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250 ORIGIN OF THE WAR OF 1853 c a A P. in the secret, but it does not appear that he was '__ in the room at this time. Fleury too, it seems, was away ; he was probably on an errand which tended to put an end to the hesitation of his more elderly comrades, and drive them to make the venture. They were to strike the blow that night. They deliberated, but in the absence of Fleury their council was incomplete, because at the very moment when perhaps their doubts and fears were inclining them still to hold back, Floury, impet- uous and resolute, might be taking a step which must needs push them forward. By-and-by they were apprised that an order which had been given for the movement of a battalion of gendarmerie had duly taken effect without exciting remark. It is probable that the execution of this delicate movement was the very business which Fleury had gone to witness with his own eyes, and that it was he who brought the intelligence of its complete success to the Elysee. Perhaps also he showed that, after the step which had just been taken, it would be dangerous to stop short; for the plotters now passed into action. The Presi- Packeten- dent entrusted a packet of manuscripts to Colonel lieviiie. Beville, and despatched him to the State printing- office. Transaction It was in the streets which surround this build- at the State . . . . printing- mg that the battalion ot gendarmerie had been collected. When Paris was hushed in sleep, the battalion came quietly out, and folded round the State printing-office. From that moment until their work was done the printers were all close ellice.