Not a word did either of them say, but the soldier took two quick steps forward and struck at the headsman while he was still poising himself for a blow at the victim.

There was a thud, with a crackle like a breaking egg, and the bar flew into pieces.

The heads-man gave a dreadful cry, and dropped his axe, clapped his two hands to his head, and running zigzag across the scaffold, fell over, a dead man, into the courtyard beneath.
Quick as a flash De Catinat had caught up the axe, and faced De Montespan with the heavy weapon slung over his shoulder and a challenge in his eyes.
"Now!" said he.
The seigneur had for the instant been too astounded to speak.

Now he understood at least that these strangers had come between him and his prey.
"Seize these men!" he shrieked, turning to his followers.
"One moment!" cried De Catinat, with a voice and manner which commanded attention.

"You see by my coat what I am.