had been compelled to capitulate, when, notwithstanding the
promises of Don Frederic, Alva's son, a large number of the principal
citizens, as well as others of all ranks, and every man who had borne
arms, were cruelly put to death, the survivors being treated with the
greatest cruelty. The mind shrinks from contemplating such horrors, and
the Hollanders might well desire to emancipate themselves from the rule
of a sovereign capable of allowing them.

The burgomaster and his daughter had stood for some minutes without
speaking, their eyes gazing down on the smiling landscape which has been
described, yet the minds of neither of them had been engaged in admiring
its beauties.

"Would that I had been more determined in endeavouring to induce our
citizens to level those forts and redoubts left by the Spaniards, and
had also taken steps to re-victual the city and to strengthen our
garrison. I have just received a letter from our noble Stadtholder,
urging me to see to these matters, and I must do so without delay." The
burgomaster, as he spoke, pointed to several redoubts and forts which in
different directions had been thrown up by the Spaniards during their
former investment of the place. To the south-east and east were two of
especial strength--Zoeterwoude and Lammen, the first about 500 yards
from the walls, the latter not more than half that distance. From these
forts a bank or causeway ran westward towards the Hague.

"I ought to have exerted all the influence I possessed to get the task
accomplished," continued the burgomaster. "By God's merciful providence
we were before preserved, but He helps those who, trusting to Him,
labour as He would have them. The Spaniards may not return, but it is
our duty to be prepared for them, though I trust that we shall soon hear
of a glorious victory gained over them by the noble Count Louis."

"Heaven defend him and his brave troops," murmured Jaqueline; and she
thought of one who had accompanied the Count to the field and who had
from his earliest days engaged in the desperate struggle both at sea and
on shore. Again the burgomaster was silent, and Jaqueline's thoughts
wandered far away to the army of Count Louis. The chief magistrate had
come up, as was his wont, to consider the measures which it might be
necessary to take for the benefit of the city over which he presided.
Here, under ordinary circumstances, he was not likely to be interrupted
by visitors. Jaqueline