fer. You will be placed where some newspaper men can 
 inspect your remains. You will see how this is arranged 
 later. But in the event that any suspicion should subse- 
 quently be aroused, we can point to the official records, 
 the physician's certificate, and to the lynx-eyed searchers 
 of the Paris press who have seen your remains, after the 
 execution. We have omitted nothing which shall inter- 
 fere with the successful carrying out of our plans : even 
 my appointment was brought about by foreign influence. 
 You know the influence of Wellington is far reaching. 
 What we could not obtain from the king we have accom- 
 plished without his knowledge ; for by his own appoint- 
 ment has he signed your lease of life. My appointment 
 came late, and it was I who announced that you would be 
 shot at Grenelle, simply to throw all the king's spies off 
 the scent, and turn the morbid curiosity seekers there as 
 well. You will be officially dead at the hour I have 
 named in the morning. You will be buried that is, the 
 casket which is supposed to contain your mutilated re- 
 mains will be laid away to-morrow night in the cemetery 
 of Pere la Chaise. More you shall learn from the gen- 
 eral. I shall see you before your departure from Paris. 
 I shall, with those who are in the secret, see that none of 
 our plans are disarranged. You can depend upon the 
 men. Now I hear the jailer coming. I told him to 
 report at this time,' looking at his watch; 'I will see you 
 to-morrow after the execution. ' Before I had an oppor-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 213 
 
 tunity to recover from my astonishment the door had 
 closed upon the retreating form of Colonel Breton. 
 
 "The whole change of situation for awhile dazzled me. 
 I cannot think now that I was so highly elated over 
 the prospect of living as I was over the idea of cheating 
 the king, Talleyrand, and others who had conspired 
 against the emperor. It gave me the keenest delight to 
 think that at some future day I might reappear in Paris 
 and witness their discomfiture when they saw me, whom 
 they supposed to be rotting under the sod in Pere la 
 Chaise. At that time I had no doubt but that I should 
 again wield my sword in behalf of France. After the 
 excitement and strain of the day came reaction. I flung 
 myself upon my couch and was soon buried in deep slum- 
 ber, from which I was awakened by the pounding of the 
 jailer upon the door of my cell. With him was the gov- 
 ernor, who had himself come to tell me to prepare to make 
 my earthly exit. He entered with a priest who had come 
 at the wish, he said, of Colonel Breton, who knew that I 
 preferred to have the last rites of the church performed 
 before my demise, in my cell rather than where I was to 
 be shot. Breton has overlooked nothing, I thought, as 
 the good father knelt in prayer while I finished dressing. 
 In a few minutes, while I was on bended knee with tha 
 priest, the governor interrupted us with the statement 
 that the guard were outside in waiting. "We arose, and I 
 quickly buckled on my sword, the one with the fateful 
 history, and passed out. The governor, Alphonse Badet, 
 himself had been a soldier of Napoleon, and was much
 
 214 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 affected as he bade me farewell at the gates of the prison. 
 I saw the men plainly as we moved down toward the gar- 
 dens in the rear. I saw also that in spite of the early hour 
 there were a few pedestrains abroad who seemed inter- 
 ested in our procession. We had taken our positions. I 
 stood with my back against the wall in Luxembourg Gar- 
 dens. The file of men, twelve, stood in front of me. No 
 sign of recognition had been flashed between us. The 
 few on-lookers were gazing upon a genuine execution. 
 The officer stood a few feet on one side the file, and with 
 him was the surgeon. The officer came and courteously 
 asked if I wished to be blindfolded. Having received a 
 negative reply, he returned to his place. The bells in 
 stately Notre Dame boomed the hour of seven when the 
 preparatory words were given ; and while the last stroke 
 of the bell was still reverberating the sharp words of the 
 officer rang out 'Fire!' Out of the twelve black tubes 
 into which I gazed leaped a flash of light, and I fell face 
 down upon the grass, rigid and firm. The surgeon knelt 
 beside me. As he ran his hands quickly over my face, 
 and through my hair, he smeared thereon a quantity of 
 blood from a small receptacle which he had concealed 
 about his person. Bloody and rigid, I was quickly 
 placed on a stretcher, a sheet thrown over me, and I was 
 hurriedly conveyed to a covered vehicle which was in 
 waiting outside the grounds. After a short ride the 
 wagon stopped, and I was taken out and carried up the 
 steps of a building, which, I subsequently learned, was 
 the Maternity Hospital. My friends thought it wiser to
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 215 
 
 take me first to a public building rather than to the home 
 of any one. I was quickly placed in a private room where 
 candles were dimly burning. In this room was the 
 casket in which it was supposed I would soon be lowered 
 to my final resting-place beneath the sods in the Pere la 
 Chaise. Into this I was placed by my friends, the blood 
 was wiped from my face, and plasters were placed where 
 the bullets were supposed to have entered. My face was 
 powdered to give it a pallid effect. The candles were 
 placed at a distance where they threw a wan light across 
 my face. The whole arrangement was dramatic and well 
 calculated to produce the impression desired. By this 
 time the news of my execution had spread abroad in 
 Paris. The reporters for the press quickly sought the 
 hospital. They were admitted to the room where I was 
 lying in apparent death. Near me stood my friends that 
 they might prevent any possible discovery. It was their 
 wish to give the most open publicity to the affair in order 
 that the suspicions of my enemies might not be aroused. 
 One reporter came very near me, judging from his voice, 
 and said: 'This day's work is a blot upon the escutcheon 
 of France. The soul which dwelt within yonder garment 
 of clay was true to France. ' It was with difficulty that I 
 suppressed an exclamation. Then Colonel Breton 
 entered, whom I recognized by his voice. He said, loud 
 enough for me to hear: 'The majesty of the law has been 
 upheld; the decree of the council has been fulfilled; the 
 deceased lying yonder requested of me, as a last favor, 
 that as soon as possible after his ignominious death his
 
 216 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 remains be lowered from view forever. It is therefore in 
 accordance with these expressed wishes that I request 
 that the lid of yonder coffin be placed thereon and the 
 body quickly removed to the house of General D'Arville, 
 with whom the dead soldier was on terms of the greatest 
 intimacy. The final interment occurs to-night at Pere la 
 Chaise. ' The lid of the coffin was quickly screwed on. 
 In it I saw there had been made many perforations which 
 enabled me to obtain a sufficient amount of fresh air. 
 The journey to the home of General D'Arville was soon 
 made, and after the coffin had been deposited in a room 
 specially prepared for its occupancy, the general himself 
 removed the lid and assisted me to arise from my close 
 and loathsome quarters. I was much exhausted after the 
 terrible strain to which I had been subjected. Soon, 
 however, I regained my composure and watched with 
 interest the placing of a substance in my recent home of 
 a weight which approximated my own, in order to 
 deceive the men who were to lower th grewsorne recep- 
 tacle in the mold. So well had all the details been 
 attended to that there was not the slightest reason to think 
 suspicion would be aroused, or that any investigation of 
 the coffin would be called for that day. My friends had 
 procured for me a disguise, and when I had donned it my 
 dearest friend would not have guessed that underneath 
 the coat of the provincial merchant beat the heart of the 
 marshal which was supposed to have been cut in twain 
 by bullets on that December morning at Luxembourg. 
 My friends had held many councils as to what I had best
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 217 
 
 do. Some counseled that I should remain in France, 
 and in secret form combinations against my enemies, and 
 at the right time proclaim my true name, which would be 
 a tower of strength in the cause of the people. Others 
 said that it was not safe for me to remain in the land I 
 had fought for. When I learned of their arguments 
 I, after thanking them warmly for saving my life at great 
 risks, said to them that I was a soldier that while I could 
 plan and execute deeds upon the field of battle I could 
 not plan and plot in secret. I was of a nature easily 
 excited and inflammable, so that I could not be trusted, in 
 the trying positions in which I might be placed, to pre- 
 serve my incognito. Under terrible excitement I should 
 be at least liable to detection. Besides, my figure was 
 striking, and would be easily recognized; and then, 
 while I could dye my hair, I could not change the color 
 of my eyes. In fact, I said that it would be impossible 
 for me to remain in France, a menace to the safety of 
 those who had sacrificed much to save me from the king's 
 vengeance. It was decided, therefore, that I should leave 
 Paris on that night. Accordingly, when the men were 
 lowering the coffin bearing my name in the cold earth, I 
 was speeding toward Bordeaux, clad in the garb of a 
 provincial merchant, with my red hair dyed a glossy 
 black. It was decided that I should embark from that 
 city to America. My first tnought was New Orleans, 
 where I could live among French-speaking people. But 
 then in that city I concluded there would be much danger 
 of discovery. Hence I embarked for the port of Charles-
 
 218 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 ton, South Carolina. After a short residence in that 
 city I took a ship for New York, where I had the oppor- 
 tunity of meeting some of my former comrades. There 
 were but few in the secret of my supposed death ; but in 
 some way the sleuthhounds of Fouche had overheard a 
 few words accidentally dropped. This incident had been 
 reported to the king, and after awhile the coffin which 
 was believed to contain my remains was dug up and 
 opened. The startling news was brought to Louis that 
 my remains were not there. My friends had in some way 
 learned of the actions of the king's followers, and the 
 Paris papers contained a sensational account of the 
 exhumation of my body by midnight ghouls, and its sub- 
 sequent sale to a medical college. Still this did not lay 
 the suspicions of my enemies ; but they could unearth no 
 positive proof that the order of the court was not carried 
 out. However, the power of gold will accomplish won- 
 derful results, and one day the emissaries of the king 
 came in contact with a man who was tempted by the 
 alluring offer which they made. He betrayed to them as 
 much as he knew of that dramatic episode in my life. 
 Colonel Breton and General D'ArvilLe learned of the 
 action to be taken in time to escape from France before 
 their arrest, but never again while the Bourbons reigned 
 in France did they set foot on the soil they loved so well. 
 Against the others there could not be collected sufficient 
 evidence to prove connection with my case. And still 
 again, there was no evidence to prove conclusively that I 
 had escaped death at the hands of the soldiers in that
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 219 
 
 morning at Luxembourg. In the events which came 
 crowding on, the interest in the story relating to my 
 escape gradually became diminished as far as the public 
 was concerned. Still all the while the subtle cunning of 
 those close in the councils of the king was exercised to 
 discover me, if alive, in any part of the world. The entire 
 machinery of the government was used, but not one trace 
 of me could be brought to light. The greater part of my 
 property was confiscated. Still I had ample for my 
 humble needs. I was joined later by Colonel Breton, 
 who was exiled from France for his daring in freeing me 
 from the venomous plotting of Talleyrand. I had been 
 attached to him before his sacrifice for me, and now that 
 he had joined me we were companions in exile. We be- 
 came bound to each other by the strongest ties. We 
 lived in both the Carolinas and in Virginia. We were 
 always anticipating that something might occur in 
 France which should hurl the Bourbons from power. 
 Charles X. , like all of his Bourbon line, had a mania for 
 despotic rule ; and poor blind fool he could not read 
 those lessons written in French blood upon the pages of 
 history. By his encroachments upon the liberties of the 
 people he kindled the second Revolution, which even- 
 tually swept him into exile and carried Louis Philippe on 
 to the throne of France. It was Charles who reigned when 
 I received the sad news of the emperor's death. With 
 the man who had made France great cold in death in his 
 island home, it seemed that there was little left for us. 
 With the death of Napoleon our last hope was gone. We
 
 220 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 had then settled down in the village near here. I was 
 following the profession of school-teacher. I needed some- 
 thing to occupy my mind. Therefore I had chosen to 
 take a local professorship. The people here had some- 
 how begun to suspect that I was not just what I pre- 
 tended. I was in the schoolroom when the news was 
 brought of the emperor's death. Strong soldier that I 
 was I was completely overcome by the sad message. My 
 actions at that time only seemed to create new interest in 
 my personality, and there were some who endeavored to 
 trace my career in this country. In small settlements 
 rumor obtains wide range, and the men who became inter- 
 ested in me learned that one time in a near town I had 
 been giving an exhibition of swordsmanship before a local 
 military company. My skill had attracted wide attention, 
 and comment upon my appearance reached the ears of 
 men who we learned afterward were French spies. 
 After that we sought seclusion, and I was careful not to 
 perform acts which should bring me into undue promi- 
 nence. However, there came from across the Atlantic 
 that old story of my escape from death at Luxembourg. 
 This set the gossips to thinking, and soon there came a 
 belief existing here that I was none other than the marshal 
 of France, who did not die, as the official records stated. 
 Into my lonely life then there came a beautiful maiden. 
 I was thrown into her society in my capacity as teacher. 
 Soon I, an old soldier, grizzled and worn, and with, as I 
 supposed, the fount of love as well as of youth long dried 
 within me, found myself in love. At first I would not
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 221 
 
 admit it, but the strength of my love triumphed, and ere 
 long, old and sturdy soldier that I was, was forced to 
 admit that Cupid had found the vulnerable spot in my 
 armor, and that there was only one way for me to repair 
 it. Well, Armand, I cannot say whether it was love for 
 me or for my romantic history which charmed the dear 
 girl who became my wife. I think she did care for the 
 old soldier himself, and as for me, I worshiped her. 
 When I told her of my career she became more and more 
 devoted to me, and she trembled at the very mention of 
 French spies. Before you were born she exhibited 
 greater signs of fear. I saw how greatly she was agitated, 
 and asked that she tell me the cause of her secret grief. 
 It was this : she feared that if the child she was to bear 
 were a son he would suffer at the hands of the spies ; that 
 my enemies would wreak their vengeance upon my son. 
 In spite of all that I could do to reassure her, I could not 
 remove that fear from her mind. She became gloomy, 
 so much so that I became alarmed over her state of mind. 
 I sought by every means to allay her fears, and at last I 
 solemnly pledged myself that if a son, her child should 
 be brought up in ignorance of his father's true name. I 
 swore that I never would reveal to you, until at least you 
 had reached years of manhood, the name which right- 
 fully you should bear. I pledged that you should even 
 be sent away from this locality, where the rumors con- 
 cerning my career could not reach your ears. This was 
 known to Colonel Breton, who in the presence of your 
 mother swore to carry out my contract if he survived me.
 
 222 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 It was then agreed that at an early age you should be 
 sent to New Orleans, and after that to Paris. Pierre 
 Breton swore that never would he tell the story of my 
 life to you. After that pledge I told him that I would 
 write a brief sketch of my life, which in the event of my 
 passing away before him he should leave where you could 
 obtain it after his death and when you should have reached 
 years of manhood. This, my son, will explain to you in 
 after years why the story of your father's life has been 
 withheld from you. You are now at New Orleans under 
 the care of Father Dumois, who is acquainted with your 
 real name. He will guard you. Then next you will 
 visit Paris to complete your education, where I hope you 
 may have the pleasure of meeting the general who aided 
 your father to escape. I refer to D'Arville, who is a 
 younger man than I, and therefore may hold a longer 
 lease of life. Your mother, dear woman, died shortly 
 after your entrance into this world. She passed away 
 while I held her in my arms, and the last words upon her 
 lips were a prayer to me to watch over you. After I had 
 followed her remains to their final resting-place I re- 
 turned here with a heart heavy with sorrow. I had lost 
 the dear love of my later years, and gained a son upon 
 whose manhood I should never gaze. Even then I had 
 signs of a breaking up of my system which at the time I 
 write has become greatly accentuated. My life from the 
 time of your mother's death was given to you. Colonel 
 Breton and myself would oftentimes sit by your cradle 
 and plan for your future. The little boy, Lafe, would
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 223 
 
 roll with you on the floor in your childish play. Since 
 your departure for New Orleans we have ofttimes sat over 
 our after-dinner glass and talked of your future. 
 Armand, I have a one absorbing hope that on the 
 throne of France may still sit a Napoleon, and that you, 
 in whose veins courses my blood, may offer him the 
 assistance of your sword to aid him should he require it. 
 I can distinguish in France to-day certain signs which 
 portend political upheavals. The son of the great 
 emperor may yet wield the imperial scepter over the 
 French. It may be written, and methinks it is, that a 
 Bonaparte shall yet guide the people of France to higher 
 and better things ; that the glorious work begun by my 
 chieftain shall be carried further on by one who bears his 
 name. That name Napoleon contains a magic influence 
 in swaying the hearts of men, and I fondly believe that it 
 has not gone down forever at St. Helena. History has 
 given us many stately figures some in dazzling luster 
 some in deepest gloom. They crowd upon our gaze as 
 the story of the world unrolls before us ; but infinitely 
 nobler than all-^-save the form of our Saviour on the 
 rough-reddened wood at Calvary stands the figure of 
 Napoleon Bonaparte. His is the strong figure among the 
 world's greatest heroes. Should one of his blood ever 
 occupy the imperial throne, will it not be fitting that the 
 descendant of one of his old marshals should support him 
 with his sword? I have this request to make, my son: 
 Should you reach the years of manhood and a Napoleon 
 ask your aid, give it him and you will faithfully carry
 
 224 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 out the only request that I, your father, ask. After read- 
 ing this I trust that your opinions of your father, if 
 harsh, may be softened. I have always acted the part of 
 a patriotic French soldier a soldier who fought for what 
 he believed to be the best interests of France. In the 
 performance of those duties I cannot cite an instance 
 where I have ever regretted the part which I took, or the 
 cause which I upheld. 
 
 "And now, Armand, my son, I have concluded. May 
 your life not be clouded with the darkness which 
 obscured a portion of that of your loving father. 
 
 "MICHAEL NET."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 225 
 
 CHAPTEE XV. 
 
 THE PKIME08E PATH. 
 
 ARMAND BRETON finished reading the manuscript, and 
 then an overpowering emotion took possession of him. 
 And this man, France's great marshal, was his father 
 the man of whom he had spoken lightly to Uncle Pierre 
 as receiving his just deserts when he was executed for 
 treason. Before him was the true record of his father's 
 life. Now it was plain why Uncle Pierre, General 
 D'Arville, and others were so much attached to the 
 memory of Marshal Ney. The mystery of his birth was 
 clear, and the reason why it had been so long kept from 
 him. The unswerving loyalty of Pierre Breton to the 
 oath made in the presence of his dead mother kept him 
 from disclosing the secret years ago. The old man had 
 been faithful to his pledge unto the end. He felt a thrill 
 of pride as his mind reverted to the glorious achieve- 
 ments of his father, which must be forever recorded as 
 among the most brilliant in military history and as he 
 reflected that he died in exile, not even known by the 
 name upon which he had shed such dazzling luster. 
 Dead to the world in which he lived, he passed the clos- 
 ing years of his life in a foreign land under an assumed
 
 226 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 name, and even to death he and his were haunted by the 
 fear that the spies of France were on their track. 
 
 One of the great figures of French history had been 
 officially executed in Paris, and yet he lived for years in 
 another clime and left a son to succeed him. 
 
 He was the son of Ney, the marshal of France who was 
 shot, and not the son of the plain country schoolmaster. 
 This was the mystery concerning the life of his father. 
 
 The young man arose and paced the floor restlessly 
 for a few minutes. He again came back to the table, 
 lifted mechanically one or two of the little bags of gold, 
 and then turned over the package which had first met 
 his gaze. Then he spread the contents upon the broad 
 oaken table. There before him were jewels of great 
 value decorations such as are only won by a few titles 
 patents of nobility. Lifting one decoration Armand 
 saw that it was the grand cross of a chevalier of the 
 Legion of Honor. 
 
 "Ah," he thought, "what a transformation! A short 
 time ago a soldier of fortune, the owner of a half-ruined 
 plantation, and now the possessor of gold, jewels, titles, 
 the son of the Prince of Moskwa. If I do not awaken 
 in the morning and find this to be all a tantalizing 
 dream ! Lucille and a title ! I wonder what she will say 
 when I tell her all of this astonishing news. She will 
 imagine either that my reason has taken flight or that it 
 is some fairy tale of my concoction. Surely it is no 
 dream, it is real. Yes, D'Arville was right when he 
 wrote that it was probable that I would make Paris my
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 227 
 
 abiding place. My little princess and nonsense, I am 
 getting silly; a little fresh air will bring me to my 
 senses;" and Armand stepped to the window and threw 
 wide the shutters. Standing there he took a few deep 
 inhalations of the fragrant night air. Then fastening 
 the shutters he came back again to the table. "Enough 
 excitement for one day," he thought; "now to my room, 
 which I suppose Aunt Tabby has put in order. The old 
 house is safe as a fort, and I may as well leave the old 
 chest's contents where they now are;" and sweeping the 
 manuscript, jewels, and decorations from the table he 
 flung them into the box in disorder, and neglected in his 
 excitement to lower the lid. Extinguishing one light, he 
 took the other and passed on upstairs to his room. 
 
 The library was in a wing of the main part of Stone 
 House, and over it was located Armand 's chamber. 
 
 Hours passed, and the young man had sunk into a 
 slumber disturbed by the trooping dream-phantoms in- 
 habiting the dusky realms of Morpheus. Through the 
 mysterious agency of dreams Armand was carried back 
 to the blood-stained ^fields of the Virginia campaign. 
 He was at the Wilderness, and the sun was hidden by 
 the lurid smoke which rose from the woods. His ears 
 were deafened by the streaming volleys of musketry and 
 the thunder of artillery. In front of Armand was a 
 tangled swamp, an almost impenetrable thicket and a 
 ditch apparently impassable beyond, a hill bristling 
 with cannon vomiting shell and canister. "Forward! 
 double quick!" was his order. The line swept forward
 
 228 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 in the midst of an appalling fire, leaving the ground 
 littered with dead and dying. 
 
 "Close up, close up to the colors!" 
 
 The line closed up, crashed through the swamp, 
 cleared the ditch, and rushed up the hill in face of the 
 terrific fire poured upon them. But the smoke would 
 they ever get free from it? It was heavy, it was sul- 
 phurous and stifling. 
 
 "One more charge, men," came from the lips of the 
 young man as he tossed on his bed. 
 
 "For the South for love for Luc " 
 
 Over him bent the form of Lafe, shaking him 
 vigorously. 
 
 "For de love of Gawd, Massa Cunnell, wake up, de 
 house am burning. ' ' 
 
 Half-raising him in his arms Lafe drew Armand to- 
 ward him. In an instant the sleeping man was fully 
 aroused. 
 
 "What say you, Lafe, fire!" were the first words that 
 came to his lips, although the room was filled with 
 smoke, and below them could be heard the hissing 
 and crackling of the flames. 
 
 "Not a moment to spare, Massa Cunnell. I put de 
 ladder to yo' window soon's I knew ob de fire. Yo' 
 papers, Massa Cunnell, yo' valuables, are dey here?" 
 
 "Here ? My God, man ! ' ' and it was an agonized shriek 
 that Armand gave; "they are in the library. I will get 
 them. They must be saved; must, I say, do you hear?" 
 And in a frenzied manner Breton dashed by Lafe and
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 229 
 
 flung wide the door leading to the library. He stag- 
 gered back scorched by the hot wave which swept up the 
 draught which had been created by the opening of the 
 door. Armand had one glance and that was sufficient to 
 tell him of the hopeless task of attempting to rescue any- 
 thing from the lower part of the house. Below him was 
 a mass of seething flames ; already the floor upon which 
 he stood was crackling with the heat and little bursts of 
 white flames were shooting through. 
 
 "Gone," he cried, as Lafe, seizing him, dragged him 
 toward the window. "A prince and a pauper in a few 
 hours! What next, messieurs, what next!" 
 
 Forcing him out on the ladder Lafe flung his apparel 
 out the window and himself quickly followed ; none too 
 soon, for in another minute the flames had burst through 
 the floor and Armand 's bed was a mass of flames. The 
 cool night air revived the half-stifled Breton, and it was 
 with sinking heart that he watched the destruction of 
 his home and treasures. The stone wall of the old build- 
 ing proved an effectual barrier for the flames. With 
 the burning of the wing, the destruction of the building 
 by fire ceased. How it had originated no one knew. 
 Armand thought it possible that he failed to extinguish 
 the lamp which he left in the library and that it ex- 
 ploded. The inflammable material near caused it to 
 spread with a fierceness and rapidity that was far 
 beyond all power of control when discovered. The 
 library, stored as it was with books, papers, furniture 
 and fittings, gave great impetus to the flames when once
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 started. The wing to Stone House was completely 
 gutted, with the walls standing ; but scarcely a vestige of 
 woodwork remained. 
 
 Armand praised Lafe warmly for his prompt action 
 after he had discovered the fire. He believed that had 
 it not been for Lafe he would have perished in the fire 
 which swept from earth the last vestige of the records 
 left by his father. The day following the ruin had not 
 sufficiently cooled to permit of any excavations in the 
 smoldering pile ; so Armand, after directing that water 
 be steadily poured upon the ashes, went to town, where 
 he had a business conference with Uncle Pierre's lawyer. 
 He was anxious to get away for the North as soon as 
 possible, and he concluded too that a trip to Paris would 
 be the next move. He needed money, and he had no 
 doubt but that the melted gold which could be dug 
 from the ruins would afford him all that he desired in 
 that line. His reasoning proved correct, for when the 
 ashes were dug into, a mass of yellow metal was found in 
 the iron box. Not a vestige of anything else could be 
 exhumed; the papers were consumed, and the jewels, 
 scattered and broken by the heat, were never found. 
 Armand remembered the sword to which his father 
 referred in his manuscript. He did not see it when he 
 examined the contents of the box. He was sure that he 
 could not have removed it, and after the fire no trace of 
 it existed in the iron chest. The young man felt so 
 downcast over his loss that he did not prosecute a close 
 search. With the precious metal found and deposited
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 231 
 
 in a place where he could avail himself of its proceeds, 
 Annand felt that he was anxious to shake the dust of 
 Virginia from his feet for a long time. Thus it was, 
 after clothing Lafe with authority, that he set out for 
 the North. His first stopping place was Richmond. A 
 call at the hospital elicited the information that Lloyd 
 Phillips had left two days previous restored fully to 
 health. It was also possible, he learned, that Lloyd 
 might be stopping at Ford's, as it was his intention to 
 remain a short time in Richmond. Nita Calvert had left 
 the hospital and was stopping with relatives in town. 
 At Fords' he found Lloyd, and the meeting between them 
 was a very affecting one. Armand told Lloyd, what he 
 had already learned from Nita Calvert, that he loved his 
 sister and that his love was returned by her. He also 
 told him, what Nita had not imparted, the belief that he 
 had killed Lloyd in the battle at Rutger's, and that this 
 statement made to Lucille had separated them. He did 
 not tell him of the history of his father's life as disclosed 
 by the manuscript. "Lloyd will think that it is my 
 turn to be out of my head," thought Breton, "if I tell 
 him about my being the son of Ney and heir to lands 
 and titles. ' ' 
 
 Lloyd promised to accompany Breton North the fol- 
 lowing day, as he was anxious to bring back in person 
 the man whom all his family mourned as dead. 
 
 That evening they called upon Nita Calvert, and as 
 they walked homeward Lloyd took occasion to tell 
 Armand that he thought Nita was an angel in human
 
 232 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 form. Breton was too much occupied with his own 
 thoughts to lay any particular stress upon Lloyd's 
 remarks, but they were recalled later. 
 
 The war had ended. It had been fought with grim 
 Anglo-Saxon stubbornness to the heights of Appomattox. 
 The South, prostrate and bleeding at every pore, was 
 faithful to the last in defense of her principles. She had 
 bared her breast to four years of destroying war. 
 
 The wounds inflicted upon her had desolated her fair 
 fields and had swept the flower of her race into the dust 
 of eternity. 
 
 The North, vigorous, triumphant, could well afford 
 to deal magnanimously with her fallen sister. The 
 Northern mind, comparatively unimaginative, realized 
 that when the artillery roll began at Sumter a vast and 
 intricate evil existed in this country which had to be 
 fought out of existence. 
 
 The concrete expression of the common essentials of 
 American character is to fight stubbornly to the end. 
 
 The South fought bravely but she was beaten. 
 Grant, however, had lightened for her the gloom of 
 defeat by crowning his conquest with love for the van- 
 quished. 
 
 When Breton and Lloyd Phillips had reached the 
 North the invincible armies of the Union had melted 
 away into the mass of the people. In field and factory 
 activity abounded. The red stains of war were soon to be 
 washed away by the strong arms of enterprise. 
 
 The war between the States had given a new name to
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 233 
 
 American valor, and a fresh stimulus to the nation's 
 industrial growth. 
 
 There was joy in the Phillips home when the young 
 soldiers arrived. The old army officer and his wife had 
 long looked upon their son as having been gathered in 
 among the unknown dead in war's harvest. Hence his 
 homecoming, although they had been prepared for it 
 for some time, seemed like the return to life of 
 some one who had crossed the line to the world of 
 shadows. 
 
 To Lucille it was not only the return of a dearly be- 
 loved brother, whom she had mourned as dead, but the 
 removal as well of a blood-red barrier which separated 
 her from the man she loved. 
 
 The probing knife of bitter disappointment had found 
 its way to the throbbing center of Armand's affection 
 and had cut away, as he thought, his happiness forever. 
 But Lloyd Phillips' return to life had changed all. His 
 pulses thrilled with the delicious fever of love. He had 
 been transported to the land where happiness is peren- 
 nial and where despair disappears like a cloud of mist 
 before the sun. 
 
 It was not long after his return that he told Lucille 
 about the message left him by his father, and the ex- 
 planation of the mystery which had surrounded that 
 parent's career. 
 
 He told her of his great anxiety to visit Paris in order 
 that he might confer with his old friend D'Arville in 
 reference to what course he would deem expedient to
 
 234 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 promote the recognition of his claims as heir to the title 
 and estates of the great French marshal. 
 
 The young couple were happy. The penetrating 
 fragrance of the earth, warmed by the early rays of 
 spring, charmed their senses. The grass seemed to take 
 on a greener hue, the buds were opening as if to salute 
 the sun. The birds caroled among the leaves and all 
 nature was breathing forth love. 
 
 Annand, with passionate eloquence, pleaded for an 
 early union. Mrs. Phillips seemed averse to a hasty 
 marriage, but the young soldier's eloquence soon won 
 her and she made an early capitulation, as Lucille had 
 already done. 
 
 General Phillips had formed a deep attachment for 
 Armand, and the old officer was so fond of his society 
 that Lucille said she really felt jealous of her papa's 
 monopolizing so much of her fiance's time. 
 
 "Just to think," she said, one day, after she had lis- 
 tened to the two soldiers discuss McClellan's campaign 
 in the Peninsula. "One, to listen to you talk, would 
 think that neither of you had seen fighting enough ; any- 
 how, you shall not fight those dreadful battles over again 
 in my presence. Come, sir," she said archly to Breton, 
 "if you do not watch the conquered territory closer it 
 may rebel, and once well out from the influence of the 
 foreign invader it may prove difficult to reconquer. Be- 
 sides, Armand dear, I have something to talk over that I 
 am sure will interest you more than those horrid old war 
 stories."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 235 
 
 But the old general was to have the parting shot. 
 
 "Very well, my dear," he said, "it is always well in 
 the future to avoid family quarrels. They are the most 
 bitter. The most sanguinary of English wars comes 
 down to us under the softest and sweetest of names. 
 Under the gentle and poetic designation of the War of 
 the Roses, lie concealed the features of a struggle the 
 most ferocious of any in the annals of war. And yet it 
 was fought between kinsmen and friends. You had 
 better go, Armand; avoid family wars," and the officer 
 chuckled softly as the young officer and Lucille sauntered 
 away. 
 
 It was decided that their marriage should take place 
 on an early date, after which they should immediately 
 sail for Paris. 
 
 It was a proud and happy day when Armand led 
 Lucille to the altar and listened to the words which 
 united the current of their lives. 
 
 "Now, Lucille," he said as he bent to kiss her, "you 
 are now my very own, my princess, the ruler of my 
 heart." 
 
 "And, Armand dear," she replied, "you may believe 
 that I shall try to rule my subject by love rather than 
 fear."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER XVL 
 
 THE OFFEB OF NAPOLEON lEL 
 
 SHORTLY after Breton's arrival in Paris he set out to 
 look up General D'Arville. He had advised him of his 
 intention to sail early for France, but knowing that his 
 departure came sooner than he had indicated, he con- 
 cluded that he would surprise his old friend by an early 
 call. 
 
 General D'Arville was overjoyed when he saw the tall, 
 bronzed officer before him, and after affectionate greet- 
 ings had been exchanged, he stepped forward and from a 
 point where the light fell full upon him, studied the 
 American carefully. 
 
 "You have developed wonderfully, my boy, since I 
 saw you last ; the years of campaigning have broadened 
 you ; you are now almost an exact reproduction of your 
 father, the marshal, when he led us in some of France's 
 best battles. The same hair, eyes, and figure. There are 
 many of the men of the old guard who will at once recog- 
 nize in you a remarkable resemblance to their old leader, 
 Peter the Red. Ah ! you are a true Ney ! Now that the 
 American war is over you will remain in France, where 
 you may assume your rightful position ; your titles t your
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 237 
 
 family history will aid you in gaining you military rank 
 in the empire. You know there are many followers of 
 France's great marshal who would be delighted to see 
 the son of Ney high in the nation's councils. I think 
 even the emperor himself would not hesitate long before 
 he would recognize the son of the man who, more than 
 any other, assisted his uncle to make the French a great 
 people, and to make possible a Napoleonic dynasty. ' ' 
 
 "Then, my dear general, is the emperor acquainted 
 with the fact that my father left a son?" 
 
 "He knows well the old story about the execution of 
 Ney. While in New York he became acquainted with 
 the American rumor regarding the possible refuge which 
 he found in that country. The execution of your father 
 was believed by many, in fact, was generally accepted to 
 have actually taken place. Hence, when you claim the 
 titles and estates there will arise much comment from the 
 emperor down." 
 
 "And think you, general, that I can legally support 
 my claim to the titles and estates of Marshal Ney so 
 effectually that they will be granted me?" 
 
 "Assuredly; have we not ample evidence? Are there 
 not plenty living who can affirm, and that gladly, that 
 Marshal Ney did not die in the gardens of Luxembourg 
 that he escaped to America?" 
 
 "Yes, but did he not die legally?" 
 
 "Why, the sentence of the court was apparently carried 
 out ; but then there are men who stood high in the coun- 
 cils of the first empire who will affirm that they saw Ney
 
 238 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 after the mock execution. Then there are documents ; 
 why, even the papers which he left in America must fur- 
 nish documentary evidence of sufficient weight to admit 
 the justice of your claim." 
 
 "Unfortunately, they were all destroyed." 
 
 "Destroyed! surely you have some of the letters which 
 were sent by the Napoleonic leaders to your father when 
 in exile? You surely must have the papers he wrote to 
 you in which he clearly recites the eventful chapters of 
 his life. This I knew that he would leave to you. Colo- 
 nel Breton wrote me this. ' ' 
 
 "Yes, my dear General D'Arville, I had all which you 
 mention, and more, but owing to the fact that they were 
 all consumed by fire, I am unable to place them in evi- 
 dence." 
 
 "Burned up! everything papers, decorations?" 
 
 "Not a scrap remains to support my claim as being 
 the son of Marshal Ney." 
 
 "Ah, what a pity!" and the old general pulled at his 
 white mustache a moment in silence ; the moody look on 
 his countenance deepened; looking up to Breton, he 
 said: 
 
 "Armand, is there some cursed fatality about this? I 
 have been hastily revolving in my mind the number of 
 living men whom we have to support your claim. Do 
 you know the reaper Death has been active in our ranks 
 lately. A few years ago there were plenty, but the 
 sickle of the great Reaper has garnered them in. It was 
 only yesterday that I learned of the sudden death of
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 239 
 
 Etienne Gerlot in a railway accident on the way to Mar- 
 seilles, and to-day it comes upon me with telling force 
 that I am the only living witness to the fact that Ney 
 escaped death at the hands of the king's executioners. A 
 year ago there were five in France ; then in America was 
 Colonel Breton and the mass of indisputable evidence. 
 Why, the matter seemed so easy that I have never be- 
 lieved there were any obstacles of serious importance in 
 the way to prevent your claiming your rightful heritage 
 when the release came from the promises made to satisfy 
 the weak, foolish whims of a woman." 
 
 "Lightly, general, that woman was my mother." 
 
 "My boy, I did not mean to give offense, but you see 
 had it not been for that promise made to your mother to 
 keep you in ignorance of your real name your rights 
 could have been secured to you long ere this. It was 
 the absolute sincerity of Pierre Breton, and his respect 
 for the oath which he had taken, which prevents you 
 to-day from being called the Prince of Moskwa. ' ' 
 
 "And not for all the titles in the world would I have 
 had Uncle Pierre prove false to the oath given in sacred 
 pledge to my mother." 
 
 "I considered he was released from the obligation of 
 that promise after the death of your father, and so wrote 
 him, but he could not view it in that light. He never 
 even dreamed of such a condition arising as we are now 
 face to face with the almost total annihilation of our 
 evidence. He thought his life might be terminated at 
 any moment, and that you would assume your rightful
 
 240 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 position in the full flush of your young manhood. I have 
 had for years a list of what documents he possessed, and 
 knew where they were located in his Virginia home. 
 This in case of his sudden -death. Now everything is 
 gone, and only one man remains of all those who swore 
 to be faithful to the end to the memory of France's great 
 soldier to give his unsupported testimony to tell of the 
 time when the revenge of the Louis was foiled when the 
 patriot Ney was saved, but, alas! not for France. 
 Strange things, Armand, the whirligig of time brings 
 forth; and to think that I, Metier D'Arville, alone sur- 
 vive of all the coterie of comrades who clustered around 
 Ney in the days agonel" 
 
 "The emperor, my dear general will he not believe 
 your statement, and will he not favor the claims of the 
 son of the man who did much for his great ancestor?" 
 
 "You remind me of your father in your frank way of 
 speaking. He was totally ignorant of the devious ways 
 of courts, whose endless intrigues were enigmas incapable 
 of solution by him. You have the same open way of 
 speaking. You are in ignorance regarding French 
 politics. I shall ask audience with the emperor to- 
 morrow; I shall tell him of the mystery surrounding 
 your father's alleged execution; of his exile to America; 
 and remind him of the deeds of your father in behalf of 
 French liberty. I shall ask him if these deeds should be 
 rewarded by recognizing the validity of the son's claims. 
 I do not wish to be too sanguine of the result of my inter- 
 view. You should know, my dear Armand, that Napo-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 241 
 
 leon HI. is not entirely free from political intrigues; 
 that the Tuileries is the hotbed wherein are nourished 
 pet schemes of extended political power and military 
 glory. The emperor is not at all times a free agent. ' ' 
 
 "He is a Napoleon." 
 
 "In name, yes." 
 
 "Surely you do not believe the story of Hortense and 
 the Dutch admiral?" 
 
 "I believe, with many of the old soldiers of France, in- 
 cluding your noble father, that but little good could come 
 out of that blood from which Josephine sprung. Like 
 mother like daughter. I do not wish to prejudice you 
 against our emperor, but we soldiers who followed the 
 great emperor can readily distinguish the difference 
 between pure gold and the imitation. ' ' 
 
 "But the French people love their emperor, do they 
 not?" 
 
 "Yes, but in this instance it is more the love for a 
 great name, the achievements which France won under 
 it, the glamour which it casts over them, than love for the 
 man who bears it. It is love for the shadow and not for 
 the substance as represented in the present emperor. 
 You may deem my words almost treasonable, but as 
 surely as I am speaking to the son of Marshal Ney, I am 
 only expressing just what the real sentiments of the 
 French people are toward Napoleon HE. He is not in 
 ignorance as to public opinion, and he has sought by 
 diversion to extend the domains of France and win for 
 her military glory. When I tell you that I believe the
 
 242 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 French intervention in Mexico was but a scheme of the 
 emperor's to extend French influence by the establish- 
 ment of a French empire in America bordering on the 
 Pacific, you will understand my full meaning. You will 
 remember after the English and Spanish war vessels had 
 been withdrawn from Vera Cruz, the French remained. 
 Napoleon refused the support generously offered by Eng- 
 land ; he must avoid having the way smoothed between 
 him and Juarez, the Indian President of Mexico. The 
 difficulties once removed he would have no pretext for 
 keeping French troops quartered in Mexico. It was his 
 influence that induced the clerical party in that country, 
 the Assembly of Notables, they were styled, to declare in 
 favor of an hereditary monarchy with a Catholic prince 
 as sovereign. It was his influence that caused them to 
 offer the crown to Maximilian, the Austrian Archduke, a 
 childless prince, childless after five years of married life. 
 If he remains on the throne of Mexico, virtually under 
 French protection, his succession will devolve upon the 
 heirs of Napoleon. He dreams of founding an empire 
 over which his son shall rule with the title of Emperor of 
 France and of Mexico. The offer of the crown to the 
 Austrian archduke was but a cloak to cover up his real 
 designs." 
 
 "Surely, if what you say is true, then does he not give 
 evidence of the possession of Napoleonic genius?" 
 
 "Genius? call you such dark plottings against an in- 
 offensive people thousands of miles away genius? Do 
 not confound the selfish plots of this man with the grand
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 243 
 
 nobility of his great ancestor. His are the ideas of a 
 French politician, whose wits have been sharpened by 
 contact with the Yankees and the English. If he pos- 
 sessed even a fractional part of the intelligence of the 
 great man whose name he bears, he would even now be 
 strengthening France against foes within, and to placing 
 her army at a point of efficacy to render continental war 
 impossible. If his ears were not filled with the whisper- 
 ings of his flatterers and his eyes blinded by vanity, he 
 would note the growing military preponderance of 
 France's old enemy, Prussia, who hungers for her lost 
 provinces of Alsaoe and Lorraine. There are complica- 
 tions innumerable arising, and it does not require the 
 wisdom of a prophet to tell that France's ruler should 
 look well to her home interests, rather than squander her 
 millions by sending armies across the ocean to maintain 
 upon his paper throne, an emperor in name only. I 
 question, now that the Union cause in America has 
 triumphed, whether the Americans themselves will not 
 make more than a formal protest against the estab- 
 lishment of monarchical institutions upon their continent. 
 They have favored Juarez ; and now internal trouble has 
 subsided, they may support him in his claims. There 
 are many who believe that the emperor has taken advan- 
 tage of the troubles in the United States to establish 
 imperialism in Mexico in violation of what the Americans 
 term the 'Monroe Doctrine. ' ' 
 
 "Then you do not uphold him in the position he has 
 assumed toward Mexico?"
 
 244 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "No, most assuredly I do not. France now requires 
 a leader, and not a meddler in the affairs of others, partic- 
 ularly when intervention in Mexico, to the extent of 
 maintaining an army of eighty thousand men, was not 
 primarily inaugurated to collect debts due France, but 
 to forward a selfish scheme of the emperor. However, 
 Armand, in spite of the fact of my expressed opinion to 
 you, I stand well at court. I have laid bare to you the 
 inner beliefs of my heart. For state reasons I conceal 
 them. The emperor cannot afford to overlook the serv- 
 ices which some of us have rendered to his uncle and to 
 France; therefore he always pretends at least to culti- 
 vate the good wishes of those who formed the ranks of 
 the old guard. I shall now ascertain if it is possible for 
 me to gain private audience with him to-morrow. ' ' 
 
 The men exchanged salutations and parted, the young 
 officer promising to call upon the following day. 
 
 Breton drove through the old familiar boulevards on his 
 way back to his hotel, but so surcharged was his mind 
 with the memories of the morning's chat that he rode 
 home entirely oblivious to the familiar scenes of bygone 
 days which surrounded him. 
 
 Lucille was anxiously awaiting his return. Her quick 
 intuitiveness instantly interpreted the expression which 
 Breton wore as indicating that his morning's visit had 
 not resulted as he had wished ; therefore it was hardly 
 necessary for him to say, after he had kissed her affec- 
 tionately : 
 
 "You are a real princess, Lucille, and a more priceless
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 245 
 
 gem to me than any which may be within the gift of the 
 emperor. ' ' 
 
 "Then, Armand, dear, the chances are not good for 
 your regaining that which your father won?" 
 
 "Well, not the beet surely, but still the chances are 
 not wholly adverse." 
 
 "I am so sorry for you. You have so set your heart 
 upon this " 
 
 "Only for you, little girl; I want to see you a real 
 princess. ' ' 
 
 "Thanks, Armand." 
 
 And so their pretty little compliments ran on. 
 
 The following morning Armand called upon General 
 D'Arville, whom he found awaiting his arrival. The old 
 French officer was laboring under suppressed excitement. 
 Hardly had they exchanged greetings when he exclaimed : 
 
 "My dear boy, our case looks very promising. Yes- 
 terday when I called at the Tuileries I was doubly fortu- 
 nate in finding the emperor in and disengaged. He gave 
 me an audience which lasted over an hour. He listened 
 attentively; in fact he was deeply interested, judging 
 from the close attention which he paid and the length of 
 time which he granted me. Several cards of notables 
 were brought in, but the emperor paid not the slightest 
 notice to them." 
 
 "He was interested favorably tn me, do you believe?" 
 
 "So I should interpret the meaning of the careful and 
 almost religious attention which he paid my recital of 
 the deeds of your father, of his exile from France, and of
 
 246 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 your birth. Best assured, my dear Armand, I did not 
 mean that your own valorous deeds should lose at my 
 hands. He seemed particularly interested when I bore 
 upon the fact that the military genius of Ney had de- 
 scended to you ; that you were a worthy son of a noble 
 father." 
 
 "You compliment me too highly, general." 
 "Nay, nay, permit others to judge. After I had con- 
 cluded my recital he sat a few moments in silence as if 
 buried in deep thought, then he looked at me as if some 
 new idea had just occurred to him, and he said: 'Gen- 
 eral, you say the young man is a talented soldier ; that is 
 the kind of man France needs. I will think over all you 
 have told me. ' ' 
 
 "Then do you think that " 
 
 "Surely, Armand, I think Louis Napoleon, provided 
 he can assist his own political schemes thereby, will rec- 
 ognize Colonel Armand Breton as the son of Marshal Ney 
 and heir to his title and fortune ; but without " and the 
 general shrugged his shoulders significantly. "Still," 
 he continued, "of course we do not mean to abandon 
 hope. I have made some progress. I have obtained for 
 you a private audience with the emperor. ' ' 
 
 "Surely, that is favorable to me, is it not, and so soon?" 
 "Most assuredly, but I do not think it best to be over- 
 sanguine; disappointments are much harder to bear. 
 However, so much interest do I take in your case that I 
 shall await with much anxiety your return from your 
 interview."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 247 
 
 After giving Breton some special information as to the 
 easiest way to reach the person of the emperor of the 
 French, they parted. On the following day Breton was 
 ushered into the presence of the French ruler. He had 
 seen him many times during his residence in the French 
 capital. Hence when he was face to face with him he 
 was at once struck with the fact that the emperor had 
 aged considerably during the few years that had inter- 
 vened since he had seen him riding through the boule- 
 vards of Paris. Napoleon always made an imposing 
 figure on horseback, but while he stood before him his 
 stature seemed insignificant to the American, who 
 towered above him. 
 
 Breton bowed low as the emperor arose, stepped for- 
 ward, shook hands with him and motioned him to a seat 
 near him. Napoleon's grave and impenetrable counte- 
 nance seemed set in a look of studied gravity. Whatever 
 his intentions were toward the son of Ney, it was impos- 
 sible to discern them owing to the facial mask which 
 completely screened his inner thoughts. Failing to dis- 
 cover by a quick, inquisitive glance any sign which 
 would indicate the real feelings of the emperor, Breton 
 sank into a seat almost overcome with depression a de- 
 pression which deepened when the emperor began : 
 
 "And so, Colonel Breton, General D'Arville informs 
 me that you were unfortunately on the wrong side in the 
 American war?" 
 
 "Colonel Breton!" That name had never been pro- 
 nounced before when it left such a dull sense of pain ;
 
 248 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 still, what could he have hoped ? Suppose Napoleon had 
 addressed him as Colonel Ney, it would have been 
 stranger still ; or instead, had he said, if he intended to 
 assist him to his rightful rank, "Prince" nonsense; 
 the red blood surged up and over the young man's face 
 at the thoughts which came flitting across his mind at 
 the first words of the emperor. He instantly composed 
 himself and replied : 
 
 "Your majesty will pardon me for correcting the state- 
 ment made by General D'Arville. I do not admit that I 
 was on the wrong side, for that admission would be equiv- 
 alent to an acknowledgment that our cause was an. 
 unjust one, which no Southern soldier admits. I was on 
 the weaker side ; but might is not always right. ' ' 
 
 Not a line on Napoleon's face relaxed, but he cast a 
 rapid glance at the speaker, and after he had finished he 
 asked : 
 
 "You are fond of the career of a soldier, are you not?" 
 
 "It has for me a peculiar fascination. " 
 
 "That is not strange, considering your ancestry. And 
 now, Colonel Breton, I know that which is uppermost in 
 your mind. General D'Arville related to me yesterday 
 one of the most remarkable stories to which I have ever 
 listened. I refer to the strange career of your father, 
 one of the stanchest, the most loyal supporters that my 
 uncle or France ever had." 
 
 "Thank you; the words of your majesty touch me 
 deeply." 
 
 "They are true; France owes a debt to Marshal Ney.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 249 
 
 I heard this romantic story years ago while in New York, 
 but placed but little credence in the rumor. The stand- 
 ing of D'Arville is such that he is far removed from sus- 
 picion in trying to make me believe an impossible story. 
 However incredulous the story may be I believe it, per- 
 sonally, just. as it has been related to me by General 
 D'Arville. I have given this matter much consideration 
 since yesterday, and am more than willing to lend my 
 assistance toward fulfilling the obligation which France 
 owes to the Neys. ' ' 
 
 Breton could scarcely conceal his agitation as the 
 emperor continued : 
 
 "There are, however, many obstacles in the way of 
 immediate recognition. It is new conditions which we 
 have to face to-day another generation has sprung into 
 existence, and to-day is in political control. My power 
 is not absolute, and I am compassed by enemies. I ask 
 who or what proportion of the people of France would 
 believe this seemingly ridiculous story were it promul- 
 gated to-morrow? A few, truly, but what a multitude 
 would scoff, headed by those who are now enjoying in 
 undisturbed peace the wealth once controlled by your 
 father! If the whole story as related by General 
 D'Arville were printed in the papers of Paris to-morrow, 
 it would be interpreted as the clever offering of modern 
 journalism a sensation the talk of the day. Again, let 
 us suppose that the emperor himself favors. What would 
 be said then ? Either that he had lost his head or that 
 he had an interest in supporting the assertion other than
 
 250 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 a patriotic one. If you are willing to support the empire, 
 then I can see a way open in which I can aid you. It is 
 this : you are familiar with Mexican affairs, are you not?" 
 
 "In a general way, yes. I am aware that you maintain 
 a French army in that country in support of the empire 
 of Maxiamilian. " 
 
 "True, and now that the cause of the Union has tri- 
 umphed in America, I am ready to believe that the North- 
 ern party, who have favored the Indian Benito Juarez in 
 his claims on the Mexican presidency, will perhaps give 
 him even more assistance than before. There is now 
 peace in all but a few of the Northern territories of 
 Mexico. Still, I have reason to believe that unusual dis- 
 turbances may break out at any time. They are a half- 
 Spanish people, and can carry on a guerrilla warfare for 
 years. Maximilian is my friend. I wish to support him 
 in his hour of need by surrounding him with friends 
 upon whom I can safely rely. I know the blood from 
 which you sprang. Now, suppose you were to go to 
 Mexico as special military representative, with a personal 
 letter from me to the emperor?" 
 
 "In what capacity?" 
 
 "Holding the rank of colonel in the French army now 
 under Bazaine, with the promise from me of rapid pro- 
 motion. Further, I will now relate to you what effect 
 your mission there will have upon the recognition of your 
 legal claims upon the empire. You will have now, at the 
 very start, my support. You will go to Mexico as my 
 special military representative. Your military ability
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 251 
 
 will bring you into prominence. You will aid the cause 
 which. I hold dear. Your name will be mentioned in the 
 dispatches. This can all be arranged gradually. The 
 French people will thus become acquainted with the per- 
 sonality of the brilliant young French-Mexican officer. 
 On this side, by imperial influence, the story of your life 
 and ancestry will first gain publicity through high court 
 circles ; this after you have gained some prominence in 
 Mexico. Through my influence I am sure we will be able 
 to discover others who are now alive who will support the 
 statement made by General D'Arville, of the quasi- 
 execution in the gardens of Luxembourg." 
 
 "Your majesty surely does mean " 
 
 Napoleon's pallid face remained as impassive as ever, 
 as he replied : 
 
 "I mean that during your absence, if you accept the 
 mission, I shall do all that I can to establish your claim 
 by removing obstacles, preparing public opinion, and 
 accumulating evidence. ' ' 
 
 Armand was at once reassured, and he hastened to 
 murmur his thanks. 
 
 Napoleon glanced at the card lying on the salver which 
 an attendant had just brought in ; he tapped the table 
 before him meditating ; then turning to the American he 
 said: 
 
 "A decision in this matter is not imperative to-day. 
 The day following to-morrow at this hour will suffice. 
 In the meantime keep wise counsel. Remember I ask 
 you this : to raise your swor d for France. There are
 
 252 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 things which I cannot say, but if you accept the miision 
 it is for France." 
 
 With this Armand departed, and lost but little time in 
 repairing to the house of the old French officer. 
 
 The old general paid the closest attention to Armand 's 
 recital, without once interjecting a remark, until the con- 
 versation which had occurred between the American and 
 the emperor had been repeated to him. It was not until 
 Armand had asked what he thought of the interview that 
 the old soldier broke his silence. He took a few inhala- 
 tions from his cigarette, then blowing the smoke toward 
 the ceiling, he said: 
 
 "That which you have just related emphasizes the 
 belief I have entertained regarding the emperor's action. 
 If he favored your claim it would be because by so doing 
 he would further his own political schemes." 
 
 "Then you do not consider that his proposal was 
 intended to benefit my claim as much as his own inter- 
 ests? How the latter, general?" 
 
 "Why, my dear colonel, you modestly overlook your 
 own services in this matter. Recollect what I told you 
 about his Mexican schemes?" 
 
 "Yes, I do, perfectly." 
 
 "Very well, then let me say further, it is possible that 
 even now the emperor has intimations of serious compli- 
 cation arising to prevent the success of his dreams of the 
 Mexican empire. He is anxious to enlist in support of 
 his desires officers of pronounced ability. Your father's 
 history is familiar to him ; your own ability was clearly
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 253 
 
 emphasized by me yesterday; and now I can see just why 
 he seems so interested in your history. Let me go on 
 and suppose that you rise to eminence ; a fact of which I 
 have no doubt. The emperor befriends you. He has a 
 sworn friend in you from the hour you accept his propo- 
 sition. He knows that it will not weaken him to raise to 
 positions of trust the descendants of those men who have 
 done so much for France in the dark days of her history. 
 But first, you see, he wishes you to assist in carrying out 
 his Mexican scheme ; he uses you as his tool. If he suc- 
 ceeds you are promised your reward. As I said, it is first 
 the emperor. ' ' 
 
 "But, general, is that not true of most of us? After 
 all, are we not actuated in the majority of our moves by 
 selfish motives?" 
 
 "That may be, but you are seeking to recover that 
 which rightfully is yours." 
 
 "True, but can I expect to gain it without sacrifice? 
 Have I a right to expect that the inheritance, left under 
 such strange circumstances, will drop into my lap like a 
 ripe plum? Besides, general, you do not know, cannot 
 believe, what an impression the words of the emperor 
 made upon me. While sitting here relating our conver- 
 sation to you, I could hardly retain myself until the close, 
 so much was I in haste to tell that " 
 
 "You had made up your mind to go, you young hot. 
 head?" 
 
 "Made up my mind, general? Do you know I have 
 not only concluded to go, but frankly, I am madly infat-
 
 254 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 uated with the idea. Just how this has taken such hold 
 upon me is more than I can fathom. On my way down 
 here I was of course actively revolving the matter in my 
 mind ; but the very instant I crossed your threshold my 
 mind seemed made up; I must go; it is a duty. I 
 seemed drawn by some irresistible force to accept the 
 emperor's offer. What strange and inexplicable attrac- 
 tion the whole plan possesses for me ! Go ! General, 
 nothing that you might say could dissuade me ; but still 
 I am sad ; the only regret that I have is ' ' 
 
 "Then you have regret?" 
 
 "To leave the dear woman whose life is linked with 
 mine." 
 
 '"'Why not have her accompany you?" 
 
 "To that country? Not while there is active work to 
 do. I am a soldier, and you know that a camp is not the 
 place for a woman, even though she be the daughter of 
 one soldier and the wife of another. General, we must 
 part, as I shall go to Mexico, there to discover what the 
 fates hold in store for me. Not until this instant did I 
 realize just why this determination to go had come upoa 
 me with such suddenness. Now as a lightning flash, the 
 whole causes stand revealed. I can see it all. ' '
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 255 
 
 CHAPTER XVIL 
 
 THE SWORD OP THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 THE old soldier surveyed for a moment the excited man 
 before him, and then asked : 
 
 "And pray, explain what you mean l>j this under- 
 standing?" 
 
 "You are aware, General D'Arville, that my father 
 prepared for me an autobiography?" 
 
 "Assuredly." 
 
 "Well, in this he made clear to me why I was reared 
 in ignorance of my real name. As you know, after his 
 death Uncle Pierre religiously carried out his promise 
 made to my dying mother. At the time my father wrote 
 his life's career for my perusal, the son of Napoleon by 
 his Austrain wife stood fair to become a powerful factor 
 in European politics. This young Duke of Beichstadt 
 was Napoleon n. ; and in his last lines my father stated 
 that he believed that a Bonaparte would once again wield 
 the imperial scepter over the French. This my father 
 fondly hoped would come to pass. The only request he had 
 to make to me, his son, was that, should I reach years of 
 manhood, and a Napoleon occupying the throne of France 
 should ask assistance of my sword, I would give it. He
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 said it would be fitting that the son of a French marshal 
 should raise his sword in behalf of the descendant of the 
 great emperor. It is doubly strange, too, that this 
 should not have been recalled by me until I crossed your 
 threshold. It all flashed upon me. My father requested 
 it. I must go; it is duty." 
 
 "My dear Armand, I think you are going a trifle too 
 far in your application of your father's request. It is 
 true that when he wrote the chances for the son of Napo- 
 leon to occupy a prominent part in France's history were 
 excellent. Ah, and he would, had not his Austrian rela- 
 tives conspired to kill him. It was of him your father 
 wrote; and at that very time the young duke's constitu- 
 tion was being destroyed by excesses into which he was 
 led by emissaries of the Austrian monarch. Yes, and at 
 that time the one-eyed Albert, Count of Neipberg, was 
 enjoying the society of his mother. Marie Louise was 
 weak. Even when Napoleon returned from Elba, she 
 remained at Parma; and after the emperor's death con- 
 tracted a morganatic marriage with her lover. From 
 Napoleon to Neipberg what descent! Your father, in 
 common with other Napoleonic soldiers, believed that the 
 young King of Rome, as he was baptized, would one day 
 rule the French. It was not to be. The Austrians killed 
 him. France, however, had not been overkind to Aus- 
 tria. Take Marie Antoinette, who was beheaded, and 
 Marie Louise herself, thrust out by the French. Armand, 
 it was the son of Napoleon to whom your father re- 
 ferred; and unless you really desire to go on the emper-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 257 
 
 or's mission to Mexico I do not think you should be 
 influenced by any romantic interpretations which you 
 may place upon his message." 
 
 "Yes, general, but my father said: 'If ever a Napoleon 
 sits on the throne of France and should ask your aid, 
 give it.' The emperor said to me, remember: *I ask you 
 this for France.' " 
 
 "Ah, if you could but know in what estimation your 
 father held this brood of Josephine, Armand, you could 
 easily find release from any ideas of duty, which I think 
 partly sentimental, to follow the dictation of the son of 
 Hortense. " 
 
 "General D'Arville, right or wrong, I have concluded 
 to follow out the course suggested by the emperor. I 
 shall sail for Mexico. I feel that in doing this I am 
 impelled by other than sordid motives. I shall go not 
 alone to secure the key which may unlock the door to 
 hereditary rights in France; my principal motive in 
 going, and never before this very hour has it seemed a 
 duty, is more than aught else to carry out the only 
 request which my father made. While studying Napo- 
 leonic history, I have been often impressed with the idea 
 that there seemed to be some cursed fatality following up 
 Napoleonic worshipers. Take a score of the most bril- 
 liant soldiers who surrounded him what ends they met! 
 Take all the kings to whom he gave crowns not one 
 remains ; their dynasties have rotted away ; the kingdom 
 of Sweden alone remaining, but that was hardly of Napo- 
 leon's creating. Bernadotte, although a marshal, was
 
 258 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 not a supporter but an opponent of the emperor. All 
 else has crumbled ; and the ill fate which gathered about 
 his later days seemed to be shared by those who stood 
 closest to him. I have often wondered whether there 
 was not a Napoleonic curse. Since knowing the true his- 
 tory of Marshal Ney, my father, I have dwelt upon this. 
 But, curse or no curse, I shall place my sword at the 
 service of the emperor. No matter what secrets the 
 future may hold for me ; no matter what elements may 
 combine to defeat my personal ambition; it is destiny, 
 general! No man is strong enough to change the work- 
 ings of those wonderful controlling forces which are round 
 about us. ' ' 
 
 General D'Arville said, after the young man had 
 paused : 
 
 "With your views, unalterable as they seem to be, I 
 can hardly see the necessity of attempting to change your 
 line of thought. Knowing as I do the inflexibility of the 
 Ney temperament, I can only say, Armand, that it is 
 not my intention to dissuade you from going on this mis- 
 sion from other than friendly motives. I do, however, 
 wish you to go, if go you will with a heart unincumbered 
 with any semi-romantic or sentimental ideas regarding 
 your father's wishes; and more than all else, I wish 
 you to clearly understand that I believe that the emperor, 
 in making you the proposition, was prompted by other 
 motives than simply to do what he could for you ; or that 
 he considered that your trip to Mexico was the way in 
 which to bring about the restoration of your hereditary
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 259 
 
 rights. I believe that Louis Napoleon first considers 
 himself in this matter, rather than the rights of Armand 
 Ney." 
 
 "I thank you very much, general, for your kindly 
 desires, I know that your interest in my welfare is 
 based on the purest friendship. I have not forgotten 
 your many kindnesses to me. In fact, my whole Pari- 
 sian sojourn was warmed and colored, as it were, by your 
 never-ending generosity. Now that I have learned the 
 truth of my father's life, I have felt that it was more than 
 an ordinary bond of friendship which united us. Ah, 
 general, what a loyal, what a noble coterie of friends sur- 
 rounded my father ! If ever man was blessed with true 
 friends that man was Marshal Ney." 
 
 "And if ever man deserved true friends that man was 
 your father. Can we ever forget 'the bravest of the 
 brave?' I was young, perhaps the youngest officer who 
 enjoyed the confidence of the great marshal; but a 
 famous saying of his was: 'For council, old men; for 
 fighting, young men.' Perhaps it was because I was 
 young and impetuous that he was first attracted toward 
 me, and later made me one of his trusted officers. To go 
 back to those old days in memory is like thrusting back 
 the curtain from some old, disused room in which hangs 
 priceless relics. The never-to-be-forgotten days come 
 back to me with a distinctness which years cannot dim. 
 For those memories alone I would not exchange a king's 
 ransom. To think that I have lived, have fought, have 
 bled in the greatest epoch which Europe has ever seen; I
 
 260 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 have ridden by the side of the great soldier who made 
 the world tremble at his words ; I have been close in the 
 councils of his chiefs ; I have been well, what wonder, 
 Armand, that the old man in his dotage grows weak and 
 mouths like a braggart? I am almost alone" and the 
 old soldier's eyes dimmed, as his mind dwelt upon the 
 fact that the ranks of the old guard had thinned to a 
 weak, wavering line, a human fringe soon to be dashed 
 and broken by the ever-moving waves of time. 
 
 The next day, when Armand called upon the old 
 French officer, he found him in his study, busily engaged 
 in reviewing an article which he had prepared on the 
 military conditions of France, intended for publication 
 in a leading Parisian monthly. 
 
 He flung down his pencil, and after greetings had been 
 exchanged he said in words in which the accent of pride 
 and tenderness was clearly distinguishable : 
 
 "Armand, it is difficult for me to write about military 
 France without doing all in my power to extol the great 
 and matchless attributes of my old chief. His glory is 
 the pride of every true Frenchman. ' ' 
 
 Armand replied : 
 
 "General, the French are distinctly a military people; 
 one does not tarry long in Paris without realizing that 
 he is among a military race, born and bred in the leg- 
 endry and traditions of war. Again, in the provincial parts 
 of France one sees the grizzled veterans, physically the 
 counterparts of those men who marched from the south 
 singing the 'Marseillaise/ or those who crossed the
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 261 
 
 Alps with the great Napoleon for the campaign of 
 Italy." 
 
 "Yes, truly, but our present army is not up to the 
 standard of the French army in the old days ; I mean 
 in point of efficiency and morale. There are more toy sol- 
 diers, more drawing-room officers in our army than ever 
 before. There should be better discipline; our army 
 should be the best from a modern military standpoint in 
 Europe. France has enemies without as well as within 
 her borders. ' ' 
 
 "But surely, " Armand said, "from Calais to Marseilles 
 one hears the measured tread of French soldiers, and you 
 used to say that every Frenchman is born with red 
 trousers on and that he plays soldier with the same 
 enthusiasm with which he goes into a real fight." 
 
 "True, my boy, but those men need leaders; we have 
 the material ; but where are the men who can lead the 
 French army as it has been led in the past? Alas, we 
 have them not. I have been thinking over the present 
 existing conditions of our army, and I feel to-day that 
 you have decided upon a course which may prove advan- 
 tageous to you in more ways than one. While revising 
 this article on the French military resources, I have been 
 strongly impressed with the belief that never in the his- 
 tory of the nation has there been a better opportunity 
 offered for the possible advance in official rank in our 
 army than there is at present. Understand me, I do not 
 mean that promotion may be immediate. But should 
 this country be plunged in war in the near future, we
 
 202 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 have no one in power now who possesses the necessary 
 fitness to command. As in the case of the American war, 
 those now in command would soon be retired on account 
 of their inability to cope with the enemy successfully. 
 And as in the case of the Union army, conditions and 
 events would bring the right man to the front. I wish 
 to say that in my opinion to-day your association with 
 the French army in Mexico may prove most advantageous 
 to you. In America it required a Grant to carry the 
 cause of the Union to success, and before the North dis- 
 covered that soldier its armies suffered inglorious defeat. " 
 
 "You know we used to call Grant 'the Hammerer,' 
 general. ' ' 
 
 "His sledge-hammer blows made it impossible for Lee 
 to handle his rapier in such a way as to break their force. 
 Tet, studying the American war closely, as I have, and 
 from an impartial standpoint, I think that the Northern 
 general proved himself the greatest soldier of this period. 
 Some of his moves reminded me of the moves of the great 
 Napoleon. ' ' 
 
 "And I consider that our Lee was infinitely his supe- 
 rior as a military tactician, as a strategist, and in all the 
 essentials which go toward making a great leader." 
 
 "I can well understand why you entertain such views. 
 It is quite natural that you should. But you know an 
 old man who is not influenced by other motives than 
 those which interest the student of military history is apt 
 to overlook many of those elements in a soldier's make- 
 up which are at once fascinating to a younger, more
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 263 
 
 impetuous man, in whose veins the flush of young man- 
 hood flows, and who may be influenced by family ties, as 
 well as by a certain sentimental love for chivalrous deeds 
 as exemplified in the Confederate leader. He was a man 
 cast in a finer mold than General Grant, truly; a man 
 who would have shone as a star in the days of knight 
 errantry; but as a hard-headed soldier, brusque and 
 business-like, the typical American, with his bulldog 
 adhesiveness, Grant was his military superior." 
 
 Armand was loyal to the leader whom he had followed 
 to the fateful field of Appomattox ; and the elder man, 
 knowing the hero worship which he held for Lee, after a 
 few complimentary remarks changed the topic of con- 
 versation. 
 
 "I made yesterday an important discovery. You 
 stated to me that the fire at your old plantation destroyed 
 all the records, all the mementos that Marshal Ney had 
 left for you?" he asked later. 
 
 "Not a scrap in existence," answered the American. 
 "You see the manuscripts and other valuables that Uncle 
 Pierre had laid carefully away in an iron box underneath 
 the steps were left all in disorder in the room where I 
 had placed and examined them after exhuming them. 
 When I was aroused the room, in fact that wing of the 
 house, was a mass of flames. It was impossible to save a 
 memento. I think even before I was awakened the entire 
 contents of the box had been consumed by fire. It 
 seemed particularly hard that the very night I held in my 
 hands seemingly indisputable proofs of my birthright,
 
 264 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 they should be swept out of existence. All that remained 
 for me was the memory that my father was the Prince of 
 Moskwa. I had only cursorily examined the other con- 
 tents of the box, so anxious was I to read the manuscript. 
 There was a memento upon which my father especially 
 bore. I do not recollect of even seeing it in the box. 
 Perhaps you may be aware of the interest which it pos- 
 sessed for him. Its history was entrancing, yet fateful. 
 I refer to the sword given him by the emperor, who 
 brought it from his Egyptian campaign. ' ' 
 
 The veteran's eyes sparkled under their white, over- 
 hanging brows, while a smile flitted across his lips as he 
 asked: 
 
 "You mean that sword Marshal Ney used to call the 
 sword of the pyramids?" 
 
 "The same. Were you acquainted with its fateful 
 history?" 
 
 "In a slight way I know that it always had for the 
 marshal a peculiar fascination. If my memory serves me 
 aright, he told me that while wearing the sword of the 
 pyramids he never lost a battle. It was few, indeed, that 
 he ever lost ; but I know that the sword had for him 
 some strange attraction. Napoleon brought it back from 
 the pyramids, hence I know that he always referred to it 
 as the sword of the pyramids. I know, too, that there 
 was some story connected with its history, but I am un- 
 acquainted with it. You say that he referrred to the 
 sword specially in his biography?" 
 
 "Yes; it seems that when the emperor presented it to
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 265 
 
 him he related its history as told by the former owner. 
 After my father had possessed it for some time he became 
 interested in its story, and traced it back by tradition 
 through centuries. It appears that a curse was on the 
 sword since the first owner was beheaded, and tradition 
 had it that every wearer of it met a peculiar death. In 
 many cases they were insurrectionists, as I recollect, and 
 were punished with death for their actions against exist- 
 ing governments, in other words, for treason." 
 
 "Not difficult, surely," said General D'Arville, "to 
 believe that, when the history of centuries was nothing 
 but continfal struggle for supremacy. No sooner was 
 one man comfortably seated on a throne as ruler than 
 some adventurer, with a few other warlike spirits, would 
 seek to overturn him. So as far as tradition goes, I 
 think we may accept the statement, of course, with some 
 allowance for superstition, that every wearer of the sword 
 met a violent death. ' ' 
 
 "Still," persisted Armand, "my father himself became 
 to a certain extent a believer in its fateful history. He 
 wrote particularly of this feeling when he was impris- 
 oned just previous to his alleged execution. He was pre- 
 paring for his earthly exit ; and when about to fasten his 
 sword upon his person, the whole history of the strange 
 weapon, the sultan's curse, who first owned it, came upon 
 him with awful distinctness. He realized that its history 
 would prove true in his case, as he was about to be shot, 
 even as Napoleon had dispatched its former owner for 
 treason. There can be no doubt but that he was deeply
 
 266 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 impressed with the strange history. I am inclined to 
 think, also, that it possessed for him an attraction even 
 greater than he would be free to admit. I read his 
 words with intense interest, but it was not for me to even 
 gaze upon the strange old weapon with such a terrible 
 history. My valet, Lafe, found, after digging in the 
 ruins of the old house, a mass of metal, silver and gold, 
 all that was left. The jewels, even the gold coin hoarded 
 by Uncle Pierre, had been reduced to a mass; but 
 nothing was found which even resembled a twisted sword 
 blade. So the story of the sword of the pyramids ended 
 with the destruction of Stone House." 
 
 A smile lighted up the face of D'Arville, as he said: 
 
 "Armand, that sword was not destroyed; strangely 
 enough, out of all the effects of Marshal Ney, that old 
 blade is all that remains." 
 
 "Not destroyed! surely, general, I have the best rea- 
 son to believe that it was. I repeat that there was not a 
 trace of it after the fire at the stone house." 
 
 "And, Armand, I repeat that the sword was not de- 
 stroyed. It was not there ; it never reached Virginia. " 
 
 The young man looked at the speaker in amazement. 
 
 "Not there, general! speak what is on your mind! If 
 not there where in Heaven's name was it?" 
 
 "Here." 
 
 "In Paris?" 
 
 "In this house." 
 
 Plainly the young officer was laboring under tremen- 
 dous excitement. While reading his father's manuscript
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 267 
 
 he had become much interested in the history of the 
 queer old blade which had such a strange history, and to 
 hear D'Arville speak as he did regarding it greatly 
 accentuated that interest. 
 
 D'Arville was quick to render an explanation. 
 
 "Briefly, I will explain. You are aware that after your 
 father's supposed execution he was brought to my 
 house?" 
 
 "He so stated in his papers to me." 
 
 "Well, at that time he wore that sword. In the excite- 
 ment incident to his departure from French territory, I 
 suppose the sword was overlooked. One of my servants, 
 supposing that it was my property, placed it among my 
 effects, where it remained for years. I was in ignorance 
 of its whereabouts, and not hearing from your father in 
 regard to his effects, the shipping of which fell entirely 
 to the lot of Colonel Breton, I, of course believed that all 
 he desired was with him. Again, I had no particular 
 reason to believe that he valued the blade so highly or 
 was so interested in its history. For years I lived away 
 from Paris. When I returned to remain here I purchased 
 this property. 
 
 My effects were then moved hither. You know 
 what a great amount of curios, blades of all countries, 
 knives brought from India, assegais from Zululand, an 
 old traveler like me will accumulate. These were left in 
 partial chaos for years in my house. I had never felt the 
 ambition or the desire to rearrange them. The liking 
 for them had fled. Last night while writing this maga-
 
 268 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 zine article I mentioned a singular weapon which I had 
 seen used by some of the tribes of Central Africa. I 
 knew that I brought one back with me when I retired 
 from the colonial service. I became interested to again 
 see it. I sought the room in which were scattered 
 mementos of the chase and war. While rummaging 
 there I came across a queer-looking sword. At the first 
 glance I thought it was one that I had picked up at Con- 
 stantinople ; but upon examination I knew that it was not 
 mine. It was strangely jeweled. Looking over its hilt 
 I saw a number of Turkish and Arabic characters. Look- 
 ing closer I saw an inscription, 'Bonaparte to Ney. ' I 
 knew then that it was the sword given to your father by 
 Napoleon when he was General Bonaparte. I knew that 
 it was the blade he wore when officially executed by the 
 king's order. I then thought what pleasure it would 
 give you to know that you still had your father's sword. 
 I was not aware in what strange esteem he held it until 
 you had enlightened me. Now, Armand, I am sure that 
 it was your father's wish that the sword should remain 
 with me. Or, if not, that it was delicacy on his part 
 that prevented his writing about it. Either that, or he 
 believed that it had been lost in some way and he did not 
 wish to remind me of the loss. It now seems most for- 
 tunate ; for had it been sent to him it would have been 
 destroyed. Now it gives me inexpressible pleasure to 
 hand to you the sword prized so highly by your princely 
 father. Strange, indeed, that out of all his effects his 
 sword alone should have been saved for you."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 269 
 
 "The sword, general pardon my impatience may I 
 see it now?" 
 
 "Surely; one moment and I will return with it;" and 
 the veteran stepped briskly out of the room. Keturning, 
 he extended to Armand a blade, half rust covered, and 
 strangely wrought. The young man accepted it in 
 silence. He moved his chair to a point where he ob- 
 tained a better light while he examined the historic 
 weapon. 
 
 Strange thoughts passed through the mind of Armand 
 Breton as he sat silently turning the old sultan's sword 
 in his hands, while he examined the engravings upon its 
 jewel-incrusted hilt. He held in his hands the blade 
 which had been first held by the opponent of Zenghis 
 Khan. His curse was upon it. Every wearer, so ran 
 the ancient tradition, had been executed. And yet, not- 
 withstanding the awful history, each wearer relinquished 
 it only when death claimed him. Its attraction, due to 
 some inexplicable magnetic force, was beyond sober com- 
 prehension. The sword of Timour! the sword of the 
 pyramids! and the young man's face lighted with a 
 gleam of pride as he thought the sword of Ney, as 
 well. The sword of Marengo, of Moscow, of Austerlitz, 
 of Waterloo no, not of Waterloo, because his father 
 had never worn it in defeat. The jewels in the hilt were 
 half-hidden by the accumulations of years. Brushing it 
 with his handkerchief, the large opal emitted a soft glow. 
 This was the pale opal which his father said had glowed 
 blood-red at Moscow. He watched it curiously; then
 
 270 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 he noted the engraving beneath some Arabic letters, 
 "Bonaparte, to Ney." His father had dedicated this 
 sword to the service of Napoleon. It had come to him, 
 and he had just pledged himself to the maintenance of 
 Napoleonic rule. Turning to D'Arville, Armand said: 
 
 "General, I am not entirely devoid of that in my make- 
 up which is commonly termed fatalism. It seems to be a 
 birthright of the Neys. And looking at this reminder of 
 an historic as well as a fateful past, I am reminded of a 
 strange chain of circumstances. This sword influenced 
 my father; whatever its occult force may be he was im- 
 pressed by it. It was given him by Napoleon, and he 
 solemnly dedicated it to his service. While wearing it 
 he never knew defeat. You well remember it was not 
 worn by him at "Waterloo. All his other belongings were 
 swept away; this sword alone remains. I have just de- 
 cided to do as the emperor asks; and lo, you place in 
 my hands the sword of the pyramids. Is this all chance, 
 or is it fate ? Is not this same sword placed in my hands 
 to carry out definite purposes? Is it not the means with 
 which to carve my way to recognition ? It has never been 
 wielded in defeat. It was once dedicated by Marshal 
 Ney to the service of Napoleon Bonaparte. His son now 
 solemnly rededicates it to the support of Louis Napoleon ! ' ' 
 And Armand reverently touched his lips to the pale opal 
 in its hilt. 
 
 D'Arville had watched the young man closely, and he 
 noted his apparent devotion to the cause which he 
 pledged himself to uphold. He believed in his own
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 271 
 
 mind that the younger man was influenced by a certain 
 amount of romanticism generated by the peculiar condi- 
 tions which surrounded him. Armand's enthusiasm was 
 so sincere that the general refrained from reminding 
 him of the dark side of the sword's history. Breton had 
 become a worshiper at the Napoleonic shrine. Perhaps 
 it would be best to leave him there rather than to attempt 
 to dispel any of his fond illusions. The old soldier 
 wisely held to his own views in silence, and rather en- 
 couraged the younger, as he added : 
 
 "Enthusiasm and earnestness of purpose are essential 
 to gain success. It is the wish of your old friend to see 
 you gain your heart's desire. Before I am mustered out, 
 Armand, may I see you in the full enjoyment of the reali- 
 zation of your fondest hopes. May the measure to you 
 be meted out full and abounding. ' ' 
 
 "Thanks, dear general, the steel in your nature rings 
 fine and true. Would that my life's history could be 
 one of such unselfish ends as yours. While the snow- 
 fall of time has been stealing over you, whitening your 
 locks, it has not chilled your heart, which pulses as 
 warmly to-day with generous feelings as it did when in 
 the flush of young manhood you fought side by side with 
 the men who have made bright the pages of French his- 
 tory. You are now in the sunset of life ; you can look 
 back through a long vista of years. In this vista there is 
 blood, carnage, the creation of new empires, the destruc- 
 tion of old. The echo of the great and stirring times 
 through which you have passed will linger forever in the
 
 272 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 galleries of memory. It is well that one who has gone 
 through such mighty storms, at which the whole world 
 trembled, should now enjoy the full consciousness of a life 
 well spent. It is right that you should now be sur- 
 rounded by peace and sunlight."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 273 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
 I ACCEPT. 
 
 ON his way home Arinand was debating in his mind as 
 to just how he would break the news of his acceptance of 
 the emperor's mission to Lucille. This, coupled with the 
 fact that soon he must leave her, made his heart heavy. 
 Lucille met him at the entrance to their apartments. 
 
 "Armand, dear," she said, "you can't guess what news 
 I have received from America to-day from Lloyd, ' ' and 
 her face was aglow with pleasurable excitement while she 
 waited for Breton's answer. 
 
 "I'll wager a kiss I can, my love, and will claim my 
 forfeit right now," laughingly replied Armand, as he 
 pressed her pouting lips. 
 
 "But you haven't even guessed, and you have taken 
 advantage of my weakness to claim your forfeit. ' ' 
 
 "Well, in such a case we have settled the wager before- 
 hand. Now you can tell me all about it, as I see you are 
 just dying to do," said Breton. 
 
 "I have just the funniest news from Lloyd. It will 
 surprise you, too, when you hear it." 
 
 "Well, why don't you hurry and tell me?" 
 
 "Because you claimed a bet before you won it, and now
 
 274 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 you will have to wait. The news, of course, will interest 
 you. I was so surprised. Why, I didn't even guess 
 that things would come out so. ' ' 
 
 "Why don't you tell me? If you don't tell me now 
 that you have excited my interest, I shall claim another 
 forfeit." 
 
 "You dare not, I shall have your court-martialed. 
 Lloyd is fond of giving surprises; don't you think so?" 
 
 "Yes, precisely, and you are fond of teasing, aren't 
 you?" 
 
 "Moderately, especially when a big, strong, bear-like 
 man takes advantage of my feminine weakness. Lloyd is 
 coming here." 
 
 Armand was delighted with the information. With 
 Lloyd in Paris he felt that it would be much easier for 
 him to leave Lucille. 
 
 "Joyful news; and when will he sail?" he asked. 
 
 "I have a cablegram from him stating that he will leave 
 to-morrow and that he will not come alone." 
 
 "What?" 
 
 "Lloyd is married; he followed the example set by 
 you." 
 
 "Wise man; and whom did he marry?" 
 
 "Some one you know well." 
 
 "Keally, I have, you know, a very limited acquaintance 
 among the fair ones in America. I shall have to give it 
 up and pay you back your forfeit. ' ' 
 
 "No, sir, I will not accept it. Lloyd married Nita 
 Calvert."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 275 
 
 "Nita Calvert! "Well, little wife, you have given me a 
 surprise truly. Ah, Lloyd is fortunate; she is a noble 
 girl. Her devotion to the Southern cause was sublime. 
 When I sent Lloyd to Kichmond she nursed him back to 
 mental health. I little thought that when I sent Lafe 
 with him to Nita at Bichmond I was sending along a 
 husband to her. ' ' 
 
 "Nita is a dear, sweet girl. I love her very much. In 
 our schooldays she was my most intimate friend, and our 
 regard for each other has long outlived those days. I 
 could not have wished Lloyd greater happiness than to 
 have won the love of Nita Calvert. But I never even 
 dreamed of such a thing coming to pass. By to-day's 
 steamer I had a long letter from her with a postscript 
 from Lloyd. I had only gotten over my surprise when a 
 cablegram came advising me of their trip to Europe. 
 The letter was written for both of us, and it is on my 
 desk when you care to read it, ' ' added Lucille. 
 
 "Of course, Lucille, you know of Nita's engagement to 
 Edmond Esten, and how his death at the battle of 
 Rutgers* ended it?" asked Breton. 
 
 "Yes, certainly; was I not in Bichmond when she was 
 at the hospital? Have you forgotten, so quickly sir, the 
 race we had?" and Lucille looked up archly at her hus- 
 band. "Besides," she continued, "Nita said that she 
 told Lloyd all the love of her youth was buried in the 
 grave of Edmond Esten. She thought she never could 
 love another as she had her first love. She was, indeed, 
 very candid with Lloyd ; she told him if he wished to
 
 276 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 take her with the belief that respect would ripen into a 
 late love she was willing to become his wife ; this was 
 before their engagement. I am rather of the opinion, 
 after reading their letter, that her feelings have under- 
 gone a rapid change. I should say they were as com- 
 pletely in love with each other as " 
 
 "Well, why not say as we are." 
 
 "If it pleases you to hear me say it, consider it said. 
 Although, Armand dear, I should not be willing to admit 
 that any one was quite as ridiculously silly as you are at 
 times." 
 
 "Another forfeit, little girl." 
 
 "What a jolly time we will all have here soon," said 
 Lucille demurely. "You know I think papa and mamma 
 will be over, too. Lloyd and Nita, and you and I what 
 a reunion ! Perhaps, too, we will travel awhile together. 
 Why, Armand dear, how troubled you look. Tell me 
 what is on your mind. You have told me nothing of 
 your visit to the emperor. Now, sir, will you be pleased 
 to give an account of yourself? Why should that 
 troubled look overshadow your brow?" 
 
 Armand fidgeted nervously, and at last began 
 with: 
 
 "Lucille, I cannot help looking troubled when I realize 
 that our tarry here together will be so short." 
 
 "Why, Armand, surely you are not going to hurry 
 away now?" and Lucille opened her eyes wide with 
 amazement as she looked at her husband. 
 
 "My darling, I can't tell you how much it grieves me
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 277 
 
 to say it, but I fear our stay in Paris this time must be 
 short-lived. I must leave you. ' ' 
 
 "Leave me, Armand?" and a look of wonderment and 
 horror swept over Lucille 's features. 
 
 "My decision is made. But sit down, Lucille, and I 
 will tell you all about what I mean." 
 
 Armand then began to tell of the events of the day, 
 beginning with his meeting with the emperor and the 
 proposition made by him. He said he had decided to 
 accept the mission, and go to Mexico ; that in this course 
 he was carrying out the last request of his father. He 
 also told of the finding of the old sword. In relating all 
 this in detail the young man brought out the fact that he 
 was actuated by a certain sense of honor, as well as in- 
 fluenced by the desire to obtain his rightful position 
 in France. He refrained from touching upon the fateful 
 history of the sword. Lucille listened, and while her 
 face was pale with emotion, she never interjected an ex- 
 clamation as the young man told her of his hopes and 
 his beliefs in a low, earnest tone. Occasionally a tear 
 stole out from under her eyelashes and trickled down her 
 cheeks. She shuddered when Armand had told her of 
 the finding of the sword. 
 
 "And this, Armand, is the sword of which your father 
 wrote the sword with all that horrid history?" 
 
 "The same; the only reminder left meof my father's 
 possessions." 
 
 "Armand, it would be unfair for me to ask you to 
 abandon this project which you deem wise and which has
 
 278 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 impressed you so deeply in a chivalric sense. Far be it 
 from me, my dear husband, to thwart your ambitions in 
 any way ; your glory is my glory ; our lives are linked 
 closely together, and I would not seek to dissuade you, 
 my beloved, from undertaking this mission by a display 
 of womanish fears. I would say this : you married me, a 
 plain Yankee girl ; you seek now to bestow upon me titles 
 and riches. I would rather live my life with plain 
 Armand Breton and contribute my quota to your happi- 
 ness than to live apart from you with all the wealth of 
 the Indies and with all the titles within the gift of the 
 emperor. And yet, notwithstanding that your duty lies 
 in far-off Mexico, I shall not seek to hold you, but shall 
 say Godspeed, and pray to Him to hasten the day when 
 you will be once more with me. ' ' 
 
 "My precious girl, it is most cheering to me to have 
 you express yourself in such a noble, thoughtful man- 
 ner. You make the parting less difficult for me. The 
 sorrow of my absence will be somewhat assuaged by the 
 comforting thought that you are in sympathy with the 
 causes which bring about my departure. Maybe our 
 separation will not be for long. ' ' 
 
 "And will you have to go so quickly?" 
 
 "That depends entirely upon the emperor. I shall tell 
 him to-morrow that I await his instructions." 
 
 "I wish you would do one thing for my sake." 
 
 "With pleasure; anything." 
 
 "I do wish you would leave that horrid old sword 
 here."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 279 
 
 Breton's brow clouded a trifle. 
 
 "I had set my heart upon taking it. You know my 
 father prized it highly, and I have really sworn to wield 
 it in the emperor's behalf." 
 
 "Yes, but only think; it will be hard enough for me to 
 bear your absence ; it would worry me to death to think 
 of your having with you that sword with its awful 
 history." 
 
 "You are a dear, brave little wife, and although I place 
 a romantic value upon the sword, yet I hold your happi- 
 ness above that, and if it will cause you uneasiness for 
 me to carry the sword I will leave it here. " 
 
 "Oh, thank you; I should dread so much to have you 
 carry it." 
 
 "That is settled; I will bring it over to-morrow ; you 
 shall see it." 
 
 Armand Breton had set his heart upon carrying with 
 him the sword which had always led his father to vic- 
 tory ; yet when he saw how Lucille would be worried he 
 concluded that the best way would be to let the matter 
 drop, rather than to prolong by discussion a subject that 
 proved so abhorrent to her. 
 
 At the hour appointed the following day he called upon 
 the emperor. After greetings had been exchanged, Bre- 
 ton thought he noticed that the emperor was slightly 
 perturbed. He became sure of this after Napoleon had 
 made a few nervous turns in his chair, then arose and 
 pace*? the floor, wearing a preoccupied expression upon 
 his sallow features. Suddenly, halting before the Ameri-
 
 280 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 can, who had been loath to break the silence, the 
 emperor asked in quick, excited words : 
 
 "And your decision have you arrived at it? speak!" 
 
 "I have decided," replied Breton, in firm tones, "to 
 accept the mission which your highness had deemed me 
 worthy to undertake. ' ' 
 
 "Enough, and good; your decision is both wise and 
 timely. Now, Colonel Breton, I can speak fully as to 
 conditions in Mexico and your mission. Since last meet- 
 ing you a crisis has arisen there. ' ' 
 
 "A crisis, your majesty!" 
 
 "Yes, one which, I fear, may result in the postpone- 
 ment of Mexican unity in the support of the Emperor 
 Maximilian for some time. I will talk plainly. Only 
 about two hours ago I received a message announcing the 
 fact that the Mexican emperor has signed an imperial 
 decree punishing all Mexicans with death who offer resist- 
 ance to his government. This is really meant to sup- 
 press brigandage ; but I am exercised lest the Mexican 
 and French officers may use it as a military edict to per- 
 mit them to execute Mexicans of high standing who are 
 opposed to the rule of Maximilian. I am of the belief 
 that the decree, although, as I have stated, issued by the 
 emperor to exterminate the brigands, has innocently 
 placed a powerful weapon in the hands of his officers and 
 his French allies to revenge themselves upon the wealthy 
 Mexicans who have opposed the empire. They should 
 have been conciliated. Rather than that I fear he has 
 antagonized them, provided that his officers carry out his
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 281 
 
 decree in a sanguinary way. This I apprehend because 
 I do not believe that he would have signed the decree 
 save under false representations. The clerical party 
 expected him to restore the estates of the church which 
 were confiscated by Juarez. This he has not done, and 
 their hatred runs deep. They will be revenged on the 
 class who have robbed them. If prominent Mexicans are 
 executed under his orders the result will be to start the 
 spirit of rebellion afresh and bring new recruits under 
 the banner of Juarez. There are States in the north of 
 Mexico which have never acknowledged the sway of the 
 emperor, and if the edict, results as I believe, it will mean 
 that rebellion against Maximilian will spread. It may 
 require more troops to keep it in check. I desire to at 
 once communicate my fears to the emperor, urging him, 
 if not to revoke his edict, to see, at least, that he has not 
 placed too strong a weapon in the hands of those who may 
 use it solely for revengeful purposes. Therefore I wish 
 you to leave at once as my special representative. I shall 
 prepare the necessary papers, which you are to present in 
 person to the Mexican emperor. I shall then rely upon 
 your cool military judgment to represent to me the true 
 state of affairs in Mexico. Let your dispatches be 
 couched in no uncertain language. If you have fear s > 
 express them, giving your reasons for such beliefs. You 
 will be the trusted representative of the emperor of the 
 French ; your commission will be made out to-day ; your 
 position will be clearly defined by me in my communica- 
 tion to the emperor, under the official seal; to-morrow
 
 282 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 my secretary will arrange the code with you; the day 
 following, at one hour later than this, I will give you 
 audience, at which time I will communicate to you my 
 further plans regarding the part you are to play in the 
 Mexican campaign ; the evening of that day you will sail 
 on a steamer conveying French troops to Vera Cruz. " 
 Before Breton had an opportunity of replying, the 
 emperor had touched a bell, which quickly summoned a 
 servant, to whom he said: "Accompany Colonel Breton 
 to the room where Monsieur Guisterre is now." Then 
 turning to Breton he added : "You can now arrange an 
 hour suitable to yourself with my secretary for a confer- 
 ence. May you have no reason to regret the decision you 
 have made," and with an inclination of his head the 
 emperor left the young officer. After a short conference 
 with Guisterre, the private secretary of Napoleon, Breton 
 repaired to the residence of General D'Arville. The old 
 warrior was absent, but was expected to return momen- 
 tarily. "While awaiting his return in his study the 
 American noticed among the open volumes lying upon his 
 table several military works upon the different campaigns 
 in the North and in Latin America. While he was turn- 
 ing the pages of a work by an Italian writer upon the 
 early conquest of Mexico, the old general came briskly in. 
 "Ah, my young friend," he said, as he noticed Bre- 
 ton's observing look, "you see I have been reviving my 
 knowledge of those countries which were originally dis- 
 covered by the early Spanish adventurers. What a 
 nation Spain was in those days," he continued, "and how
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 283 
 
 she is sunk to-day; one after another she has allowed 
 those rich colonies to slip from her, until all she has re- 
 maining of those vast possessions conquered by Cortez 
 and Pizarro is the Isle of Cuba. And methinks the 
 hungry Yankees will gobble that up some morning for 
 breakfast. It is a tempting morsel dangling right at the 
 mouth of Uncle Sam. ' ' 
 
 "But, my dear general, you cannot forget one thing 
 regarding the modern Spaniard!" 
 
 "And that?" 
 
 "That the Spaniards were the only people who did not 
 bow the head and bend the knee to your former emperor. 
 Again, it was the Spanish campaign more than any other 
 which weakened Napoleon. ' ' 
 
 "True, the Spaniard is by nature proud, and he has an 
 unconquerable amount of patriotism. I have been im- 
 pressed with one thing strongly while pursuing my 
 Mexican researches, viz., the singular resemblance be- 
 tween the Spanish campaign under Napoleon and the 
 Mexican campaign under the son of Hortense. " 
 
 "Where is the resemblance, general?" 
 
 "When the emperor placed his brother Joseph upon 
 the Spanish throne the people refused to recognize him : 
 they had nothing in common with him ; and in order to 
 keep him in place the emperor had to surround him with 
 French bayonets. But the tremendous national feeling 
 of the Spanish people was fully aroused when the transfer 
 of the Spanish crown from Bourbon to Bonaparte was 
 fully understood. A regular guerrilla warfare was inau-
 
 284 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 gurated. Every defile became a battle ground: every 
 rock hid a peasant waiting for French stragglers. Then 
 again, a flame had been kindled which even the emperor 
 could not quench. A fanatical frenzy was inspired by 
 the priests. The Spaniards wanted their own system 
 even if it was feudal and oppressive. The French could 
 not withstand that kind of warfare and it ended in defeat. 
 The Spanish peasants, fighting from behind each rock, 
 defeated Napoleon. The nation would not accept a ruler 
 who was not to their liking. Now, as to the Mexican 
 resemblance. The French emperor places a ruler upon a 
 throne of his own making. The Mexicans do not wish an 
 emperor. One has been imposed on them through the 
 declaration of the assembly of Notables, an assembly of 
 priests who acted upon the emperor's suggestions, because 
 through the empire they saw a way of regaining their 
 power, and property as well, which has been confiscated. 
 They offered the crown to Maximilian, and he, upon the 
 assurance that the people desired him, accepted. He has 
 been kept upon his throne by maintaining a double row 
 of French bayonets around it. In the meanwhile thou- 
 sands of French troops are scattered about the country. 
 They cannot make the empire an established fact ; the 
 Mexicans desire a man of their own race as ruler, and 
 have elected one to fill that office. They have a Mexican 
 president in Juarez, one of their own blood and to their 
 liking. The Mexicans are trained to mountain warfare, 
 and they can held out as did the Spaniards. They can 
 constantly harass the French troops. Their nationality
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 285 
 
 is aroused and they will fight on for years. The natural 
 advantages of the country are such that the mountains 
 afford them ample recuperative facilities. Thus, you 
 see, Armand, the similarity existing between the Spanish 
 campaign of Napoleon and the Mexican campaign of the 
 present emperor. As an old soldier I say the Spanish 
 intrigues of Napoleon weakened his throne more than 
 aught else. When he himself felt compelled to leave 
 France in support of his Spanish military and political 
 programme he exposed himself to the onslaught of his 
 enemies at home. They did much to undermine him, 
 and in the end he did not succeed in maintaining Joseph 
 on the Bourbon throne. The present emperor will not, 
 even with French bayonets, maintain Maximilian upon a 
 throne which is objected to by the national sentiment of 
 Mexico. He is losing at home in this sense. Moreover, 
 the morale of the French army should be raised, France 
 has enemies to-day as in times past. Look at Prussia 
 and all the Germanic States. Again, there lingers in the 
 minds of many right here in Paris a desire for revenge 
 upon the emperor for his coup d'etat of December, 1851 
 men who were thrown into prison in order that he might 
 sit upon a throne have not had their hatred softened by 
 the intervening years. Then, too, mark the similarity in 
 language between Spain and Mexico, and I may add reli- 
 gion, because Cortez left an indelible imprint upon the 
 land of Montezuma. He advanced with sword in one 
 hand, while the other supported the cross. We shall see 
 if the ending is the same. Should the Mexican interfer-
 
 286 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 ence of the French emperor result in the downfall of his 
 throne, then the resemblance would be complete. ' ' 
 
 "And, general, history repeats itself, it is said," re- 
 marked Breton, after the old officer had paused; "but 
 surely you do not predict such an end, do you?" 
 
 D'Arville stroked his gray mustache in silence before 
 he replied: "Well, my boy, I never was much of a 
 prophet, and perhaps the similarity of the two campaigns 
 has so impressed me that I added the possible sequel as 
 one which would be needed to complete the resemblance 
 rather than as a probability. But tell me of the result of 
 your visit to the emperor. " 
 
 ""While the information imparted to me was of a 
 strictly private nature, I feel that I am not, considering 
 our relations, divulging that which I should not when I 
 relate to you all that transpired during my interview with 
 the emperor," said Breton. He then related to the gen- 
 eral what the emperor had told him during the morning. 
 "And now what think you of the emperor's fears?" he 
 added. 
 
 The veteran lighted a cigarette, leaned back in his 
 chair, took a few deep inhalations and looked steadily at 
 Armand before replying. "I think, "he said after he 
 had cleared his throat, "that the emperor has excellent 
 cause for alarm. Maximilian is not a deep man, but he 
 is honest, he is sincere, and naturally he believes that 
 those about him possess the same attributes. The cun- 
 ning Mexican priests have through certain representa- 
 tions brought him to sign that decree. I'll wager that
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 287 
 
 even now they are cutting off the heads of men a fact of 
 which Maximilian is in ignorance, but which is being 
 charged to his account and can only be liquidated by 
 blood." 
 
 "Then you place quite as serious an interpretation 
 upon the decree as the emperor himself?" 
 
 "There can be no other interpretation to that unfortu- 
 nate decree, the signing of which only makes more distant 
 the time when the Austrian archduke shall be emperor in 
 more than name. So you are to start at once ? and more 
 French troops accompany you? What will your young 
 bride say to this? I'll warrant her bright eyes will be 
 dimmed when you tell her of this sudden leavetaking of 
 yours. ' ' 
 
 "The hardest task of all! and, too, we had just planned 
 for a family reunion here in Paris. Her brother, who, as 
 you know, was my most intimate friend in Paris, is even 
 now on his way to meet us, accompanied by his bride. 
 He fought in the Federal Army." 
 
 "Fought against each other and you married his sis- 
 ter?" 
 
 "We both fought for the cause in which we believed. " 
 
 "Of course; and now he is coming to meet you again 
 in Paris?" 
 
 "Yes, and General and Mrs. Phillips, his parents, are 
 soon to sail. ' ' 
 
 "Your sudden departure breaks up those nicely-planned 
 family jaunts over Europe. Well, Armand, I have always 
 looked upon marriage as quite apart from a soldier's life.
 
 288 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 A soldier is at the mercy of the ever-shifting whims of 
 his commander. He has to knock about in all parts of 
 the globe, and as for myself I have always been heartily 
 glad that no woman's life was linked in an inseparable 
 way with mine. ' ' 
 
 "But, general, suppose you have honest affection for a 
 woman, and that affection is returned?" 
 
 "Outgrow it and never take an affair of the heart seri- 
 ously ; that has been my motto. I often think that it is 
 better to look at a rose, revel in its fragrance, than it is 
 to pluck it ; it soon withers ; the perfume is gone ; and 
 you wish to toss it aside ; but, if chained to you, you 
 cannot. I am blunt, Armand, but you know why I have 
 never married. ' ' 
 
 "And, my dear General D'Arville, you who talk of love 
 lightly as if it were a mere sensual passion, rather than 
 an enduring, ennobling human attribute, cannot under- 
 stand the real emotions which exist between those who 
 love each other, not alone for beauty of form, or of face, 
 but for those higher mental gifts, the inner selves which 
 hold almost a spiritual communication with each other. 
 I have seen the rough lines on the face of the wife of the 
 American mountaineer soften and grow positively beauti- 
 ful as her features were lighted with the divinity of love 
 when she has bent over her wounded husband lying on 
 the hard bed of the soldier. The tender lovelight in her 
 eyes was answered in the gleam of recognition, the re- 
 sponse of affection, which flitted across the face of the 
 wounded man. Ah, general, surely you are offering a
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 289 
 
 cruel jest when you speak so lightly of affection. In the 
 life of your noble mother you saw nothing but affeo- 
 tion " 
 
 "But, my boy, we will not pursue the subject" The 
 old warrior was not half as callous to Cupid's darts as he 
 was fond of stating, because, to tell the truth, his heart 
 had proved vulnerable to feminine charms on innumerable 
 occasions. 
 
 "I neglected to take the sword of the pyramids home 
 with me. I will do so now, ' ' said Breton. 
 
 "That goes with you to Mexico?" 
 
 "I had intended, as you know, to wear it, but my wife 
 is afraid of the fateful history of the blade, and I have 
 promised her to leave it behind. ' ' 
 
 "Again the woman, Armand, " said the general, as 
 Breton arose to leave. 
 
 "True, and would to God that over the life of every 
 man woman might exert the sweet influence she does 
 over mine, ' ' replied Breton, as he shook hands warmly 
 with his old friend and passed out. 
 
 Lucille received the announcement of Armand 's sudden 
 departure with amazement, which was succeeded by a 
 feeling of calm resignation.
 
 290 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 KNIGHT-EBRANTKY IN MEXICO. 
 
 THE sun was just sinking behind a mass of fleecy clouds 
 when the vessel containing the French troops, with whom 
 was Breton, passed under the guns of the old casemented 
 Spanish fort which commanded the harbor of Vera Cruz. 
 From the deck of the steamer the view obtained of the 
 city of the true cross, founded centuries before by the 
 adventurous Cortez, was most entrancing. The dark-blue 
 waters of the Mexican Gulf lazily washed the shores. 
 The walls of Vera Cruz gleamed ivory white in the sun- 
 light ; while the tall palms in the gardens gave an emerald- 
 flecked appearance to the idyllic scene. High over the 
 white walls of the city rose the spire of the stately cathe- 
 dral, surmounted with a golden cross which glowed like 
 living fire as the rays of the setting sun were reflected 
 upon it. Back of the town in the darker shadows rose 
 the somber shape of Orizaba, its star-like summit crowned 
 with eternal snow ; it stood in'shadowy relief like a giant 
 beacon guiding the birds of the sea in their passage. A 
 true worshiper of nature, Armand Breton's soul drank in 
 the beauties of the scene before him, and as the bells of 
 the cathedral sent their anthems pealing across the water
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 291 
 
 he bent low his head in reverence. "So this is Mexico?" 
 he said, turning to the French officer at his side, "the 
 land of the ancient Toltecs, the golden land of Monte- 
 zuma. ' ' 
 
 "And, " replied Commander Celeste, as he shrugged 
 his shoulders by way of emphasis, "you may also 
 add, Colonel Breton, the land of revolutions as well. 
 Even before the Spanish conquest revolutions were quite 
 the thing, and the introduction of Latin ideas and blood 
 did not tend to reduce the inflammable qualities of the 
 Aztec race. Let us pass over the ancient struggles and 
 come down to those of this century. Since 1810 Mexico 
 has made various attempts at self-government under 
 many forms. From the days of Hidalgo, the priest who 
 first declared independence from Spain, down to the 
 present, it is one continuous history of political intrigue, 
 revolts, and bloodshed, as well as usurpation." 
 
 "You do not mean to apply the latter to the present 
 government, do you?" asked Breton. 
 
 "No, assuredly, no; Maximilian accepted the crown of 
 Mexico only upon the assurance that he was the choice of 
 the people. He came here in that belief, after renounc- 
 ing his right of succession to the throne of the Haps- 
 burgs. If the natives of this revolution-ridden land only 
 had the good sense to know an honest ruler, they would 
 immediately recognize the worth of the present emperor. 
 But, alas," and the officer sighed, "they do not wel- 
 come a true ruler. Mexico is plastic and requires 
 strong kneading hand. "
 
 292 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 Not long after this conversation the officers disem- 
 barked and were fraternizing with their French and 
 Mexican confreres. The officers at the post of Vera 
 Cruz were anxiously awaiting not only reinforcements 
 fi-om France, but imperial advice as well. The events 
 of the past few months had alarmed the followers of 
 Maximilian. In the first place the civil war had ended 
 disastrously to the Confederacy which crumbled at Appo- 
 mattox. Then came the unfortunate and ill-timed decree 
 of Maximilian proclaiming the followers of Juarez as 
 bandits, condemned when captured to immediate execu- 
 tion. Then that dashing American cavalry leader, Phil 
 Sheridan, with the finest cavalry corps ever organized, 
 had appeared on the banks of the Rio Grande, ostensibly 
 to watch Texas. Lastly, came mutterings of the impend- 
 ing declaration by the American secretary of state, that 
 the maintainence of French troops in Mexico was in vio- 
 lation of the Monroe doctrine, and that they must be 
 withdrawn. The outlook for imperial success was not 
 flattering, but the arrival of fresh troops raised the hopes 
 of the allies. 
 
 As Breton's letters were to be delivered to the emperor 
 in person, under whose instructions he was to act, he 
 was anxious to press forward to the capital, then held by 
 French troops under Bazaine. His tarry at Vera Cruz 
 was short; for the day following their arrival on the 
 Mexican coast Breton, with the French reinforcements, 
 was well on the way to the ancient city where the Aus- 
 trian archduke, the titular Emperor of Mexico, held
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 293 
 
 court. As they advanced toward the interior Breton saw 
 what tremendous advantages the country offered for 
 guerrilla warfare. His conversation with General D'Ar- 
 ville was brought vividly to mind, as he began to realize 
 that the peculiar topography of the country made it diffi- 
 cult to operate with effectiveness large bodies of men, 
 whose weakness would oftentimes become augmented by 
 the numbers and impediments necessary to the suste- 
 nance of armies operating in an unknown country, not 
 rich as a forage ground. It was at Orizaba, a city nes- 
 tling under the shadows of the great volcanic mountain 
 whose name it bears, that news reached them that their 
 command was liable to attack from the Mexican forces 
 under General Porfirio Diaz, who had been operating 
 with much discomfiture to the French and allied forces, 
 in the region below the great valley of Mexico. It was 
 after the news had been brought in by Indian scouts that 
 Diaz was in the vicinity, that Breton thought it wise to 
 examine his personal effects. He wished to carry upon 
 his person the papers intrusted to his care by Napoleon 
 for delivery to Maximilian ; also he wished to equip him- 
 self for active duty should that necessity arise. He had 
 needed only a portion of his effects since leaving France. 
 Lucille had personally superintended the packing of his 
 trunks, and it was with a heart overflowing with love for 
 his wife in far-away France that he bent over his task. 
 He was constantly reminded of Lucille 's care and 
 thoughtfulness as he came across some dainty reminder 
 of feminine sweetness. In the bottom of a long case lay
 
 294 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 two swords, one he had purchased in Paris, the other was 
 carefully wrapped ; to it was attached a note addressed to 
 him inLucille's hand. "Ah, the dear girl!" he thought, 
 "some farewell to cheer her lonely soldier in his far-away 
 sojourn." Hastily tearing open the missive he read: 
 
 "DEAREST ABMAND: When you so quickly granted my 
 request not to take with you the sword which your father 
 wore, that sword with such an awful history, I little knew 
 what it cost you. Neither did I realize how much you 
 had set your heart upon taking it until in your sleep you 
 referred to it, and in such a fervid manner that I knew 
 then how generously you acquiesced to my request, with- 
 out even remonstrating about my views, which you may 
 have attributed to some ridiculous, womanly fear. It 
 was then that I concluded that the sword which you 
 prized so highly should accompany you, no matter how 
 much I should wish it far from your reach. I knew that 
 if I told you of my change of mind you would object still 
 to taking it, believing that it would cause me gloomy and 
 unhappy thoughts. Therefore, Armand, dearest, I re- 
 solved upon placing it among your effects. I did this 
 knowing that you would be well at sea or in Mexico 
 before you learned of its nearness to you. May it shield 
 you from all harm ! and may it be instrumental in win- 
 ning for you that which you seek ! is the prayer of your 
 loving LUCILLE. ' ' 
 
 Breton passionately pressed the missive to his lips, 
 while he murmured: "My brave, generous, true-hearted 
 Lucille ! God grant that your prayers may be answered. ' ' 
 Tenderly unwrapping the sword he swung it in triumph.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 295 
 
 No matter what proportion of the attachment might be 
 sentimental, yet Breton had a love for the old blade 
 which had been wielded on many a hard-fought field. 
 "This blade shall be with me until this Mexican cam- 
 paign is over," he said half-exultingly, as he bent it 
 nearly double, showing the elasticity of the steel used by 
 the old swordmakers in the days of the first sultan. 
 
 Beyond exchanging a few shots with the Mexican 
 forces which were in ambush on the mountain sides, the 
 journey to the city of Mexico was made with little inter- 
 ruption. Breton was afforded an excellent opportunity 
 to study the natural advantages of the country. After 
 they had passed on from the low lands up the precipi- 
 tous sides of the mountains to the great valley of Mexico, 
 the American began to realize and appreciate the phe- 
 nomenal richness of the barbaric empire over which 
 Cortez planted the banner of Castile. Opulent beyond 
 description in natural resources, under skies as blue as 
 sunny Italy, the land of the ancient Aztecs had been for 
 centuries under Spanish misrule, until the natives at last 
 had been able to throw off the thievish, throttling clutch 
 of Spain. Mexico had thrown off her yoke, but still upon 
 her fair breast were the scars of bondage. The brutal 
 domination of Castile had left an indelible imprint upon 
 the country so bountifully gifted by nature. When they 
 reached the capital they found it securely fortified. 
 Bazaine was there with a large force of French troops. 
 There also were quartered Austrian and Belgian troops ; 
 the latter due to family influence, as the wife of Maxi-
 
 296 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 milian was sister to the king of the Belgians. Breton 
 was impressed with the military appearance of the city. 
 He was anxious to meet the emperor, and reported 
 shortly after his arrival to the palace. He had heard 
 while at school in Paris of "Ferdinand Max," as the 
 emperor was commonly called in the Austrian navy. He 
 found in Maximilian a most agreeable personality. He 
 was entirely free from that reserve which is one of the 
 family characteristics of the Hapsburgs. A man of singu- 
 lar amiability, Maximilian at once won the esteem of the 
 young officer who had come to aid him in his fight for 
 the fatal crown of Mexico. Maximilian, through papers 
 handed him by Captain Celeste, had already become ac- 
 quainted with the fact of Breton's presence. He greeted 
 the American warmly, and after he had chatted with him 
 in an informal way for a few moment*, he opened the 
 package of letters handed him by Breton. Hastily glanc- 
 ing over the addresses, he laid on the table with their 
 seals unbroken the packages marked state correspond- 
 ence, while he scanned the personal letter from Napo- 
 leon. 
 
 After reading he remarked : 
 
 "Napoleon speaks of your worth and military ability 
 in a way most complimentary to you, and it gives me 
 exceeding pleasure to welcome you to Mexico, Colonel 
 Breton." 
 
 Armand saw by the manner of the emperor in address- 
 ing him that Napoleon had not advised Maximilian of 
 his ancestry. Of this he was not sorry ; he was confident
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 297 
 
 that Napoleon would bring it all about at the proper 
 time. 
 
 Then excusing himself, ths emperor opened the official 
 correspondence. Breton saw his fair open face darken 
 as he read. It was some time before he had concluded 
 his perusal of the contents of the French emperor's let- 
 ters. After he had finished, he gave a deep sigh, and 
 upon his face there settled a troubled look, a look of de- 
 jection almost. The joyous light had fled from his eyes, 
 and when he spoke Breton noted that his voice lacked 
 the cheeriness of a short time before. 
 
 "Colonel Breton," he said, "I suppose you are fully 
 aware of the nature of the contents of the state documents 
 which have been handed me?" 
 
 "I have the confidence of the French emperor, your 
 majesty, and I have personally gone over with him in 
 conversation the nature of the correspondence which I 
 was instructed to deliver to you." 
 
 "As I supposed from the way in which Napoleon 
 referred to you; therefore we can be frank with each 
 other. "While I am convinced that there may be grounds 
 for the emperor's uneasiness, yet I think the situation 
 does not warrant entertaining such pessimistic views as 
 he indicates. It is true that there are many complica- 
 tions here in this land, complications undreamed of by 
 me when I accepted the crown. However, the Mexicans 
 have always been an inflammable people, and I am inclined 
 to think that as soon as they really comprehend that 
 my rule will be solely for the good of Mexico, brigandage
 
 298 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 will cease; that ere long, aided by the restraining influ- 
 ence of the clergy, there will be no rebellious subjects in 
 the empire. It will be my life work to give Mexico a 
 wise and elevating reign. To an extent the people have 
 been brutalized by their Spanish conquerors, and reduced 
 to slavery by the false leaders of their own race. The 
 land has been reduced to chaos and despair. By the proc- 
 lamation of Juarez, church property became national 
 property and was sold to parties occupying its lands. 
 The clergy were deprived of all political rights. Depriv- 
 ing the church of its property was robbery, but it had 
 governmental sanction, and was therefore legal. The 
 clergy expect me to reinstate them in possession of their 
 property. That I cannot do. I wish first to crush out 
 all opposition to my rule. Then when the empire is 
 united, I shall commence reforms. I signed that decree 
 which the French emperor considers may operate disad- 
 vantageously to my interests, in the belief that it would 
 aid in putting down the insurrectionists. Why should 
 they not be executed? They carry on a bandit war. 
 They are not soldiers; they are bandits, and as such 
 should be punished;" and Maximilian's face flushed with 
 emotion. 
 
 "And, your majesty, you have no doubt as to the 
 loyalty of the men who stand close to you ? You do not 
 think it possible that under the cover of your decree they 
 might be carrying out a series of executions which in 
 many instances might be merely a personal revenge 
 rather than a just execution?"
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 299 
 
 "No, certainly not; those who are shot deserve such a 
 death." 
 
 "And do you think that these executions by imperial 
 edict are having an effect to subdue the feeling antago- 
 nistic to your reign?" 
 
 Maximilian looked undecided, but finally replied: 
 "Regarding this, reports differ. Personally, I consider 
 that firmness in dealing with these men, as all bandits 
 should be dealt with, will quickly teach them that the 
 empire is determined not to countenance rebellion in any 
 form. When there shall be peace in this fair land and 
 law is supreme, schools of science and agriculture must 
 be established, roads must be built, and civilization ex- 
 tended. The future of this magnificent empire is indeed 
 brilliant ; but before we can progress rapidly on the road 
 to a higher civilization we must have a united people. 
 Therefore, Colonel Breton, the dominating question is to 
 break the backbone of this unfortunate rebellion. You 
 came for active service ; you shall see it ; you have been 
 in the cavalry service of the Confederate army; you 
 would prefer to be attached to the same branch of the 
 service, no doub t. ' ' 
 
 "I should prefer to be attached to the cavalry, your 
 majesty." 
 
 "Enough, it shall be so. I will at once see General 
 Bazaine relative to an assignment. ' ' 
 
 After further conversation with the emperor, to whom 
 Breton had already taken a great liking, he withdrew. 
 The day following his visit to the Austrian archduke, he
 
 COO THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 learned that temporarily he would serve on the staff of 
 the commander of the French forces in Mexico. It was 
 really the post which he most desired. It would afford 
 him superior advantages to become acquainted with the 
 true conditions in Mexico, as well as to acquaint himself 
 with the military resources of the country. 
 
 Weeks passed rapidly by. Breton's official duties 
 carried him from San Luis Potosi in the north, where 
 there were large bodies of troops ready to repel American 
 invasion, to Vera Cruz in the south. The American was 
 becoming well acquainted with the topography of the 
 country, and was anxious for more arduous military 
 duties. The system of guerrilla warfare carried on by 
 Juarez's followers was particularly irritating to him, and 
 he had arrived at the point where he believed that Maxi- 
 milian's decree promising all who were taken with death 
 was a just one. The mutterings from the American gov- 
 ernment at Washington became more and more distinct. 
 The United States was about to bring pressure to bear 
 upon France to withdraw her troops from Mexican soil, 
 claiming that their maintenance there was a violation of 
 the Monroe doctrine. Breton saw the cloud coming, and 
 he had been punctilious in the discharge of his duties to 
 the French emperor. He had given him frequent ex- 
 planations of the situation in Mexico. He had dwelt 
 upon the fact that the army of Juarez was being con- 
 stantly recruited by men who had served in the ranks of 
 the Union as well as from the Confederate armies. 
 Thus, he wrote, his troops were being augmented by men
 
 301 
 
 who were familiar with the art and science of war. It 
 was in this way he sought to inform Napoleon concerning 
 Mexican affairs. Knowing that from his diplomatic 
 sources the emperor was fully cognizant of the peculiar 
 trend affairs were taking at Washington he left this un- 
 touched. Sheridan, the dashing Union cavalry leader 
 who swept Early from the valley of Virginia, still lingered 
 on the banks of the Rio Grande. He was fretting under 
 the imposed strain, and only awaited instructions from 
 Washington to lead his veterans against the French. 
 Popular feeling in the United States was with Juarez, 
 and the Yankees could not well keep out of Mexican 
 affairs much longer. Breton knew it, and he was in 
 doubt as to whether such action on their part would pro- 
 voke war with France or not. He had during his stay in 
 Mexico been brought into constant contact with Maxi- 
 milian, and Breton had become devotedly attached to the 
 man who was doing all in his power to pacify Mexico. 
 After Seward, the American secretary of state, had 
 sent his formal protest to Napoleon and requested that 
 the French troops be withdrawn, Breton fully appreciated 
 the noble qualities of the man upon whose brow rested 
 the ill-fated crown of Mexico. Maximilian had endeav- 
 ored not only to plan for Mexico's good, but in habits 
 and custom he had become a Mexican. He gave large 
 sums of money in charity and for educational purposes. 
 Yet his empire existed only in name. His reign was not 
 recognized outside the line of French bayonets which 
 surrounded his crumbling throne. His had been an un-
 
 302 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 happy reign. Tlie pope pressed him for a return of 
 church property, and the priests for their ancient priv- 
 ileges, which virtually placed them above the law. Maxi- 
 milian endeavored to enforce necessary reforms by 
 alliances with the liberal party, seeking thus to conciliate 
 that party at the expense of the priests. He failed at 
 both, and discontent was growing. It became more and 
 more manifest, as the national debt increased, caused by 
 the maintenance of so large an army, which the emperor 
 could ill afford to reduce in numbers. He had nearly 
 exhausted his private fortune, and his wife, the Empress 
 Caiiotta, daughter of the king of the Belgians, was 
 absent in Europe endeavoring to interest Austria and 
 Belgium in Maximilian's behalf. Again, there was the 
 great republic on the north of the Bio Grande to settle 
 with. After Seward had pressed upon Napoleon the 
 necessity of the evacuation of Mexico, Austria and Bel- 
 gium were both afraid to aid either France or Maxi- 
 milian. When this became apparent the sun of the 
 Austrian archduke seemed on the decline ; the dream of 
 a great Mexican empire grew less and less distinct. The 
 future seemed full of apprehension and doubt. One day 
 a courier came up in hot haste from Vera Cruz bearing 
 special dispatches from the emperor of the French. One 
 was to Bazaine, telling him to withdraw his forces grad- 
 ually southward, prepared to leave Mexico ; one to Maxi- 
 milian, inviting him to retire under the protection of 
 French troops; one to Breton, asking that he remain 
 with the Emperor of Mexico, and to embark with him
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 305 
 
 from Mexican soil. The message to Bazaine was worded 
 in such a way that the general interpreted it as meaning 
 that his withdrawal should be gradual ; in other words, 
 if France failed to form a combination with Austria and 
 Belgium to hold Mexico, then his troops should be with- 
 drawn. In the meantime the feint would satisfy the 
 American government that the intent was to evacuate 
 Mexico. The followers of Juarez were prompt to take 
 advantage of the turn in affairs, and they were constantly 
 harassing the retreating troops of Bazaine. 
 
 It was at this juncture in the affairs of Maximilian that 
 Breton was afforded opportunities to exercise his military 
 skill. He had on several occasions acquitted himself 
 with much credit, and his name had been prominently 
 mentioned in the official dispatches to France. 
 
 Since Lafe had learned that his old master was in the 
 campaign in Mexico he had begged to join him. Armand 
 was much attached to Lafe, and he gladly gave him per- 
 mission to leave the Virginia plantation. The former 
 slave was delighted to again be with the man by whose 
 side he had ridden on so many memorable occasions. 
 Lafe had fighting blood in his veins ; besides, he wor- 
 shiped Armand. It was after matters had grown more 
 perilous for the future of Maximilian that Lafe reached 
 the country. Breton told him that with him by his side 
 he felt strong enough to cope with any twenty of Juarez's 
 followers. 
 
 But Juarez's men were stubborn fighters. They hung 
 on the flank of the French, besieged cities, and through
 
 304 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 out the land of sunshine and flowers the roar of the can- 
 non never ceased. The whole of the vast country was in 
 turmoil and war. Foreign soldiers were quartered in 
 her convents while family differences had created bitter 
 feelings which could only be wiped out in blood. Across 
 the fertile plains of Mexico, through her beautiful val- 
 leys, the tide of battle surged to and fro as the native 
 race, led by the unrelenting and iron-handed Diaz, en- 
 gaged in their terrific struggle to throw off forever from 
 their country the last vestige of European domination. 
 It was in the mountains back of San Felipe that Bazaine 
 had determined to teach the native forces a lesson that 
 would be long remembered by them. The Mexicans 
 under Diaz held a mountain stronghold from which 
 extensive operations were carried on throughout the dis- 
 trict. They held a fortified hill, terraced almost some- 
 times gentle, sometimes sharp, rocky soil. In the center 
 of the hill stood an old half -ruined convent, and it was at 
 this point that the Mexican forces were strongly in- 
 trenched. When the French general decided upon 
 carrying the stronghold he considered concealment use- 
 less, and divided his command to attack Diaz at several 
 points. Bazaine found soon when his men were forming 
 that he had overlooked an important factor. Back of the 
 old convent stood a higher range of hills, and it was 
 there, concealed by the wooded summit, that Diaz had a 
 battery. Again from two other points on the higher 
 range the Mexicans began to play an enfilading fire upon 
 the French. As the artillery blazed from different points
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 305 
 
 Bazaine saw that its importance could not be overlooked ; 
 he saw, too, its terrible effectiveness. He remarked to 
 Breton, who rode at his side : 
 
 "The Mexicans are learning gunnery; those guns are 
 handled admirably, and never before this have I seen the 
 natives show the slightest knowledge of artillery. " 
 
 "I think, general," added Breton, "that those guns 
 are not handled by Mexicans. I think if you could look 
 closer you would find in command of those guns engi- 
 neers and artillerymen who saw service in the Confed- 
 eracy. If I mistake not it is Americans whom we will 
 have to fight to carry those heights." 
 
 "Americans or Mexicans, the heights will be carried, 
 and they will know full well the fighting qualities of the 
 French." The Gallic blood of Bazaine was fully aroused, 
 and he had determined, no matter at what cost, to plant 
 the banner of Maximilian upon the heights of San 
 Felipe, disregarding the fire of the Mexican artillery 
 which played upon them from the wooded heights. 
 
 He said, turning to Breton: "We will drive them out 
 of the old convent fort and keep pushing them upward 
 until we have silenced the batteries beyond. We have, 
 not given up Mexico, as they will learn." 
 
 The French regiments were quickly thrown forward up 
 the slope. They were met by the Mexicans, who poured 
 on them such a decimating fire that the slopes were piled 
 with their bodies. All the pent-up fury of the Indian 
 race seemed to burst forth in the actions of the frenzied 
 Mexicans, who fought with the ferocity of wild beasts.
 
 306 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 Once the front ranks of Bazaine gained the slope where 
 the old convent stood, but they were met by a bayonet 
 charge and driven back over the slippery incline. All the 
 while the artillery on the heights continued to play upon 
 the attacking party with terrible effect. The Mexican 
 general skillfully disposed his men, and their location 
 made it impossible to use cavalry ; in fact the only way 
 was for Bazaine to march squarely up the terraced moun- 
 tain side if he carried out his original intention of reduc- 
 ing the Mexican stronghold. 
 
 The French had once been driven back with much loss, 
 and to add to their discomfiture the batteries on the 
 heights rained deadly missiles upon them. 
 
 "Curse those batteries, they must be silenced," 
 growled the French commander. "Colonel Breton," he 
 said, "I wish you to take the command of the th 
 Regiment; its officers are all dead or disabled. With 
 the men who are left I want you to climb there, ' ' and 
 Bazaine raised his sword in the direction of the point of 
 vantage occupied by Diaz's batteries. "I shall know 
 with what success you meet. ' ' 
 
 Breton saluted his commander, wheeled, in a few min- 
 utes had re-formed the regimen t and was leading them 
 toward the summit. He knew that if he gained the sum- 
 mit the key of situation would be in his hands, and if he 
 lost he compressed his lips tightly as he thought that 
 one lonely woman would wait long for the return of that 
 husband whose bones would be bleaching under the blaz- 
 ing sun of Mexico. For awhile the ascent was compara-
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 307 
 
 tively easy. He had obliqued so that his men were 
 partially shielded from the storm of leaden hail directed 
 at them from the convent. But the Mexican commander 
 had sent a body of troops to intercept them. Breton 
 knew he had a perilous task before him. Even to a man 
 who had stormed the heights of Gettysburg, the route 
 seemed well-nigh impassable. It was a slippery stairway 
 at best, and on every ledge the foe was prepared to repel 
 his advance. The Mexicans, strong in position, believed 
 that their foe was coming to certain death. Soon the 
 ascent became frightful ; the single combats, fought with 
 a ferocity never seen except with men born in a Southern 
 clime, prevented the storming party's advance. The 
 French would gain a ledge, charge forward with bare 
 bayonets upon the Mexicans, then they would climb over 
 the heaped-up corpses of the Mexicans only to meet fresh 
 troops further up. Breton's men were fearfully depleted ; 
 their columns had been shot through and decimated ; still 
 they were making headway. They were two-thirds up 
 the mountain side when a larger body of Mexicans ap- 
 peared before them. "When Breton saw the force block- 
 ing his way it seemed impossible for him to advance 
 another step. It was also impossible for him to retreat. 
 Knowing the great peril of momentarily halting, he 
 pressed forward with a wild yell of encouragement to his 
 men who followed him. His act spurred his men on ; the 
 confusion in their ranks was but momentary, and his 
 thinning columns pressed forward, a compact and still 
 formidable body of men. Such courage from a foe whom
 
 SOS THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 they considered already conquered caused a partial panic 
 in the ranks before them, as the French troops with a 
 wild cheer drove their bayonets full upon their ranks. 
 That terrific charge proved disastrous to the Mexicans; 
 their intrepid assailants drove straight through them and 
 scattered them as chaff is blown by the wind. Before 
 they could re-form Breton was through the lines and well 
 up to the top of the mountain where the battery was 
 located which was their objective point. The Mexicans 
 had bravely disputed his passage, but Breton had cut 
 through them like a dagger. His skill, valor, and impetu- 
 osity had carried him straight through, and before him 
 lay the battery. He drew his sword for the final charge ; 
 it was the famous old blade which the sultan wore. One 
 glance at the huge opal in the hilt it glowed blood-red, 
 as his father said it had at Moscow. Although his brain 
 was overheated and overwrought, Breton saw in one brief 
 look that the opal seemed to emit flashes of fire. It in- 
 spired him. Victory was perched upon his banner ; that 
 blade had always led to victory and it should now. His 
 fatigue vanished, and it was with an exultant shout that 
 he cried : 
 
 "One more charge, men!" As his panting and ex- 
 hausted command followed him up the last steps of the 
 mountain, he said : "The day is ours. " The summit was 
 gained, and like madmen the remnant of Breton's regi- 
 ment hurled themselves upon the artillerymen on the 
 summit. Their charge was the charge of victory. The 
 French troops were bayoneting the gunmen at their post.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 309 
 
 Torn, blackened and bleeding, Armand Breton felt that a 
 victory had been won only when he turned the guns of 
 his late adversaries upon the fortifications of Diaz at the 
 old convent. Shot after shot did he rain upon the Mexi- 
 cans, who, with the unexpected turn that affairs had 
 taken, drew off their forces down the valley, followed by 
 the cavalry of Bazaine. Passing over the bodies of the 
 men who were slain at their posts, Breton heard a voice 
 call to him faintly in English. Astonished, he looked 
 about him, and saw among the bodies of the slain the 
 arm of a man raised to attract his attention. He bent 
 over the wounded soldier, whose blackened and blood- 
 stained face was unrecognizable. His hair was matted 
 and a cruel bayonet thrust had laid open half his face, 
 while another ghastly rent in his blouse told of a more 
 serious, if not a fatal wound. Lifting the man to a sit- 
 ting posture, Breton gazed at him steadily, and then 
 gasped, "My God, Peyton! you here and wounded 
 fatally perhaps?" 
 
 Faintly the blood-stained hero replied : 
 
 "It's worth something to know that our position was 
 carried by an American. " Then the poor fellow's head 
 fell limp on Armand's arm he had fainted. 
 
 There before him, prostrate and bleeding, lay Captain 
 Peyton, one of his closest comrades in the Confederate 
 army Captain Peyton, one of the best artillery officers 
 in the army of Lee. After the Confederate government 
 had gone down at Appomattox, Peyton, like scores of 
 other adventurous men, sought his fortune in the country
 
 310 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 south of the Bio Grande. His skill had brought him 
 into prominence among Juarez's followers. 
 
 Breton had the wounded officer removed to a place 
 where his wounds could be examined and dressed. 
 Shortly after he had the pleasure of seeing his old com 
 panion in arms in the Virginia campaign show signs 
 of returning life. The American officer who had com- 
 manded the Mexican battery was seriously wounded, and 
 Breton knew that it would be necessary to compel him 
 not to overexert or excite himself until he could be 
 placed under the care of a skilled surgeon. He talked to 
 Peyton in a calming way, and told him that he would 
 have him removed to headquarters. Tenderly the 
 wounded soldier was carried down the mountain side to 
 the headquarters of the French army in the field. When 
 Breton saw Bazaine that night the latter complimented 
 him in the warmest terms upon his heroic capture of the 
 mountain battery. 
 
 "You see, general, I never knew until we had turned 
 the guns of the battery upon the Mexicans that the man 
 who commanded there was one of my brother officers in 
 the Confederacy, and one of the best artillery engineers 
 in the army of Lee. ' ' 
 
 "Then your prediction of the morning came true. You 
 said before we tried to carry the lower points that the 
 guns were directed by Confederate officers, ' ' remarked 
 Bazaine. 
 
 Breton soon after found the house in San Felipe where 
 his wounded friend lay, and was much gratified to learn
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 311 
 
 that he was resting peacefully. Worn out with his tre- 
 mendous exertions of the day, Armand quickly sought 
 repose. As he unslung his sword he turned it over and 
 examined it with a feeling akin to tenderness. The old 
 blade had well maintained its past prestige, and as Bre- 
 ton looked at the opal in the hilt it was of a milky white- 
 ness. Strange old blade ! he could have sworn that only 
 a few hours before it was of a color that would have sur- 
 passed a ruby in redness. "Ah," thought the soldier, 
 "I shall now be able to send a letter to Lucille on the 
 morrow; I shall tell her how the old sword led me on to 
 victory. The dear girl! how happy she will be when all 
 this ends. And poor Peyton, down here fighting for 
 Juarez, and I for the emperor!" and the young officer 
 soon found forgetfulness in slumber. 
 
 The victory won by the French was productive of bar- 
 ren results as far as the advance of the hopes of Maxi- 
 milian was concerned. The constantly augmenting army 
 of Juarez made it difficult for Bazine to hold with advan- 
 tage any of the northern points in Mexico. Affairs had 
 reached a crisis. The French had retreated to the capi- 
 tal, where the disheartened Bazaine received the message 
 from his imperial master to withdraw his forces without 
 further delay to Vera Cruz, where he could embark for 
 France. Napoleon also sent an appeal to Maximilian to 
 return under the protection of French troops. Bazaine 
 and Breton met Maximilian at his palace, where they held 
 a long conference. The French commander told the 
 emperor plainly that he should immediately carry out the
 
 312 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 instructions sent him. The gallant soldier entreated the 
 Austrian to accompany him. He endeavored to show him 
 the impossibility of maintaining the empire after his 
 troops had embarked. Maximilian listened to the per- 
 suasive words of Bazaine, which were also warmly 
 indorsed by Breton. It was plain that he was much 
 depressed over the unfortunate turn his affairs had taken. 
 The troubled expression deepened upon his fair face. He 
 sat in silence after Bazaine had concluded. Both men 
 were touched deeply by his dejected look. Was he 
 thinking of those happy days in the Austrian navy, before 
 he yielded to evil counsel and accepted the fatal crown of 
 Mexico? What thoughts were in his mind it was impos- 
 sible to tell ; but when he raised his head there was a set 
 look upon his face ; his mind was made up, and both men 
 knew that his course was decided upon. When he spoke 
 his voice was low but firm, and his listeners were thrilled 
 with its pathetic sweetness. 
 
 "General Bazaine," he said, "I have listened with 
 intense interest to all that you have said, and at times I was 
 on the point of interrupting you by saying it was useless 
 to proceed further with your persuasive words ; that I 
 would retire with you; that our cause here is indeed 
 hopeless ; that my presence would prove irritating rather 
 than conciliating to the factions which exist here. All 
 that weakness now is past; I can see my duty clearly. I 
 came here a chosen ruler. There were discordant fac- 
 tions before I came and they still exist, but with God's 
 help I shall unite them. To desert the men who have
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 313 
 
 nobly supported me would be worse than unmanly; it 
 would be cowardly. I, the emperor, flee and leave my 
 adherents to the mercy of the lawless element who would 
 assuredly gain political ascendency shortly after my de- 
 parture and then wreak their vengeance upon my loyal 
 supporters and friends ? No, that can never be. It shall 
 never be said that a Hapsburg deserted his friends or was 
 unfaithful to a cause once supported. I have lived 
 among these people ; I love them ; they will yet see that 
 my work shall be for Mexico's good. It is true that my 
 task is fraught with grave peril, but what knight ever 
 faltered in face of danger? I shall win, I shall demon- 
 strate to the warring elements that I am working for 
 Mexico's good. I cannot express to you in words, General 
 Bazaine, the sorrow I feel at your departure. The unfal- 
 tering loyalty and strong support which you have ren- 
 dered the empire will ever be gratefully remembered by 
 me. I thank you sincerely, and to you and your brave 
 troops I express warmest thanks. Keturn, and convey to 
 your ruler expressions of my most distinguished regard. 
 To you, also, Colonel Breton, who have given me 
 undeniable proof of your devotion to the empire, I say 
 your noble work shall always be cherished. Gentlemen, 
 I can say no more. Further argument is useless, for I 
 have fully determined to be faithful to Mexico unto 
 death." 
 
 As he concluded Maximilian had arisen from his chair 
 and stood facing the men before him. His bright blue 
 eyes flashed with excitement and his cheeks flushed.
 
 314 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 His appearance was truly majestic; he looked every inch 
 a ruler. 
 
 Bazaine's voice was husky as he replied: "Sire, I can 
 add nothing more, but to express my admiration of your 
 nobility of purpose and courage of action. Long live the 
 empire of Maximilian ! ' ' 
 
 As for Breton, he was charmed, entranced. The true 
 patriotism of the Austrian had touched deeply the well- 
 springs of his nature. Leave such a man while Armand 
 Breton had a sword and an arm to wield it never! 
 
 "And, your majesty," he said in a voice trembling 
 with emotion, "General Bazaine has spoken fitting words 
 which find ready response in my heart, but I crave per- 
 mission to ask a favor. ' ' 
 
 The emperor smiled sadly. 
 
 "Small, indeed, are the favors that I can grant, but 
 such as they are, Colonel Breton, they are at your serv- 
 ice. What would you?" 
 
 "I desire to remain in Mexico and fight for the empire 
 of Maximilian. ' ' 
 
 The emperor started, he had not looked for such proof 
 of loyalty. He came forward and shook Breton's hand 
 impulsively, while his eyes grew moist. "Ferdinand 
 Max" had for the moment become the comrade. 
 
 "And you choose to remain with me, Colonel Breton? 
 That is your wish ? So it shall be. Ah, your friendship 
 is, of a very truth, of the right kind." 
 
 And so it came about that Armand Breton remained 
 behind when the French troops sailed from Vera Cruz.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 315 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 "WE 1PTST WATCH THIS LOPEZ.'* 
 
 THE emperor, together with Breton, accompanied 
 Bazaine as far as Orizaba, where both bade him an affec- 
 tionate farewell. 
 
 Only a comparatively short distance below him in the 
 harbor of Vera Cruz lay the Austrian man-of-war Novara, 
 the same ship in which "Ferdinand Max" had come to 
 Mexico, and which was now sent by the Emperor of Aus- 
 tria to bear him across the seas to his native land. The 
 Austrian emperor has generously reinstated him as Arch- 
 duke of Austria, and eventual heir to the throne which he 
 had resigned when leaving for Mexico. 
 
 Whatever might have been the real feelings of Maxi- 
 milian as he turned his face from the offer of the Aus- 
 trian emperor, he concealed them effectually, and yet 
 within reach lay the gallant bark on which he had cov- 
 ered the navigable waters of the globe when he was 
 admiral of the Austrian navy, ready and waiting to bear 
 him back to the land he loved so well, the land where he 
 would become heir once more to the dual throne of the 
 Hapsburgs. It must have cost Maximilian a bitter pang 
 to turn his back upon the retreating troops of Bazaine
 
 316 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 and his beloved flagship Novara, waiting for him there 
 in the harbor below. Stern old Admiral Tegethoff waited 
 in vain for his beloved Maximilian. When he learned of 
 the emperor's decision he gave vent to his feelings in a 
 forcible manner. Tegethoff was destined once more to 
 visit Vera Cruz, and on the Novara take back the remains 
 of the Mexican emperor to rest in the mausoleum at 
 Vienna, where lie the rulers of his race. 
 
 On the way back to the capital Maximilian seemed in 
 exuberant spirits. He explained to Breton some matters 
 relating to the encouragement of art and science in 
 Mexico which he had under serious consideration. Bre- 
 ton thought the enthusiasm of the emperor too marked to 
 be sincere, and he believed that it was only by such 
 efforts on his part that he could throw off the cloud of 
 gloom which must naturally settle upon him after his 
 final rejection of the heirship of the Austrian throne, and 
 the reviving of old memories which were brought into 
 bitter contrast with his present surroundings. 
 
 Bazaine had made himself very unpopular with the 
 Mexicans, while the arrogance and covetousness of his 
 officers had become well-nigh intolerable. Their Mexi- 
 can campaign had been specially beneficial to them in 
 the matter of personal enrichment. 
 
 But with the departure of the French troops the sup- 
 port of France was gone also. 
 
 Three-quarters of the empire was lost, but still the 
 capital was held, which gave the government residing 
 there the stamp of legitimacy. Then there was Vera
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 317 
 
 Cruz, the rich coast city, still under the imperial banner. 
 Other important points, Pueblo, Queretaro, were loyal. 
 With the tide once turned the sway of the empire might 
 still be recognized from Yucatan to El Paso. Mexico was 
 not lost, but hasty action was necessary to prevent the 
 forces of Juarez from uniting and marching on the 
 capital. 
 
 Leaving all of the foreign troops in Mexico, the 
 emperor placed himself at the head of two thousand 
 Mexicans. By this act he showed the confidence he had 
 in the Mexican people. It was his intention to march to 
 Queretaro, which city was really the key to the valley of 
 Mexico, and an army advancing against the capital from 
 the north could not leave Queretaro in its rear. The 
 march to that city was constantly impeded by the Liberal 
 forces. Frequently during the journey Maximilian called 
 Breton to his side. He spoke of his hopes and anticipa- 
 tions, and said he felt sanguine of the ultimate success of 
 the imperial arms. By leaving the foreign troops in the 
 capital he had confided his person and fate to the Mexi- 
 cans alone, and by this act he flattered their vanity and 
 won their love. 
 
 It was past the middle of February when the army of 
 Maximilian halted on the hills surrounding Queretaro. 
 The place, while of great strategic value, was badly situ- 
 ated for defense, as the hills surrounding it, Breton saw 
 at a glance, were within easy cannon range. 
 
 While they rode down toward the city Maximilian 
 chatted pleasantly with the members of his staff. He
 
 318 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 seemed in better spirits, Breton thought, than at any 
 time since Bazaine's departure. 
 
 "A poor city for a siege," Armand remarked to a Prus- 
 sian officer, who, like himself, served on the personal 
 staff of the emperor. 
 
 "Yes," replied the officer, Baron Von Hahn, "and 
 unless we are to receive the reinforcements expected, I 
 fail to see why Escobedo cannot shut us up like rats in a 
 trap," and Von Hahn shrugged his shoulders. Baron 
 Von Hahn was a dashing Prussian officer, who had seen 
 service in the Holstein war and been decorated for 
 bravery. He was a soldier ; war was his element, and his 
 adventurous spirit had brought him across the seas to 
 fight for the cause of Maximilian, who had twice deco- 
 rated him for deeds of valor. 
 
 "They cannot bottle us up, even if the people here fail 
 to support us as loyally as we hope. ' ' 
 
 "You can never tell, Colonel Breton," said the Prus- 
 sian, "if we get into the bottle just how closely old Esco- 
 bedo will fit in the opening. It may take considerable 
 wedging to get by him." 
 
 By this time the garrison had marched out to meet 
 them. 
 
 The followers of Maximilian felt a rise in their spirits 
 when they recognized among those who greeted them 
 the soldierly form of General Miramon, one of the most 
 daring native officers enlisted in Maximilian's cause. 
 Miguel Miramon, who even in his twenty-fifth year had 
 been president of the republic, was a man of superior
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 319 
 
 intellectual force, combined with all the daring of a sol- 
 dier a handsome, ambitious, true-hearted Mexican. 
 Then there was the swarthy, strong-featured General 
 Mejia, a man in whose veins flowed the pure Aztec 
 strain. Mejia was one of the best cavalry officers in all 
 Mexico, and many were the daring tales that Breton had 
 heard concerning the dashing Indian who wore the impe- 
 rial uniform. Another bulwark was the stately Escobar, 
 whose clear-cut features told of his Castilian ancestry. 
 
 Greetings over, the army of the emperor entered the 
 flag-decked city. 
 
 Shortly after the emperor issued an army order which 
 was read to all the troops in Queretaro, informing them 
 that he had placed himself at the head of the army in 
 order to fight for national unity and for the restoration 
 of order. 
 
 For some time the army was augmented by fresh ar- 
 rivals. Thousands of troops and officers of undoubted 
 ability continued to swell the ranks of Maximilian's sup- 
 porters. The army was divided, the intrepid Miramon 
 commanding the infantry while the swarthy Mejia was in 
 control of the cavalry forces. 
 
 Further reinforcements were expected from the capital, 
 and in the meanwhile cavalry patrols scoured the country 
 to gain information as to the movements of the native 
 forces. It was at this juncture that a dispatch reached 
 the emperor announcing the fact that as the capital itself 
 was threatened it would be impossible to send the troops 
 which he had ordered to Queretaro to assist him. Bre-
 
 320 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 ton and Von Halm, who had obtained permission t 
 accompany a detachment of Mejia's cavalry, learned 
 through the priests and farmers that Escobedo's men 
 were concentrating at Celaya, less than six leagues from 
 the imperial headquarters. Shortly after the report was 
 confirmed by the appearance of the Mexican forces on the 
 plain west of Cerro de Campana. Later the cavalry 
 skirmishers of the Mexican leader approached the lines of 
 Maximilian, whose officers had made preparations to give 
 them a hearty reception. Days passed by. 
 
 Von Hahn grumbled over the delay. 
 
 "The longer we wait here behind these fortifications 
 the more opportunity we give them to get into shape for 
 a regular siege," he remarked to Breton, after he had 
 noted the delay in attack upon the part of Escobedo. 
 
 "Your idea corresponds precisely with mine," replied 
 Breton. "Now that the emperor has received word that 
 he is not to have the support he sent for from the capital, 
 I should say move out upon the enemy at once, scatter 
 them, break them in two. But then we are only staff 
 officers, while Marquez is in command, and if his policy 
 is to await the attack, why, then, we must restrain our- 
 selves. " 
 
 "Yes, and all the while the enemy are growing stronger, 
 and this is the poorest spot in the world to hold against 
 a protracted siege. Every house can be reached with 
 guns from the hills , and a defense can only be made by 
 an army numerous enough to occupy them. ' ' 
 
 "At present they have an army twice as numerous as
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 321 
 
 ours if I mistake not," said Breton, who had been care- 
 fully surveying the movements of Escobedo through a 
 field glass. 
 
 "No doubt you are correct," replied the baron, "and 
 their army will be steadily on the increase, while if we 
 are to remain long shut up here our army will be on the 
 decrease. These cursed Mexicans have to be locked up 
 at night, or they will desert by the morning. The 
 emperor made a mistake in trusting himself entirely to 
 them. It may have been courageous, but the game was 
 too dangerous. With a thousand Germans and Austrians 
 I could cut through and through those black-skinned 
 devils;" and Von Hahn scowled, as he gazed upon the 
 gathering hosts that thronged the distant hills. 
 
 Before the day closed Breton and Von Hahn had con- 
 cluded that the Mexicans had begun to make themselves 
 troublesome. Their sharpshooters had been doing tell- 
 ing work among Maximilian's men. 
 
 "No matter what General Marquez may say about 
 being surrounded by a rabble that will become disorgan- 
 ized when once attacked, I, baron, have served in the 
 war between the states, and I am confident those Mexicans 
 whom our general despises have among them recruits 
 drawn from both Union and Confederate ranks, and I 
 know they are not easy antagonists to meet. ' ' 
 
 The baron replied by hurling a few pointed epithets at 
 the heads of the Mexicans. 
 
 The Mexican General Escobedo had not remained 
 inactive; he had occupied the heights of San Pablo;
 
 322 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 likewise he had constructed batteries upon other advanta- 
 geous elevations. The siege of Queretaro had com- 
 menced in earnest. 
 
 The day following Escobedo attacked the city at three 
 different points ; his troops were repulsed with great loss. 
 The cavalry, led by the impetuous Mejia, had swept the 
 plain of the disordered soldiers of the republic. He 
 had pursued them, making terrible havoc in their ranks. 
 
 The emperor himself occupied the most exposed posi- 
 tion during the engagement, notwithstanding the earnest 
 remonstrances of his officers. 
 
 Breton and Von Hahn longed to be relieved of staff 
 duties in order that they might try the foeman's steel to 
 better advantage. The opportunity was soon afforded 
 them. The days of fighting had resulted in the death of 
 a number of brave officers, and Maximilian, knowing full 
 well the advantage of having his troops well officered, 
 remarked to Breton : "The result of the day's fight has 
 been the loss of a number of excellent officers. If you 
 think that you can serve my cause better by filling a 
 vacancy, you shall have an opportunity. I know that in 
 such times the value of a brave officer is greater in line 
 than in staff duty." Turning to Von Hahn, he added: 
 "I may say the same to you, baron; while I appreciate 
 the value of your personal services, I do not wish to 
 restrain you from taking a more trying position if you 
 desire." The officers enthusiastically accepted the 
 proffered change, and shortly after were assigned to the 
 command of separate regiments.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 323 
 
 Breton was in an exultant mood when he learned that 
 in his command was a sprinkling of American, French, 
 and Austrian soldiers. 
 
 Von Hahn's regiment was composed entirely of native 
 troops, some of whom were mere boys. He, however, 
 was in the best of spirits over the thought of leading a 
 command against the opposing forces. 
 
 He had not long to wait ; his regiment had to hold a 
 bridge across the Kio Blanco. On the opposite side a 
 battery was placed. The gallant Prussian concluded to 
 silence the battery. He swept across, and although half 
 of his command weakened, he himself at the head of a 
 few men succeeded in silencing the guns which were 
 causing much trouble in the city. The lull caused by 
 Von Hahn's capture of the battery at the bridge was 
 short; great masses of troops were seen forming for 
 another attack. They were moved forward, and the town 
 was again stormed at several points. They were repulsed 
 everywhere, and again retired after suffering severe loss. 
 
 That night when a council of war was held Mejia pro- 
 posed that Miramon attack the forces of Escobedo at one 
 point, while he at the head of his cavalry thundered at 
 them on their flank. Breton and Von Hahn strongly 
 upheld Mejia, but against them was Marquez, chief of 
 staff, and Lopez, who was to become the Judas of Quere- 
 taro. The emperor wavered : he could not go against hi 
 favorite general. 
 
 "But, your majesty," persisted Mejia, the intrepid 
 warrior, "we are shut up in an unfavorable locality;
 
 324 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 around us is a rich country ; haciendas bountifully sup- 
 plied are within our reach ; these are now used by the 
 enemy. In the south we should raise a larger army. 
 Vera Cruz is still yours. Here we have nothing neither 
 ammunition nor provisions in abundance, while our posi- 
 tion is most exposed. Again, the Liberals will not stand 
 against us if we attack them at once. I know the tem- 
 perament of these people. If we attack them now they 
 will flee before us. They are disheartened over their 
 defeat. Later they will have to be beaten over again. 
 "We can now disperse them, and with half of the cavalry 
 I could advance up to San Luis Potosi and capture Juarez 
 at his seat of government, while your majesty moves 
 south raising a larger army in the still loyal section. ' ' 
 
 The bold words of Mejia had an effect upon the 
 emperor. Miramon warmly seconded the proposal ; but 
 the tide was turned by Marquez, whose opinion was all- 
 powerful with the emperor. It was decided to remain 
 in Queretaro. 
 
 Von Hahn was in an irritable frame of mind when Bre- 
 ton and he returned through the alameda to their quar- 
 ters. 
 
 "Marquez has made the emperor decide upon the worst 
 move possible. They are getting stronger all the time, 
 while we are being reduced. I dislike Marquez, and 
 what is more, I detest Colonel Lopez, wb.o will invariably 
 agree with Marquez. Lopez is treacheroiis ; he has a 
 snaky eye. ' ' 
 
 Frequent attacks continued at the key points of the
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 325 
 
 besieged city, while all kinds of missiles were continually 
 descending upon the inhabitants, who had grown to look 
 with unconcern upon the exploding shell or whizzing ball. 
 
 Things had grown steadily worse, and it became more 
 imperative that some move be taken to relieve the sup- 
 porters of Maximilian. 
 
 Through a spy it had been learned that Escobedo ex- 
 pected a large supply of ammunition, artillery, and pro- 
 visions to reach San Jacinto the following morning. A 
 bold move was decided upon. Mejia with his cavalry was 
 to swoop down upon this village, about a league distant, 
 capture the whole train, and convoy it to the city, while 
 Miramon made a feint at engaging the besiegers on the 
 opposite side of the town. Mejia's men drove the Mexi- 
 cans before them like chaff, and succeeded in capturing 
 a portion of the train, but to his extreme regret he found 
 that the artillery had been distributed among the army. 
 After the train of provisions had been brought within the 
 walls of Queretaro it was found that the price paid for it 
 was not low. A number of officers and men had fallen, 
 but the army in the beleaguered town had a fresh supply 
 of provisions. Later it was concluded that Marquez him- 
 self with a thousand cavalry should leave for Mexico and 
 bring from that city all the troops and money procur- 
 able. It was after midnight when Marquez and his men 
 passed out of the Garrita Mazin, swept by El Jacal, over 
 the hills to the capital, hotly pursued by Escobedo's 
 cavalry, who believed that the emperor himself was with 
 them.
 
 326 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 With the departure of Marquez the situation had not 
 improved at Queretaro, while the army of Escobedo was 
 daily increasing, as Juarez, realizing the importance of 
 capturing Queretaro, was continually sending fresh 
 troops and artillery to the besieged city. 
 
 Knowing that imperial forces were much weakened by 
 reason of the departure of a large body of cavalry, Esco- 
 bedo concluded to make an energetic attack upon the 
 weakened garrison, hence all his batteries opened fire 
 against the city, and a large body of troops were hurled 
 forward against the Garrita Pueblorita. They marched 
 up with great courage, notwithstanding the terrific fire to 
 which they were exposed. They even reached and passed 
 over the walls of the city. The imperial reserves were 
 called out, and on that critical moment hung the fate of 
 the city. General Miramon sent a courier to Mejia say- 
 ing he must swing around some of his cavalry and attack 
 the enemy on the flank, or the day was lost. Mejia 
 quickly dispatched Breton with his regiment. At the 
 head of his troops, and with terrible momentum, Breton 
 hurled himself on the left flank of the almost victorious 
 foe. His onslaught carried everything before it. It was 
 cyclonic, and like a human wedge he drove to the center 
 of the attacking column. His men were wild with enthu- 
 siasm, and the babel of sounds behind him which arose 
 from the multiplicity of languages spoken by his men 
 would have amused him on any other occasion. Armand 
 Breton's fighting blood was aroused. As his father had 
 charged Marengo so he rode at Queretaro. In his right
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 3*7 
 
 hand a reddened blade was swung high aloft. It was the 
 sword of the pyramids, and its polished steel surface was 
 dimmed by the crimson flow of human blood. The forces 
 of Escobedo were checked. Miramon's men, rushing 
 from their bravely-defended position, commenced a 
 dreadful slaughter with their bayonets. The tide was 
 turned, and the attack of Breton's cavalry had brought it 
 about. The Mexicans, who a few moments before seemed 
 sure of victory, now became panic stricken and fled 
 toward their lines, throwing away their muskets as they 
 ran. The emperor himself had been exposed to the hot- 
 test fire and was a witness of Breton's impetuous attack 
 which had carried the day. 
 
 He was much affected when he greeted Breton, and 
 said: 
 
 "Colonel Breton, I cannot thank you sufficiently for 
 your valorous action, and shall to-morrow take pleasure 
 in giving you some token in appreciation of your brav- 
 ery;" andTie clasped Breton's hand warmly. 
 
 "Thanks, your majesty, I am repaid by the assurance 
 from you that I served your cause efficiently, ' ' answered 
 the young officer. 
 
 All officers recommended for decorations were assem- 
 bled on the plaza on the morrow to receive a personal 
 recognition from the emperor for gallant service. Von 
 Hahn was summoned with Breton and a number of other 
 officers who were to receive decorations and promotions 
 as well. 
 
 The emperor himself attached the bronze medals to
 
 328 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 their breasts and handed them their commissions of 
 higher rank, as he warmly praised them for their gal- 
 lantry. Reaching Breton he said, after pinning a medal 
 upon his breast : 
 
 "Colonel Breton, your action to-day places you among 
 the heroic defenders of the empire; and as death has 
 made possible an immediate official recognition of your 
 services, I may with exceeding pleasure announce the 
 fact to you, and to my officers, that your commission as 
 general of brigade in the imperial army will date from 
 yesterday, the time of your knightly action in defense of 
 this city." 
 
 Breton was much affected and murmured his thanks 
 for the emperor's generous action. 
 
 April came. No word had been received from General 
 Marquez, who had pledged his word as a soldier to return 
 in two weeks, and had also promised to send word daily 
 through the priests. The day fixed for his return passed, 
 and even the emperor himself began to entertain suspi- 
 cion regarding the loyalty of the man whom he had dis- 
 patched to his capital for succor. 
 
 His officers, Miramon, Mejia, and Breton, all had con- 
 cluded that Marquez had proved traitorous to his mis- 
 sion, and at their mess no concealment was made of 
 their belief. 
 
 Von Hahn was emphatic in his opinion of Marquez, 
 and openly condemned his actions in the strongest terms. 
 One day while Breton and he sat in their quarters, he 
 remarked :
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 329 
 
 "As I told you when we came here, the longer we 
 remain in this cursed hole, the harder it is to extricate 
 ourselves. Escobedo has been drawing his lines closer, 
 and unless we make a dash through them soon, and get 
 up to the Sierra Gordo, where General Mejia was born, 
 and where to-day he is king, a country where a few men 
 stationed in the passes could hold back an army, why, we 
 will all be strung up some fine morning. Marquez never 
 intended to return. These Mexicans are treacherous; 
 you can't depend upon them. There is Colonel Lopez, 
 another of the traitorous wretches, I don't like the looks 
 of the man; still he is a favorite with the emperor. " 
 
 "I agree with you Von Hahn, " Breton replied, "there 
 is something about the fellow which to me is repellent. 
 I cannot tell why, but I have always disliked Lopez ; and, ' ' 
 continued Breton in a lower tone, "my man Lafe told 
 me that last night while he was down by the Garrita Luis, 
 he saw Lopez sneak in under the shadow of the old Span- 
 ish aqueduct, and that he came directly from the lines of 
 the enemy. Now what think you was his quest? Lafe 
 tells me that he was not mistaken in the man. It was 
 Lopez. He wore the dress of a civilian and avoided 
 recognition." 
 
 Von Hahn blew a puff of smoke toward the ceiling, and 
 just then a cannon ball passed through the wall within 
 three feet of where the officer sat. Without moving from 
 his seat the Prussian brushed lightly the plaster dust 
 from his garments, and remarked : 
 
 "This is serious. I don't mean that," nodding toward
 
 330 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 the ball which had imbedded itself in the opposite wall, 
 "but this man Lopez. What was the scoundrel doing 
 there, you ask ? I can answer. He was there for no good 
 purpose. He is a cutthroat, and would betray us to the 
 tender mercies of Escobedo." 
 
 "You do not think him vile enough for that?" 
 
 "Assuredly, treacherous enough for any purpose." 
 
 Armand started and said excitedly : 
 
 "You are not far from correct. It has just occurred to 
 me that we may credit this man with more. You know 
 the rockets that were sent by the enemy from the heights 
 of San Gregorio?" 
 
 "The devil! yes, I see, you have it. They were 
 answered by rocket signals just back of the alameda 
 within our lines, and no one could explain how it 
 occurred." 
 
 "And the same night the enemy stormed the entire 
 river front," said Breton. "Had not Miramon made 
 some changes after our council that side would have been 
 practically unprotected and the enemy could have forced 
 our lines. Lopez was at our council, knew our weakness 
 on the river side, but did not know that Miramon had 
 changed the assignment of troops later." 
 
 "We must watch this Lopez. I think I had better call 
 him out and shoot him; he deserves it, " growled Von 
 Hahn. 
 
 "It will be best to keep our suspicion from the 
 emperor, who trusts the man ; in the meanwhile watch 
 him so that he can do no further harm. We must have
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 331 
 
 proof to support our belief. I will instruct Lafe to watch 
 him ; he is faithful and trusty. We will outwit him, and 
 prevent him from carrying out his fiendish designs. 
 Should we tell our fears to the emperor he would consider 
 that we have cruelly misjudged the man. He would be 
 still more unhappy than at present. Should we tell the 
 chief officers it would be worse still ; we are foreigners, 
 and they, jealous of our influence with the emperor, would 
 not look upon our charge with favor. No, we must wait, 
 and in the meanwhile maintain the closest vigil." 
 
 "And if I catch the dark-skinned traitor up to any of 
 his infernal dodges he will have to settle " 
 
 "Ah, gentlemen, please excuse the interruption. I came 
 in to chat over the latest order with you. I see, Baron 
 Von Hahn, that you had a narrow escape from that ball 
 lodged yonder. " 
 
 Both officers turned, and in the doorway stood Manuel 
 Lopez, the very man about whom they had been convers- 
 ing. Had he overheard their conversation ? His swarthy 
 features were impenetrable, and if aware of their feelings 
 toward him, he did not exhibit it in the slightest degree 
 in his actions. 
 
 As for Von Hahn, he was in an ugly mood, and Breton 
 feared lest his passion should prove uncontrollable and he 
 should openly accuse Lopez of treachery. Should he do 
 this it would only cause trouble, and the army would be 
 divided in their opinion of his guilt. Better far to watch 
 his actions. The conversation was turned into channels 
 speculative of Marquez's return.
 
 332 tTHE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 JUDAS. 
 
 MORE weary waiting. Several terrible actions had 
 taken place, and in all the sorties made by the besieged 
 army they had suffered much loss. To add to the horrors 
 of the situation, provisions became scarce, and the troops 
 were fed on boiled horseflesh, without bread or tortillas. 
 
 The situation was getting more and more desper- 
 ate. At a council it was decided that Breton should 
 break the enemy's line with a force of cavalry, reach 
 Mexico, and return with all the available troops there, in 
 order to raise the siege at Queretaro. Breton was em- 
 powered to arrest Marquez should he find the reports con- 
 cerning his treason to have foundation. Armand selected 
 a well-equipped detachment of cavalry- Von Hahn was to 
 accompany him as aid, while a corps of guides who knew 
 every mountain path were to lead. It was decided that 
 Miramon should attack the enemy on the opposite side of 
 the city, while Breton and his men were to ford the river 
 at a shallow point and push on to a mountain rendezvous. 
 The night was dark and seemed particularly favorable to 
 the undertaking. Almost noiselessly the body of horse- 
 men reached the fording place in the river ; the passage 
 was narrow, and the guides had informed the leader that
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 333 
 
 the width of the crossing would admit of the passage of 
 but two abreast. Breton waited until more than half of 
 his command had passed over, when turning to Von Hahn 
 who sat motionless at his side, he said: "We will go 
 now, baron, and await the rear of the column on the 
 other side. You may accompany us, Lafe, " he said to 
 the ever-faithful attendant. They were in midstream 
 when the Prussian seized Breton by the arm, while he 
 poured out a volley of oaths. 
 
 "Look! there is the work of the villain Lopez. We 
 have trouble ahead. ' ' 
 
 Out of the blackness of the night from the heights of 
 the town behind them swept a rocket, leaving a trail of 
 brilliant sparks behind. Then another and another, all 
 pointed in the direction which the horsemen were to 
 take. 
 
 "Betrayed," muttered Breton. "There is no mistak- 
 ing the meaning of those rockets. They point in the 
 direction we are going. Lopez has informed the enemy 
 of our course. Let us press on rapidly, and remember, if 
 I fall you must go on to Mexico. ' ' 
 
 Soon the rattle of musketry in advance told them that 
 already the enemy disputed their right to pass. 
 
 "It is infantry there, and before they have never had 
 infantry on this side of the city. They have always 
 guarded here with cavalry," said Von Hahn. 
 
 The opposite shore was reached, and the officers passed 
 on; soon, however, the line came to a dead halt. An. 
 orderly came back looking for the chief.
 
 334 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 "General Breton," he said, "we cannot move a rod 
 ahead. Captain Alvarez has sent me back to tell you and 
 await your orders. There are solid masses of infantry 
 ahead." 
 
 "Go back and join your leader; tell him I say we must 
 go on ; there is no turning back, no matter what is before 
 us." 
 
 The fire became hotter, and when Breton reached the 
 front he saw that heavy firing was going on in front and 
 flank. The night had grown lighter, and his quick eye 
 located dense columns of infantry immediately before his 
 men. To attempt to force through those lines meant the 
 total annihilation of his command. But Armand Breton 
 would not turn back without a combat. 
 
 Flesh and blood could not force its way through that 
 countless array of bayonets. The lines beyond seemed 
 endless. After two encounters Breton knew that it meant 
 a rout, and quietly the order was given to fall back. A 
 bullet had grazed his leg and Von Hahn's left arm was 
 shattered. Without disorder, but with terribly thinned 
 ranks, the force retreated ; but they were not pressed hard 
 to the river by Escobedo's men, who seemed satisfied with 
 driving them back to the battle line of Queretaro once 
 more. 
 
 Armand was disheartened over the failure of his relief 
 expedition, and he could scarcely summon sufficient cour- 
 age to meet the emperor on the following morning. 
 
 Von Hahn lay tossing in delirium in the hospital. It 
 had been found necessary to remove his arm.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 335 
 
 The emperor seemed so dejected over Breton's failure 
 to reach Mexico that the latter hesitated to tell him his 
 belief that Lopez's treachery had accomplished the ruin 
 of his mission. 
 
 Engagements followed which only cost men without 
 bringing the least advantage, and the position of the 
 army behind the fortifications at Queretaro became each 
 day more untenable. Daily a terrible bombardment was 
 continued. 
 
 At last it was decided by a council of war that only 
 two ways were open to Maximilian, either to attempt to 
 break through with his entire army, or to surrender. The 
 former course was settled upon, and the encircling lines 
 of Escobedo were to be broken. 
 
 The task of breaking through the lines of the besiegers 
 with the entire force at Maximilian's disposal did not 
 seem an impossible one, as Escobedo 's whole army was 
 employed in maintaining the lines without keeping any 
 troops in reserve. 
 
 A date was decided upon when an attempt to escape 
 should be made. The guns were all to be spiked and 
 during the entire night one or two thousand Indians were 
 to keep up a fire of musketry in order to mask the escape 
 of the army. The Indians would do anything for Gen- 
 eral Mejia, and it was considered best that toward morn- 
 ing they should throw away their arms and retire to the 
 houses. Then the army of Escobedo could occupy Quere- 
 taro without resistance. All of the wounded soldiers 
 were to be left in the hospitals. It grieved Breton
 
 336 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 exceedingly to leave the gallant Von Halm behind, and 
 the night before the break for liberty was to be made, he 
 visited the hospital where the brave Prussian lay. Von 
 Hahn was much improved. His fever had subsided, and 
 his brain was clear. 
 
 "At last, " he said after being informed of the pro- 
 posed move, "the emperor has decided upon the move 
 which should have been taken weeks ago. Here we have 
 been cooped up behind these walls, all the while growing 
 less in numbers. All I regret is that I shall be unable to 
 go with you. But it will be comforting to me when I 
 become one of Escobedo's prisoners of war, to kno\v 
 that you with the emperor are up in the Cerro Gordo 
 country safe from pursuit. But, my dear Breton, let me 
 caution you to keep a sharp watch over that villain, 
 Lopez. He intends to betray the army. Keep him at 
 arm's length. Don't allow him out of sight." 
 
 "My dear baron, quiet your fears as to that. Lafe, my 
 man, never loses sight of him. Even now he is dogging 
 his footsteps, ' ' replied Breton. 
 
 "Well, he cannot watch him too closely; your trouble 
 will come from that direction. Somehow I cannot en- 
 tirely free my mind from the haunting belief that Colonel 
 Manuel Lopez will yet betray this garrison. I am not a 
 nervous man, but if I were to receive notice of Lopez's 
 death, methinks I should shed tears of joy. Oh, for the 
 pleasure of crossing blades with that man! I pray you 
 to shoot Lopez if there is the least sign of trouble. " 
 
 "Have no unrest on that score. I really fail to see
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 337 
 
 how he can betray us. To-morrow night, after spiking 
 all but two or three guns so that an artillery fire can still 
 be kept up, we will march out by the Garrita Mazin, 
 leaving plenty of Indians behind who will keep up a rattle 
 of musketry all night in order to mislead them as to the 
 condition of affairs in the city. ' ' 
 
 "And is Lopez acquainted with the programme?" 
 
 "Yes, but I cannot understand how he can betray us. 
 We have our entire force well disposed in case of a night 
 attack, which I do not believe will come. Escobedo seeks 
 to starve us out, rather than to carry the place by storm. 
 He has learned that there is plenty of stubborn fight in 
 the emperor's army, and I believe that he will play the 
 waiting game." 
 
 "I trust you are right, Breton, but in the meanwhile 
 don't relax your vigilance over this Mexican colonel." 
 
 "Indeed I shall not. I will call and see you in the 
 morning, baron, and then later, before the hour set for 
 our departure, I have a message to send by you to my 
 dear wife, should I fall ; and somehow, strive as I will, I 
 cannot completely throw off the weight of depression 
 which seems to have settled upon me since that night 
 when the enemy turned us back from our march to 
 Mexico. Never before have I felt so gloomy. Well, 
 baron, good-night, I am going to make the rounds of the 
 garrison before retiring. I may be able to shake off the 
 feeling of gloom that oppresses me," and Breton passed 
 out into the night. 
 
 He visited the entire line of fortifications, and every-
 
 338 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 where he found that vigilance and alertness prevailed. 
 Miramon had his men skillfully placed, and it was with 
 increased satisfaction that Breton returned to his quar- 
 ters. He was much surprised to find that Lafe had not 
 preceded him. His instructions were to return and 
 await the coming of his leader, and as Armand himself 
 had remained away much longer than he had intended, 
 it was strange that Lafe's assignment had occupied so 
 much time. 
 
 "Can it be that he has discovered some signs of treach- 
 ery? He should have been here before," muttered Bre- 
 ton. Lighting a cigar he paced the floor nervously, 
 every few minutes consulting his watch. 
 
 "I don't know why I am so gloomy to-night," he 
 thought. "The failure of Lafe to report I should not 
 perhaps construe as meaning that he has traced Lopez to 
 the enemy's stronghold." After awhile he became so 
 restless that he crossed the plaza and ascended to one of 
 the highest points of the town. Queretaro, the city of 
 the bells, upon her terraced throne sat seemingly secure 
 from the forces of the foe who had thrown a serpentine 
 line about her. The night was not dark, and Armand 
 could plainly distinguish the dark circle of the enemy 
 thrown like a noose about the city, ready to be drawn 
 closer at the direction of Escobedo. Armand gazed long 
 and steadily, and nowhere was discernible activity of any 
 nature to give rise to the belief that a night attack was 
 anticipated. Satisfied with the result of his observations, 
 the officer returned to his quarters ; his apprehension of
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 339 
 
 evil was not diminished, however, when he found that 
 Lafe was still absent. 
 
 Sleep was impossible, and for an hour Breton fumed in 
 speculating as to the cause of Lafe's delay. Once more 
 he sauntered out into the night, where all was quiet 
 Returning he flung himself on his couch without remov- 
 ing either his coat or boots. 
 
 Try as he would, it was impossible for him to throw off 
 the overpowering weight of gloom. The sense of im- 
 pending danger seemed so strong that he was unable to 
 sleep. After lying for hours without sinking into slum- 
 ber, Breton heard a step on the patio outside his room. 
 Before he had time to reach the door, having recognized 
 the step, Lafe burst in and said excitedly : 
 
 " Massa Armand" it was no longer the man addressing 
 the officer, but the slave the master "Massa Armand, 
 we are betrayed. ' ' 
 
 "What is it, Lafe?" he said quickly; "out with it." 
 
 "Why, yo' see, Massa Armand, dis yer Gunnel Lope/ 
 that you set me to watch " 
 
 "Yes, goon." 
 
 "Well, he went out early an' I followed him : he went 
 past our lines across to where the other general has his 
 headquarters. ' ' 
 
 "You mean Escobedo?" 
 
 "That's the man, su', an' a po'ful long time they were 
 together. I wanted to hear what Gunnel Lopez had to 
 say, so I crept closer. They were speaking in Spanish, 
 an' I could only catch a word or two. One or two officers
 
 340 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 sat with them; one was a Yankee, an' I don't think he 
 could understand their gibberish a bit more 'an I, fo' he 
 turned on 'em and said in English : 'Now then, yo' fel- 
 lows have settled the matter, out with it. ' Gunnel Lopez 
 said to him in English: 'Simply this: when I return I 
 shall personally pass the word to our men on duty that I 
 have heard that Marquez's men have arrived, and that I 
 have word from a scout that they will get through the 
 enemy's line to-night. When they arrive at our lines 
 the password will be Marquez, and they are to let them 
 past into our fortifications. You are to follow me in 
 an hour, and without firing a gun the city will be ours. ' ' 
 "The cold-blooded scoundrel! Go on, Lafe, that 
 
 "Close to an hour ago, su', Massa Armand. " 
 
 "Good God, man, they are here now." 
 
 "I's quick to slip back, but I was discovered, an' I 
 had a right smart shave. There is a few less of them 
 fellers that chased me, but I ran into the river, lost my 
 way, floundered around, an' here I am, po'ful sorry I 
 didn't get in sooner." 
 
 "Quick, Lafe, to Miramon's quarters, while I hasten 
 to join the emperor. Arouse the first guard; send word 
 along the lines to fire upon any troops that try to pass 
 our outposts," and Armand Breton was out of his room 
 in the courtyard. No sooner had he stepped inte the 
 street than far down he saw moving lines of soldiers. He 
 knew that Queretaro had fallen by the treachery of one of 
 Maximilian's officers.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 341 
 
 "Quick, Lafe, they are already within our lines. I will 
 go to the emperor, ' ' and across the plaza ran Breton in 
 the direction of the emperor's headquarters. It seemed 
 that Maximilian must have had some premonition of the 
 danger, because Breton found him in his usual dress. 
 "Your majesty," he exclaimed, "we have been betrayed; 
 the enemy is within our lines ; immediate flight from here 
 is necessary. ' ' 
 
 Followed by the emperor and a few faithful attaches, 
 Breton quickly made his way across the plaza. A num- 
 ber of regiments had already gone over to the enemy, 
 who without the firing of a gun were in possession of the 
 city which had made such an heroic defense. 
 
 The news had spread rapidly. Toward the height of 
 the town the few remaining loyal soldiers were converg- 
 ing for the last stand for the empire. Word had been 
 immediately sent to Miramon and Mejia to join him with 
 what troops they could on the heights where they still 
 had a battery. 
 
 The handful of determined men gathered around Maxi- 
 milian, and the batteries which opened upon them could 
 not subdue their intense patriotism. To the end, fight- 
 ing with their face to the foe in defense of Maximilian, 
 they fell. 
 
 The emperor saw that his cause was hopeless and that 
 further sacrifice of life was needless. Calling Mejia and 
 Breton to his side he said : 
 
 "It seems impossible for us either to break through or 
 to hold out against the enemy. There is a limit to all
 
 312 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 effort, and no man can give proof of possessing higher 
 courage or a more unselfish patriotism than you. I ap- 
 preciate your unswerving loyalty ; but human endurance 
 cannot stand more; we must surrender." Old Mejia, tlie 
 hero of a hundred fights, smiled grimly as he said : 
 
 "Your majesty, I have left a handful of cavalry. I care 
 nothing for my life, but I dislike the responsibility of 
 leading you to certain death. ' ' 
 
 "Enough, my dear general; order the white flag dis- 
 played, ' ' replied the emperor in a sad tone. 
 
 The firing ceased, and shortly after Escobedo, accom- 
 panied by his staff, came to demand the sword of the 
 imperial ruler of Mexico. 
 
 The emperor acompanied by his generals, was escorted 
 to prison quarters. As they crossed the plaza they were 
 halted by some commotion. Biding beside the emperor, 
 Breton saw in the distance, surrounded by Mexican 
 officers, the traitor Lopez, in full enjoyment of his lib- 
 erty. Some fighting had caused the delay, and as Bre- 
 ton looked in the direction of the traitor he saw a tall 
 form towering far above the Mexican soldiers sweep 
 through the ranks ahead. One glance told him that it 
 was Von Hahn. His face was livid with hate, and in his 
 remaining arm was clutched a sword that he got from an 
 officer on the way. The cowardly Lopez saw him, and in 
 an affrighted tone called upon the men to arrest Von 
 Hahn. A dozen men attempted to stay the progress of 
 the Prussian, who, weakened by the loss of blood from 
 the recent loss of his arm, was in no condition with his
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 343 
 
 one arm to throw off the men who flung themselves upon 
 him. 
 
 "Off, men, you are soldiers; yon traitor is a disgrace 
 to the name of soldier and the uniform he wears," 
 shouted the maddened Prussian. He was pressed to the 
 earth, but with a final wrench he threw off his assailants, 
 struggled to his feet, snatched a pistol from the belt of 
 an officer near him, and fired it at Lopez with the excla- 
 mation on his lips : 
 
 "Death to all traitors, curse them!" 
 
 His aim was good, and had not Lopez's horse just then 
 given a quick turn the Judas of Queretaro would have 
 met his just deserts ; as it was, the ball sped through the 
 protruding ear of the traitor, who wore through life the 
 ineffaceable brand of his black crime placed upon him by 
 the brave Prussian. 
 
 Poor Von Hahn ! his valor cost him his life ; for no 
 sooner were his last words spoken and the shot fired than 
 he sank to the earth expiring from a dozen wounds. Be- 
 fore Breton could reach his side his spirit had fled, and 
 on the blood-stained sword lay the stiffening corpse of 
 the intrepid soldier. 
 
 Together with the emperor the leading imperial officers 
 were thrown into prison to await the action of Juarez. 
 
 Days passed and the unhappiness of the prisoners was 
 further accentuated by the knowledge that each day, 
 under the order of Juarez, a number of officers and men 
 of the imperial army were taken out and shot. 
 
 Lafe was free and was permitted to visit Breton at will.
 
 344 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 Through this means Armand was kept in close touch with 
 the gossip of the officers regarding the fate of the emperor 
 and his leading generals. Knowing the Mexican prac- 
 tice, gained from their Spanish conquerors, he was aware 
 that the shooting of prisoners of war was observed 
 daily. 
 
 He believed that all the leading officers were to fall by 
 Mexican bullets. But as for the emperor, Armand did not 
 for an instant entertain the belief that they would dare 
 to kill him through fear of provoking a European war. 
 Again, Escobedo had pledged his word as a soldier at the 
 time of their surrender that they should be treated as 
 prisoners of war. 
 
 One day Laf e came in and said in an excited tone : 
 
 "Massa Armand, I'se news that'll make yo' mighty 
 pleased. ' ' 
 
 ''What is it, Lafe ?" asked the officer. "I am right glad 
 of an opportunity to be pleased these days. " 
 
 "A lady las' night to see yo'. I'se been roun' to get 
 permission fo' her to call upon yo', an 1 she'll be here 
 soon now, su'. " 
 
 "A lady to see me? Well, what can she want? Mexi- 
 can or American, Lafe?" 
 
 "American. It am Miss Lucille. " 
 
 "Lucille!" and the officer's face flushed with emotion. 
 Hardly had he recovered from his emotion when the door 
 was opened by the Mexican guard, and his darling wife 
 was folded in his arms. 
 
 "Oh, Armand, dearest," she cried, "just to think that
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 345 
 
 you and I should meet in this horrid old prison ! Ugh ! 
 these old stone walls of your convent prison make me 
 shudder. ' ' 
 
 "Well, my darling, I regret that I cannot entertain you 
 in more sumptuous quarters ; but you see your coming 
 was so unexpected! Had you advised me I might have 
 arranged differently. But, Lucille, how came you down 
 here in this revolution-ridden country?" 
 
 "Why, Armand, how could I remain away when you 
 were in danger? When we came back from Paris you 
 wrote me that you should remain with Maximilian after 
 the French troops were withdrawn. I was awfully sorry 
 that you so decided. But while your letters sent m 
 from this city contained a very roseate color regarding 
 your situation, the reports which reached me from other 
 sources did not. The newspaper correspondents all ex- 
 pressed themselves emphatically that Queretaro must fall, 
 and with it the empire. You see the Juarez government 
 is very popular in our country, and the sympathy of our 
 people is with the native element. 
 
 "In times past they have not expressed much sympathy 
 for the Mexicans ; at least that sympathy did not prevent 
 them from slicing off some of Mexico's choicest territory 
 and annexing it, ' ' grimly replied the soldier. 
 
 "But, dear, the Americans have no sympathy with 
 Maximilian's government; and as I said, the war corre- 
 spondents here have predicted the fail of Queretaro. And 
 knowing that you were here, I thought it my duty to 
 come and be with you, and if I could not lend you any
 
 346 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 real assistance I could help to cheer you up by my 
 presence. ' ' 
 
 "And so you have, my brave little woman; your own 
 sweet presence is the first ray of sunshine that has lighted 
 my prison walls since we became Escobedo's prisoners. 
 But tell me how did you manage to get through the 
 lines?" 
 
 "That was very easy to manage. Papa wrote to the 
 secretary of state, and from him obtained a letter to 
 Juarez asking that I be permitted to pass through unde- 
 tained. I must say that I have been treated very courte- 
 ously. Everything has been done to facilitate my getting 
 here. But, Armand, they do tell such dreadful stories 
 that I am so worried. They say those cruel Mexicans, ' ' 
 and Lucille 's blue eyes filled with tears, "that Juarez 
 will not permit any one of high military rank to escape 
 the death penalty; and that that you will all be shot. 
 It is so terrible, ' ' and Lucille laid her head on her hus- 
 band's shoulder and sobbed aloud. Armand stroked her 
 hair softly, as he said: "Little sweetheart, don't let the 
 idle gossip of the soldiers worry you ; let me kiss away 
 your tears. There is no probability that we will be exe- 
 cuted. It is true that a number have been shot, but 
 they have all been Mexicans, against whom the Juarez 
 faction seems particularly bitter. No foreigner has been 
 executed as yet, and don't let your pretty eyes get 
 dimmed by tears over the thought that any will be. Had 
 it been the intention of Juarez to execute us it would have 
 been done sooner."
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 347 
 
 "Still, those awful rumors," said Lucille, smiling 
 through her tears. "In Mexico it was reported that no 
 one of rank would be spared. ' ' 
 
 Try as he would the officer could not entirely quiet 
 his wife's fears, but it was with a much lighter heart that 
 Lucille took her departure. 
 
 She visited her husband daily and all the while dis- 
 patches were flying between San Luis Potosi and Quere- 
 taro, relative to the final disposition of the chief pris- 
 oners.
 
 348 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
 THE EXECUTION. 
 
 LAFE was in close touch with the official rumors, and 
 he learned much that he did not impart to either Armand 
 or Lucille. From all that he gleaned he deduced the 
 belief that the Liberals intended to put the leading Im- 
 perialists to death ; and he concluded that the only way 
 to save his beloved chief from such a fate was to assist 
 him to get free from the enemy's clutches. Lafe was 
 keen-witted, and one day he heard through one of the 
 residents of Queretaro of an old rumor of the existence of 
 a tunnel leading from the convent to the Rio Blanco. He 
 visited a gray-haired priest who was favorable to Maxi- 
 milian, and from him he learned that the ancient stone 
 convent where the prisoners were confined had been built 
 during the Spanish conquest and that a tunnel had been 
 dug from it to the river, which in time of siege would 
 enable its inmates either to make their escape or to bring 
 in reinforcements. In later days the entrance from the 
 convent had been walled up and its very existence had 
 been forgotten. No one save the priests knew in what 
 part of the convent it was located. To Lafe the good 
 father imparted all the information at his disposal, and
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 349 
 
 volunteered to assist the emperor and his aids to escape. 
 He visited the river bank, and disclosed to the ex-slave 
 the entrance to the tunnel. Lafe labored for a day or 
 two and cleared out the debris. He worked on the 
 masonry at the convent end and removed all but one 
 thickness of the wall. He then was ready to impart his 
 plan of escape to Breton, who was overjoyed to learn of 
 the means open to them to slip through Juarez's clutches. 
 Lafe, with the aid of friendly Mexicans, procured horses, 
 arms and equipments for flight, and stationed them on the 
 river bank near the exit of the passage. Once mounted the 
 emperor and his generals could laugh at pursuit. Breton 
 communicated the information to the emperor, and to his 
 amazement he received from him the information that he 
 would not seek to escape. Escobedo had pledged his 
 word that they should be treated as prisoners of war, and 
 he placed faith in his promise. Miramon and Mejia both 
 agreed with Breton that it was well that they should 
 leave Queretaro while an avenue was still open to them. 
 The emperor was immovable, and while he urged that the 
 others avail themselves of the opportunity, he stated that 
 he should make no effort to leave his prison. 
 
 The men all tried to break his resolution, saying that 
 once south he could raise a loyal "army and that the 
 empire would still be triumphant ; but all to no effect. 
 The officers swore that they would be faithful to the end 
 to the emperor ; they would not desert him in his darkest 
 hour. 
 
 Lafe came in to see Armand, and it was plain that the
 
 350 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 poor fellow was downcast. Armand quickly saw that 
 something was amiss, and asked the cause of his trouble. 
 
 "Cunnel Armand, I's broken-hearted. To-day a Mexi- 
 can soldier found the opening of the tunnel down by the 
 river, and there is now a guard put there, an' any one 
 going oat now would run into a trap." 
 
 "Well, my good Lafe, don't let that bother you. The 
 emperor will not accompany us and we will never leave 
 him ; so I fail to see of what use the old tunnel will be to 
 us anyhow. We will never use it. ' ' 
 
 A sigh of unhappiness escaped Lafe, as he replied : 
 
 "There's mo' bad news." 
 
 "Of what nature?" 
 
 "Word's just come from the Mexican president that 
 the emperor and all yo' will be placed befo' a co't-mar- 
 tial, and if that tunnel was open now, I reckon that yo' 
 emperor wouldn't be quite so particular." 
 
 A court-martial such an order from Juarez and a 
 death warrant were synonymous. The last avenue of 
 escape had been closed; the officer's heart sank. 
 
 Lucille was heart-broken when the news was told her, 
 as she at once divined that the court-martial meant that 
 the seal of death had been set upon the prisoners. 
 
 But one course seemed open to her to exert her influ- 
 ence in behalf of the prisoners to leave Queretaro and 
 intercede in their behalf with the Mexican president. 
 After a tearful and affectionate farewell, and with a heart 
 heavy with sorrow, she left Armand to journey to where 
 Juarez held his seat of government.
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 351 
 
 In the meanwhile the judicial farce had begun in the 
 Iturbide Theater, where the accused emperor with his 
 generals were placed on trial. 
 
 The trial was mockery, a hideous burlesque of justice. 
 The judges, some of whom were mere boys and unedu- 
 cated, cared nothing for the testimony. Their appear- 
 ance there was only to give a mock semblance of justice. 
 It was blood that they wanted. Juarez had decided that 
 the emperor must die. 
 
 His presence was a menace to his government. He 
 still had a strong party in the country. His death would 
 forever put an end to European intermeddling with Mexi- 
 can affairs, and he knew with a tolerable certainty that no 
 power would declare war against Mexico merely to 
 avenge the death of Maximilian after the experience of 
 the emperor of the French. Then there was a clamor 
 that would not down on the part of his followers, for 
 royal blood. There also was a rare opportunity for 
 revenging the Republican principle on that of the mon- 
 archy which the capture of the emperor gave them. 
 
 No matter if Maximilian believed in the honesty of his 
 election as emperor; he must die to satisfy the fierce 
 clamor of the Mexicans. 
 
 As Breton, who sat in the theater with Miramon and 
 Mejia, listened to the testimony he recalled to mind the 
 opinion of General D'Arville anent the possible damage 
 to Maximilian in signing the unfortunate decree punish- 
 ing all brigands with death. He had been told by the 
 emperor that he intended it should only apply to robbers,
 
 352 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 and then that he himself should decide upon each case. 
 Bazaine and the priests, however, Breton learned, had 
 made additions to suit themselves to the decree, and the 
 law in its severity had been applied to soldiers as well as 
 brigands. The wisdom of Napoleon's request that the 
 law be modified was now clear. That fatal decree was to 
 be Maximilian's death warrant. 
 
 It was unjust to make Maximilian responsible for the 
 transgressions of Bazaine or the misdeeds of the priests ; 
 but it was not justice that the court-martial in Queretaro 
 wanted. The verdict of guilty was surprising to no one. 
 
 After some delay it was decided that Maximilian and 
 his three generals should be shot on the 19th of June in 
 the early morning. Such was the decision of the court, 
 indorsed by Escobedo. 
 
 The night before his execution Armand paced the floor 
 of his cell in deep meditation. 
 
 In San Luis Potosi, on bended knees, before the Indian 
 president, was his wife pleading for the lives of the men 
 who had been sentenced to death. 
 
 Juarez was much affected by the passionate entreaty of 
 Lucille, who with trembling lips asked a respite for 
 Armand and those with him. The president's swarthy 
 face was pale and showed mental suffering. 
 
 Finally he said in firm tones : 
 
 "Madam, what you ask it is impossible for me to 
 grant ; as a citizen I should like to spare their lives, but 
 as chief executive I cannot ; and to grant a respite would 
 only be to prolong the agony ; they must die to-morrow. "
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 353 
 
 At the cruel words Lucille became frantic with grief 
 and convulsively grasped the knees of the president, 
 while she sobbed aloud her prayers to spare her husband's 
 life. 
 
 Tears came to the eyes of the stern Juarez as he lifted 
 the grief-stricken woman, and said in a voice which 
 trembled with emotion : 
 
 "Deeply grieved am T, madam, to see you on your 
 knees before me. I regret that I am an instrument in 
 the hands of a supreme power, ordained to carry out this 
 decree which brings suffering and sorrowing upon you 
 and others. General Miramon's wife has also entreated 
 me to spare the life of her husband. But the same reply 
 that I made to her must I also repeat to you. If all the 
 queens and kings of Europe, and all the rulers of the 
 world were in your place, I could not spare those lives. 
 It is not I who take them ; it is the Mexican people ; it is 
 the law of the country ; and should I not obey its man- 
 date this unhappy land would be plunged into further 
 war ; the people would take the lives of those men, and 
 mine also." 
 
 Concluding, Juarez raised the half-swooning woman, 
 assisted her tenderly to a couch, and left the room. 
 
 The last hope was gone. Below, in the city of Quere- 
 taro, four men were making preparations to take their 
 departure from this world and solve the mysteries of the 
 next. The unfortunate Maximilian passed the night 
 arranging his papers, writing to his friends and address- 
 ing letters of thanks to his loyal supporters.
 
 354 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 Armand Breton, the fighting son of a warlike sire, 
 wrote a long and affectionate letter to his devoted wife. 
 Page after page of closely written matter did he direct 
 to the woman who even then lay in a deathly swoon in 
 the president's audience chamber. This completed, he 
 wrote a few letters to intimate friends, to Lloyd Phillips 
 and others. His mind was perfectly calm, and his nerves 
 were unshaken. He had been face to face with death on 
 innumerable occasions, and Armand Breton was no cow- 
 ard. His farewells all written, he glanced at his watch ; 
 six hours more and his lifeless corpse would be lying 
 under the shadow of the hills. He thought of a future 
 existence. His mind had always been full of mysticism. 
 In Paris he had listened to the teachings of a well-known 
 philosopher, and with him he had discussed the question 
 in relation to the hypothesis of a soul essentially distinct 
 from the body. Vividly ran the current of his thoughts. 
 The existence of a soul, where was it? In what part of 
 the body was it domiciled ? Of what organ was it the 
 motive power? Was it in the brain that it resided? 
 Was it his heart that set it in motion? His soul was his 
 intelligence, the ensemble of his ideas; developed and 
 acquired by labor, the improvement of his physical in- 
 stincts augmented and refined until they became moral 
 Qualities. He was sad at the thought of leaving his 
 dearly-loved wife. Was it his soul that was thus affected ? 
 He laid aside his garments and lay down upon his couch 
 to rest, while the measured tread of the sentinel before 
 his door was the only sound that broke the silence of the
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 355 
 
 night. He soon fell into a sound slumber, and his 
 dreams carried him back to familiar scenes of his life 
 back to the happy days in Paris back to the battlefields 
 of the Confederacy. Old sights and scenes and memories 
 came back to him vividly and clearly. Still, through the 
 mysterious agency of dreams, he saw with distinctness 
 events of an age before he was born. There were scenes 
 reproduced from French Revolution, and he seemed to be 
 an actor there. Then there were glimpses of the Napo- 
 leonic wars all brought before him. And strange to say, 
 all of the sights seemed familiar to him. They all ap- 
 peared to be pictures on the sensitive plate of the brain. 
 The lines of heredity are difficult to follow, and the link 
 between generation and generation sometimes is strong, 
 sometimes weak but talent personal likeness may be 
 the happy gift handed down by father to son. Who may 
 not say without fear of contradiction that the memories 
 and passions and emotions that stirred those dead hearts 
 to their center may not be a part of our inheritance? 
 The setting, the connection is gone, but the memory of 
 the emotion remains. Such and such nerves have quiv- 
 ered violently for such a cause, the memory stores and 
 transmits the impression a similar incident sets them 
 tingling again though generations intervene. 
 
 Every one has felt many times in his life a sense of 
 familiarity with incidents and scenes that have had no 
 place in his own experience, and has found it impossible 
 to offer any explanation of the feeling. IB it wrong to 
 believe that these incidents formed a part of the lives of
 
 356 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 our ancestors, through them transmitted to us? The 
 brain always retains impressions, and why not impres- 
 sions transmitted to descendants as well as talents or 
 vices ? That the memory uses in sleep the material it has 
 gathered during the day, and during the life, cannot 
 well be disputed. Why not go further back and say that 
 the dual part of ourselves reproduces that part in our 
 dreams that come to us from the mental photographs 
 taken by an ancestor? 
 
 The sensitive plate of the brain never loses any clear 
 picture that it has once received. The picture may re- 
 main long hidden under the dust of time, but some 
 sudden need or accident will bring it ink) life with star- 
 tling distinctness. The profound stirring of emotions 
 awakens the mind to activity, and at such times the 
 hereditary pictures of the brain are developed. While 
 Breton was physically calm, all the hidden mines of his 
 brain were active, and for him the door was ajar into that 
 mysterious inexplicable world of mental photography. 
 
 He saw plainly scenes which formed a part of his father's 
 life. He saw the crowning of Napoleon; he saw the 
 emperor place his crown upon the head of Josephine. 
 Kaleidoscopic views of his father's career were constantly 
 presented to his vision. At last he came to a picture 
 that seemed specially to fascinate him. It was the inte- 
 rior of a large, well-furnished room. It was evidently 
 occupied by a military man, judging from its furnish- 
 ings. A uniform was carelessly thrown across a chair, 
 while on the table were maps and books. On the walls
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 357 
 
 were suspended a number of swords. A man was lying 
 upon a couch in one corner of the room with his face 
 turned from him. The only thing which looked out of 
 place was a small barred window. The door opened, a 
 man in uniform entered. He evidently called to the 
 sleeping occupant, who now arose and proceeded to dress 
 with exceeding care ; his face all the while was turned 
 from Armand. Some strange fascination held his gaze 
 to the tall, magnificently-formed soldier, who, having 
 complete dressing, turned and took from the wall a sword. 
 The blade seemed familiar ; and as the soldier turned full 
 around, Armand saw that he was none other than his own 
 father. It was the face and figure of Marshal Ney. A 
 bitter smile swept over his features ; then he started back 
 after he had examined the sword and laid it upon the 
 table. Strangely interested and impelled by some occult 
 power, Armand looked at the blade. It was queerly 
 wrought and upon its hilt glowed a number of gems. 
 
 Now he knew it all. 
 
 "My God!" he cried aloud, "my dream! It is the 
 sword of the pyramids, and I am gazing upon my own 
 father as he prepares for execution." 
 
 Bathed in cold perspiration he sat upright on his 
 couch, while he gathered together his scattered senses. 
 They slowly came back to him. To-morrow he was to 
 die, and there upon the wall of his room hung the ac- 
 cursed sword of the pyramids the blade with its fateful 
 history. His brain grew clearer. "Its record remains 
 unbroken with me. I have fought against Juarez and
 
 358 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 have lost ; I am to be executed as other wearers of the old 
 sultan's sword have been," he muttered, as he gazed 
 upon the historic blade as it swung suspended before 
 him. Impelled by some magnetic force Armand advanced 
 to the wall where the fatal sword was resting. He un- 
 sheathed it, and turned it slowly in his hands. "The 
 curse of the old sultan still clings to it," he thought, 
 "and to whom shall I bequeathe this fatal legacy? Ah, 
 I have it ! And now I have only a short time to dress 
 before my escort arrives to accompany me to the spot 
 where we are to be executed executed! God, how that 
 word grates upon my nerves! I, in the full flush of 
 young manhood, shot like a brigand ! Well, I have noble 
 companions! And this is the end of Maximilian's dream 
 of a Mexican empire. They call us adventurers, and fol- 
 lowing the same narrow rule, every one who is actuated 
 by laudable ambition to seek a proper field for the devel- 
 opment of his mind outside the narrow pale of his home, 
 is styled by the unthinking an adventurer. Methinks 
 without so-called adventurers the world would move a 
 trifle backward. Well, a short ride then death. In 
 truth the thought is not pleasant." 
 
 Shortly after Lafe entered his cell. He had come for 
 a nobler purpose than that of saying farewell to his much- 
 loved leader. Lafe loved Armand with the devotion 
 which a faithful hound pays to his master. He had fol- 
 lowed the valiant officer through many a campaign, and 
 worshiped him. After Armand had greeted him warmly 
 he said :
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 359 
 
 "Massa Armand, we's been little boys together; an* 
 my po' heart is mos' broken to have you killed befo' me. 
 My life is yours, and I want to say, let me take your 
 place; we can change clothes, you can jus' pass right out, 
 same as if 'twas me, and I'll stay here ; we're pretty near 
 the same size, an' these soldiers who'll be here to take 
 you away in a few minutes don't know you by sight, an' 
 I'll jus' go down and get shot in your place, an' you can 
 get out of this country, an' nobody '11 miss you an' 
 you'll think of Lafe once in awhile " And Lafe's voice 
 trembled. Armand 's eyes filled with tears, so deeply was 
 he affected by the noble offer of sacrifice on the part of 
 his former slave ; it was a moment or two before he could 
 control his feelings to say : 
 
 "Lafe, my good Lafe, your devotion to me is of a 
 truth the noblest. No man can offer more to his fellow- 
 man than his life to die for him ! Such an offer is more 
 than heroic, it is divine, and I shall go to my death with 
 a heart overflowing with tender memories of you and of 
 your more than generous offer. But, Lafe, I am a man 
 a soldier, and must die a soldier's death. Think, 
 Lafe ! I could never look my brother man in the face, and 
 say that I had a substitute die for me ! Even if I could 
 accept your proposition, I should be haunted the remain- 
 der of my life, sleeping and waking, with the thought 
 that I was cowardly enough to let another man perish in 
 my stead. No, the dice have been thrown, and my life 
 is the prize lost. I shall die with those with whom I 
 have served, Lafe," Then taking both the man's hands
 
 360 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 in his he added, "From the bottom of my heart I thank 
 you." 
 
 , "But, Massa Armand, " sobbed Lafe, "think of po' 
 Miss Lucille. If yo' won't accept my offer fo' yo' own 
 sake, let me go fo' you fo' Miss Lucille. Yo' all can go 
 away somewhere an' live happy together." 
 
 "Don't, Lafe, try to tempt me; my mind is unchange- 
 able, and you only make the parting harder for me by 
 reminding me of the happiness which we hoped would 
 come to us in this life. The fates have ruled otherwise. ' ' 
 
 Lafe still urged that the doomed man permit him to 
 die in his stead, and was earnestly pleading when the 
 guard opened the door and announced that in a few 
 minutes the soldiers would arrive to escort the prisoner 
 to the place of execution. Armand had hardly time to 
 finish dressing when Colonel Palacios, himself a veteran, 
 entered the cell, and said: "General Breton, it is my 
 painful duty to inform you that the time has come for 
 me to carry out my instructions and convey you to the 
 Cerro de Campano, where the sentence of the court will 
 be carried out." 
 
 Breton bowed, as he replied : 
 
 "I am ready; you need not tarry here forme;" then 
 turning, he embraced the weeping Lafe and added: 
 "Lafe, I have a last request to make. I wish you to 
 take this sword, ' ' lifting the weapon from the table as he 
 spoke, "to Colonel Manuel Lopez; present it to him with 
 my compliments. Tell him it is of ancient make, the 
 result of the skill of one of the oldest and best sword
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 361 
 
 makers that the world has ever seen. It has a history too 
 long t relate now, but tell him that my last wish is that 
 its history may be repeated with him;" and with one 
 more enibrazo the gallant soldier stepped briskly out to a 
 fiacre, seated himself therein beside Colonel Palacios, 
 and was driven rapidly away with the emperor and his 
 loyal generals to the place of execution. 
 
 Scarcely a word was spoken during the ride. The 
 doomed men were pale, and there were tense lines across 
 their faces. 
 
 The morning was perfect, and nature was tuned to 
 nothing harsher than the songs of birds and the distant 
 tinkle of the bells. The sky above was of Italian hue, 
 while on the distant horizon hovered fleecy clouds. 
 Nature was in her sweetest mood, and the entrancing 
 beauties of the June morning with its exhilarating atmos- 
 phere seemed in bitter contrast with the depressed spirits 
 of the men who were so soon to be ushered out of the 
 world. 
 
 Breton heaved a sigh, and turning to Maximilian said : 
 "A beautiful world to leave, your majesty!" 
 "Yes," replied Maximilian sadly. "The heavenly 
 artist has painted a sweet-scented picture; the air is 
 redolent with the perfume of flowers. I had hoped to 
 die on such a day ; and on this bright morning, after a 
 brief reign in Mexico, I hold Death's iron scepter in my 
 hand." 
 
 "Ah!" said Breton, "nature has a voice of gladness 
 and a smile, and eloquence of beauty, but the caravan
 
 362 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 
 
 moves on. Death pours out his cordial wine, dropped 
 from war's crushing presses; we will drain the glass, your 
 majesty! I share your destiny. I have sailed my bark 
 over life's stormy seas, and at last have stranded upon the 
 unseen shores of the mystic sea. ' ' 
 
 The men tenderly embraced, after which they were 
 moved forward to an adobe wall. Soldiers in the form of 
 a square were placed on the three remaining sides. After 
 they had assumed their respective positions, addressing 
 the soldiers, Maximilian in a clear, firm tone said : 
 
 "Mexicans persons of my rank and origin are destined 
 by God to be benefactors to the people or martyrs. 
 Called by a greater part of you, I came here for the good 
 of the country. Ambition did not bring me here. I 
 came animated with the best wishes for my adopted 
 country and for that of my soldiers, whom I thank before 
 my death for the sacrifices they have made for me. May 
 my blood be the last which shall be shed for the welfare 
 of the country viva Mexico ! ' ' 
 
 Miramon, the Stuart of Mexico, ran his fingers through 
 his flowing black locks, and in a defiant tone said : 
 
 "Mexicans, my judges have condemned me to death as 
 a traitor to my country. I never was a traitor, and 
 request that you do not suffer this stain to be attached 
 to my children." 
 
 Old Mejia, the intrepid cavalry leader: 
 
 "I fought for the cause that I believed right, and do 
 not regret the choice I made. " 
 
 Breton, the man, in whose veins coursed the blood of
 
 THE SWORD OF THE PYRAMIDS. 363 
 
 Napoleon's great marshal, drew himself up to his full 
 height, while the words dropped from his lips as clear as 
 a bugle blast : 
 
 "I am a soldier of fortune. It was personal, perhaps 
 selfish motives which drew me to this country. Be that 
 as it may, I have learned to love your emperor for his 
 true nobility of character. "When poets shall bring the 
 events of these days before future generations, among 
 Iheir most heroic figures will be that of the German 
 prince whom you this day will execute. Viva Maxi- 
 milian!" 
 
 An officer stepped with ten men to a point within a 
 few yards of the emperor and his comrades. 
 
 Quick words of command were spoken, and from the 
 ten iron tubes there leaped a flash of light, while on the 
 greensward lay four corpses. The tragedy in Mexico 
 was over. The dream of a Latin empire south of the Kio 
 Grande vanished in that smoke. The laws of destiny 
 are immutable. 
 
 It is true Juarez was the executioner, but the moral 
 guilt falls upon the man who wielded the imperial scepter 
 over the French. Poor unhappy France, in the blood of 
 her sons and the ashes of their homes, may she have to 
 expiate the sins of her ruler against Maximilian and 
 Mexico. 
 
 FINIS.
 
 Till; LIGHT 
 'OF STAR? 
 
 THE LIGHT 
 OF STARS 
 
 BY 
 
 BATTIED.BOBANNON 
 
 12mo Cloth - $1.00 net 
 
 . . . Revolves round the love of the young 
 man for a woman, divorced, wilful, passionate and 
 fickle. The young fellow himself is a nameless child, 
 and leaving his grandfather's home nearly kills the old 
 man. In the meantime, the woman in the case falls in 
 love herself with the young man's friend, a preacher, 
 and in this as in all else has her way. This is the tale, 
 but the charm of it lies wholly in the telling; it is 
 Barrie and Texas, soft Southern dialect and fierce 
 Southern temperaments, all together." Boston Globe. 
 
 "... gives a tenderly sympathetic revelation of 
 character in a country doctor's narration of the life 
 story of his young protege, Robert March. He is one 
 who conquers the misfortunes of base birth, neglect 
 and poverty, whose religious faith is almost shattered 
 through the fickleness of a woman, but who overcomes 
 and becomes altogether worthy and exalted in char- 
 acter." Chicago Daily News. 
 
 "A 'Find !' A Strong Story by a New Writer." 
 "I knew nothing of Hattie Donovan Bohannon until 
 I saw her story called 'The Light of Stars.' But I 
 want to say that she is a woman who can write. She 
 creates that elusive thing called atmosphere, the quality 
 that hovers around the work of the strange Bronte 
 sisters, the quality that vibrates in the tales of Harriet 
 Prescott Spofford. It has that quality of imaginative 
 sympathy that completes the electric circuit between the 
 reader and the people of the printed page. . . . Miss 
 Bohannon, please pass us down another book." 
 
 EDWIN MARKHAN in New York American.
 
 PSYCHIC-CONTROL 
 Through Self-Knowledge 
 
 r 
 
 WALTER WINSTON KENILWORTH 
 
 This book commences with the question: 
 "What is Self?" In other words, it enters 
 into the vital truths concerning the soul, and 
 reveals the practical attitude the mind 
 should bear in the pursuit of spiritual knowl- 
 edge. He drives home a deep truth when he 
 summarizes the spiritual consciousness as a 
 development of a moral consciousness in 
 which the sympathies of the soul are ex- 
 tended beyond their narrow, personal area, 
 and embrace all life. The Universal Brother- 
 hood of the soul with all animate and inani- 
 mate beings is spoken of as the fundamental 
 principle of self-control and self-knowledge. 
 
 ! Those interested in metaphysics will find 
 that the author has familarized himself with 
 the incomparable Vedanta philosophy. There 
 is an effort to show the underlying basis of 
 all spiritual truth; that, however tinctured 
 with the social, political or theological trend 
 of any age, there is a spiritual identity per- 
 meating all faiths. 
 
 8vo, Cloth, $2.00.
 
 "Shrine of Silence" 
 
 By HENRY FRANK 
 
 John Burroughs says : " I find in the several chapters of this work, 
 which I have just read on its receipt, unmistakable evidence of the foot- 
 prints of the Spirit. I shall follow it further by and by." 
 
 Ella Wheeler Wilcoz says : " This is a beautiful, interesting and 
 most helpful work." 
 
 Elbert Hubbard says : " It is a charming book, and goes straight at 
 the heart of things in a way that is worth while." ^ f 
 
 SUNDAY PRESS (Albany, N. Y.): "A remarkable work. While 
 spiritual and philosophical, it possesses a charm that makes It as read- 
 able and interesting as a romance." 
 
 THE CALL (San Francisco, Gal.): "It is a book full of the spirit 
 of natural reverence; entirely free from dogmatic expressions. To 
 students who are sufficiently up to date to be interested in Cosmic Vibra- 
 tions, the chapter on that subject will be instructive." 
 
 THE DAILY PICAYUNE (New Orleans): "The book is both inter- 
 esting and logical. It appeals at once to the Christian heart and serves 
 as beacon light to the Freethinker who, drifting from the shores of 
 faith, still yearns for the some port of spiritual comfort and repose." 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN INTELLIGENCER (N. Y. City): "The author 
 will be recognized as the brilliant Lecturer of the Metropolitan Indepen- 
 dent Church. We are, therefore, not surprised to find that these pages 
 abound with beautiful and poetic thoughts. 
 
 THE BULLETIN (San Francisco, Cal.): "The author of this book, 
 seeking to obliterate the lines of demarkation between science and re- 
 ligion, carries the reader to the throne of truth guided by the torch of 
 reason." 
 
 THE ARENA (Boston, Mass.): " Here are over one hundred medi- 
 tations or soul-prayers giving expression to the higher aspirations. 
 Many of them are deeply thoughtful and characterized by great beauty. 
 Some of them, indeed, are prose poems." 
 
 HEALTH CULTURE (N. Y.): " Henry Frank is more than a great 
 thinker and splendid teacher. He is a poet and a music maker. His 
 book must appeal to many." 
 
 THIRD THOUSAND, 275 pages, beautifully printed, 
 with initial letters, $1.00 * 
 
 R. F. FENNO & CO., - New York
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 FEB16 '82 
 
 | RECT ID-URl 
 
 FEB 1 1982 
 
 jua j 
 
 2 WEEK LOAN 
 
 315
 
 3 1158 00757 7736 
 
 A 000 130 748 7