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Rh this last news is like to act as tinder to dry shavings and kindle the flame."

"I would that we had but some of their arms here in Malincourt," exclaimed Gerard. "It would save all other anxieties. Could you get us muskets and powder and ball, Babillon, think you?"

"Alone, I am helpless. A word from miladi would do all; but that might involve the disclosure of her presence here."

"It is worth any risk," said Gerard decisively. "If there is to be fighting, it can best be done from behind these walls."

"There must be no rising in the city, Babillon," said Gabrielle.

"Indignation, on the top of wrongs so long endured, burns very strong, and is spreading like a forest fire, miladi."

"It will be useless and worse, far worse than useless. Men untrained to fighting, lacking in leaders, and ill armed, cannot prevail against the Duke's soldiers. The citizens would be massacred and their houses sacked. It must not be," she declared.

"It need not be, if Babillon can but get the arms we want to Malincourt. How soon could you do this?" asked Gerard anxiously.

"We could get all in readiness, and as soon as night falls to give the cover of darkness they could be brought here."

"By nightfall," exclaimed Gerard in a tone of disappointment.

"My lord, it would be hopeless to make such an attempt in daylight with the city overrun as it is by troops."

"Stay, let me suggest," said Gabrielle. "Push on the preparations, Babillon, to do my lord's wish, and if aught should occur to spoil the venture and we should