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. Alec 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 . Rose took part in all the fun , and never betrayed by look or word the twinges of pain she suffered in her ankle . She excused herself from the games in the evening , however , and sat talking to Uncle Alec in a lively way , that both amazed and delighted him ; for she confided to him that she played horse with the children , drilled with the light infantry , climbed trees , and did other dreadful things that would have caused the aunts to cry aloud if they knew of them . `` I do n't care a pin what they say if you do n't mind , uncle , '' she answered , when he pictured the dismay of the good ladies . `` Ah , it 's all very well to defy them , but you are getting so rampant , I 'm afraid you will defy me next , and then where are we ? '' `` No , I wo n't ! I should n't dare ; because you are my guardian , and can put me in a strait-jacket if you like ; '' and Rose laughed in his face , even while she nestled closer with a confiding gesture pleasant to see . `` Upon my word , Rosy , I begin to feel like the man who bought an elephant , and then did n't know what to do with him . I thought I had got a pet and plaything for years to come ; but here you are growing up like a bean-stalk , and I shall find I 've got a strong-minded little woman on my hands before I can turn round .
There 's predicament for a XXXXX and an uncle ! ''
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