Julie snatched
up the sword and held the governor at bay with it.
For some moments the distant clatter of galloping horses had been rapidly
increasing.
"Quick!" shouted La Chatre through the window to the approaching troops.
"To the rescue!"
And he stood wildly beckoning them on, but keeping his head turned
towards Montignac and me, who both fought with the greatest fury. For I
saw that I had found at last an antagonist requiring all my strength and
skill, one with whom the outcome was not at all certain.
The tumult of hoofs grew louder and nearer.
"Ernanton, fly while we can! The soldiers are coming!"
Mademoiselle threw La Chatre's sword to a far corner, ran to the door
leading from the stairway landing, closed it, and pushed home the bolt.
"They are at the gate! They are entering!" cried the governor, joyously.
"Another minute, Montignac!"
There was the rushing clank of hoofs on the drawbridge, then from the
courtyard rose a confused turbulence of horses, men, and arms.
Again my weapons clashed with Montignac's. Julie looked swiftly around.
Her eye alighted on the dagger that lay on one of the chairs. She drew it
from its sheath.
"If we die, it is together!" she cried, holding it aloft.
There came a deadened, thumping sound, growing swiftly to great volume.
It was that of men rushing up the stairs.
"To the rescue!" cried La Chatre.
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