"You shall see," said he, raising the pistol that he held in his right hand.
He fired, and when the smoke had cleared away, the face of the leader was exposed to view. The ball had struck the hat, which had fallen, and now a pair of dark, sinister eyes were glaring at the spot whence the insult had been sent.
"Have a care," said the prince, leaning forward and addressing the crowd. "If you send another missile against these walls, I will have twelve of your lives!"
The men, who were just about to fling their stones, paused and stared at one another in dumb perplexity.
Their leader, pale with rage, gave the word of command.
Eugene heard it, and called out in clear, defiant tones: "If the leader of this riot attempt a repetition of his order, I will break his right arm."
"Another volley, men!" shouted the chief.
A second report from the window was heard, which was answered by a yell from below. Eugene's ball had pierced the elbow of the leader, and the dismayed crowd had made a hasty movement toward the gates.
"Do you not see that there is no egress for you except through the palace? Look at the murderess there, instigating her whelp to new crimes! She exults over your weakness, and laughs at your panic. On! on! Batter down the doors!"
"On!" echoed the mob; and their stones were flung with such frenzy against the palace-doors, that its very walls trembled.