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332 "My lord, my lord," she cried in an agony of distress and fear. "I urge you, I beg you not to do this thing."

But the Governor was deaf to her entreaty, and having drawn up the file of men, stood by them, and himself gave the command in a voice thick with rage.

Gerard faced the men without a tremor.

"There will be a heavy reckoning for all concerned in this," he said; and his voice was as calm and steady as before.

The Governor's command rang out stern and sharp, and the guns went up to the men's shoulders.

Then, with a scream, Gabrielle tore herself from de Proballe, and snatching a sword from an officer as she passed, rushed in front of Gerard and held it to her heart.

"If he dies, I will plunge this to my heart, and my blood, with his, shall cry for vengeance upon you."

The Governor listened, his angry eyes fixed on Gabrielle.

"And if he lives?"

"I will do all you have asked."

"No," cried Gerard loudly. "I will not take my life on such a condition."

A moment's pause of acute suspense followed. Then the Governor nodded and said curtly—

"It is enough. You have saved his life, mademoiselle. He shall go free. But first take him to the Castle."

And in a few minutes the troops were on their way to the Castle, with Gerard in their midst, once more a prisoner.