214 ST. HELENA 



him while the upper story was occupied by Las Casas and 

 his son, with the valet in waiting ; accommodation was 

 required for his suite, so two large marquees were pitched 

 on the lawn. An English officer resided there also, and was 

 responsible for the security of the exile. Certain limits were 

 assigned for exercise, surrounded by a cordon of sentinels ; 

 and in case he wished to go beyond an officer was appointed 

 to accompany him. It was also determined that no person 

 should be allowed to visit him unless provided with a pass 

 from the Governor or the Admiral. (These arrangements 

 are very similar to those made for General Cronje while on 

 the island, save that an ordinary guard accompanied him 

 on his excursions.) 



These strictures were highly offensive to Napoleon, and 

 as his remonstrances on the subject proved ineffectual he 

 gradually confined himself to the grounds surrounding the 

 house. As a rule he joined the family in the evening at 

 cards, which he played with the ladies of the house for 

 sugar-plums, and there was very little restraint between 

 Napoleon and the two young daughters of Mr. and Mrs. 

 Balcombe. He was much amused at their playful ways, 

 especially those of Miss Betsy, the youngest. He taught 

 them geography, played blind man's buff, and was generally 

 to be seen surrounded by a group of playful admiring 

 children. Betsy in her geography lesson asked him " Who 

 burned Moscow ? " "I did," he answered, tapping his 

 chest. 



Beef was scarce on the island, and the sensations of those 

 in authority may be imagined when the mattre d'hotel of 

 Napoleon ordered, a few days after his arrival, four bullocks, 

 so that he might prepare a dish of brains for his master. 

 It is only fair to state that Napoleon himself knew nothing 

 of this until Sir George Cockburn explained why the 

 demand could not be complied with, and the refusal is 

 said to have been received with utmost good humour. 

 The house at Longwood being ready for his reception, he 

 removed there ; and an extent of several miles was at his 

 disposal, within the limits of which he enjoyed perfect 

 freedom. Even the guards could only approach the house 

 after sunset, when it was surrounded by the military until 

 morning. Very strict discipline was kept for his surveil- 



