"Well, then, you're the right man, after all," said the prefect. "I have orders from the emperor to send the machine to Paris."
"Yes, but you must give me time to make it," replied Jacquard.
In a week or two Jacquard again presented himself at the palace with his machine and a half manufactured net. The prefect was eager to see how it worked.
"Count the number of loops in that net," said Jacquard, "and then strike the bar with your foot."
The prefect did so, and was surprised and delighted to see another loop added to the number.
"Capital!" cried he. "I have his majesty's orders, M. Jacquard, to send you and your machine to Paris."
"To Paris! How can that be? How can I leave my business here?"
"There is no help for it; and not only must you go to Paris, but you must start at once, without an hour's delay."
"If it must be, it must. I will go home and pack up a little bundle, and tell my wife about my journey, I shall be ready to start to-morrow."
"To-morrow won't do; you must go to-day. A carriage is waiting to take you to Paris; and you must not go home. I will send to your house for any things you want, and convey any message to your wife. I will provide you with money for the journey."