Another incident occurred at this time which was well calculated to make Maximilian, already suffering from an intermittent fever, caused by the climate, still more averse to remaining in Mexico. This was a conspiracy against his life, discovered by one of the town prefects. The plot, hatched by some of Santa Anna’s guerilla followers, was to include the murder of the prefect himself by his secretary, a man from the lower classes whom he had befriended, to be followed by that of several other prominent personages. A closer investigation revealed that the Emperor’s life also had been aimed at. Such were the people by whom Maximilian was surrounded, and such the treachery which he had constantly to deal with in his adopted country. On the afternoon of the day on which the two fatal despatches arrived in Mexico Maximilian was taking his usual stroll on the flat roof of the palace with his physician, when he suddenly announced his intention of abandoning the country where he had met with such ingratitude, and asked his friend’s advice as to the matter. “I do not see how it will be possible for Your Majesty to remain here,” replied the doctor frankly. “Will it be attributed to the Empress’ illness if I should leave?” he then inquired. “That certainly is reason enough,” returned the other. “Besides, Europe must recognize that Your Majesty is no longer bound to remain in Mexico after France’s violation of her contracts.” “What do you suppose Herzfeld and Fischer will think of it?” continued Maximilian, after a pause. “I am sure that Herzfeld will share my views,” declared the physician. “As to Father Fischer, to tell the truth, I have not much confidence in his opinions.” They then discussed the advisability of leaving at once or whether it would be better to wait for a time, but as there seemed no good reason at present for a sudden departure, Dr. Basch advised deferring it for a week in order that suitable preparations might be made. That evening Maximilian summoned his Minister of State and Professor Bilimek, director of the museum, and laid the matter before them. To both, the Emperor’s safety was of far more concern than the fate of a half-civilized country whose indifference had caused the downfall of all his hopes and schemes. The recent plot against the Emperor’s life also may well have been an argument in favor of the plan. At all events they heartily coincided with it and Herzfeld urged preparations for departure with such energy that in three days’ time it was possible to leave Chapultepec, a summer palace near the city of Mexico, which Maximilian had had newly restored and fitted up at great cost and where he was staying at this time.