“Ah! if we could only get them and make our escape before Lacheneur comes!”
The temptation was too strong to be resisted.
One of them rose suddenly, and, seizing the duchess by the back of the neck, he forced her head down upon the table.
The diamonds would have been torn from the ears of Mme. Blanche had it not been for Camille, who bravely came to the aid of her mistress.
Martial could endure no more. He sprang to the door of the hovel, opened it, and entered, bolting it behind him.
“Martial!”
“Monsieur le Duc!”
These cries escaping the lips of Mme. Blanche and Camille in the same breath, changed the momentary stupor of their assailants into fury; and they both precipitated themselves upon Martial, determined to kill him.
With a spring to one side, Martial avoided them. He had his revolver in his hand; he fired twice and the wretches fell. But he was not yet safe, for the young soldier threw himself upon him, and attempted to disarm him.
Through all the furious struggle, Martial did not cease crying, in a panting voice: