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338 as he stood by the Great Seat and looked about him. In his surprise he had not noticed Gabrielle when entering; but in a moment he saw her and went to her.

"What can this mockery portend, Gerard?" she asked nervously.

"Nay, I know not. The Governor seeks to amuse himself, I gather; but I care not so long as he does but waste enough time over it."

"It has some sinister meaning."

"So he will find, if he will but mock long enough," he answered drily. "Meanwhile, we will play up to him in a way he will find little to his liking. Come. I will have a seat placed for you by my side."

"No, no. Let us not anger him further," she said, shrinking. "It is not prudent."

"His anger is nothing to us. In an hour or two at most he will be on his knees to us, in no mocking mood, I promise you. Come;" and he took her hand, and leading her to the daïs he ordered d'Estelle to place a chair for her by him.

"I have no commands of the kind, most noble lord," he sneered.

"I command here now. Do as I bid you," answered Gerard sternly; and after a second's hesitation it was done.

The moment after Gabrielle had taken her seat the soldier next Dubois let his musket drop, and at the clanging noise Gerard looked round and saw Dubois. It was a device to attract his attention to the fact that the whole of Bassot's company were present.

Dubois, with a meaning glance, looked across to the prisoners, and Gerard, following the direction of his eyes, saw Pascal and Lucette. His face maintained its grave set expression; but his eyes were full of meaning as he met Pascal's and glanced first at the prisoners and then at the men guarding them.