“I pledge my honour.”
Gerard repeated this in his ringing tone.
“The Governor pledges his honour as a noble of France to repeal the tax—a pledge no man dare break.”
“You have saved my life, mademoiselle, you and this monk,” said the Governor, not recognizing Gerard, who had kept his face carefully averted, and now drew his cowl closer.
“We have saved the people,” answered Gabrielle, whose eyes were shining with the excitement of the scene.
“Get me away if you can,” said the Governor next. “Oh, thank God, thank God, at last!” he cried with a sudden change of tone, as a volley of musketry was heard, and a large body of mounted troops dashed through the crowd and mustered in force round the statue, on the base of which the three stood.
With the troops round him, the Governor’s courage returned, and as his fears vanished his true nature reasserted itself. He scowled at the crowd.
“Charge them, charge them, the canaille!” he cried passionately. “Cut them down, the dogs. To threaten me! Give them the steel!”
“My lord, is this keeping your pledge?” asked Gerard indignantly.
“You did well, sir monk, you saved my life, and shall have fitting reward; but this is my business.”