Astonished at the sight of Angelique, and maddened by her words as
much as by the blow he had received, Le Gardeur swore he would have
revenge upon the spot. With a wild cry and the strength and agility
of a panther he twisted himself out of the grasp of the habitans,
and drawing his sword, before any man could stop him, thrust it to
the hilt through the body of the Bourgeois, who, not expecting this
sudden assault, had not put himself in an attitude of defense to
meet it.
The Bourgeois fell dying by the side of the bleeding man who had
just received his alms, and in whose protection he had thus risked
and lost his own life.
"Bravo, Le Gardeur!" exclaimed De Pean; "that was the best stroke
ever given in New France. The Golden Dog is done for, and the
Bourgeois has paid his debt to the Grand Company."
Le Gardeur looked up wildly. "Who is he, De Pean?" exclaimed he.
"What man have I killed?"
"The Bourgeois Philibert, who else?" shouted De Pean with a tone of
exultation.
Le Gardeur uttered a wailing cry, "The Bourgeois Philibert! have I
slain the Bourgeois Philibert? De Pean lies, Angelique," said he,
suddenly turning to her.
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