“Who dares to lay a hand on me may look to himself. I see your plan, monsieur,” said Gerard to de Proballe, with a bitter smile. “Disarm him,” commanded the Governor, his eyes flashing. “This is treason against the constituted ruler, monsieur.” “Gerard, Gerard!” cried Gabrielle in dire alarm. “Come, Gabrielle, you must not interfere in this,” and de Proballe seized her hand and drew her aside. Gerard sprang forward to interfere, but the soldiers interposed and prevented him. “Cut him down if he resists,” was the Governor’s command, implacably given. For some moments the fierce unequal combat raged, and two of the soldiers being wounded, the others fell back for a moment. “My lord, stop this fighting,” cried Gabrielle, struggling to free herself from de Proballe’s grasp. At her voice Gerard turned and made as if to go to her, but the soldiers, seeing that his eyes were turned from them, chose the moment to rush in again and one of them sprang upon him from behind. Thus hampered he was soon overpowered by the number who attacked him, his sword was wrenched from his grasp, and he was led away a prisoner. CHAPTER XV A PRISONER Gabrielle witnessed the attack upon Gerard with almost breathless fear lest he should be wounded or even killed in the fight; but when she saw him led away a prisoner every feeling was merged in fierce hot resentment at the outrage. De Proballe retained his hold of her until Gerard had been taken away, and the instant he released her she turned upon him in magnificent indignation, she drew herself to her full height and looked at him with eyes flashing with anger. “You have shown me your true character at last, M. le Baron, and from this point our roads part, and we are strangers.” “I did it for your own good, Gabrielle,” he said apologetically. “You did it because I am only a woman. Were I a man you should pay the penalty here and now. But there are those in my household who will not tamely see me maltreated, and if you consult your safety you will avoid Malincourt. If you come there, I will have you driven from my door.” “You are very angry and therefore very unreasonable.” She turned her back upon him without a word more and approached the Governor. “For the moment you have your way, M. le Duc; but the day has not yet dawned when the influence of my house of Malincourt stands for naught in Morvaix. You have foully outraged an innocent and honourable man, and if I have to carry my appeal in person to the King of France, I will have justice done.” “I will see you later, mademoiselle, when your indignation has somewhat spent itself and you can better appreciate what has occurred.” “My indignation will never pass, my lord, until justice has been done.” “Justice will be done, mademoiselle; have no fear on that score. What you have witnessed is but the needful preliminary.” “What I mean is justice according to the laws of France, and not according to the Tyrant of Morvaix,” she cried fearlessly.