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206 "For what crime am I made a prisoner and threatened with the torture?"

"Prisoners are to answer, not question."

"Is it your custom here in Morvaix to imprison men first and ascertain their crimes afterwards? And to use the rack and the boot to drive them to make a false confession? This is not the law of France, my lord Duke, and you will beware how you threaten me with such iniquity."

"Will you speak and say who you are?"

"I bear a name, my lord, which, were I to mention it, would make even you pause in the contemplation of this outrage. It is enough that I say I am a soldier and a man of honour and standing, with full right to be in your city. If I withhold my name now, it is only that I may see how far report has belied the evil reputation of your rule, and to what lengths you will go in wronging an innocent man."

"Brave words, brave words," sneered de Proballe.

"As for you, monsieur," said Gerard, turning upon him. "Your notorious life in Paris prepared me to find you playing the part I see you filling in Morvaix. Having wormed your way with lies into your niece's confidence, you were ready to betray her in the vile scheme your own lips confessed to me. Coward, bully, cheat, liar, and scoundrel, the part of procurer was still open to you in baseness; and you filled it with a treachery worthy even of you. Have no fear: you shall have your reward."

"'Fore God, this is too much," cried de Proballe, rushing forward to strike Gerard in the face. But the Governor prevented him; he was none too sorry to hear de Proballe abused.

"Stay, monsieur," he said with cold contempt. "You take the truth badly. If you are minded to strike that blow, I will have the prisoner set free for your benefit."

"I have not deserved this at your hands, my lord,"