But that was not sufficient.

He must put himself in a state of security against the dangers he had lately experienced, and establish himself on a firm footing against possible accidents.

He soon formed a plan, which he himself described to the French Consul in the following words:-- "Years were elapsing," said he, "and brought no important change in my position.

I was an important partisan, it is true, and strongly supported, but I held no title or Government employment of my own.

I recognised the necessity of establishing myself firmly in my birthplace.
I had devoted friends, and formidable foes bent on my destruction whom I must put out of the way for my own safety.