he added, "Never will I again sheathe this
weapon till the hated Spaniard has been driven from our country, and we
may henceforth repose in peace."

CHAPTER THREE.

Not a moment was lost after the Council broke up in commencing the
all-important tasks which each member had undertaken. The burgomaster,
however, did not forget the duties of hospitality; taking the arm of
Captain Van der Elst, he said--

"Come with me, my friend, and partake of some refreshment, which you
must sadly need. You have ridden hard all this morning, and have still
a long journey to perform before you can reach Rotterdam, with the risk
of encountering marauding parties of Spaniards, who may have ventured
forth from Gravenhague. I will give orders in the meantime that you may
be provided with the best horse the city affords, for your own steed has
scarcely had sufficient time to rest to carry you as rapidly as you
desire on your journey."

Karl acknowledged that his horse was wellnigh knocked up, and thankfully
accepted the burgomaster's invitation, though he was anxious not to
delay a moment longer than was necessary before proceeding on his
journey. Directly the burgomaster, accompanied by Van der Elst, arrived
at his house, the repast, which had long been ready, was placed on the
table, and Jaqueline appeared to preside at it. She received the young
captain with less frankness than she might generally have bestowed on
her father's friends. There was a slight timidity in her manner, which,
in spite of herself, she could not help exhibiting, and a blush rose for
a moment to her cheek as she replied to his greeting.

"And are you able to remain and assist us in preparing for the defence
of our town?" she asked.

"Would that I were able to remain," he answered. "But I must hurry on
as fast as my steed can go to see the Prince and to receive his
directions for my future guidance; but I will not fail to suggest to him
that I may be of service in assisting in the defence of Leyden, and
unless he should require me for important work elsewhere, I hope that he
will allow me to return."

"I trust so," murmured Jaqueline, raising her eyes and casting a
momentary glance at him.

The meal was soon concluded, for Captain Van der Elst was unwilling to
spend a moment longer than was necessary at the table, though he would
fain probably have enjoyed a longer conversation with Jaqueline. He had
to wait a short time for the arrival of his hor