He thought only of new battles to fight, and his mind was occupied in massing his regiments to strike the great blow at the heart of the Prussian monarchy.

His desire for prompt justice in the present case found powerful assistance in the great uncertainty which affected the position of all magistrates of the Empire.

Just at this time Cambaceres, as arch-chancellor, and Regnier, chief justice, were preparing to organize _tribunaux de premiere instance_ (lower civil courts), imperial courts, and a court of appeal or supreme court.

They were agitating the question of a legal garb or costume; to which Napoleon attached, and very justly, so much importance in all official stations; and they were also inquiring into the character of the persons composing the magistracy.

Naturally, therefore, the officials of the department of the Aube considered they could have no better recommendation than to give proofs of their zeal in the matter of the abduction of the Comte de Gondreville.