Consequently not a vessel was moved.  On his return back from his ride the Emperor asked whether all was ready.  He was told what the Admiral had said.  Twice the answer had to be repeated to him before he could realise its nature, and then, violently stamping his foot on the ground, he sent for the Admiral.  The Emperor met him halfway.  With eyes burning with rage, he exclaimed in an excited voice, “Why have my orders not been executed?” With respectful firmness Admiral Bruix replied, “Sire, a terrible storm is brewing.  Your Majesty may convince yourself of it; would you without need expose the lives of so many men?” The heaviness of the atmosphere and the sound of thunder in the distance more than justified the fears of the Admiral.  “Sir, said the Emperor, getting more and more irritated, “I 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