proofs of their submission. He gave
them to his attendants, and said to the ambassadors, "You have kept us
waiting somewhat long outside: truly we should very shortly have
mounted the walls, and have lighted up your town with our own hands,
and made your eyes smart with the smoke of it. Why did you keep us
waiting so long?"

"Oh, my Lord!" said one of the old men, "as far as the burghers were
concerned they were ready to open the gates instantly; but we have some
few principal members of the League still among us, who held long and
dangerous speeches to the people to instigate them to rebellion against
your grace. That is the true cause of the delay."

"Ha! who are those men?" said the Duke. "I hope you have taken care not
to let them escape, for I would like to say a word to them."

"God forbid, your highness! we know our duty to our lord, and therefore
seized them immediately and put them in confinement. Is it your wish to
see them?"

"To-morrow morning in the castle, I'll examine them. Send to the
executioner at the same time; perhaps it will be requisite to take
their heads off."

"Prompt justice, just what they deserve," said a shrill croaking voice
behind the two burghers.

"Who is it that interrupts me?" said the Duke, when looking around, an
extraordinary figure of diminutive size stepped forward, carrying a
hump with which nature had ornamented his back, and which was concealed
under a black silk cloak. His well-combed grey locks were covered by a
small pointed hat; a pair of eyes, which bespoke cunning and intrigue,
sparkled under bushy grey eyebrows; and a thin moustache, which sprung
out from under an eagle-like nose, gave him much the appearance of a
feline animal. An expression of fawning courteousness lay upon his
wrinkled features, and when he uncovered his head at the Duke's salute,
Albert felt an insuperable disgust and a peculiar abhorrence at the
sight of him.

The Duke, when he noticed the little man, called to him in a friendly
way: "Ha! Ambrosius Bolland, our chancellor! are you still alive? You
might have made your appearance before now, methinks, for you must have
known we were in our country again; but you are, notwithstanding,
welcome to us."

"Most illustrious Duke!" answered the chancellor, Ambrosius Bolland, "I
have been laid up with a violent fit of gout, which would scarcely
allow me to leave my house; pardon me, therefore, your----"

"Very well, very well," said the Duke, sm