e risks I may incur," answered Captain Van der Elst. "The Spaniards
are likely to be more vigilant than ever, and their light horse will
probably be scouring the country either to forage or to interrupt the
communication between the cities."

"That is the very reason why I wish to go with you," said Berthold. "I
know the roads thoroughly, for as soon as the Spaniards had retired,
feeling like a bird set free I scoured over the whole country, and
amused myself in making a plan of them."

"As Berthold knows the country so well, surely it will lessen the risk
you would have to run alone if you will take him with you," observed
Jaqueline. "I am sure that he will feel it an honour to accompany you,
and he can return speedily with any message the Prince may have to
send."

Captain Van der Elst's scruples being overcome by these arguments, he no
longer hesitated to accept the offer made by Berthold, who hurried out
as soon as he had snatched some food to see that his horse was got
ready.

"I quite envy you," said Albert to him. "I should like to go also, but
I know that my father will require my services, and I must even now
hurry back to him."

In a short time, the two steeds being brought to the door, Captain Van
der Elst and his young companion, having bid farewell to the burgomaster
and Jaqueline, proceeded towards the Cowgate, the southern entrance to
the town, leading towards Rotterdam. Jaqueline watched them eagerly as
they rode off, undoubtedly a prayer ascended from her heart for their
safe arrival. The country was green with the bright grass of early
spring, the fruit trees in numerous orchards were covered with bloom,
giving fragrance to the air. For the first part of the distance there
was but little risk of their encountering enemies, and by the time they
had got further on the sun would already be setting, and they would have
the advantage of being concealed by the shades of evening. The village
of Zoeterwoude, standing on a slight elevation above the surrounding
plain, was soon passed, and that of Zuidbrunt, close to a large and
shallow meer, was next reached, but they neither of them entered lest a
party of Spaniards might have ventured thus far from their
head-quarters. They had already passed three enormous dykes running
across their road, one beyond the other, built for the purpose of
protecting the city from the inroads of the sea. Roads, of course, ran
along the top of these, some towards t