I was all but strangled myself.
"I care not whom you represent," said Gretchen. "I am obedient only to
the King, not his minions. Release the gentlemen."
The Count's arm slowly unwound. Hillars pressed down the sabre points
with his hands and shook off the hand of one of the cavalrymen.
"If it be Your Highness' will," he said, "we will throw these intruders
into the road. Might is right," waving his hand to the door which led
to the barroom.
The innkeeper and three others filed into the room, grimly and
silently. They were armed.
For the first time the Prince lost patience.
"This is all very well, Your Highness," he sneered. "You misunderstand
the limits of your power to command."
"Not in any part," said Gretchen. "I am sovereign here,
notwithstanding the King's will is paramount to my own. These people
are my people; these soldiers are fed of my bounty; this is my country
till the King takes it back. You will act further at your peril."
CHAPTER XIV
A bar of sunlight suddenly pervaded the room; red sunlight, lighting in
its passing a tableau I shall never forget.
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