The practice being ended, the troop formed in order of march, and began to move off the ground, taking a direction which brought them close to the spot where Pomperant was stationed with Hugues. He might have easily retired, but instead of doing so he made a sign to attract Marcelline's attention, and on beholding him she uttered a cry of surprise. The exclamation reached the ears of Marphise, who was riding in front of her, and, looking round, she was struck with the other's agitation, and inquired the cause. Marcelline made no reply; but as she looked very faint, the Amazonian leader immediately ordered a halt. “What ails you?” she said to Marcelline. “It is nothing--it will pass,” replied the other. “Leave me here. I will follow anon.” “The sight of that man troubles you,” said Marphisc, noticing the direction of her friend's gaze. “Who is he? I must know.” Instead of making any reply to the question, Marcelline sprang forward, and called out to Pomperant, “Away, or you are lost!” But before he could move a step, even if he intended to depart, Marphise was by his side. “You are a stranger in Marseilles!” she cried. “I arrest you as a spy.” “No, let him go; he is no spy,” interposed Marcelline. “Imprudent that you are to come here,” she added, in an under tone, to her lover. “It is as I suspected!” cried Marphise. “I am certain he is from the enemy's camp. This man is also with him,” she added, pointing to Hugues. “If I tell you who he is, Marphise, will you allow him to depart?” whispered Marcelline. “I know not that,” rejoined the other. “But speak!” “It is the Seigneur Pomperant,” replied Marcelline. “What! the friend of the traitor Bourbon!” exclaimed the Amazon. “Do you imagine I will let _him_ go? Never! I will rather hang him. Let thirty of the corps step forward and take charge of these men,” she shouted. The order was obeyed with surprising celerity, and Pomperant and Hugues were environed by a double row of spears. “Take the prisoners before Renzo da Ceri,” said the Amazon. “He will dispose of them.” “Marphise!” cried Marcelline, “if you have any love for me do not act thus. You need have no fear of the Seigneur Pomperant. I will answer for him with my life.” The Amazon reflected for a moment. “Is he content to remain a prisoner on parole?” she demanded. “Most assuredly,” replied Marcelline. “Let him answer for himself,” cried the Amazon. “Will you pledge your word that you will not attempt to quit Marseilles without permission?” she added to Pomperant. “Do not hesitate,” whispered Marcelline. “If you are taken before Renzo or Chabot de Brion, you are lost.” “Now, your answer?” cried Marphise. “I accept the conditions,” he replied. “I will not attempt to escape, and I will be answerable for my attendant.”