“Cut him down if he resists,” was the Governor’s command, implacably given.
For some moments the fierce unequal combat raged, and two of the soldiers being wounded, the others fell back for a moment.
“My lord, stop this fighting,” cried Gabrielle, struggling to free herself from de Proballe’s grasp.
At her voice Gerard turned and made as if to go to her, but the soldiers, seeing that his eyes were turned from them, chose the moment to rush in again and one of them sprang upon him from behind. Thus hampered he was soon overpowered by the number who attacked him, his sword was wrenched from his grasp, and he was led away a prisoner.
CHAPTER XV
A PRISONER
GABRIELLE witnessed the attack upon Gerard with almost breathless fear lest he should be wounded or even killed in the fight; but when she saw him led away a prisoner every feeling was merged in fierce hot resentment at the outrage.
De Proballe retained his hold of her until Gerard had been taken away, and the instant he released her she turned upon him in magnificent indignation, she drew herself to her full height and looked at him with eyes flashing with anger.
“You have shown me your true character at last, M. le Baron, and from this point our roads part, and we are strangers.”
“I did it for your own good, Gabrielle,” he said apologetically.
“You did it because I am only a woman. Were I a man you should pay the penalty here and now. But there are those in my household who will not tamely see me maltreated, and if you consult your safety you will avoid Malincourt. If you come there, I will have you driven from my door.”