"Fetch the knave out--alive." Garnache smiled at mademoiselle as the words were uttered.
"They want me alive," said he.

"That is a hopeful state of things.

Bear up, child; I may need your help ere we are through." "You shall find me ready, monsieur," she assured him for all her tremors.

He looked at the pale face, composed now by an effort of her will, and at the beautiful hazel eyes which strove to meet his with calm and to reflect his smile, and he marvelled at her courage as much as did she at his.
Then the assault began, and he could have laughed at the way in which a couple of those cut-throats--neither wishing to have the honour of meeting him singly--hindered each other by seeking to attack him at once.
At last the Dowager commanded one of them to go in.

The fellow came, and he was driven back by the sword that darted at him from above the barricade.
There matters might have come to a deadlock, but that Fortunio came forward with one of his men to repeat the tactics which had cost him a life already.