"We will do it," said one of Balde's most fervent adherents. "It is only justice, and it is the only law which the tyrant understands--the law of might."
"It is the law which he himself has taught us," said another, "the law of retributive justice."
"The law of treachery, of rapine, and of outrage," now broke in Mark's firm, clear voice once more; it rose above the tumult, above the hubbub which centred round the person of Peter Balde; it rang against the pillars and echoed from end to end of the aisle. "Are we miserable rabble that we even dream of murder?"
"Not of murder," cried Balde in challenge, "only of vengeance!"
"Your vengeance!" thundered Mark, "do you dare speak of it in the house of Him who says 'I will repay!'"
"God is on our side, He will forgive!" cried some of them.
"Everything, except outrage! ... what you propose is a deed worthy only of hell!"
"No! no! Balde is right! Magnanimity has had its day! But for this truce to-day who knows? we might have been masters of the Kasteel!"
"Will the murdering of helpless prisoners aid your cause, then?"
"It will at least satisfy our craving for revenge!"