XIII. HOW POMPERANT WAS ORDERED FOR, EXECUTION.
Ever sinee the departure of the two deputies to Avignon, Pomperant had been kept in strict confinement in the Tour de Saint Paul. One morning the door of his dungeon was opened by an officer, whose sombre looks proclaimed his errand.
“You are come to bid me prepare for death, I perceive, captain,” said Pomperant, with as much composure as he could command.
“You have guessed rightly, monseigneur,” replied the officer. “The two deputies have been captured, and unless they are liberated before noon you will be executed. A message has been sent to that effect to the Duke de Bourbon.”
“At least the commanders will let me die as becomes a gentleman—not as a common malefactor?” said Pom-perant.
“I cannot give you that consolation, monseigneur,” rejoined the officer. “You are to be hanged from the summit of this tower in face of the hostile army. The execution will take place precisely at noon. You have yet an hour to live.”
“An hour! Is that all?” mentally ejaculated Pom-perant.
“Send a priest to me, I pray you, captain,” he said, with forced calmness. “I would fain make my peace with Heaven.”
The officer then withdrew, and shortly afterwards a priest entered, who received the prisoner's confession, and gave him absolution.
“I will leave you now, my son,” said the holy man, “but I shall remain without, and will attend you at the last.”