“Yes, yes, anything. I will do anything. My God, anything!”
“Down with the Tyrant. Give him to us. Death to the Tiger of Morvaix!” came the cries, with even fiercer vehemence.
Again Gerard stood with uplifted hand.
“Peace!” he called. “Miladi of Malincourt will speak to you.”
At this the cheers came again as Gabrielle, with heightened colour, waited for silence.
“I beg you listen to me. I bring you peace, and in the name of the Governor I promise you an end to your wrongs and sufferings.”
The cheers rang out again, and as they died down some voices called: “We are starving. What of the tax on our food?”
“It shall be repealed,” said the Governor.
“The Governor pledges his word it shall be repealed,” cried Gabrielle. A deafening storm of wild joyous shouts burst out with mighty cries of “God bless Malincourt! Long live Miladi of Malincourt!”
“Will he keep his promise?” cried a stentorian voice.