s a guard against his enemies.

Had Artevelde asked for a large force, Edward would have disembarked his
army and marched at their head into Ghent. As the rest of the country
was already won, there can be little doubt that this step would at once
have silenced all opposition, and would have annexed Flanders to the
British crown. Van Artevelde, however, believed himself to be stronger
than he really was, and thought with a small party of soldiers he could
seize his principal opponents, and that the people would then rally
round him.

Upon the arrival of the five hundred men he started for Ghent; but as
he feared that the gates would be shut if he presented himself with an
armed force, he left the soldiers in concealment a short distance from
the town and entered it, accompanied only by his usual suite. At his
invitation, however, Walter, followed of course by Ralph, rode beside
him. No sooner was he within the gates than Van Artevelde saw how
strong was the popular feeling against him. He had been accustomed to be
received with bows of reverence; now men turned aside as he approached,
or scowled at him from their doors.

"Methinks, sir," Walter said, "that it would be wiser did we ride back,
and, joining the soldiers, enter at their head, or as that number would
be scarce sufficient should so large a town rise in tumult, to send to
King Edward for a larger force and await their coming. Even should they
shut the gates, we can reduce the town, and as all the rest of Flanders
is with you, surely a short delay will not matter."

"You know not these Flemings as well as I do," Van Artevelde replied;
"they are surly dogs, but they always listen to my voice, and are ready
enough to do my bidding. When I once speak to them you will see how they
will smooth their backs and do as I ask them."

Walter said no more, but as he saw everywhere lowering brows from window
and doorway as they rode through the streets he had doubts whether the
power of Van Artevelde's eloquence would have the magical potency he had
expected from it.

When the party arrived at the splendid dwelling of the great demagogue,
messengers were instantly sent out to all his friends and retainers. A
hundred and forty persons soon assembled, and while Van Artevelde was
debating with them as to the best steps to be taken, Walter opened the
casement and looked out into the street. It was already crowded with
the people, whose silent and quiet demeanor seemed to b