On the 25th Vendemiaire (17th of October) the Directory summoned General Bonaparte to a private sitting.  “They offered me the choice of any army I would command,” said he to me the next morning.  “I would not refuse, but I asked to be allowed a little time for the recovery of my health; and, to avoid any other embarrassing offers, I withdrew.  I shall go to no more of their sittings.” (He attended only one after this.) “I am determined to join Sieyes’ party.  It includes a greater diversity of opinions than that of the profligate Barras.  He proclaims everywhere that he is the author of my fortune.  He will never be content to play an inferior part, and I will never bend to such a man.  He cherishes the mad ambition of being the support of the Republic.  What would he do with me?  Sieyes, on the contrary, has no political ambition.”

No sooner did Sieyes begin to grow friendly with Bonaparte than the latter learned from him that Barras had said, “The ‘little corporal’ has made his fortune in Italy and does not want to go back again.”  Bonaparte repaired to the Directory for the sole purpose of contradicting this allegation.  He complained to the Directors of its falsehood, boldly affirmed that the fortune he was supposed to possess had no existence, and that even if he had made his fortune it was not, at all events, at the expense of the Republic “You know,” said he to me, “that the mines of Hydria have furnished the greater part of what I possess.”—­“Is it possible,” said I, “that Barras could have said so, when you know so well of all the peculations of which he has been guilty since your return?”

Bonaparte had confided the secret of his plans to very few persons—­to those only whose assistance he wanted.  The rest mechanically followed their leaders and the impulse which was given to them; they passively awaited the realisation of the promises they had received, and on the faith of which they had pledged themselves.

CHAPTER XXIV.

1799.

Cambaceres and Lebrun—­Gohier deceived—­My nocturnal visit to Barras —­The command of the army given to Bonaparte—­The morning of the 18th Brumaire—­Meeting of the generals at Bonaparte’s house—­ Bernadotte’s firmness—­Josephine’s interest, for Madame Gohier—­ Disappointment of the Directors—­Review in the gardens of the Tuileries—­Bonaparte’s harangue—­Proclamation of the Ancients—­ Moreau, jailer of the Luxembourg—­My conversation with La Pallette—­ Bonaparte at St. Cloud.

The parts of the great drama which was shortly to be enacted were well distributed.  During the three days preceding the 18th Brumaire every one was at his post.  Lucien, with equal activity and intelligence, forwarded the conspiracy in the two Councils; Sieyes had the management of the Directory; Real,

—­[Pierre Francois Real (1757-1834); public accuser before the revolutionary criminal tribunal; became, under Napoleon, Conseiller d’Etat and Comte, and was charged with the affairs of the “haute police."]—­

under the instructions of Fouche,