“But,” interrupted Lady Marmaduke, “why not strike before he can get his defense together. I can fill out your number with twenty armed men of my own.” “You are too hasty,” replied the Earl. “Remember the old proverb: Give the devil rope enough to hang himself. The patroon can never gather head to harm us now.” “Harm us!” exclaimed Lady Marmaduke in contempt. “Is your own safety all you have to care for? Had you seen my poor husband as I saw him last night, the skin nearly cut through by his sharp bones, and too weak to say a dozen words. No, if you have nothing but harm to fear, I have revenge to seek. While he lives I shall not rest. I swear before God, if you will not help me I shall do it alone. Do you suppose I can forget? My husband stolen away and me mourning him for dead. And well nigh dead he is. Ah, I have had dreams. I have seen this moment coming. I knew there was to be a day of reckoning. God’s help! This day Yorke shall see great deeds. They call me the people’s friend. I shall try the people. The voice of the people is the voice of God.” Lady Marmaduke strode rapidly out of the room and in a moment she was gone. “Follow her, Le Bourse,” said my patron. “She is at her wits’ end. She has had great wrong. I fear she will do something rash.” The news of the priest’s arrest had already got abroad, and also the truth about the French fleet. Although it confirmed their fears the people felt more at ease, for they knew now what to expect, and had full confidence in the governor. When I reached the gate of the fort a crowd of loiterers was gathered about the Marmaduke pump. When my lady appeared they greeted her with cheers. “Good friends,” she said. “Silence there,” cried several. “Lady Marmaduke is speaking.” In a moment there was silence. “Good friends, good people, I believe you love me and my house. I have come to throw myself upon your protection.” There were more cheers, and cries of: “We will!” “Hear, hear.” “Right or wrong we’ll follow Lady Marmaduke.” “But it is right,” she continued, silencing them with her hand. “There has been a great wrong. The patroon of the Hanging Rock has been trying to sell the city to the French.” “Down with the French! Down with the Van Volkenberg! Treason, treason!” There were some of my own countrymen in the crowd, but they shouted with the rest. Our French persecutors were not considered as fellow-countrymen in those days. “My good friends, do not be rash. Go about the city. Summon those who love me. Tell them to come to Marmaduke Hall in half an hour. There I will show you proof.” “We want no proof. To the Hanging Rock!” “Stay, friends, stay; do as I bid you. Before Marmaduke Hall in thirty minutes.” She stepped into her chair and was carried home. Half an hour later there was a great crowd before her house. She appeared on the balcony.