“You will answer for this to me, my lord Duke, as the son of your Suzerain,” said Gerard, stepping forward.
“Yes. I will answer to you and for you; and answer now, in this way.”
He signed to the soldiers, who then laid hands on Gerard.
“I will appeal to the people,” cried Gabrielle vehemently.
“There shall be substance for your appeal, too,” he replied. He was like a man beside himself with passion. “He shall not escape me again. Have a space cleared there,” he thundered to his men. “Bring up a file of men. This man is a spy and the ringleader of all the tumults to-day. He is condemned to death, and shall die now.”
Even his officers stood aghast at this.
“I demand, at least, the appearance of a trial,” said Gerard calmly.
“You have been tried already. I know your crimes, and have tried and condemned you. Do as I say,” he thundered to the officers, “or by the God of Heaven I shall know how to deal with those who mutiny against me.”
“I am the son of the Duke of Bourbon, and in his name I command you to disregard the Governor’s order,” said Gerard in a loud, firm tone.
“It is a lie, a lie. Disobey me at your peril.”