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166 alarm, as she pointed to a number of men who showed in the doorways. "See. I fear danger."

"'Tis the hour for the change of guard, Gabrielle," said de Proballe.

"I will not go yet," she declared firmly.

"You cannot stay here, mademoiselle," interposed the Governor bluntly.

"I will report to you all that passes, Gabrielle," said de Proballe.

"I will not go," she repeated.

"I think you had better," urged Gerard.

"It must be as you will," said de Proballe, when she shook her head resolutely. "Now that the men are here they will see that no violence is done. Our Gerard is so hasty, such a fire-eater, that he might be tempted to some fresh rashness which would be fatal to all settlement. Wait," he said as if struck with a sudden thought. "It will serve the same purpose if you will give me your sword, Gerard."

"That I will never do," was the quick indignant response.

"To me then, monsieur," said the Governor, stepping forward.

"To no man, my lord."

"Then it must be taken from you;" and the Governor signed to the soldiers.

In a moment Gerard's blade was out.

"Do you realize what you are doing, and where you are?" cried de Proballe. "Drawing upon the Governor of Morvaix?"

"Who dares to lay a hand on me may look to himself. I see your plan, monsieur," said Gerard to de Proballe, with a bitter smile.

"Disarm him," commanded the Governor, his eyes flashing. "This is treason against the constituted ruler, monsieur."