that ungovernable and quarrelsome nature of which we have seen
him seventeen years later give an example at the table d'hote
at Avignon.

Bonaparte, a child himself, had the good side of this character;
that is to say, without being quarrelsome, he was firm, obstinate,
and unconquerable. He recognized in the child some of his own
qualities, and this similarity of sentiments led him to pardon
the boy's defects, and attached him to him. On the other hand
the child, conscious of a supporter in the Corsican, relied upon
him.

One day the child went to find his great friend, as he called
Napoleon, when the latter was absorbed in the solution of a
mathematical problem. He knew the importance the future artillery
officer attached to this science, which so far had won him his
greatest, or rather his only successes.

He stood beside him without speaking or moving. The young
mathematician felt the child's presence, and plunged deeper and
deeper into his mathematical calculations, whence he emerged
victorious ten minutes later. Then he turned to his young comrade
with that inward satisfaction of a man who issues victorious
from any struggle, be it with science or things material.

The child stood erect, pale, his teeth clinched, his arms rigid
and his fists closed.

"Oh! oh!" said young Bonaparte, "what is the matter now?"