In Belgian, now that his father could no longer tell Victor Vifquain what to do, the rebellious son returned to the military school he'd left when he sailed to America. There he finished his studies, and graduated.
Then, with no father to stand between him and his martial dreams, Victor
applied, in 1854, to the Paris school his father had attended, Ecole Speciale Military School of St. Cyr. This prestigious school chose only 3 percent of its applicants.
The school picked bright, well-educated Victor as one of eight young men admitted from 350 applicants.
Two tumultuous years followed. Victor, fond of hijinks, eclipsed the school's rascals. He loved escapades, preferring wild and reckless stunts despite rigorous discipline. As a result, he spent ample time in the guard house.
However, on May 25, 1856, he did graduate as second lieutenant of cavalry, a position his father once held in Napoleon's army.
Coming soon in
THIEVES, RASCALS & SORE LOSERS
by Marilyn June Coffey
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