To the death.—­I saved his life.

GOUROC.

But suppose the Duke is called before the signal comes!—­I must go and find some man to take his place.

GOUROC starts to go.  PAUL’S face lights with a sudden resolution.

PAUL.

Stop!  The man is found.

GOUROC.

Who is he?

PAUL.

The man they call a traitor—­Paul Kauvar.

GOUROC.

[Suppressing a smile of surprise.]

You?

PAUL.

Yes.  When safely out of France, tell them of my fate.  My death may convince them I loved too deeply to betray.

[A bell begins to toll.

A VOICE.

[In the distance.]

Hubert, Marquis de Ferrand,—­Mardoche, alias the Abbe de St. Simon—­

GOUROC.

They’re calling the condemned; there’s not an instant to be lost.

[Crossing to cell.]

In this cell there hangs an old man’s coat and wig, kept here to disguise the spies connected with the prison.  Luckily they’ll serve your purpose well.

[Opening cell door.]

Quick!—­Get ready to answer when the Duke is called.

PAUL.

Tell my wife I died for love of her, and honour.

[Exit.

GOUROC.

[In exultation.]

Thank luck!—­This man’s death clears my path, and saves the money I meant to pay the Abbe.

Enter DIANE and NANETTE.

DIANE.

Where is he?  I must see him once again!—­Paul!  Paul!

[Starting at sight of GOUROC.]

Who’s there?

GOUROC.

Tis I!  Here to save your father.

THE VOICE.

[Outside.]

Comte de Vigny,—­Andre de la Roche—­

GOUROC.

That’s the last call of the condemned.—­Your father’s name stands next upon the roll.

DIANE.

Save him!—­Save him!

GOUROC.

Obey me instantly, or all is lost; hide quickly in this cell!  Trust to me and wait.

DIANE.