He continued working slowly and stubbornly along, when he was arrested by a cry behind him.

Coming upright and wheeling around, he saw a young officer standing in a boat pulled by about twenty pontoneers.

As he shot alongside, the officer stretched forth his hand to shake Paul's and said in French: "You must come on board and go back to Piacenza.

The public are greatly disappointed.

Your agent said that you would be here yesterday and a great reception was prepared for you." Paul thanked him but firmly declined to return.