The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard

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Arthur Conan Doyle. The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard

1. How the brigadier came to the castle of Gloom

2. How the brigadier slew the brothers of Ajaccio

3. How the brigadier held the king

4. How the king held the brigadier

5. How the brigadier took the field against the marshal Millefleurs

6. How the brigadier played for a kingdom

7. How the brigadier won his medal

8. How the brigadier was tempted by the devil

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When the Emperor needed an agent he was always very ready to do me the honour of recalling the name of Etienne Gerard, though it occasionally escaped him when rewards were to be distributed. Still, I was a colonel at twenty-eight, and the chief of a brigade at thirty-one, so that I have no reason to be dissatisfied with my career. Had the wars lasted another two or three years I might have grasped my bâton, and the man who had his hand upon that was only one stride from a throne. Murat had changed his hussar's cap for a crown, and another light cavalry man might have done as much. However, all those dreams were driven away by Waterloo, and, although I was not able to write my name upon history, it is sufficiently well known by all who served with me in the great wars of the Empire.

What I want to tell you tonight is about the very singular affair which first started me upon my rapid upward course, and which had the effect of establishing a secret bond between the Emperor and myself.

.....

But as I opened the door, the very first thing that my eye rested upon was a long pair of sky-blue legs with hussar boots, and a short pair of black ones with knee breeches and buckles. They both sprang up together to greet me.

'Well, what news?' they cried, the two of them.

.....