about this barbarous custom, but also, I believe, because in his
youth, when he was a member of the bodyguard, he had acted as second
for a comrade of whom he was very fond, and who was killed in a duel
over the most trivial matter. However that may be, when my father
took command, he ordered the police to arrest anyone caught engaging
in swordplay and bring them before him.

Although the trumpeter and I both knew of this order, we had,
nevertheless, taken off our dolmans and taken up our sabres. I had
my back to the town of Savona, my adversary was facing it, and we
were about to begin our combat when I saw the trumpeter duck to one
side, pick up his dolman and make off at top speed.

"Coward!....Runaway!" I shouted, and was about to, pursue him when
two iron hands grasped me by the collar. I turned my head and found
myself facing some eight to ten police! I understood then why my
antagonist had cleared off, followed by all the assistants, including
master Pertelay, whom I saw disappearing into the distance, as fast
as their legs could carry them, for fear of being arrested and
brought before the General.

There I was! Disarmed and a prisoner! I picked up my dolman, and
looking very sheepish, followed my captors, to whom I had not given my
name, as they led me to the Bishop's palace where my father was
installed. He was at that moment with General Suchet, who had come to
Savona to confer with him on service matters. They were walking in a
gallery which overlooked the courtyard. The police put me up before
General Marbot, without any idea that I was his son. The sergeant
explained why I had been arrested. Then my father, looking very
severe, gave me a lively dressing down, after which admonition, he