"What do you want?" The harsh strident voice was feeble and husky as the question came from trembling lips.
"Send those men away, all of them. Say all is well, and bid them cease their efforts."
Realising his helplessness and too appalled by his imminent peril to attempt treachery, he turned toward the door and called to Pierre by name. But his quavering voice was drowned by the din and clatter those outside were making.
"Louder, louder," whispered Gerard.
"Pierre, Pierre," called the Governor; but the call was still unheard, and with the hilt of the knife Gerard knocked angrily at the door.
The clamour ceased and all was still as the grave.
"Are you there, my lord?" asked Pierre.
"Yes, Pierre. Cease your efforts."
"Is that really you, my lord?"
"Louder, and in your natural tone, or—" threatened Gerard.
"Who should it be, fellow? Send those men away, I say," cried the Governor with an effort.
"It is the Governor. You are to go away," they heard Pierre say to the others; and their footsteps were heard as they went, growing fainter until the distance swallowed them.
"Tell him to go too, but to leave the keys in the door," prompted Gerard next.
"Are you there, Pierre?"
"Yes, my lord."
"I told you all to go away. Leave the keys."
"You have saved your life," said Gerard, releasing his hold; and the Governor fell prone on the prisoner's bed, as Gerard gave a deep-drawn sigh of relief. The first part of the struggle was over and had ended in victory.
