If there be one among you ready to take Master François Villon's place on yonder gibbet, let that one speak now."
There was a brief silence as the mob began to realize the meaning of the king's words, a silence broken by angry cries.
"What does he mean? Take his place on the gallows! A trick—a trick!"
Louis grinned complacently.
"No trick, friends, but a simple bargain. Here is a man condemned to death; here is an idle gibbet. If ye prize him so highly, let one among you die for him. It has been said by the wise Apostle: 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' On my word as a king, when such a splendid volunteer is swinging at the end of yonder rope that moment Master François Villon shall go free. Come, who will slip neck in noose for the sake of a hero?"
Villon protested haughtily:
"No man shall die for me."
But, indeed, his protest was premature. The anger of the crowd dwindled into sullen clamours.
"The king laughs at us! 'Tis too much to ask."
A faint, exultant smile flickered over the king's face as he asked:
