The usurper, now assured of the support of the whole nation, saw that the French were the sole obstacles in his path. To him they seemed invincible, as they possessed the two strongest positions in the Kingdom. He sent for M. de Métellopolis, who fearing punishment for having advised Des Farges, excused his attendance on the ground of ill-health. M. de Lionne, Bishop of Rosalie, however acted as his substitute. Pitracha insolently addressed him in these words. "It is with the greatest disgust that I learn that the French troops who come to Siam to serve the King, refuse to obey his commands. I order you to write to their commander to enforce their obedience. Should he persist in his contumacious behavior you shall suffer for it, I will give your Seminary and Church over to pillage, all the French shall be blown from the cannon's mouth, and every Christian shall be put to death." M. de Rosalie replied that although he had no authority over the French commander, he would endeavour to arrange matters that Des Farges should come to Louvo in person. This offer was accepted, and the prelate accompanied by two officials who had been members of the embassy to France, set out for Bangkok. Des Farges, on learning the nature of the mission at first was uncertain as to how he should act. At last he decided to set out and to follow M. de Rosalie and the two officials with one of his sons, the other being detained as a prisoner in Bangkok. Pitracha haughtily reproached him with his refusal to bring up the troops that the King impatiently demanded. He threatened to employ force if his demands were not complied with and informed him that ten positions as strong as Bangkok would be but feeble ramparts against the vengeance he premeditated. Des Farges replied with the greatest moderation to these threats and having waited till Pitracha had exhausted the exuberence of his verbosity, said "The King my master sent me here in command of troops at the bidding of the King of Siam his ally only, but since these troops cause trouble, kindly order that ships may be furnished us or grant us permission to equip the same. The speed with which we shall hasten our departure, shall leave no doubt of the good will of the King my master." This proposal was rejected and Pitracha sharply ordered him to write to his lieutenant to bring up the troops.