It has been said that Emperor Napoleon once went to a very skillful workman, and inquired about him making a bullet-proof jacket or under garment, one that he would feel safe to wear as a protection against bullets. The workman assured him he could make just such a garment; one he would feel entirely safe to wear himself. The Emperor engaged him to make the article, requesting him to take time, and see that it was bullet-proof.
The workman took much time and pains in its construction. The jacket was finished, and the Emperor was notified that it was ready for him. Napoleon, after carefully examining it, asked the maker if he still felt sure a bullet could not pierce it. The workman said he was sure no bullet could penetrate it; that he would feel entirely safe with it on in a shower of bullets. The Emperor asked him to put it on, that he might examine it more fully. The maker put the jacket on himself, so the Emperor might see how finely it fitted and protected the body.
After a careful examination of its make-up and apparent safety, Napoleon stepped back a few feet, and drew his pistol. The man, who cried out:
"Don't try it on me!"
But the Emperor said:
"You told me it was perfectly safe," and fired. The armor proved itself bullet-proof.