“You are listening, and ready, Ivan?” I called.
“Yes, monsieur, quite ready.”
It was enough. The gesticulations ceased, and those who were against violence had once more the upper hand.
After that the end came soon.
Two of the men went out and returned with Helga, the Duchess Stephanie, and the women-servants.
Helga’s face lighted when she caught sight of me as the knot of men fell back and made way for them all to pass.
“No one has been hurt?” I asked her.
“No, not hurt; badly scared, some of us,” she replied. “But what has happened?”
“We have been arguing on the subject of hostages, and these gentlemen have taken my view of the subject. There will be no more fighting. Will you all go upstairs for a few minutes?”
As the men were leaving the house, I called one of the grooms down and told him to saddle a couple of horses.