ned that they
were English, and as far as could be calculated numbered between five
and six hundred men.

"They will be a welcome addition to our garrison," observed one of the
magistrates. "For those islanders are brave fellows and fight well on
all occasions."

"Notwithstanding, unless they bring a written order to me from the
Prince to admit them, I will dispense with their services wherever they
come from," said the commandant. "The English are trustworthy enough,
and fight well if they are well fed and are satisfied with their
quarters, but I would not trust them should a famine get within our
walls; and should they begin to feel the pinchings of hunger, they would
then cry out that we must surrender, and would induce others to follow
their evil example. They well know that it is the policy of the
Spaniards just now to behave courteously to the English, and these
mercenaries would hope that their lives would be spared, though every
other man in the place were put to death. No, no; even though our
numbers be few let us rather trust to the stubborn hearts of our
Hollanders than to such men as those probably are."

The burgomaster and the other magistrates, after a short consideration,
fully agreed with the sentiments expressed by the commandant. In a
short time the English commander, galloping ahead of his men, rode up to
the walls and in the name of William, Prince of Orange, demanded instant
admittance.

"Whence do you come, Colonel Chester?" inquired the commandant, who
recognised the officer as the commander of a body of English troops in
the service of the Prince.

"From Valkenburg," was the answer. "I have been obliged to abandon that
fortress, from being assured that it would be hopeless to attempt
holding out against the Spaniards, who I hear are advancing with an
overwhelming force, and I had neither provisions nor sufficient
ammunition to stand a lengthened siege, I therefore judged it prudent to
march here to assist you in the defence of your city."

"I regret that I cannot admit you or your men, Colonel Chester," said
the commandant. "Our garrison is already of sufficient strength, and we
have as many mouths to feed as we can find provisions for."

"But my men and I shall be cut to pieces by the Spaniards, who, if they
overtake us in the open country, and we cannot hope to reach any other
fortress in which we can defend ourselves, have threatened vengeance
against all who side with the Pri