“It is worthy of the Baron de Proballe to gloat over a helpless man,” answered Gerard contemptuously.
“Exactly, helpless is just the right word, prisoner.”
“The Duke of Rochelle has surely some other motive in coming here than to allow this carrion to insult me,” said Gerard, turning to the Governor.
The Governor smiled at de Proballe’s start of anger.
“I have come to you with a merciful object.”
“I seek no mercy at your hands, monsieur. If you have come to do tardy justice it will suffice for me, for you will order the gaoler there to unbind my hands and set me free.”
“Not so fast, prisoner, not so fast,” cried de Proballe.
“I addressed you, monsieur,” said Gerard to the Governor.
“What would it be but mercy that should impel me to pardon the murderer, Gerard de Cobalt?”
“I am no murderer, neither am I M. de Cobalt.”