I knew, indeed, that the pause presented our only chance, and I sprang on a chair and waved my hand for silence.
The instinct of obedience for the moment asserted itself; there was a stillness in the room.
"Beware!" I cried loudly--as loudly and confidently as I could, considering that there was a quaver at my heart as I looked on those savage faces, which met and yet avoided my eye.

"Beware of what you do! We are Catholics one and all like yourselves, and good sons of the Church.

Ay, and good subjects too! VIVE LE ROI, gentlemen! God save the King! I say." And I struck the barricade with my sword until the metal rang again.

"God save the King!" "Cry VIVE LA MESSE!" shouted one.
"Certainly, gentlemen!" I replied, with politeness.

"With all my heart.