parts of Paris, where the
events we are about to relate produced an overwhelming sensation.

CHAPTER XXIII. ALEA JACTA EST

At seven in the morning, Fouche, minister of police, entered the bedroom
of Gohier, president of the Directory.

"Oh, ho!" said Gohier, when he saw him. "What has happened now, monsieur
le ministre, to give me the pleasure of seeing you so early?"

"Don't you know about the decree?" asked Fouche.

"What decree?" asked honest Gohier.

"The decree of the Council of the Ancients."

"When was it issued?"

"Last night."

"So the Council of the Ancients assembles at night now?"

"When matters are urgent, yes."

"And what does the decree say."

"It transfers the legislative sessions to Saint-Cloud."

Gohier felt the blow. He realized the advantage which Bonaparte's daring
genius might obtain by this isolation.

"And since when," he asked Fouche, "is the minister of police
transformed into a messenger of the Council of the Ancients?"

"That's where you are mistaken, citizen president," replied the
ex-Conventional. "I am more than ever minister of police this morning,
for I have come to inform you of an act which may have the most serious
consequences."

Not being as yet sure of how the conspiracy of the Rue de la Victoire
would turn out, Fouche was not averse to keeping open a door for retreat
at the Luxembourg. But Gohier, honest as he was, knew the man too well
to be his dupe.

"You should have informed me of this decree yesterday, and not this
morning; for in making the communication now you are scarcely in
advance of the official communication I shall probably receive in a few
moments."

As he spoke, an usher opened the door and informed the president that a
messenger from the Inspectors of the Council of the Ancients was there,
and asked to make him a communication.

"Let him come in," said Gohier.

The messenger entered and handed the president a letter. He broke the
seal hastily and read:

CITIZEN PRESIDENT--The Inspecting Commission hasten to inform
you of a decree removing the residence of the legislative body
to Saint-Cloud.

The decree will be forwarded to you; but measures for public
safety are at present occupying our attention.

We invite you to meet the Commission of the Ancients. You will
find Sieyes and Ducos already there.

Fraternal greetings
BARILLON,
FARGUES,
CORNET,

"Very good," said Gohier, dismissing th