For he is perfectly conscious that a conspiracy exists, and some inkling even of the conversation of his generals at Castle Ebersdorf has reached his ears.

It caused such an outburst of fury that he was attacked with convulsions, and for three days ate nothing until Roustan had tasted it, because he was afraid of being poisoned.

The Emperor Napoleon also learned that Colonel Oudet was head of the secret society, and his most dangerous enemy, because he was extremely popular in the army and possessed rare powers of persuasion.

So Oudet must be removed, and he has been." "Then you think that--" "That the bullet which struck Colonel Oudet at the battle of Wagram was not a chance shot, sent by the enemy?
Certainly I think so, and the proof of it is that the wound was in the back of the head.

So he was struck from behind, and his murderer was in the ranks of his fellow-combatants.