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Rh assurance. You can leave it again; and never dare in the future to show your villainous face within my province."

"I shall not leave," answered Gerard, every whit as firmly. "I have come for a purpose, and that purpose I shall fulfil."

"Do you dare to defy me?"

"My words are my words and I will not recall them."

"In God's name, you are a brazen scoundrel. But do not imagine that Mademoiselle de Malincourt can protect you. She is not to be polluted by a marriage with such as you. More of this, and I will withdraw what I have said and have you flung into gaol at once to pay the penalty for your crime."

"That must be as your lordship will. I will not leave Morvaix even at your bidding."

For the moment the Duke's fury seemed uncontrollable; but he mastered it and his tone when next he spoke was cold, tense, and full of menace.

"It may be better so, perhaps; but you shall have the chance I named. Understand me plainly. I will give you twenty-four hours in which to put as great a distance as you can between you and Morvaix. At noon to-morrow my troops will start to hunt you down; and whenever and wherever they find you I swear that you shall die for that Cambrai murder."

"Your hounds will not have far to seek. They will find me here in Morvaix," returned Gerard calmly. "I am not unwilling to witness your methods of trial and justice here."

"You shall not lack the chance, I promise you. One other condition for your life I make. Before you leave the city you will return the paper sent to you from me by M. de Proballe. For the rest, look to yourself; for as I live, it will need all your wits and more than all your effrontery to save you from my hands."