The commander replied that as he was not at his post, he no longer had the authority, and that the only way to ensure the obedience of the garrison would be to allow him to return to Bangkok. He promised to do his utmost to persuade them to obey his wishes, and in addition, offered to give his children as hostages for his word. Pitracha gave his consent. But on the return of Des Farges to the fort, the officers and soldiers swore they would leave it only to return to their native land. Pitracha, hearing of their determination advanced with an army. The French evacuated the fort they had occupied opposite to Bangkok, and the Siamese taking possession of it commenced hostilities. De Bruant and Beauregard, who were in command at Mergni, fearing that they would shortly be attacked made ready tor a vigorous defence. They were not about to fight for mere glory, a more powerful incentive fired their hearts. It was a case of life and death itself. The Siamese ordered them to capitulate, but were repulsed with severe loss, and, the conquerors having seized one of their vessels as well as an English ship then in harbour, embarked and set sail for Pondicherry where they landed without further mishap. The French, shut up in Bangkok were a source of annoyance to the usurper who was sure that M. de Métellopolis would have had more influence over them than M. de Rosalie. He ordered the former to be conducted to Bangkok by an escort of "Tattoed Arms" who are the bailiffs arid minions of the law. The servants of the prelate were the victims of innumerable insults from these officials who are as cowardly as they are insolent. They were pilloried, bound, and half strangled and exposed almost naked to the burning rays of the sun, to the importunities of insects, and to the extremes of hunger and thirst. The Bishop and M. Basset a missionary were equally targets for their witticisms. The bulk of their clothes were taken away and even their hats. This was but the commencement of the cruelties practised then in the fort opposite to Bangkok. The officer in charge exposed them on a bastion in range of the French artillery which did not cease fire until the victims had been recognised. The stubborn resistance of the French modified the hostile disposition of the Siamese. Pitracha who on the death of the King had succeeded to the throne, thought he ought to get rid of guests too warlike not to be a subject of dread. He resolved that they should take ship for Pondicherry on condition that the Bishop and the Missionaries would engage on peril of their lives that the ships and sailors with which they would be furnished, should be returned. While the new King was negociating with the French, his heart, a prey to the anxieties and suspicions which are the first punishments that crime brings in its train, thirsted for the blood of his enemies.