He was given to understand that Dumolard was one of the most decided against him, and that, finally, the royalist party was on the point of triumphing.
Before deciding for one party or the other Bonaparte first thought of himself.

He did not imagine that he had yet achieved enough to venture on possessing himself of that power which certainly he might easily have obtained.

He therefore contented himself with joining the party which was, for the moment, supported by public opinion.

I know he was determined to march upon Paris with 25,000 men had affairs taken a turn unfavourable to the Republic, which he preferred to royalty.

He cautiously formed his plan.