"Stop! stop! cut the rope!"
But the voice was drowned in the yelling of the mob; moreover, the rope
was cut by a bullet. In vain did the guard resist; they were overborne
by the huge waves of people; the gallows was overthrown and demolished;
the executioners took flight; the crowd overflowed the square, seized
upon the body, tore it limb from limb, and dragged the pieces about
through the streets.
Stupid in its hatred, it believed that it was adding to the young
nobleman's punishment, whereas it was really saving him from the infamy
he dreaded so deeply.
During this scene Barrabas accosted the duke, and handed him the letter
of which he was the bearer, although he could see for himself that he
had arrived too late.
The duke, notwithstanding the brisk discharge of firearms, simply drew
a little aside,--for his courage was as calm and cool as every other of
his qualities,--and read the letter.
"It's a pity," he said, turning to his officers; "the plan that this
Nanon suggests would have been preferable perhaps; but what's done is
done.--By the way," he added after reflecting a moment, "as she is to
await our reply on the other side of the river, we may even yet be able
to gratify her."
Without further thought for the messenger, he put spurs to his horse,
and rode back with his escort to the princess.
At that moment the storm which had been gathering for some time, burst
over Bordeaux, and a heavy rain, accompanied with vivid lightning,
deluged the Esplanade as if to wash it clean of innocent blood.