I jumped on shore, and I rushed into the nearest inn for the purpose of putting off my sailor's dress, and then flying to the palace of Napoleon. But I had been watched and followed: and the functionaries despatched by general Cambronne, the Commandant of the town, immediately appeared to secure me. I tranquillized them, and they accompanied me to the town-house, where General Bertrand then lodged. I sent in my name, and the General came out. "Sir, do you come from France?"--"Yes, Monsieur le Marechal."--"What do you want here?"--"I wish to see the Emperor, and to solicit employment."--"Does the Emperor know you?"--"Yes, Sir, and M. X*** has also given me the means of proving to the Emperor that I am not unworthy of his goodness."--"Do you bring us any news from France?"--"I do, Monsieur le Marechal; and I think that the intelligence which I bring is good."--"Well, Heaven hears you; as for us, we are so wretched--I am dying with impatience to have a talk with you about France; but I must inform the Emperor of your arrival. Perhaps he may not be able to see you immediately. To-day the English corvette[35] is here, and those people are suspicious of every thing: is it publicly known who you are?"--"It is known that I am a French officer."--"So much the worse; hide your decorations, hold your tongue, and remain within doors and rest yourself at your inn. I will send for you."--Half an hour afterwards the Marshal desired me to proceed as quickly as possible to the Emperor's garden-gate: the Emperor, would come there, and speak to me without appearing to know me. I went accordingly: the Emperor, according to his custom, was walking with his hands behind his back. He passed several times before me without lifting up his eyes; at last he looked at me: he stopped, and asked me in Italian what countryman I was. I answered in French that I was a Parisian; that business had called me to Italy; and that I could not resist the desire of seeing my old sovereign.--"Well, Sir, talk to me about Paris and France;"--and as he finished these words he began to walk again. I accompanied him; and after he had put several indifferent questions to me aloud, he desired me to enter his apartments: he then ordered Bertrand and Drouot to retire, and forced me to sit down by his side. Napoleon began in a reserved and absent manner: "The grand Marshal tells me that you have just arrived from France."--"Yes, Sire."--"What do you want here?"--"Sire, I wish to offer my services to you; my conduct in 1814--" Napoleon interrupting me,--"Sir, I do not question but that you are a very good officer, however I have so many officers with me already, that it will be very difficult for me to assist you; yet we will see: it appears that you know M. X***."--"Yes, Sire."--"Has he sent a letter for me by you?"--"No, Sire."--Napoleon, interrupting me, "I see he forgets me just like the rest; since I have been here, I have not heard a word of him or of any body."--I