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204 Pierre left his work, crossed toward Gerard, and answered in a low tone.

"It means what I did not purpose to tell you yet—that I am your friend at the bidding of others. We shall set you free, you and the other prisoner, the monk. My work here I must do; otherwise I might be suspected; and I meant to hold my tongue until it profited to speak."

"Who are those others?"

"Some one is coming. Silence," said Pierre hastily, as he withdrew to the other end of the cell and busied himself again with his gruesome task.

Presently a knock sounded on the door, and Pierre let drop the irons he held with a clanking sound. The knock was repeated; and he opened the door.

The Governor and de Proballe entered.

"Why did you keep me waiting?" demanded the former angrily.

"I was working yonder, my lord, and did not hear you."

"I heard the clanking of irons," said de Proballe. "I ordered him to have all in readiness."

Pierre went back to his work, and the two stood looking down at Gerard.

"You can see now what comes of defying the Governor and playing me false, M. Gerard de Cobalt," said de Proballe, with an evil smile. "And this is only the beginning; unless you are in another mood."

"It is worthy of the Baron de Proballe to gloat over a helpless man," answered Gerard contemptuously.

"Exactly, helpless is just the right word, prisoner."

"The Duke of Rochelle has surely some other motive in coming here than to allow this carrion to insult me," said Gerard, turning to the Governor.

The Governor smiled at de Proballe's start of anger.

"I have come to you with a merciful object."