‘Major Joachim Murat, of the hussars. I came as soon as I got word that the royalist scum were up to no good. I have brought two squadrons of my men with me.’

Napoleon’s eyes lit up. ‘Cavalry! Your men are ready to ride?’

‘Well, yes.’ Major Murat was taken aback. ‘But we’ve only just got here.’

‘There’s no time to discuss this, Major.You must do exactly as I say. Do you know the artillery park at Neuilly?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Good. Take your men and ride there immediately.You must stop for nothing. Cut down anyone who gets in your way. Citizen Barras will write an order while you are gone to cover that. When you get there find me some guns - four-pounders - and plenty of powder and ammunition, particularly case shot. Then bring it straight back here. Have you got that?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Then go at once, Murat. The fate of France rests on your shoulders today. Remember that.’

‘Yes, sir.’ With a scrape of his boots Murat stood to attention and saluted Napoleon. Then he turned and strode from the room.

‘Murat!’

‘Sir?’

‘Run, don’t walk.’

Napoleon turned back to Barras. ‘Citizen, if you would permit me, I would like to walk round the defences and see to the best disposition of our men.’

‘Of course.’ Barras nodded. ‘Whatever you think best.’

‘Once that’s done, these officers will be assigned to the key points we are defending.They will need to hold them at all costs.’ Napoleon turned to address them all. ‘It is as I said to Major Murat.The fate of France is in our hands. Our hands, gentlemen. We must not fail. And we must not let our men think there is any doubt in our minds that we will beat the royalists. Do you understand me? Our men will look to us in the coming hours. Do not fail them. Show no fear and accept no dissent. Is that clear?’

The other officers nodded their agreement and Napoleon clapped his hands. ‘Good. That’s settled. Come, Junot. We have work to do.’

As they strode out of the room, Junot leaned towards his friend and muttered, ‘Did you see their faces? You made them look like scared rabbits. Now they’re eating out of your hand.’

Napoleon shrugged.‘They just needed someone to give them an order. Now I just hope they’ll do their duty.’