--and their power was at an end. The Luxembourg was immediately
guarded by troops in whom Napoleon could place implicit confidence. The
Directory was no more.

Barras, in his letter, said that "he had undertaken his office solely
for the purpose of serving the cause of liberty, _and_ that now, seeing
the destinies of the Republic in the hands of her young and invincible
general, he gladly resigned it." By this courtly acquiescence he
purchased indemnity for the past, and the liberty of retiring to his
country-seat, there to enjoy the vast fortune he had so scandalously
accumulated. The other two remained for the present under surveillance.

At ten o'clock on the same morning, the adverse Council of Five Hundred
assembled also, and heard, with astonishment and indignation, of the
decree by which their sittings were transferred from Paris (the scene of
their popular influence) to St. Cloud. They had, however, no means of
disputing that point: they parted with cries of "_Vive la Republique!
Vive la Constitution!_" and incited the mob, their allies, to muster
next morning on the new scene of action--where, it was evident, this
military revolution must either be turned back, or pushed to
consummation. During the rest of the day, Napoleon remained at the
Tuileries: the troops were in arms; the population expected with
breathless anxiety the coming of the decisive day. A strong body of
soldiery marched to St. Cloud under the orders of Murat.

The members of both assemblies repaired thither early in the morning of
the 19th; and those of the opposite party beheld with dismay the
military investment of the Chateau. Scattered in groups about the courts
and gardens, surrounded with the mob from the city, and watched by Murat
and his stern veterans, they awaited with impatience the opening of the
doors; which, in consequence of some necessary preparations, did not
occur until two o'clock in the afternoon.

The Council of Ancients were ushered into the Gallery of Mars, and, the
minority having by this time recovered from their surprise, a stormy
debate forthwith commenced touching the events of the preceding day.
Buonaparte entered the room, and, by permission of the subservient
president, addressed the assembly. "Citizens," said he, "you stand over
a volcano. Let a soldier tell the truth frankly. I was quiet in my home
when this council summoned me to action. I obeyed: I collected my brave
comrades, and placed the arms of my coun