"Hell's peace!" roared the Governor. "Here is my answer," and he tore the paper in two and flung it into the messenger's face, bidding two of the soldiers seize him. "I have a further answer yet. If you do not surrender yourself and all in the house within an hour, I will order my troops to take it by force and burn it as the refuge of a murderer."
"We are in great strength, and shall resist you. You will refuse my demands at your peril."
The Governor's reply was a threat, emphasized with an oath as he wheeled his horse round and rode off.
"There goes the last chance of avoiding a conflict," said Pascal, as he and Gerard watched him.
"I am not so sure," answered Gerard thoughtfully. "We have taken him by surprise and set him a problem, and he is not so dull-witted as to think the solution can be found with just a threat and a curse."
