"I received word from Germain Sarrut to warn me that a warrant had been issued against me.--Yours,
I was not too easy on my own account. I had been seen and recognised in artillery dress by everybody on the boulevard; I had distributed arms at the Porte-Saint-Martin; finally, I knew that, in the December of the preceding year, a denunciatory epistle against me had been addressed to the king. It was a strange document! it was discovered in 1848 among Louis-Philippe's papers, and fell into the hands of one of the unknown friends of whom I often speak and for whose friendship I am grateful. That friend sent it to me. It is a report dated 2 December 1831, bearing the number 1034. I will transcribe it exactly, although I truly hold a secondary and episodic place in it. It will prove that what I say of my opinions, which are always the same, is not exaggerated. Besides, I think the moment is not very opportunely chosen to brag of being a Republican. It is an authentic report, and bears M. Binet's signature. I need hardly say that I had not the honour of that gentleman's acquaintance. (_See_ Appendix.)
_Le Fils de l'Émigré_--I learn the news of my premature death--I am advised to take a voyage for prudence and health's sake--I choose Switzerland--Gosselin's literary opinion on that country--First effect of change of air--From Châlon to Lyons by a low train--The ascent of Cerdon--Arrival at Geneva
On the morning of 7 June, Harel came to my house. "Come," he said, "dear friend, you must lose no time. Peace is re-established; as is the case after all great upheavals, there is going to be a reaction in favour of the theatres. People must forget the cholera and the riotings; the cholera has died a natural death; the insurrection is killed; which proves that Louis-Philippe is stronger than Broussais. Where have you got to in _Le Fils de l'Émigré_?"
"Done and written out! but I declare to you that, for the moment, I am unequal to set to it again. I am broken down with fatigue, consumed with fever and have lost all appetite!"
"Finish _Le Fils de l'Émigré,_ and then go a journey.... You will make prodigious sums of money this summer; you can very well take a little rest!"
"A thousand francs or so ... two perhaps ... and authority to draw upon you for as much."