and, calling me by name, signed to me to approach.

When I found myself face to face for the first time with the Minister Plenipotentiary of the Congress which had the courage to lay down the law for the future kingdom of Italy, I remembered the conversation which I had had, also for the first time, with the Emperor on the terrace of the Opera House.

My feelings had changed radically since that time, for I experienced no emotion whatever, so frequent had been my interviews with the potentates of the day.

He examined me from head to foot, then said "Your countryman, Monsieur Pietri, has assured me that no one could second me better than you in my work during the crisis which is now imminent. You know men and matters. You are devoted and energetic, and not afraid of desperate measures. This is the information which I have concerning you.

You speak Italian; you are the man I need. Come to see me this evening at nine o'clock."*

Exactly at the hour named I entered the study of the man for whom the Italians-who had burnt him in effigy a few years before-professed an immense

reverence.

* Contrary to the custom of all other Ministers, who leave their offices at four o'clock, the Turinese Ministers return to theirs at nine o'clock every evening.

A word, an order from Cavour in Italy in 1859, 1860, 1861 was executed, cost what it might, as if it had been a command from Divine Providence.

We sat down opposite each other. moment of silence he began

After a

"You must leave for Modena in a few days, passing through Parma, and going as far as Bologna. You will see Veggezo at Parma, Cantelli at Modena, Carbonieri and Zini at Bologna. You must also visit Marquis Pepoli. These gentlemen, whom I have made heads of committees in their provinces, will hear what you have to say; you will receive their information. It is necessary that the Italians rise in mass at the first signal to back the army and chase their tyrants out of Italy with fire and sword. Monsieur Pietri gave you five hundred francs a month and gratuities. I shall do the same. You will address your correspondence, always in French, to my house in the Rue d'Alfieri. I wish all Italy to be one vast conspiracy. Tell the Directors of Committees that if I consent to admit into our band any great names, the rank of officer or chief of a squadron must be given to the old military men."

This was the substance of the first interview which I had with the President of the King's Council, who was soon to take the title of "First Soldier of the Independence!"

At midnight we left the office together, well satis

fied with each other. He said he was pleased with my knowledge, and I was delighted with the advantageous position which he had promised me. On leaving me in the Rue Neuve, the Minister told me to be at his study the next morning at nine o'clock to receive his first orders and the first quarter's salary, which he was to pay beforehand. And as this is the first time I have spoken of pay, I will say, once for all, that the men belonging to the Imperial Government never gave me an order without asking, "Are you armed?" whereas Cavour, when he gave me any command, always inquired, "Do you need money ?"

Two days sufficed for me to find out the men whom I was to watch, and talk to them. I sent in a report of them which was so clear and full, giving such a just idea of the character and political views of these three statesmen, that Count Cavour expressed his entire satisfaction.

"It is impossible," said he, "to describe them better. Rattazzi, always hunting a Ministry; Brofferio, an honest Republican, who refuses all office that he may have the right to bawl in the Chamber; Lolar de la Marguerite, unable to become anything of consequence, and demanding that everyone shall go to mass, keep the feast-days, and submit to the Pope. To-morrow," added he, "you will accompany

me to Genoa. His Royal Highness Prince de Carignan and I are going to meet the Emperor."

"Yes, your Excellency," said I; "but I warn you that I do not wish to take part in any official rejoicing at which the Imperial Court will be present."

"Ah! I understand.

Come to Genoa all the

same; there you can do as you

like."

It

On the approach of the French army Victor Emmanuel had appointed his cousin LieutenantGeneral of the Kingdom, and had gone to the camp with General de Lamarmora, Minister for War. was in his place that His Highness Prince de Carignan went to the Port of Genoa to welcome the Emperor of the French, who had adopted the modest title of General-in-Chief of the FrancoItalian armies.

The disembarkment took place amidst a display of enthusiasm difficult to describe. The Staff and the entire army marched past on a carpet of flowers. The soldiers were laden with flowers and oranges; the officers had wreaths. The municipal authorities and the gardeners of the marble city were already preluding to the victories of Magenta and Solferino.

After spending twenty-four hours in rejoicings at Genoa, the French staff went to Alexandria, whither the Italian Minister sent a secret agent who was to

report to him every gesture and action of the General-in-Chief, his surroundings, and the persons who came to visit him. This watch lasted during the entire campaign. I will add, to show the morality of the affair, that the Italian agent obtained all the information he wanted from Monsieur Hirvoy, Napoleon III.'s commissary, an ex-bankrupt hat manufacturer, in return for a few small gifts and some disorderly pleasure parties.