‘Because you were caught and they weren’t. That’s why, you impudent dog.’ Napoleon turned to the lieutenant again.‘Is this man in your unit?’

‘Yes, sire.’

‘And where are you taking Private Geunet?’

‘To battalion headquarters, sire.’ The lieutenant held up a haversack. ‘The bread and meat are in here, sire, and these two men witnessed the theft. The private’s case will be heard by the colonel, and then he will be sentenced, according to your general order, sire.’

Napoleon frowned.‘Your colonel is about to be a very busy man. He has no time to deal with this matter.’ Geunet puffed his cheeks out in relief and looked towards the Emperor with a grateful expression. In other circumstances Napoleon might have pardoned the man, but that morning, in the chill of the fog, with the ache in his head and several restless nights behind him, the Emperor’s mood was surly and cold to the point of cruelty. He turned round and beckoned to one of the orderlies who accompanied him along with his personal escort of Polish light cavalry.

‘Give me some paper and a pencil.’

‘Yes, sire.’ The orderly delved into his despatch bag and handed the requested materials to his Emperor with a bow.

‘Turn round,’ Napoleon ordered. ‘Keep your back still.’

As the orderly did as he was ordered Napoleon held the paper to his back and began to write. By the authority of his imperial majesty, the Emperor Napoleon, Private Jean Geunet has been found guilty of pillaging. In accordance with standing orders he is sentenced to summary execution. By order of Napoleon.

He signed his name and handed the document to the lieutenant. ‘There. Have it entered into regimental records. Now take Private Geunet back to the shrine and shoot him.’

‘Sire?’The lieutenant stared back.

‘Did you not hear my order?’

‘Well, yes, sire.’

‘Then carry it out immediately or I will have you charged with insubordination.’

‘Yes, sire!’ The lieutenant saluted and turned at once to his men. ‘Take hold of him!’

Geunet’s expression was one of pure horror. A moment earlier he had been convinced that the Emperor had been about to pardon him, or at least order a lenient punishment. Now he collapsed to his knees and clasped the hem of Napoleon’s greatcoat.

‘Sire! I beg you. Show me mercy. I have a family, in Toulon. A wife, two children.’

Napoleon looked down at him coldly. ‘Get your hands off me.’

‘Sire.’ Geunet’s eyes widened. ‘Don’t have me shot. Put me in the front rank. At least give me a chance to die with a musket in my hand. For my country. For you, sire.’

Napoleon ignored him. ‘Take this man away, and carry out the sentence.’