"Will Genoa not give the clew, sir?" said I, glancing at him a keen look. "Least of all," cried he. "The cavalry were with Soult. I had nothing beyond an escort in the town." "So there's no help for it," said I, with a sigh. "Do you remember a half-drowned wretch that was laid down at your feet in the Annunziata Church one morning during the siege?" "A fellow who had made his escape from the English fleet, and swam ashore! What! are you--By Jove! so it is, the very same. Give me your hand, my brave fellow. I've often thought of you, and wondered what had befallen you. You joined that unlucky attack on Monte Faccio; and we had warm work ourselves on hands the day after. I say, Vandamme, the first news I had of our columns crossing the Alps were from this officer--for officer he was, and shall be again, if I live to command a French division." Massena embraced me affectionately, as he said this; and then turning to the others, said-- "Gentlemen, you see before you the man you have often heard me speak of--a young officer of hussars, who, in the hope of rescuing a division of the French army, at that time shut up in a besieged city, performed one of the most gallant exploits on record. Within a week after he led a storming party against a mountain fortress; and I don't care if he lived in the intimacy of every Bourbon Prince, from the Count D'Artois downward, he's a good Frenchman, and a brave soldier. Bourrienne, you're starting for head-quarters? Well, it is not at such a moment as this, you can bear these matters in mind; but don't forget my friend Tiernay; depend upon it he'll do you no discredit. The Emperor knows well both how to employ and how to reward such men as him." I heard these flattering speeches like one in a delicious dream. To stand in the midst of a distinguished group, while Massena thus spoke of me, seemed too much for reality, for praise had indeed become a rare accident to me; but from such a quarter it was less eulogy than fame. How hard was it to persuade myself that I was awake, as I found myself seated at the table, with a crowd of officers, pledging the toasts they gave, and drinking bumpers in friendly recognition with all around me.