[CHAPTER XXVI]
THE VENGEANCE OF THE MOB
By the carriage there was silence for a moment, but the more distant part of the crowd was still shouting, and the music had not ceased to roll along the aisles of the great church.
A laugh broke the silence.
"A dozen men!" exclaimed Felix, "and we stand like fools. Quick, de Bornais, shout a command! The delay need be only for a moment."
But no word came from de Bornais, and without it his men did not move.
"Are you afraid?" Felix cried. "Ho! men of Vayenne, to the rescue of your Duchess!"
He tried to spring forward to lead the attack, but two of Herrick's companions seized him, and held him fast.
But his words had their effect. Unarmed as it was, the crowd surged toward the carriage, sullen determination in its face, angry threatening in its throat.
"Curse you, de Bornais! Shout!" raged the Count, struggling to free himself.