A roar of rage burst from the soldiers who came running.

Dropping the weapon and reining his startled horse violently back, so as to give himself a certain present and temporary freedom of action, the Marquis drew his other pistol.
Lestoype spurred his horse in front of the Emperor, but Napoleon was not menaced.
"Have no fear," said the Marquis almost gently.

"I have failed my King.

The bullet goes into a truer heart--my own," he added proudly.
Before any one could stop him there was a flash, a muffled report, the spare figure reeled and fell forward on the saddle.

He, at least, after the manner of his house, would not survive a failure which, although he could not prevent it, must inevitably be charged against him.
"A brave man," said the Emperor coolly, staring at him with his hard, bright, gray eyes.