The Little Red Man (illustration to Chansons de P-J de Béranger, 1869). A little gnomelike man dressed in bloodred clothes is said to have appeared to Catherine de’ Medici and others, usually presaging a massacre, assassination or defeat in battle. He apparently appeared several times to Napoleon, first during the Egyptian campaign and for the last—and best-attested—time on 1st January 1814. Napoleon had left instructions not to be disturbed, but on being told by Councillor of State Mole that a small man dressed all in red was insisting on seeing him, he gave instructions that he should be admitted immediately. His abdication followed shortly afterward.