“Your Highness,” he said huskily, “spare me this and I will resign.”
“I will spare you nothing—give me your sword.”
The wretched officer made a convulsive movement and dragged his pistol from his belt, as if to turn it on the Prince or on himself.
“Put that down,” said William scornfully, and as he spoke a detachment of men entered the tent.
M. de Montbas flung down his pistol and stepped back.
The Prince spoke to the captain who had entered; he was a young Frieslander of the musketeers.
“Arrest M. de Montbas and keep him under strict guard. Monsieur,” he addressed the Vicomte, “will you give your sword to me or to this gentleman?”
The Frenchman drew his weapon and presented it to the Prince.
“The States will see justice done,” he said in a shaking voice.