But Gohier, honest as he was, knew the man too well to be his dupe.
"You should have informed me of this decree yesterday, and not this morning; for in making the communication now you are scarcely in advance of the official communication I shall probably receive in a few moments." As he spoke, an usher opened the door and informed the president that a messenger from the Inspectors of the Council of the Ancients was there, and asked to make him a communication.
"Let him come in," said Gohier.
The messenger entered and handed the president a letter.

He broke the seal hastily and read: CITIZEN PRESIDENT--The Inspecting Commission hasten to inform you of a decree removing the residence of the legislative body to Saint-Cloud.
The decree will be forwarded to you; but measures for public safety are at present occupying our attention.
We invite you to meet the Commission of the Ancients.

You will find Sieyes and Ducos already there.
Fraternal greetings BARILLON, FARGUES, CORNET, "Very good," said Gohier, dismissing the messenger with a wave of his hand.
The messenger went out.

Gohier turned to Fouche.
"Ah!" said he, "the plot is well laid; they inform me of the decree, but they do not send it to me.

Happily you are here to tell me the terms of it." "But," said Fouche, "I don't know them." "What! do you the minister of police, mean to tell me that you know nothing about this extraordinary session of the Council of the Ancients, when it has been put on record by a decree ?" "Of course I knew it took place, but I was unable to be present." "And you had no secretary, no amanuensis to send, who could give you an account, word for word, of this session, when in all probability this session will dispose of the fate of France! Ah, citizen Fouche, you are either a very deep, or a very shallow minister of police!" "Have you any orders to give me, citizen president ?" asked Fouche.
"None, citizen minister," replied the president.