tary force in the
Netherlands, and need fear no one. If they begged and entreated they
would be dismissed with copper coins; but if they enforced their demands
they would become rich and prosperous.

With flashing eyes he extolled what the troops, and he himself had done;
he enlarged upon the hardships they had borne, the victories won for the
king. He asked nothing but good pay for blood and toil, good pay, not
coppers and worthless promises.

Loud shouts of approval followed his speech, and a gunner, who now held
the rank of captain, exclaimed enthusiastically:

"Navarrete, the hero of Lepanto and Haarlem, is right! I know whom I will
choose."

"Victor, victor Navarrete!" echoed from many a bearded lilt.

But Zorrillo interrupted these declarations, exclaiming, not without
dignity, while raising his baton still higher. "The election will take
place to-morrow, gentlemen; we are holding a council to-day. It is very
warm in here; I feel it as much as you do. But before we separate, listen
a few minutes to a man, who means well." Zorrillo now explained all the
reasons, which induced him to counsel negotiations and a friendly
agreement with the commander-in-chief. There was sound, statesmanlike
logic in his words, yet his language did not lack warmth and charm. The
men perceived that he was in earnest, and while he spoke the sibyl went
behind him, laid her hand on his shoulder, and wiped the perspiration
from his brow with her handkerchief. Zorrillo permitted it, and without
interrupting himself, gave her a grateful, affectionate glance.

The bronzed warriors liked to look at her, and even permitted her to
utter a word of advice or warning during their discussions, for she was a
wise woman, not one of the ordinary stamp. Her blue eyes sparkled with
intelligence and mirth, her full lips seemed formed for quick, gay
repartee, she was always kind and cheer ful in her manner even to the
most insignificant. But whence came the deep lines about her red mouth
and the outer corners of her eyes? She covered them with rouge every day,
to conceal the evidence of the sorrowful hours she spent when alone? The
lines were well disguised, yet they increased, and year by year grew
deeper.

No wrinkle had yet dared to appear on the narrow forehead; and the
delicate features, dazzlingly-white teeth, girlish figure, and winning
smile lent this woman a youthful aspect. She might be thirty, or perhaps
even past forty.

A pleasure made