Joachim-Napoléon Murat was the brother-in-law of Napoleon Boneparte, and held many titles in his life including Marshal of France, Grand Admiral of France, Grand Duke of Berg, and King of Naples.

The story was first published as part of Dumas’s eight-volume series “Celebrated Crimes” (1839–40), and recounts Murat’s fall from favour and fascinating death subsequent to Napoleon’s own demise.

Alexandre Dumas (1802–1870) was a famous French writer. He is best remembered for his exciting romantic sagas, including "The Three Musketeers" and "The Count of Monte Cristo". Despite making a great deal of money from his writing, Dumas was almost perpetually penniless thanks to his decidedly extravagant lifestyle.

Chapter 1:
Toulon
On the 18th June, 1815, at the very moment when the destiny of Europe was being decided at Waterloo, a man dressed like a beggar was silently following the road from Toulon to Marseilles.

Arrived at the entrance of the Gorge of Ollioulles, he halted on a little eminence from which he could see all the surrounding country; then either because he had reached the end of his journey, or because, before attempting that forbidding..