dful times who
can tell what may happen? Therefore, Foy, whatever chances, I am sure
you will remember that in life or in death I am yours only--yes, to you,
dead or living, you dead and I living, or you living and I dead, while
or wherever I have sense or memory, I will be true; through life,
through death, through whatever may lie beyond our deaths, I will be
true as woman may be to man. So, dear Foy, for this present fare you
well until we meet again in the days to come, or after all earthly days
are done with for you and me. My love be with you, the blessing of God
be with you, and when you lie down at night and when you wake at morn,
think of me and put up a prayer for me as your true lover Elsa does for
you. Martha waits. Most loved, most dear, most desired, fare you well."

Here was no hint of any journey, so if such had been taken it must be
without Elsa's own consent.

"Martin, what do you make of it?" asked Foy, staring at him with
anxious, hollow eyes.

"Ramiro--Adrian--stolen away--" answered Martin.

"Why do you say that?"

"Hague Simon was seen hanging about outside the town yesterday, and
there was a strange boat upon the river. Last night the Jufvrouw went
through the Morsch poort. The rest you can guess."

"Why would they take her?" asked Foy hoarsely.

"Who can tell?" said Martin shrugging his great shoulders. "Yet I see
two reasons. Hendrik Brant's wealth is supposed to be hers when it can
be found; therefore, being a thief, Ramiro would want her. Adrian is
in love with her; therefore, being a man, of course he would want her.
These seem enough, the pair being what they are."

"When I find them I will kill them both," said Foy, grinding his teeth.

"Of course, so will I, but first we have got to find them--and her,
which is the same thing."

"How, Martin, how?"

"I don't know."

"Can't you think, man?"

"I am trying to, master; it's you who don't think. You talk too much. Be
silent a while."

"Well," asked Foy thirty seconds later, "have you finished thinking?"

"No, master, it's no use, there is nothing to think about. We must leave
this and go back to Martha. If anyone can track her out she can. Here we
can learn no more."

So they returned to the Haarlemer Meer and told Martha their sad tale.

"Bide here a day or two and be patient," she said; "I will go out and
search."

"Never," answered Foy, "we will come with you."

"If you choose, but it will make matters more diffic