“I can make good my words at any time,” said Gerard, not relishing this thrust. “The manner of my coming was my own choosing. But since I have been here your lordship must have seen for yourself my acts have been far from those of a spy.”
De Proballe stepped forward and whispered eagerly to the Governor.
“Is that so, indeed? I hear that even now you have been seen making careful observations of our Castle and the fortifications. You can of course explain so singular and apt a curiosity? Apt, I mean, as fitting with the conduct of a spy.”
“Are the soldiers of France forbidden even to look at the fortifications of Morvaix’s famous Castle?”
“Spies are so forbidden, monsieur, and when detected are dealt with as you, being a soldier, will understand.”
“I repeat, I am no spy.”
“Then prove it so, by declaring who you are.”
“I am accustomed to have my word accepted, monsieur,” answered Gerard proudly.
The Governor was about to answer when de Proballe laid a hand on his arm and drew him to one side.
“Why not declare yourself, monsieur?” asked Gabrielle, half-hesitatingly, as the others drew out of earshot. “You little know the Duke if you think you can safely hold him at defiance thus.”