Page:A Gentleman From France (1924).djvu/29

 it grew like a weed and was soon the idol of the hotel.

The old soldier christened the newcomer Napoleon Bonaparte, and called him Nap for short, and often the "Little Corporal." So these were the names that he went by until Madame, the great actress, discovered him one day before Hotel Bellevue while she was passing in her limousine.

The Little Corporal was playing in the yard when the shining machine drew up before the hotel. His play was never a tame affair, for he played as though the destiny of France hung upon the vigor with which he shook up the paper bag that he had just discovered.

"Stop, Laporte," cried the great lady as she caught sight of the pup. "I must have that dog."