“This shall go no further. Your name, monsieur?” demanded the Governor. “Does not touch the truth or falsehood of what I say, and need not therefore be disclosed yet. I shall choose my own time to disclose it.” “You will tell it now, or suffer the consequences.” “I do not understand. Do you threaten me?” “By your own confession you have come sneaking here in an assumed name; as a spy of some sort. We soldiers have a short shrift for spies.” “Monsieur----” began Gabrielle, in a tone of entreaty, alarmed for Gerard’s safety, and a prey to many mingled emotions. “I have committed no offence, mademoiselle, save in having misled you to believe I was a worse man than I am. For that I have to crave your pardon, pleading only in excuse the reasons I have shown. For the rest, I have done no wrong,” he said, meeting confidently the Governor’s threatening looks. “You are a spy, monsieur, and as a spy shall be treated.” “It is no uncommon thing for strangers to travel without disclosing their names. Is that a crime in Morvaix which is a common practice all over France and Europe?” “Do you say now you are naught but a traveller?” “Far from it. I have a purpose in coming to your city.” “Then you are a spy, I say.” “I am no spy, monsieur. I am a soldier. A true son of France with none but pure French blood in my veins; and a loyal subject of His Majesty the King, of whom we are all subjects in common. I have fought under the great Bourbon, the Suzerain of this city and the territory of Morvaix. To hold me for a spy will argue ill of Morvaix and the rule that prevails here.” “You dare to threaten me, then?” “Monsieur has doubtless his papers to support his statements and a safe conduct from his powerful friends,” suggested de Proballe, with a sneer. “Aye, of course, produce them,” declared the Governor. “They may explain the suspicious manner of your coming.” “I can make good my words at any time,” said Gerard, not relishing this thrust. “The manner of my coming was my own choosing. But since I have been here your lordship must have seen for yourself my acts have been far from those of a spy.” De Proballe stepped forward and whispered eagerly to the Governor. “Is that so, indeed? I hear that even now you have been seen making careful observations of our Castle and the fortifications. You can of course explain so singular and apt a curiosity? Apt, I mean, as fitting with the conduct of a spy.” “Are the soldiers of France forbidden even to look at the fortifications of Morvaix’s famous Castle?” “Spies are so forbidden, monsieur, and when detected are dealt with as you, being a soldier, will understand.” “I repeat, I am no spy.” “Then prove it so, by declaring who you are.” “I am accustomed to have my word accepted, monsieur,” answered Gerard proudly. The Governor was about to answer when de Proballe laid a hand on his arm and drew him to one side.