have given the orders once more; why have they not been executed?  The consequences concern me alone.  Obey!” ‘Sire, I will not obey,’ replied the Admiral.  “You are insolent!” And the Emperor, who still held his riding-whip in his hand, advanced towards the admiral with a threatening gesture.  Admiral Bruix stepped back and put his hand on the sheath of his sword and said, growing very pale, “sire, take care!” The whole suite stood paralysed with fear.  The Emperor remained motionless for some time, his hand lifted up, his eyes fixed on the Admiral, who still retained his menacing attitude.  At last the Emperor threw his whip on the floor.  M. Bruix took his hand off his sword, and with uncovered head awaited in silence the result of the painful scene.  Rear-Admiral Magon was then ordered to see that the Emperor’s orders were instantly executed.  “As for you, sir,” said the Emperor, fixing his eyes on Admiral Bruix, you leave Boulogne within twenty-four hours and depart for Holland.  Go!” M. Magon ordered the fatal movement of the fleet on which the Emperor had insisted.  The first arrangements had scarcely been made when the sea because very high.  The black sky was pierced by lightning, the thunder rolled and every moment the line of vessels was broken by the wind, and shortly after, that which the Admiral had foreseen came to pass, and the most frightful storm dispersed the vessels in each a way that it seamed impossible to save them.  With bent head, arms crossed, and a sorrowful look in his face, the Emperor walked up and down on the beach, when suddenly the most terrible cries were heard.  More than twenty gunboats filled with soldiers and sailors were being driven towards the shore, and the unfortunate men were vainly fighting against the furious waves, calling for help which nobody could give them.  Deeply touched by the spectacle and the heart-rending cries and lamentations of the multitude which had assembled on the beach, the Emperor, seeing his generals and officers tremble with horror, attempted to set an example of devotion, and, in spite of all efforts to keep him back, he threw himself into a boat, saying, “Let me go! let me go! they must be brought out of this.”  In a moment the boat was filled with water.  The waves poured over it again and again, and the Emperor was drenched.  One wave larger than the others almost threw him overboard and his hat was carried sway.  Inspired by so much courage, officers, soldiers, seamen, and citizens tried to succour the drowning, some in boats, some swimming.  But, alas! only a small number could be saved of the unfortunate men.  The following day more than 200 bodies were thrown ashore, and with them the hat of the conqueror of Marengo.  That sad day was one of desolation for Boulogne and for the camp.  The Emperor groaned under the burden of an accident which he had to attribute solely to his own obstinacy.  Agents were despatched to all parts of the town to subdue with gold the