“Spoken as I would have my Gabrielle speak and think,” he said.
Some one came then saying that Babillon was asking for Gabrielle, and he was brought in to them.
“You have some news, Babillon?” asked Gabrielle.
“I have not been idle, miladi. The news of your trouble has roused the burghers of the city, and at a word from you they will rise in your defence.”
“Have you said aught that mademoiselle is here?” asked Gerard quickly.
“No, my lord. The tale has spread from the Castle that you have all escaped from the city and are hiding in the hills to the north. That miladi should be thus driven to such extremities to avoid the persecutions of the Governor has caused the present tumult, and I am supposed to be able to communicate with her. Miladi has many adherents even among the troops of the Governor, and from them has gone abroad the story of her wrongs. The burghers have long had their bitter grievances and have been arming themselves; and now this last news is like to act as tinder to dry shavings and kindle the flame.”
“I would that we had but some of their arms here in Malincourt,” exclaimed Gerard. “It would save all other anxieties. Could you get us muskets and powder and ball, Babillon, think you?”
“Alone, I am helpless. A word from miladi would do all; but that might involve the disclosure of her presence here.”
“It is worth any risk,” said Gerard decisively. “If there is to be fighting, it can best be done from behind these walls.”
“There must be no rising in the city, Babillon,” said Gabrielle.