and garrison of Leyden to defend the city until the Spaniards
are compelled to retire."

"There is little doubt about that," said Berthold. "He has not told you
how, after we had taken refuge in the fortress, through his vigilance
and courage, the Spaniards, who attempted to surprise it, were driven
off, and had he not been charged with the message from the Prince, he
would have been detained to assist in its defence should it again be
attacked."

"And who is that lanky fellow you brought with you, who is leading on
the horses after us?" asked Albert of his friend, as they followed the
burgomaster with Jaqueline and the captain.

"A first rate fellow, Hans Bosch, he has done us good service twice
already, besides piloting us along last night by paths which I could not
have found by myself, though I know the country pretty well; he
volunteered to come in order to carry messages from the city, and very
useful we are likely to find him."

As it was important at once to communicate the message brought by
Captain Van der Elst, the burgomaster summoned the chief inhabitants
forthwith to the Stadhuis. The captain having delivered his written
despatches, spoke as he had been directed, employing the very words the
Prince himself had used, and advancing the most powerful arguments to
induce the citizens not to yield to their foes. "He implores you," he
continued, "to hold out for at least three months, and he pledges his
word that he will within that time devise the means of delivering you
from the Spaniards."

"For six months, if necessary, even if we have to eat the grass in our
squares, the shoes on our feet, the rats and dogs to be found in the
streets," was the reply.

"I will announce your resolution to the Prince, and it will, I am sure,
encourage him to continue the efforts he is making for your relief,"
answered the captain. "Had Prince Louis lived and joined him he would
have had an army at his disposal, but the forces he can at present
muster are only sufficient for the protection of Rotterdam and Delft."

The address of the Prince was printed and circulated throughout the
city. After the meeting broke up, the burgomaster invited the young
captain to accompany Berthold to his house.

"And who's your attendant, he appears to be a strange being?"

"There are not many like Hans Bosch," remarked Berthold. "He has twice
saved us from falling into the hands of the Spaniards, and, if I mistake
not, will still