Spartan_JJ Gold_NN1 GRAND_NP1 ST_NP1 ._NP1 
BERNARD_NP1 PASS_NN1 ,_, PENNINE_NP1 ALPS_NP2 MAY_NPM1 1800_MC A_ZZ1 gust_NN1 of_IO wind_NN1 whipped_VVD snow_NN1 around_II the_AT legs_NN2 of_IO the_AT horse_NN1 known_VVN as_II Styrie_NP1 and_CC he_PPHS1 snorted_VVD nervously_RR ,_, sidestepping_VVG on_II the_AT trail_NN1 before_II the_AT rider_NN1 clicked_VVD his_APPGE tongue_NN1 a_AT1 few_DA2 times_NNT2 ,_, calming_VVG him_PPHO1 ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 Bonaparte_NP1 ,_, Emperor_NN1 of_IO the_AT French_NN1 ,_, pulled_VVD up_RP the_AT collar_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE greatcoat_NN1 and_CC squinted_VVD his_APPGE eyes_NN2 against_II the_AT sleet_NN1 ._. 
To_II the_AT east_ND1 he_PPHS1 could_VM just_RR make_VVI out_RP the_AT jagged_JJ sixteen-thousand-foot_JJ outline_NN1 of_IO Mont_NP1 Blanc_NP1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 leaned_VVD forward_RL in_II his_APPGE saddle_NN1 and_CC stroked_VVD Styrie_NP1 's_GE neck_NN1 ._. 
"_" You_PPY 've_VH0 seen_VVN worse_RRR ,_, old_JJ friend_NN1 ._. "_" 
An_AT1 Arabian_JJ Napoleon_NP1 had_VHD captured_VVN during_II his_APPGE Egyptian_JJ Campaign_NN1 two_MC years_NNT2 earlier_RRR ,_, Styrie_NP1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 superb_JJ warhorse_NN1 ,_, but_CCB the_AT cold_JJ and_CC snow_NN1 disagreed_VVD with_IW his_APPGE disposition_NN1 ._. 
Born_VVN and_CC bred_VVN in_II the_AT desert_NN1 ,_, Styrie_NP1 was_VBDZ accustomed_VVN to_II being_VBG peppered_VVN by_II sand_NN1 ,_, not_XX ice_NN1 ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 turned_VVD and_CC signaled_VVD to_II his_APPGE valet_NN1 ,_, Constant_JJ ,_, who_PNQS stood_VVD ten_MC feet_NN2 behind_RL ,_, holding_VVG a_AT1 string_NN1 of_IO mules_NN2 ._. 
And_CC behind_II him_PPHO1 ,_, trailing_VVG for_IF miles_NNU2 down_II the_AT winding_JJ trail_NN1 ,_, were_VBDR the_AT forty_MC thousand_NNO soldiers_NN2 of_IO Napoleon_NP1 's_GE Reserve_JJ Army_NN1 ,_, along_II21 with_II22 their_APPGE horses_NN2 ,_, mules_NN2 ,_, and_CC caissons_NN2 ._. 
Constant_NN1 untied_VVD the_AT lead_NN1 mule_NN1 and_CC hurried_VVD forward_RL ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 handed_VVD over_RP Styrie_NP1 's_GE reins_NN2 ,_, then_RT dismounted_VVN and_CC stretched_VVN his_APPGE legs_NN2 in_II the_AT knee-deep_JJ snow_NN1 ._. 
"_" Let_VM21 's_VM22 give_VVI him_PPHO1 a_AT1 rest_NN1 ,_, "_" Napoleon_NP1 said_VVD ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 think_VV0 that_DD1 shoe_NN1 is_VBZ bothering_VVG him_PPHO1 again_RT ._. "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 'll_VM see_VVI to_II it_PPH1 ,_, General_NN1 ._. "_" 
At_II home_NN1 ,_, Napoleon_NP1 preferred_VVD the_AT title_NN1 of_IO First_MD Consul_NN1 ;_; while_CS on_II campaign_NN1 ,_, General_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 took_VVD in_II a_AT1 lungful_NN1 of_IO air_NN1 ,_, settled_VVD his_APPGE blue_JJ bicorne_NN1 more_RGR firmly_RR on_II his_APPGE head_NN1 ,_, and_CC gazed_VVD up_RP the_AT granite_NN1 spires_NN2 towering_VVG above_II them_PPHO2 ._. 
"_" Lovely_JJ day_NNT1 ,_, is_VBZ n't_XX it_PPH1 ,_, Constant_JJ ?_? "_" 
"_" If_CS you_PPY say_VV0 so_RR ,_, General_NN1 ,_, "_" the_AT valet_NN1 grumbled_VVD ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 smiled_VVD to_II himself_PPX1 ._. 
Constant_JJ ,_, who_PNQS 'd_VHD been_VBN with_IW him_PPHO1 for_IF many_DA2 years_NNT2 ,_, was_VBDZ one_MC1 of_IO the_AT few_DA2 underlings_NN2 he_PPHS1 allowed_VVD a_AT1 small_JJ measure_NN1 of_IO sarcasm_NN1 ._. 
After_II all_DB ,_, he_PPHS1 thought_VVD ,_, Constant_NN1 was_VBDZ an_AT1 old_JJ man_NN1 ;_; the_AT cold_NN1 went_VVD right_RR through_II his_APPGE bones_NN2 ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 Bonaparte_NP1 was_VBDZ of_IO medium_JJ height_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 strong_JJ neck_NN1 and_CC broad_JJ shoulders_NN2 ._. 
His_APPGE aquiline_NN1 nose_NN1 sat_VVD above_II a_AT1 firm_JJ mouth_NN1 and_CC a_AT1 square_JJ chin_NN1 ,_, and_CC his_APPGE eyes_NN2 were_VBDR a_AT1 piercing_JJ gray_JJ that_CST seemed_VVD to_TO dissect_VVI everything_PN1 around_II him_PPHO1 ,_, human_JJ and_CC otherwise_RR ._. 
"_" Any_DD word_NN1 from_II Laurent_NP1 ?_? "_" he_PPHS1 asked_VVD Constant_JJ ._. 
"_" No_UH ,_, General_NN1 ._. "_" 
General_NNB de_NP1 Division_NN1 ,_, or_CC Major-General_NN1 ,_, Arnaud_NP1 Laurent_NP1 ,_, one_MC1 of_IO Napoleon_NP1 's_GE most_RGT trusted_JJ commanders_NN2 and_CC closest_JJT friends_NN2 ,_, had_VHD the_AT day_NNT1 before_CS led_VVN a_AT1 squad_NN1 of_IO soldiers_NN2 deeper_RRR into_II the_AT pass_NN1 on_RP a_AT1 scouting_JJ mission_NN1 ._. 
However_RGQV unlikely_JJ they_PPHS2 were_VBDR to_TO encounter_VVI an_AT1 enemy_NN1 here_RL ,_, Napoleon_NP1 had_VHD long_RR ago_RA learned_VVN to_TO prepare_VVI for_IF the_AT impossible_JJ ._. 
Too_RG many_DA2 great_JJ men_NN2 had_VHD been_VBN toppled_VVN by_II the_AT mere_JJ act_NN1 of_IO assumption_NN1 ._. 
Here_RL ,_, though_CS ,_, their_APPGE worst_JJT enemies_NN2 were_VBDR the_AT weather_NN1 and_CC terrain_NN1 ._. 
At_II eight_MC thousand_NNO feet_NN2 ,_, the_AT Grand_NP1 St._NNL1 Bernard_NP1 Pass_NN1 had_VHD for_IF centuries_NNT2 been_VBN a_AT1 crossroads_NN1 for_IF travelers_NN2 ._. 
Straddling_VVG the_AT borders_NN2 of_IO Switzerland_NP1 ,_, Italy_NP1 ,_, and_CC France_NP1 ,_, the_AT pass_NN1 's_VBZ home_RL ,_, the_AT Pennine_JJ Alps_NP2 ,_, had_VHD seen_VVN its_APPGE share_NN1 of_IO armies_NN2 :_: the_AT Gauls_NP2 in_II 390_MC B.C._RA ,_, on_II their_APPGE way_NN1 to_TO trample_VVI Rome_NP1 ;_; Hannibal_NP1 's_GE famous_JJ elephant_NN1 crossing_VVG in_II 217_MC B.C._RA ;_; Charlemagne_NP1 in_II A.D._RA 800_MC ,_, returning_VVG from_II his_APPGE coronation_NN1 in_II Rome_NP1 as_II the_AT first_MD Holy_JJ Roman_JJ Emperor_NN1 ._. 
Laudable_JJ company_NN1 ,_, Napoleon_NP1 thought_VVD to_II himself_PPX1 ._. 
Even_RR one_MC1 of_IO his_APPGE predecessors_NN2 ,_, Pepin_NP1 the_AT Short_NP1 ,_, king_NN1 of_IO France_NP1 ,_, had_VHD in_II 753_MC crossed_VVD the_AT Pennines_NP2 on_II his_APPGE way_NN1 to_TO meet_VVI Pope_NNB Stephen_NP1 II_MC ._. 
But_CCB where_RRQ other_JJ kings_NN2 have_VH0 failed_VVN in_II greatness_NN1 ,_, I_PPIS1 will_VM not_XX ,_, Napoleon_NP1 reminded_VVD himself_PPX1 ._. 
His_APPGE empire_NN1 would_VM grow_VVI beyond_II the_AT wildest_JJT dreams_NN2 of_IO those_DD2 who_PNQS 'd_VM come_VVI before_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
Nothing_PN1 would_VM stand_VVI in_II his_APPGE way_NN1 ._. 
Not_XX armies_NN2 ,_, not_XX weather_NN1 ,_, not_XX mountains_NN2 --_NN1 and_CC certainly_RR not_XX some_DD upstart_NN1 Austrians_NN2 ._. 
A_AT1 year_NNT1 earlier_RRR ,_, while_CS he_PPHS1 and_CC his_APPGE army_NN1 were_VBDR conquering_JJ Egypt_NP1 ,_, the_AT Austrians_NN2 had_VHD brashly_RR retaken_VVN the_AT Italian_JJ territory_NN1 annexed_VVN to_II France_NP1 in_II the_AT Campo_NP1 Formio_NP1 treaty_NN1 ._. 
Their_APPGE victory_NN1 would_VM be_VBI short-lived_JJ ._. 
They_PPHS2 would_VM neither_RR expect_VVI an_AT1 attack_NN1 this_DD1 early_JJ in_II the_AT year_NNT1 ,_, nor_CC would_VM they_PPHS2 imagine_VVI any_DD army_NN1 attempting_VVG to_TO cross_VVI the_AT Pennines_NP2 in_II winter_NNT1 ._. 
With_IW good_JJ reason_NN1 ._. 
With_IW its_APPGE towering_JJ walls_NN2 of_IO rock_NN1 and_CC snaking_VVG gorges_NN2 ,_, the_AT Pennines_NP2 were_VBDR a_AT1 geographic_JJ nightmare_NN1 for_IF solitary_JJ travelers_NN2 ,_, let_II21 alone_II22 an_AT1 army_NN1 of_IO forty_MC thousand_NNO ._. 
Since_CS September_NPM1 the_AT pass_NN1 had_VHD seen_VVN thirty_MC feet_NN2 of_IO snow_NN1 and_CC temperatures_NN2 that_CST routinely_RR dipped_VVN below_RG zero_MC ._. 
Drifts_NN2 ,_, standing_VVG as_RG tall_JJ as_CSA ten_MC men_NN2 ,_, loomed_VVD over_II them_PPHO2 at_II every_AT1 turn_NN1 ,_, threatening_VVG to_TO bury_VVI them_PPHO2 and_CC their_APPGE horses_NN2 ._. 
Even_RR on_II the_AT sunniest_JJT of_IO days_NNT2 fog_NN1 cloaked_VVN the_AT ground_NN1 until_CS midafternoon_NN1 ._. 
Windstorms_NN2 frequently_RR arose_VVD without_IW warning_NN1 ,_, turning_VVG a_AT1 calm_JJ day_NNT1 into_II a_AT1 howling_JJ nightmare_NN1 of_IO snow_NN1 and_CC ice_NN1 that_CST left_VVD them_PPHO2 unable_JK to_TO see_VVI a_AT1 yard_NN1 in_II31 front_II32 of_II33 their_APPGE feet_NN2 ._. 
Most_DAT terrifying_JJ of_IO all_DB were_VBDR the_AT avalanches_NN2 --_JJ cataracts_NN2 of_IO snow_NN1 ,_, sometimes_RT a_AT1 half_DB mile_NNU1 wide_JJ ,_, that_CST roared_VVD down_RP the_AT mountainsides_NN2 to_TO entomb_VVI anyone_PN1 unlucky_JJ enough_RR to_TO be_VBI in_II their_APPGE way_NN1 ._. 
So_RG far_RR God_NP1 had_VHD seen_VVN fit_JJ to_TO spare_VVI all_RR21 but_RR22 two_MC hundred_NNO of_IO Napoleon_NP1 's_GE men_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 turned_VVD to_II Constant_JJ ._. 
"_" The_AT quartermaster_NN1 's_GE report_NN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" Here_RL ,_, General_NN1 ._. "_" 
The_AT valet_NN1 pulled_VVD a_AT1 sheaf_NN1 of_IO papers_NN2 from_II inside_RL his_APPGE coat_NN1 and_CC handed_VVD it_PPH1 to_II Napoleon_NP1 ,_, who_PNQS scanned_VVD the_AT figures_NN2 ._. 
Truly_RR ,_, an_AT1 army_NN1 fought_VVN on_II its_APPGE stomach_NN1 ._. 
So_RG far_RR his_APPGE men_NN2 had_VHD consumed_VVN 19,817_MC bottles_NN2 of_IO wine_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 ton_NNU1 of_IO cheese_NN1 ,_, and_CC 1,700_MC pounds_NN2 of_IO meat_NN1 ._. 
Ahead_RL ,_, down_II the_AT pass_NN1 ,_, there_EX came_VVD a_AT1 shout_NN1 from_II the_AT outriders_NN2 :_: "_" Laurent_NP1 ,_, Laurent_NP1 ..._... !_! "_" 
"_" At_RR21 last_RR22 ,_, "_" Napoleon_NP1 murmured_VVD ._. 
A_AT1 group_NN1 of_IO twelve_MC riders_NN2 emerged_VVD from_II the_AT blowing_NN1 snow_NN1 ._. 
They_PPHS2 were_VBDR strong_JJ soldiers_NN2 ,_, the_AT best_JJT he_PPHS1 had_VHD ,_, just_RR like_II their_APPGE commander_NN1 ._. 
Not_XX a_AT1 one_PN1 rode_VVD hunched_VVN over_RP ,_, but_CCB all_DB were_VBDR erect_JJ ,_, chins_NN2 held_VVD high_JJ ._. 
Major-General_NNB Laurent_NP1 trotted_VVD his_APPGE horse_NN1 to_II a_AT1 stop_NN1 before_II Napoleon_NP1 ,_, saluted_VVD ,_, then_RT dismounted_VVD ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 embraced_VVD him_PPHO1 ,_, then_RT stepped_VVD back_RP and_CC gestured_VVD to_II Constant_JJ ,_, who_PNQS hurried_VVD forward_RL and_CC handed_VVD Laurent_NP1 a_AT1 bottle_NN1 of_IO brandy_NN1 ._. 
Laurent_NP1 took_VVD a_AT1 gulp_NN1 ,_, then_RT another_DD1 ,_, then_RT handed_VVD the_AT bottle_NN1 back_NN1 ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 said_VVD ,_, "_" Report_NN1 ,_, old_JJ friend_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" We_PPIS2 covered_VVD eight_MC miles_NNU2 ,_, sir_NN1 ._. 
No_AT sign_NN1 of_IO enemy_NN1 forces_NN2 ._. 
The_AT weather_NN1 improves_VVZ at_II the_AT lower_JJR elevations_NN2 ,_, as_CSA does_VDZ the_AT depth_NN1 of_IO the_AT snow_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 will_VM only_RR get_VVI easier_RRR from_II here_RL ._. "_" 
"_" Good_JJ ..._... very_RG good_JJ ._. "_" 
"_" One_MC1 note_NN1 of_IO interest_NN1 ,_, "_" Laurent_NP1 said_VVD ,_, placing_VVG his_APPGE hand_NN1 on_II Napoleon_NP1 's_GE elbow_NN1 and_CC steering_VVG him_PPHO1 a_AT1 few_DA2 feet_NN2 away_RL ._. 
"_" We_PPIS2 found_VVD something_PN1 ,_, General_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" And_CC would_VM you_PPY care_VVI to_TO elaborate_VVI on_II the_AT nature_NN1 of_IO this_DD1 something_PN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" It_PPH1 would_VM be_VBI better_RRR if_CS you_PPY saw_VVD it_PPH1 for_IF yourself_PPX1 ._. "_" 
Napoleon_NP1 studied_VVD Laurent_NP1 's_GE face_NN1 ;_; there_EX was_VBDZ a_AT1 glint_NN1 of_IO barely_RR contained_VVN anticipation_NN1 in_II his_APPGE eyes_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 'd_VHD known_VVN Laurent_NP1 since_CS they_PPHS2 were_VBDR both_RR sixteen_MC ,_, serving_VVG as_CSA lieutenants_NN2 in_II the_AT La_NP1 Fere_NP1 Artillery_NN1 ._. 
Laurent_NP1 was_VBDZ prone_JJ to_TO neither_RR exaggeration_NN1 nor_CC excitability_NN1 ._. 
Whatever_DDQV he_PPHS1 'd_VHD found_VVN ,_, it_PPH1 was_VBDZ significant_JJ ._. 
"_" How_RGQ far_RR ?_? "_" 
Napoleon_NP1 asked_VVD ._. 
"_" Four_MC hours_NNT2 '_GE ride_NN1 ._. "_" 
Napoleon_NP1 scanned_VVD the_AT sky_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ already_RR midafternoon_NN1 ._. 
Over_II the_AT peaks_NN2 he_PPHS1 could_VM see_VVI a_AT1 line_NN1 of_IO dark_JJ clouds_NN2 ._. 
A_AT1 storm_NN1 was_VBDZ coming_VVG ._. 
"_" Very_RG well_RR ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, clapping_VVG Laurent_NP1 on_II the_AT shoulder_NN1 ._. 
"_" We_PPIS2 'll_VM leave_VVI at_RR21 first_RR22 light_JJ ._. "_" 
As_CSA was_VBDZ his_APPGE custom_NN1 ,_, Napoleon_NP1 slept_VVD five_MC hours_NNT2 ,_, rising_VVG at_II six_MC A.M._RA ,_, well_RR before_II dawn_NNT1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 had_VHD breakfast_NN1 ,_, then_RT read_VV0 the_AT overnight_JJ dispatches_NN2 from_II his_APPGE demi-brigade_JJ commanders_NN2 over_II a_AT1 pot_NN1 of_IO bitter_JJ black_JJ tea_NN1 ._. 
Laurent_NP1 arrived_VVD with_IW his_APPGE squad_NN1 shortly_RR before_II seven_MC and_CC they_PPHS2 set_VV0 out_RP down_II the_AT valley_NN1 ,_, following_VVG the_AT trail_NN1 Laurent_NP1 had_VHD broken_VVN the_AT day_NNT1 before_RT ._. 
The_AT previous_JJ night_NNT1 's_GE storm_NN1 had_VHD dumped_VVN little_RR new_JJ snow_NN1 but_CCB fierce_JJ winds_NN2 had_VHD piled_VVN up_RP fresh_JJ drifts_NN2 --_JJ towering_JJ white_JJ walls_NN2 that_CST formed_VVD a_AT1 canyon_NN1 around_II Napoleon_NP1 and_CC his_APPGE riders_NN2 ._. 
The_AT horses_NN2 '_GE breath_NN1 steamed_VVN in_II the_AT air_NN1 and_CC with_IW every_AT1 step_NN1 powder_NN1 billowed_VVD high_JJ in_II the_AT air_NN1 ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 gave_VVD Styrie_NP1 his_APPGE head_NN1 ,_, trusting_VVG the_AT Arabian_JJ to_TO navigate_VVI the_AT path_NN1 ,_, while_CS he_PPHS1 stared_VVD ,_, fascinated_VVN ,_, at_II the_AT drifts_NN2 ,_, their_APPGE facades_NN2 carved_VVN into_II swirls_NN2 and_CC spirals_VVZ by_II the_AT wind_NN1 ._. 
"_" A_RR21 bit_RR22 eerie_JJ ,_, eh_UH ,_, General_NN1 ?_? "_" 
Laurent_NP1 asked_VVD ._. 
"_" It_PPH1 's_VBZ quiet_JJ ,_, "_" Napoleon_NP1 murmured_VVD ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 've_VH0 never_RR heard_VVN quiet_JJ like_II this_DD1 before_RT ._. "_" 
"_" It_PPH1 is_VBZ beautiful_JJ ,_, "_" Laurent_NP1 agreed_VVD ._. 
"_" And_CC dangerous_JJ ._. "_" 
Like_II a_AT1 battlefield_NN1 ,_, Napoleon_NP1 thought_VVD ._. 
Except_II21 for_II22 perhaps_RR in_II his_APPGE bed_NN1 with_IW Josephine_NP1 ,_, he_PPHS1 felt_VVD more_RRR at_II home_NN1 on_II a_AT1 battlefield_NN1 than_CSN anywhere_RL else_RR ._. 
The_AT roar_NN1 of_IO the_AT cannons_NN2 ,_, the_AT crack_NN1 of_IO musket_NN1 fire_NN1 ,_, the_AT tang_NN1 of_IO black_JJ powder_NN1 in_II the_AT air_NN1 ..._... 
He_PPHS1 loved_VVD all_DB of_IO it_PPH1 ._. 
And_CC in_II a_AT1 matter_NN1 of_IO days_NNT2 ,_, he_PPHS1 thought_VVD ,_, once_CS we_PPIS2 're_VBR out_II21 of_II22 these_DD2 damned_JJ mountains_NN2 ..._... 
He_PPHS1 smiled_VVD to_II himself_PPX1 ._. 
Ahead_RL ,_, the_AT lead_NN1 rider_NN1 raised_VVD a_AT1 closed_JJ fist_NN1 above_II his_APPGE head_NN1 ,_, signaling_VVG a_AT1 halt_NN1 ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 watched_VVD the_AT man_NN1 dismount_VVI and_CC trudge_VVI forward_RL through_II the_AT thigh-deep_JJ snow_NN1 ,_, his_APPGE head_NN1 tilted_VVD backward_RL as_CSA he_PPHS1 scanned_VVD the_AT drift_NN1 walls_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 disappeared_VVD around_RP a_AT1 curve_NN1 in_II the_AT trail_NN1 ._. 
"_" What_DDQ 's_VBZ he_PPHS1 looking_VVG for_IF ?_? "_" 
Napoleon_NP1 asked_VVD ._. 
"_" Dawn_NP1 is_VBZ one_MC1 of_IO the_AT worst_JJT times_NNT2 for_IF avalanches_NN2 ,_, "_" Laurent_NP1 replied_VVD ._. 
"_" Overnight_RT the_AT winds_NN2 harden_VV0 the_AT top_JJ layer_NN1 of_IO snow_NN1 into_II a_AT1 shell_NN1 ,_, while_CS the_AT powder_NN1 underneath_RL remains_VVZ soft_JJ ._. 
When_CS the_AT sun_NN1 hits_VVZ the_AT shell_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 starts_VVZ to_TO melt_VVI ._. 
Often_RR the_AT only_JJ warning_NN1 we_PPIS2 have_VH0 is_VBZ the_AT sound_NN1 --_NN1 like_II God_NP1 himself_PPX1 roaring_VVG from_II the_AT heavens_NN2 ._. "_" 
After_CS a_AT1 few_DA2 minutes_NNT2 the_AT lead_NN1 rider_NN1 reappeared_VVD on_II the_AT trail_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 gave_VVD Laurent_NP1 the_AT all-clear_NN1 signal_NN1 ,_, then_RT mounted_VVD his_APPGE horse_NN1 and_CC continued_VVD on_RP ._. 
They_PPHS2 rode_VVD for_IF two_MC more_DAR hours_NNT2 ,_, following_VVG the_AT snaking_JJ course_NN1 of_IO the_AT valley_NN1 as_CSA it_PPH1 descended_VVD toward_II the_AT foothills_NN2 ._. 
Soon_RR they_PPHS2 entered_VVD a_AT1 narrow_JJ canyon_NN1 of_IO jagged_JJ gray_JJ granite_NN1 interlaced_VVN with_IW ice_NN1 ._. 
The_AT lead_NN1 rider_NN1 signaled_VVD another_DD1 halt_NN1 and_CC dismounted_VVD ._. 
Laurent_NP1 did_VDD the_AT same_DA ,_, followed_VVN by_II Napoleon_NP1 ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 looked_VVD around_RP ._. 
"_" Here_RL ?_? "_" 
His_APPGE major-general_NN1 smiled_VVD mischievously_RR ._. 
"_" Here_RL ,_, General_NN1 ._. "_" 
Laurent_NP1 unhooked_VVD a_AT1 pair_NN of_IO oil_NN1 lanterns_NN2 from_II his_APPGE saddle_NN1 ._. 
"_" If_CS you_PPY 'll_VM follow_VVI me_PPIO1 ._. "_" 
They_PPHS2 set_VV0 off_RP down_II the_AT trail_NN1 ,_, passing_VVG the_AT six_MC horses_NN2 ahead_II21 of_II22 them_PPHO2 ,_, the_AT riders_NN2 standing_VVG at_II attention_NN1 for_IF their_APPGE general_NN1 ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 nodded_VVD solemnly_RR at_II each_DD1 soldier_NN1 in_II turn_NN1 until_CS he_PPHS1 reached_VVD the_AT head_NN1 of_IO the_AT column_NN1 ,_, where_CS he_PPHS1 and_CC Laurent_NP1 stopped_VVD ._. 
A_AT1 few_DA2 minutes_NNT2 passed_VVN and_CC then_RT a_AT1 soldier_NN1 --_NN1 the_AT lead_NN1 rider_NN1 --_NN1 appeared_VVD around_RP a_AT1 rock_NN1 outcropping_VVG to_II their_APPGE left_JJ and_CC plodded_VVD back_RP through_II the_AT snow_NN1 toward_II them_PPHO2 ._. 
Laurent_NP1 said_VVD ,_, "_" General_NN1 ,_, you_PPY might_VM remember_VVI Sergeant_NNB Pelletier_NP1 ._. "_" 
"_" Of_RR21 course_RR22 ,_, "_" Napoleon_NP1 replied_VVD ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM at_II your_APPGE disposal_NN1 ,_, Pelletier_NP1 ._. 
Lead_VV0 on_RP ._. "_" 
Pelletier_NP1 saluted_VVD ,_, grabbed_VVD a_AT1 coil_NN1 of_IO rope_NN1 from_II his_APPGE saddle_NN1 ,_, then_RT stepped_VVN off_II the_AT trail_NN1 ,_, following_VVG the_AT path_NN1 he_PPHS1 'd_VHD just_RR carved_VVN through_II the_AT chest-high_JJ drifts_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 led_VVD them_PPHO2 up_RP the_AT slope_NN1 to_II the_AT base_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 granite_NN1 wall_NN1 ,_, where_CS he_PPHS1 turned_VVD parallel_JJ and_CC walked_VVD another_DD1 fifty_MC yards_NN2 before_II stopping_VVG at_II a_AT1 right-angle_JJ niche_NN1 in_II the_AT rock_NN1 ._. 
"_" Lovely_JJ spot_NN1 ,_, Laurent_NP1 ._. 
What_DDQ am_VBM I_PPIS1 looking_VVG at_II ?_? "_" 
Napoleon_NP1 asked_VVD ._. 
Laurent_NP1 nodded_VVD to_II Pelletier_NP1 ,_, who_PNQS raised_VVD his_APPGE musket_NN1 high_JJ above_II his_APPGE head_NN1 and_CC slammed_VVD the_AT butt_NN1 into_II the_AT rock_NN1 ._. 
Instead_II21 of_II22 the_AT crack_NN1 of_IO wood_NN1 on_II stone_NN1 ,_, Napoleon_NP1 heard_VVD the_AT shattering_JJ of_IO ice_NN1 ._. 
Pelletier_NP1 struck_VVD four_MC more_DAR times_NNT2 until_CS a_AT1 vertical_JJ gash_NN1 appeared_VVD in_II the_AT face_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 measured_VVD two_MC feet_NN2 wide_JJ and_CC almost_RR six_MC feet_NN2 high_JJ ._. 
Napoleon_NP1 peered_VVD inside_RL ,_, but_CCB could_VM see_VVI nothing_PN1 but_II darkness_NN1 ._. 
"_" As_CS31 far_CS32 as_CS33 we_PPIS2 can_VM tell_VVI ,_, "_" Laurent_NP1 said_VVD ,_, "_" in_II the_AT summer_NNT1 the_AT entrance_NN1 is_VBZ choked_VVN with_IW brush_NN1 and_CC vines_NN2 ;_; in_II the_AT winter_NNT1 ,_, snowdrifts_NN2 cover_VV0 it_PPH1 up_RP ._. 
I_PPIS1 suspect_VV0 there_EX 's_VBZ a_AT1 source_NN1 of_IO moisture_NN1 somewhere_RL inside_RL ,_, which_DDQ accounts_VVZ for_IF the_AT thin_JJ curtain_NN1 of_IO ice_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 probably_RR forms_VVZ every_AT1 night_NNT1 ._. "_" 
"_" Interesting_JJ ._. 
And_CC who_PNQS found_VVD it_PPH1 ?_? "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 did_VDD ,_, General_NN1 ,_, "_" replied_VVD Pelletier_NP1 ._. 
"_" We_PPIS2 'd_VHD stopped_VVN to_TO rest_VVI the_AT horses_NN2 and_CC I_PPIS1 needed_VVD to_II ..._... well_RR ,_, I_PPIS1 had_VHD the_AT urge_NN1 to_II ..._... "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 understand_VV0 ,_, Sergeant_NN1 ,_, please_RR go_VV0 on_RP ._. "_" 
"_" Well_RR ,_, I_PPIS1 suppose_VV0 I_PPIS1 wandered_VVD a_RR21 bit_RR22 too_RG far_RR ,_, General_NN1 ._. 
When_CS I_PPIS1 finished_VVD ,_, I_PPIS1 leaned_VVD against_II the_AT rock_NN1 to_TO collect_VVI myself_PPX1 and_CC the_AT ice_NN1 gave_VVD way_NN1 behind_II me_PPIO1 ._. 
I_PPIS1 went_VVD a_AT1 little_JJ ways_NN2 inside_RL and_CC did_VDD n't_XX think_VVI much_DA1 of_IO it_PPH1 until_CS I_PPIS1 saw_VVD the_AT ..._... 
Well_RR ,_, I_PPIS1 'll_VM let_VVI you_PPY see_VVI it_PPH1 for_IF yourself_PPX1 ,_, General_NN1 ._. "_" 
Napoleon_NP1 turned_VVD to_II Laurent_NP1 ._. 
"_" You_PPY 've_VH0 been_VBN inside_RL ?_? "_" 
"_" Yes_UH ,_, General_NN1 ._. 
Myself_PPX1 and_CC Sergeant_NNB Pelletier_NP1 ._. 
No_PN121 one_PN122 else_RR ._. "_" 
"_" Very_RG well_RR ,_, Laurent_NP1 ,_, I_PPIS1 will_VM follow_VVI you_PPY ._. "_" 
The_AT Royal_JJ Navy_NN1 ,_, even_CS21 though_CS22 still_RR fully_RR occupied_VVN trying_VVG to_TO pluck_VVI the_AT last_MD of_IO the_AT British_JJ forces_NN2 out_II21 of_II22 France_NP1 ,_, reacted_VVD to_II Lieutenant_NNB Colonel_NNB Dudley_NP1 Clarke_NP1 's_GE request_NN1 to_TO provide_VVI transport_NN1 for_IF the_AT raid_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 surprisingly_RR cooperative_JJ attitude_NN1 ._. 
The_AT colonel_NN1 told_VVD Lieutenants_NN2 Stone_NN1 and_CC Randal_NP1 diat_VV0 the_AT assistant_JJ chief_NN1 of_IO the_AT Naval_JJ Staff_NN of_IO die_VV0 Admiralty_NN1 had_VHD said_VVN ,_, "_" So_RR ,_, the_AT army_NN1 wants_VVZ to_TO get_VVI back_RP into_II the_AT fight_NN1 already_RR ?_? 
Best_JJT news_NN1 in_II days_NNT2 ._. 
For_IF that_DD1 ,_, you_PPY can_VM have_VHI anything_PN1 you_PPY like_VV0 from_II the_AT navy_NN1 ._. "_" 
