The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard

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Arthur Conan Doyle. The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard

Contents

EDITOR’S NOTE

Introduction

The Medal of Brigadier Gerard

How the Brigadier Held the King

How the King Held the Brigadier

How the Brigadier Slew the Brothers of Ajaccio

How the Brigadier Came to the Castle of Gloom

How the Brigadier Took the Field Against the Marshal Millefleurs

How the Brigadier was Tempted by the Devil

How the Brigadier Played for a Kingdom

About the Author. THE EXPLOITS OF BRIGADIER GERARD

Copyright

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Introduction

1. The Medal of Brigadier Gerard

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There was a slight ray of light coming from some slit or grating. The dawn had broken outside, and I could dimly see the long curving sides of several huge casks, which made me think that perhaps this was where the Mayor kept his reserves of wine while they were maturing. At any rate, it seemed to be a safer hiding-place than the outer cellar, so gathering up my candle, I was just closing the door behind me, when I suddenly saw something which filled me with amazement, and even, I confess, with the smallest little touch of fear.

I have said that at the further end of the cellar there was a dim grey fan of light striking downwards from somewhere near the roof. Well, as I peered through the darkness, I suddenly saw a great, tall man skip into this belt of daylight, and then out again into the darkness at the further end. My word, I gave such a start that my busby nearly broke its chin-strap! It was only a glance, but, none the less, I had time to see that the fellow had a hairy Cossack cap on his head, and that he was a great, long-legged, broad-shouldered brigand, with a sabre at his waist. My faith, even Etienne Gerard was a little staggered at being left alone with such a creature in the dark.

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