It became needful, however, to inform him of the plot, which was now carefully nursed by the authorities.

The arrests were planned to take place at the opera on October 10th.

About half an hour after the play had begun, Bonaparte bade his secretary go into the lobby to hear the news.

Bourrienne at once heard the noise caused by a number of arrests: he came back, reported the matter to his master, who forthwith returned to the Tuileries.

The plot was over.[168] A more serious attempt was to follow.