strength characterized Napoleon. Here, too, his taciturn nature
helped him much. If he were asked a question which he could not
answer, he would decline to speak, so that his instructors were
unable to state whether or not he was in ignorance as to the point
under discussion, and could mark him down conscientiously as
contumelious only. Hence it was that he stood well in his studies,
but was never remarkable for deportment. His favorite plaything,
barring his brother Joseph, was a small brass cannon that weighed
some thirty odd pounds, and which is still to be seen on the island
of Corsica. Of this he once said: "I'd rather hear its report than
listen to a German band; though if I could get them both playing at
the same time there'd be one German band less in the world."

This remark found its parallel later on when, placed by Barras in
command of the defenders of the Convention against the attacks of the
Sectionists, Napoleon was asked the chairman of the Assembly to send
them occasional reports as to how matters progressed. His reply was
terse.

"Legislators," he said, "you ask me for an occasional report. If you
listen you will hear the report of my cannon. That is all you'll
get, and it will be all you need. I am here. I will save you."

"It is a poor time for jokes," said a representative.

"It is a worse time for paper reports," retorted Napoleon. "It would
take me longer to write out a legislative report than it will to
clean out the mob. Besides, I want it understood at this end of my
career that autograph-hunters are going to get left."