the storms of
shot hurled towards them, and therefore waited for the return of night,
resolving either to make a desperate assault--though he almost despaired
of success--or, should the waters rise, to carry his ships round by a
circuitous way to the opposite side; but this as yet the depth of water
would not allow.

That day was one of the deepest anxiety, although the rain and wind
which came from the south-west were undoubtedly causing the waters to
rise. As evening drew on the storm increased, the night became darker
and darker. Loud crashes were heard, lights were seen flitting across
the black face of the waters proceeding from the direction of the fort,
but no one could account for the cause of these sounds and appearances.
At length a fearful report ran through the fleet that the enemy had
burst into the city, and thus that all the efforts they had made were in
vain. Still the strange lights appeared and vanished in the darkness;
what they portended no one could say. At dawn the admiral issued the
order to assault the fortress; the eager crews sprang into their boats
fully expecting a desperate encounter, but no shot saluted them, all was
silent within. Had the Spaniards really then, at the last moment,
captured the city? The fleet pushed on, though it was believed that
some fearful treachery was intended and that they might suddenly be
attacked by an overwhelming force.

As soon as the ships got near enough, Captain Van der Elst, who had
undertaken to lead the assault, plunging into the waters waded towards
the fort. As he was striding on a voice from the summit hailed him and
he saw young Albert Van der Does who, having crossed from the city and
climbed to the top of the embankment, was waving his cap and loudly
cheering. Karl soon joined him, and they were in time to see the
rearguard of the Spaniards escaping towards the Hague. Albert's shouts
quickly attracted the attention of the inhabitants of Leyden and gave
them the first intimation that the enemy had fled. In a few minutes,
led by Albert, Karl was in the presence of the burgomaster, and had
assured him both of the success of their enterprise and of his
daughter's safety.

"God be praised, for He has fought for us," exclaimed the burgomaster.
"Had not the Spaniards fled when they did, what earthly powers could
have prevented them from entering our city?" And he pointed to a large
portion of the wall which had fallen during the night and le