After waiting ten minutes Moulins said: "We should have waited for Barras; if Moreau is a sneak, Barras is a knave." Two hours later they were still waiting for Barras.
Talleyrand and Bruix had been admitted to Barras' bathroom just after Gohier and Moulins had left it, and in talking with them Barras forgot his appointment.
We will now see what was happening in the Rue de la Victoire.
At seven o'clock, contrary to his usual custom, Bonaparte was up and waiting in full uniform in his bedroom.

Roland entered.

Bonaparte was perfectly calm; they were on the eve of a battle.
"Has no one come yet, Roland ?" he asked.
"No, general," replied the young man, "but I heard the roll of a carriage just now." "So did I," replied Bonaparte.
At that minute a servant announced: "The citizen Joseph Bonaparte, and the citizen General Bernadotte." Roland questioned Bonaparte with a glance; was he to go or stay?
He was to stay.

Roland took his stand at the corner of a bookcase like a sentinel at his post.
"Ah, ha!" exclaimed Bonaparte, seeing that Bernadotte was still attired in civilian's clothes, "you seem to have a positive horror of the uniform, general!" "Why the devil should I be in uniform at seven in the morning," asked Bernadotte, "when I am not in active service ?" "You will be soon." "But I am retired." "Yes, but I recall you to active service." "You ?" "Yes, I." "In the name of the Directory ?" "Is there still a Directory ?" "Still a Directory?
What do you mean ?" "Didn't you see the troops drawn up in the streets leading to the Tuileries as you came here ?" "I saw them, and I was surprised." "Those soldiers are mine." "Excuse me," said Bernadotte; "I thought they belonged to France." "Oh, to France or to me; is it not all one ?" "I was not aware of that," replied Bernadotte, coldly.
"Though you doubt it now, you will be certain of it tonight.

Come, Bernadotte, this is the vital moment; decide!" "General," replied Bernadotte, "I am fortunate enough to be at this moment a simple citizen; let me remain a simple citizen." "Bernadotte, take care! He that is not for me is against me." "General, pay attention to your words! You said just now, 'Take care.' If that is a threat, you know very well that I do not fear them." Bonaparte came up to him, and took him by both hands.
"Oh, yes, I know that; that is why I must have you with me.