I fixed my eyes on Darrell, but he would not meet my gaze; the point of his sword tapped the floor on which it rested, for his hand was shaking like a leaf.
"There's no weapon on him," announced the officer.
"Very well.

Leave him with me, sir, and retire with your men to the foot of the steps.

If you hear a whistle, return as quickly as possible." The officer bowed, turned about, and departed, followed by his men.
Darrell and I stood facing one another for a moment.
"In hell's name, what's the meaning of this, Darrell ?" I cried.

"Has Madame brought the Bastille over with her, and are you made Governor ?" He answered not a word.

Keeping his sword still in readiness, he knocked with the muzzle of his pistol on the door by him.