Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-14

genuine. He remained seated while the
governor approached the dafs and SAID,
with a last low bow:
Il desire to offer my most hum BILE greet
ings to my lord Gerard de Bourbon, and
to bid you welcome to MorvaiX.''
Your recognition of my right and rank
a the son of MOrvaix' Suzerain comes
somewhat late, my lord duke, and my pre-
Nious reception at your hands was but an
Indifferent preface to this more fitting Sc
ouel. That preface yet remains to be eX-
planned"
Il had not then convinced myself that
you We're indeed Great Bourbon's SON.
You are, then, now conviEced?'
At this De Probable laughed aloud. and
the Suecr passed round the courtie:S. 1t
was he who had suggested to the governor
this hooking masquerade and the burlesque
treatment of Gerard, and irony of the scene
delighted him
But Gerard gave not a sign that he even
saw the sneer.
1T was well, my lord he said gravely.
And your purpOSe?'
1T is one that will doubtless please you"
answered the governor. The burleSque so
far had brought HIM far less pleasure than
anger. but he was now sure of his ground
He intended to make Gerard the medium of
announcing; his betrothal to Gabrielle, and
the thought of this triumph of Ingenuity ap
pealed to him. "Mademoisele de Malin-
court has been pleased to consent to betroth
herself to me, most noble lord; and your
gracious presence makes this a fitting OPP
portunity for the fact to be announced.
You will be good enough to announce it,
His tone was a threat, and such Ger
ard understood it.
''Betrothal?' he repeated, with an excel
lent stimulation of surprise, as if ignorant
of the whole matter. but is there not al
ready one Duchess de Rochelle?"
You know the facts welk" answered the
governor, dropping all form in his anger
DO what l say, or there may be bitter rea-
soTs to regret it
INT r1 faY
he, and replied in a very loud tone, as if
more surprised than ever:
DO you wish me to announce to all pres
ent that, having already one wife. you pro-
laws of France, my lord. l cannot make
such an announcement"
The governor bit his lip and frowned, and
said, in a threatening undertone:
IF you wish to leave Morvaix tonight
with your head on your shoulders, you will
it
You are tearing off the mask. then, at
last, said Gerard, calmly as before,
with 2 smile.
The duchess herself has agreed to a di-
vorce, SO that this marriage may take
place"
1t is a union 1 cannot and will not sane
ton, declared Gerard in a loud, firm voice.
In the name of the SuZerain of MorvaiX
forbid it. 1t must and shall not be-
we will have an end to this mockery"
cried the governor. turning to give an order
to his officers. But before he could deliver
it an interruption came The Duchess de
Rochelle was borne into the hall on a litter
Dead silence fell on all as the litter was
set down at the foot of the steps.
Here is the duchess to speak for her.
SELF said Gerard,
She was pale and fragile, but her eyes
were burning, and her voice thrilled all as
she spoke.
II have heard what has passed my
lord she said to Gerard; land l have
Hn-11n hos -n 1c-+ o5,,-+
pla ted wrong-the last of many / have en-
dured at my husbands hands. l will not
have this innocent girl sacrificed. l pro-
test solemnly against this infamy in the
name of God, the Holy Church, and of the
laws of France
The effort seemed to exhaust her
strength. and IS she fell back faint and
white, Gabrielle ran and knelt beside her.
A profound hush of expectancy fell upon
the great throng, each man holding his
breath in wonderment and suspense; and
before it was broken, officer entered
hurriedly and approached the governor.
My lord my lord he said excitedly. Il
crave your lordships pardon. Captain
Boutelle has sent me to report that large
force of troops are approaching the city"
AT last" whispered Gerard under his
breath, with deep sigh of relief
The governor turned to two of his cap
tains near him
Go at once. Des Mouths. and you.
Courvoir, and see what this means Close
the gates against them, and hold them in
parley till | come"
The men hurried out in company with
the officer who had brought the news.
Clear the hall. Captain Fourier; drive
these canaille back to the prisons until l
can deal with them
stop" cried Gerard. springing to his
feet. NO one leaves the hall except at
my orders. The force you hear of is a
Bourbon army coming here under my COM
mand- Your power is broken, my lord
duke. Who disobeys me now will answer
to the SuZerain duke, Great Bourbon, for
his disobedience. Bear the duchess away.
Gabrielle. you had better leave with her.
by God, you Shall rue this insolent pre-
sumption! Let the han be cleared, 1 say.
1t is |, the governor who order it,
The great hall became now the scene of
intense excitement and commotion.
The guards commenced to obey the gov
errors command to drive the prisoners
back to the cells Groans and hooting
broke out. and in the confusion Lucette
cnntriVed 10 slip past the soldiers and has
ten to Gabrielle. and with her left by the
side of the duchess litter.
Pascal, now called Gerard, Captain
Dubois, post your men at the doors and see
that no one enters"
ITO me, those who are for Bourbon
shouted Pascal Down with the guards
and he flung himself upon the soldier near
est 10 him, and, wrenching his musliet from
him, began 10 use 1t vigorously. This was
the signal for fierce conflict between the
prisoners and the guard, and in the mean
while Dubois. sending half his men to
guard the entrance to the hail. drew up the
remainder as a bodyguard TO protect Ger
ard. who had left the dais and was now
threatened by the officers and courtiers OF
the governor
The two bodies faced each other with
fierce. menacing looks: the governor head
ing his courtiers. and Gerard his men, Du-
bois close at his side; while the din and
clamor of the fight between prisoners and
soldiers rendered it impossible for d word
to be heard
The struggle was not long The prison
ers outnumbered their opponents by three
or four to one. and fought with the courag e
of men fighting for their freedom They
had Pascal to lead them, moreover. and he
had dubbed his musket and laid about him
with an energy and strength which none
could resist wherever he went. And he was
everywhere where the fight was thickest
and the stronger men. inspired by his ex-
ample. seized the soldiers weapons and
fought shoulder to shoulder with him with
terrible effect.
The tables were soon turned, and the
guards were beaten and overthrown or held
prisoners by the men who a few minutes
before had been covering before them
Before it ended however, another strug-
gle commenced. The governor, mad with
rage, called upon those with him and
drawing his sword. rushed at Gerard to cut
him down. unarmed he was. But Du-
bois had anticipated this and his sword
met that of the duke, who sought with all
his skill and trick of fence to break through
the others guard.