‘Have the Guard form line. They are to shoulder arms. The lancers are to fall back and dismount.’

Cambronne sucked in his breath, but saluted and turned away to give the orders. As the guardsmen trotted out on either side of the track and formed ranks, Napoleon stared at the line of infantry barring his way. They stood silently as their commanding officer sat on his horse and raised his telescope.

Once the men were in position Cambronne resumed his place at Napoleon’s side. ‘What now, sire?’

‘It’s time you announced me,’ Napoleon replied.

Cambronne edged his spurs in and trotted forward towards the waiting soldiers. Their commander lowered his scope and watched the solitary rider approaching. When Cambronne was no more than fifty paces away the other officer cupped a hand to his mouth and called out. ‘Stop there!’

Reining in, Cambronne raised his hat and replied. ‘Comrades! Our Emperor has returned! Join us!’

‘Silence!’ the officer shouted, then ordered his men, ‘Advance your muskets!’

The bayonets angled forward, cold gleaming tips pointing towards Cambronne.

‘What is the meaning of this?’ he barked. ‘How dare you threaten me? What do you think you are doing?’

‘I have orders to prevent you proceeding,’ the officer replied firmly. ‘You will hand over the outlaw behind you, and tell your men to lay down their arms.’

‘I shall do no such thing!’

‘If you do not surrender within ten minutes, I will give the order to open fire.’ The officer pulled out his fob watch and looked down at it.

‘If you fire on the Emperor you will be responsible to all of France!’ Cambronne responded. ‘Come now, we are all Frenchmen.’

He sat in his saddle and waited for a response. Eventually the officer looked up from his watch and spoke. ‘Nine minutes . . .’

With a muttered curse Cambronne turned his mount round and trotted back towards Napoleon. ‘You heard him, sire?’

‘Yes.’

‘Do you think he will give the order?’

Napoleon stared at the line of soldiers for a moment. ‘There’s only one way to find out.’

He dismounted and handed his reins to Cambronne. ‘Stay here. If anything happens to me remember your orders.’

‘Sire, you can’t put yourself in danger. France needs you.’

‘Quiet,’ Napoleon said. He drew a long deep breath and started walking slowly towards the soldiers. As he did so he unbuttoned his coat to reveal the green jacket of a colonel of the Guards. His heart beat quickly as he gazed steadily at the row of bayonets angled towards him. He knew that he was placing his reputation in the balance against the discipline of these soldiers. If he was mistaken then it would be likely that he would be dead within the next few minutes. Although it was spring, he felt cold and had to clench his fists behind his back to stop them trembling. They must not see my fear, he thought fiercely.