r our
relief. We shall see them in a day or two; though it is but natural
that you should feel as anxious about your cousin Berthold as I do.
They will arrive, I feel sure, before the Spaniards approach our walls,
as the Prince, who keeps himself well acquainted with the enemy's
movements, will not detain them too long, so as to prevent them getting
in with safety."

The Lily sighed, for she feared there might be some miscalculation as
day after day notice had been brought of the rapid approach of the hated
foe, and at any hour it seemed that their advanced guard might appear
before the walls. The burgomaster had thrown himself into an armchair
the first rest he had sought that day since early dawn, having
especially desired his daughter to retire. Scarcely, however, had he
taken his pen in hand to sign certain documents which had been brought
to him, than the bells of the nearest church struck a peculiar note,
which was taken up by the others in different parts of the city in rapid
succession. It was the tocsin peal, announcing the approach of an
enemy, and summoning the citizens to the ramparts. The burgomaster
immediately rose, and sending word to Jaqueline on no account to leave
the house, set forth to the Stadhuis, where he knew that the principal
magistrates would quickly assemble. As he was leaving the door of his
house he was met by young Albert Van der Does.

"The commandant has sent me, Burgomaster, to request your presence on
the north-western rampart, where he, with several officers, is waiting
your arrival. A body of troops has been seen approaching along the
causeway from the direction of the Castle of Valkenburg."

The burgomaster, notwithstanding his fatigue, accompanied young Albert
at a rapid pace. From every direction people of all ranks were
hastening through the streets, some girding on their swords as they left
their doors, while their wives or daughters handed to them their
firearms. Many an eye was turned in the direction of the approaching
troops.

"They march more quickly than the Spaniards are wont to do," observed
the commandant to the burgomaster.

"Can they be troops sent by the Prince to assist in the defence of the
city?" asked the latter.

"They would not be coming from that direction," said the commandant.
"By their pennons, and the sombre appearance which pervades their ranks,
I suspect that they are English."

The foreign troops drew nearer, and no doubt longer remai