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Rh "You have no right, my lord Duke. I am holding it by command of the Lord Gerard de Bourbon under the authority of your Suzerain, the Duke de Bourbon, whose officer I am."

"Where is this Lord Gerard?"

"I am here," said Gerard, stepping forward.

The Governor laughed contemptuously, and de Proballe joined him.

"Come out to me, then, that I may pay my homage," he sneered. "Why didn't you announce yourself before, that I might have rendered it when you were a prisoner in the Castle?"

"I shall receive your homage in my own time, and when I come for it it will be with sufficient force at my back to exact it."

"Your noble lordship's caution is timely, yet a little suspicious, considering all things. If you will not come out to me, open the door of Malincourt that I may come in to you. I am more than wishful to render you your due. I am anxious, I promise you."

"I am the bearer of a despatch to your lordship from my father, which will prove the commission I hold from him."

"By all means bring it me."

"I am sending it that you may see great Bourbon's seal and signature," and as he spoke a young lieutenant who had left the house secretly made his way toward the Governor and handed him the paper.

The Governor took it with a scowl and glanced at it.

"Have you any other forgeries?" he demanded.

"I await your answer and submission."

"Submission, in God's name! And pray what are your noble lordship's commands for me?"

"That you at once dismiss the force that you have wrongfully brought against this house and leave me and all here in peace."