ondence, and obtained their sanction
for prosecuting his plans? This officer has been employed for the last
two years or more in carrying the despatches to the Hague, and it must
at once strike your majesty, that a person who can, with such dexterity,
open the letters of others, can also open those of his own Government."

"That is true, my lord," replied his majesty, musing.

"Your majesty is well aware that suspicions were entertained of the
fidelity of the syndic, suspicions which the evidence of this officer
have verified. But why were these suspicions raised? Because he knew
of the Government secrets, and it was supposed he obtained them from
some one who is in our trust, but inimical to us and unworthy of the
confidence reposed in him.

"Your majesty's acuteness will at once perceive that the secrets may
have been obtained by Mynheer Krause by the same means as have been
resorted to, to obtain the secrets of the conspirators. I may be in
error, and if I do this officer wrong by my suspicions, may God forgive
me, but there is something in his looks which tells me--"

"What, my lord?"

"That he is a traitor to both parties, may it please your majesty."

"By the Lord, Albemarle, I think you have hit upon the truth," replied
the Duke of Portland.

"Of that we shall soon have proof--at present, we have to decide whether
it be advisable to employ him to discover more, or at once seize upon
the parties he has denounced. But that had better be canvassed in the
council-chamber. Come, my lords, they be waiting for us."

The affair was of too great importance not to absorb all other business,
and it was decided that the house of Mynheer Krause, and of the Jesuit,
and the widow Vandersloosh should be entered by the peace-officers, at
midnight, and that they and any of the conspirators who might be found
should be thrown into prison. That the cutter should be dispatched
immediately to England, with orders to seize all the other parties
informed against by Vanslyperken, and that a force should be sent to
attack the cave, and secure those who might be found there, with
directions to the admiral, that Mr Vanslyperken should be employed both
as a guide, and to give the assistance of the cutter and his crew.

These arrangements having been made, the council broke up, King William
had a conference with his two favourites, and Vanslyperken was sent for.

"Lieutenant Vanslyperken, we feel much indebted to you for your