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Rh the son of your Suzerain," said Gerard, stepping forward.

"Yes. I will answer to you and for you; and answer now, in this way."

He signed to the soldiers, who then laid hands on Gerard.

"I will appeal to the people," cried Gabrielle vehemently.

"There shall be substance for your appeal, too," he replied. He was like a man beside himself with passion. "He shall not escape me again. Have a space cleared there," he thundered to his men. "Bring up a file of men. This man is a spy and the ringleader of all the tumults to-day. He is condemned to death, and shall die now."

Even his officers stood aghast at this.

"I demand, at least, the appearance of a trial," said Gerard calmly.

"You have been tried already. I know your crimes, and have tried and condemned you. Do as I say," he thundered to the officers, "or by the God of Heaven I shall know how to deal with those who mutiny against me."

"I am the son of the Duke of Bourbon, and in his name I command you to disregard the Governor's order," said Gerard in a loud, firm tone.

"It is a lie, a lie. Disobey me at your peril."

Two of the officers approached and were venturing upon a remonstrance, when the Governor, mad with his rage, struck one of them a violent blow on the face and himself called up a file of the soldiers.

"Bring that villain here," he said to the men who held Gerard. They were too frightened to disobey him.

Gabrielle watched with bated breath, and was springing forward to again interfere when de Proballe put himself in her way.