But how to gain the parapet? I saw that it ran along a structure that stretched from the great east tower to a smaller one on the north. Perhaps from the tower there was a door that opened upon it.
But Fronsac of a sudden caught my arm.
“Look!” he cried between his teeth. “God’s blood! Look!”
I looked and saw Mademoiselle start from her companion in anger, stung by his words; but he caught her arm almost fiercely, and drew her to him. I could see the white face she turned to right and left.
“I will end it,” said Fronsac, and stepped from the shadow, musket to shoulder.
But I sprang after him and pulled it down.
“Not that!” I cried. “Not that! That would ruin everything! The garrison would be upon us in a moment!”
He looked at me with working face.
“What then?” he asked. “Quick, Marsan, what then?”
“We must surprise him,” I said. “We must gain the parapet. I too have an account to settle with that scoundrel!”