`` That is one of uncle 's favourite proverbs , so I got it up for his especial benefit , '' said Rose , coming up with the two-legged worm beside her . `` Very clever ; what next ? '' asked Dr. Alec as she sat down beside him . `` The Dove boys are going to give us an ` Incident in the Life of Napoleon , ' as they call it ; the children think it very splendid , and the little fellows do it rather nicely , '' answered Mac with condescension . A tent appeared , and pacing to and fro before it was a little sentinel , who , in a brief soliloquy , informed the observers that the elements were in a great state of confusion , that he had marched some hundred miles or so that day , and that he was dying for want of sleep . Then he paused , leaned upon his gun , and seemed to doze ; dropped slowly down , overpowered with slumber , and finally lay flat , with his gun beside him , a faithless little sentinel . Enter Napoleon , cocked hat , gray coat , high boots , folded arms , grim mouth , and a melodramatic stride . Freddy Dove always covered himself with glory in this part , and `` took the stage '' with a Napoleonic attitude that brought down the house ; for the big-headed boy , with solemn , dark eyes and square brow , was `` the very moral of that rascal , Boneyparty , '' Mother Atkinson said . Some great scheme was evidently brewing in his mighty mind a trip across the Alps , a bonfire at Moscow , or a little skirmish at Waterloo perhaps , for he marched in silent majesty till suddenly a gentle snore disturbed the imperial reverie . He saw the sleeping soldier and glared upon him , saying in an awful tone , `` Ha ! asleep at his post ! Death is the penalty he must die ! '' Picking up the musket , he is about to execute summary justice , as emperors are in the habit of doing , when something in the face of the weary sentinel appears to touch him . And well it might , for a most engaging little warrior was Jack as he lay with his shako half off , his childish face trying to keep sober , and a great black moustache over his rosy mouth . It would have softened the heart of any Napoleon , and the Little Corporal proved himself a man by relenting , and saying , with a lofty gesture of forgiveness , `` Brave fellow , he is worn out ; I will let him sleep , and mount guard in his place . '' Then , shouldering the gun , this noble being strode to and fro with a dignity which thrilled the younger spectators . The sentinel awakes , sees what has happened , and gives himself up for lost . But the Emperor restores his weapon , and , with that smile which won all hearts , says , pointing to a high rock whereon a crow happens to be sitting , `` Be brave , be vigilant , and remember that from yonder Pyramid generations are beholding you , '' and with these memorable words he vanishes , leaving the grateful soldier bolt upright , with his hand at his temple and deathless devotion stamped upon his youthful countenance . The applause which followed this superb piece had hardly subsided , when a sudden splash and a shrill cry caused a general rush toward the waterfall that went gambolling down the rocks , singing sweetly as it ran . Pokey had tried to gambol also , and had tumbled into a shallow pool , whither Jamie had gallantly followed , in a vain attempt to fish her out , and both were paddling about half frightened , half pleased with the unexpected bath .
This mishap made it necessary to get the dripping infants home as soon as possible ; so the wagons were loaded up , and away they went , as merry as if the mountain air had really been `` Oxygenated Sweets not Bitters , '' as Dr. XXXXX suggested when Mac said he felt as jolly as if he had been drinking champagne instead of the current wine that came with a great frosted cake wreathed with sugar roses in Aunt Plenty 's hamper of goodies .
Alec Atkinson Dove Emperor Jamie Rose Waterloo day fro gambol