ed. "I little knew who I was saving: however, all is
well that ends well. You shall tell me all about yourself by-and-by,
for we have something to do to keep these citizens in order. The honest
truth is, we have taken the place with scarcely three hundred men--they
thinking that they were attacked by five thousand or so. However, when
they find we wish to treat them well, we shall have plenty on our side,
for few of them have love for Alva and his Tenth Penny."

Before sunset the whole city was brought into obedience to De la Marck.
The gates were again closed, and guards set, to prevent any enemies
entering; and A'Dale and I took possession of a remarkably comfortable
residence, stored with all sorts of good things. The next day De la
Marck employed himself in appointing fresh magistrates, and establishing
a regular government in the name of the Prince.

It is very remarkable that, while the Duke of Alva was negotiating with
Queen Elizabeth, and inducing her to compel the Sea Beggars to quit the
shores of England, hoping certainly in the end to deceive her, the
result of his devices should have been their establishment on the
mainland, and the commencement of that power which was ultimately to
produce his own overthrow and the success of that very cause which it
was his great aim to destroy.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

CONCLUSION.

I was very eager to return to England, and happily found a merchant
vessel at the mouth of the Meuse on the point of sailing. I did my best
to persuade A'Dale to accompany me. He confessed that the life he led
on board the rover fleet was not altogether to his taste. They had on
several occasions been very nearly starved, as they were when they
arrived before Brill. He had, however, collected a considerable amount
of booty, and, being a prudent man, he had not gambled it away, as some
of his companions had done. He could now also, without dishonour,
retire. We both of us visited Captain Treslong, and I explained that I
was in the service of Sir Thomas Gresham, whom he well knew, and that
probably A'Dale would be again employed if he returned to him. I truly
rejoiced when the captain gave him leave to retire and go with me and my
two attendants on board the vessel I spoke of.

We had a quick passage; and my dear Aveline received me as she ever had
done, with true affection. We were married immediately afterwards, for
I was determined to allow no considerations any longer to p