For Heaven's sake,--for my sake,--linger not
within his reach. There is death in his very presence."
"Your wife, sir!" haughtily observed the governor, with
irrepressible astonishment and indignation in his voice;
"what mean you?--Gentlemen, resume your places in the
ranks.--Clara--Miss de Haldimar, I command you to retire
instantly to your apartment.--We will discourse of this
later, Sir Everard Valletort. I trust you have not dared
to offer an indignity to my child."
While he was yet turned to that officer, who had taken
his post, as commanded, in the inner angle of the square,
and with a countenance that denoted the conflicting
emotions of his soul, he was suddenly startled by the
confused shout and rushing forward of the whole body,
both of officers and men. Before he had time to turn, a
loud and well-remembered yell burst upon his ear. The
next moment, to his infinite surprise and horror, he
beheld the bold warrior rapidly ascending the very staff
that had been destined for his scaffold, and with Clara
in his arms.
Great was the confusion that ensued. To rush forward and
surround the flag-staff, was the immediate action of the
troops.
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