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328 "Now, my lord, you must see the uselessness of further resistance," said Gerard. "You will give me your sword."

"To a treacherous dog like you? Never!" was the fierce answer.

"Do you speak of treachery? I saved your life to-day in the market-place, thinking that some spark of honour might remain to you to be roused by the act—and your reward was an order that I should be shot. And but now you sought to drive your sword into my heart, unarmed though I was. I will have no mercy for you: nothing but justice. Come, your sword. You are powerless."

The Governor had a curse on his lips, but checked it, as a great shout came from Pascal and the Bourbons with him.

"The Castle is ours, my lord. D'Alembert is here," cried Pascal; and the Bourbon soldiers came streaming into the hall, with d'Alembert at their head.

The Governor glanced round him with the look of a hunted beast, and then said sullenly—

"I have no option, it seems." He held out his sword as if about to give it up; but, with a sudden change, he uttered a cry of rage, and lunged forward swiftly at Gerard's heart.

Only just did the thrust miss as Gerard, fortunately suspicious, had noted the change of look and leapt aside.

With a curse at himself for his failure, the Governor sprang from the men who rushed up, and plunged the sword into his own heart.