“The Emperor made no answer; but I saw by the expression of his countenance that he had no better augury of my fate than I had.  However, the enemy was approaching, and for the last three days he had solicited the Provisional Government to place a frigate at his disposal, with which he might proceed to America.  It had been promised him; he was even pressed to set off; but he wanted to be the bearer of the order to the captain to convey him to the United States, and that order did not arrive.  We all felt that the delay of a single hour might put his freedom in jeopardy.

“After we had talked the subject over among ourselves, I went to him and strongly pointed out to him how dangerous it might be to prolong his stay.  He observed that he could not go without the order.  ’Depart, nevertheless,’ I replied; your presence on board the ship will still have a great influence over Frenchmen; cut the cables, promise money to the crew, and if the captain resist have him put on shore, and hoist your sails.  I have no doubt but Fouche has sold you to the Allies.’—­ ’I believe it also; but go and make the last effort with the Minister of Marine.’  I went off immediately to M. Decres.  He was in bed, and listened to me with an indifference that made my blood boil.  He said to me, ’I am only a Minister.  Go to Fouche; speak to the Government.  As for me, I can do nothing.  Good-night.’  And so saying he covered himself up again in his blankets.  I left him; but I could not succeed in speaking either to Fouche or to any of the others.  It was two o’clock in the morning when I returned to Malmaison; the Emperor was in bed.  I was admitted to his chamber, where I gave him an account of the result of my mission, and renewed my entreaties.  He listened to me, but made no answer.  He got up, however, and spent a part of the night in walking up and down the room.

“The following day was the last of that sad drama.  The Emperor had gone to bed again, and slept a few hours.  I entered his cabinet at about twelve o’clock.  ‘If I had known you were here,’ he said, ’I would have had you called in.’  He then gave me, on a subject that interested him personally, some instructions which it is needless for me to repeat.  Soon after I left him, full of anxiety respecting his fate, my heart oppressed with grief, but still far from suspecting the extent to which both the rigour of fortune and the cruelty of his enemies would be carried.”

All the morning of the 29th of June the great road from St. Germain rung with the cries of “Vive l’Empereur!” proceeding from the troops who passed under the walls of Malmaison.  About mid-day General Becker, sent by the Provisional Government, arrived.  He had been appointed to attend Napoleon.  Fouche knew that General Becker had grievances against the Emperor, and thought to find in him willing agent.  He was greatly deceived, for the General paid to the Emperor a degree of respect highly to his honour.  Time now became pressing.  The Emperor, at the