Our hands were upon the hilts of our swords.

At a word from her, they would have flashed forth, and De Gaucourt would have been a dead man had he sought to hinder us in the opening of the gate.

But the Maid read our purpose in our eyes and in our gestures, and she stayed us by her lifted hand.
"Not so, my friends," she answered gravely, "but the Chevalier de Gaucourt will himself order the opening of the gate.

I have to ride through it and at once.

My Lord bids it!" Her eyes flashed full and suddenly upon him.