child had been expelled. The step was serious; it would distress
the entire family, and perhaps ruin his young comrade's future.

With that rapidity of decision which was one of the distinctive
characteristics of his organization, he resolved to ask an audience
of the governor, meantime requesting the keeper not to hasten
Louis's departure.

Bonaparte was an excellent pupil, beloved in the school, and
highly esteemed by the Marquis Tiburce Valence. His request was
immediately complied with. Ushered into the governor's presence,
he related everything, and, without blaming Valence in the least,
he sought to exculpate Louis.

"Are you sure of what you are telling me, sir?" asked the governor.

"Question your nephew himself. I will abide by what he says."

Valence was sent for. He had already heard of Louis's expulsion,
and was on his way to tell his uncle what had happened. His account
tallied perfectly with what you Bonaparte had said.

"Very well," said the governor, "Louis shall not go, but you
will. You are old enough to leave school." Then ringing, "Bring
me the list of the vacant sub-lieutenancies," he said.

That same day an urgent request for a sub-lieutenancy was made
to the Ministry, and that same night Valence left to join his
regiment. He went to bid Louis farewell, embracing him half
willingly, half unwillingly, while Bonaparte held his hand. The