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Rh was that of Gerard's flight and his first question was to that effect.

"He has gone?" he asked eagerly.

"A word first into your ear;" and de Proballe drew him aside. "Gone? No, thank Heaven! better than that, much better. He is here in the Castle. I have spoken to him this minute."

"Has he dared?" exclaimed the Governor with a frown.

"Dared? It seems he would dare anything. Wait, here he is," he cried, catching sight of Gerard. "Now you shall see a comedy. Come, Gerard, come; I was waiting for you. I want your help."

Hearing of his presence Gabrielle turned and ran to Gerard and stood by him.

"What is this?" demanded the Governor of de Proballe.

"Bear with me and have your guards at hand, and you will see," was the whispered reply.

"They are always at hand here," was the curt grim reply.

De Proballe went toward Gerard, a smile on his lips.

"So you have not followed our advice, Gerard, and fled. You like the city and the Castle? Perhaps you were seeking ghostly advice just now from that sturdy monk? I found our young friend in close consultation with a monk as I passed, Duke. Preparing, let us think, for that longer journey which you mentioned as the alternative to flight from the city."

De Proballe was obviously enjoying the situation and resolved to make the most of it.

"Who was the monk? Do you know him?" asked the Governor quickly.

"He who came from the Cardinal Archbishop, the delegate. Gerard, it seems, is particular as to who shall shrive him. Our Morvaix priests are not good enough.