written in his own hand, which I trust will satisfy you as to
his perfidy, and induce you to believe in the innocence of
the worthy syndic from the assurance of a man, who, although
a Catholic, a Jacobite, and if you please an attainted
traitor, is incapable of telling you a falsehood. I am, my
lord, with every respect for your noble character.

"Yours most obediently,

"EDWARD RAMSAY."

"This is corroborative of my suspicions," said Lord Albemarle, putting
down the papers before the Duke of Portland.

The duke read the letter and examined the enclosures.

"Shall we see the king to-night?"

"No, he is retired, and it is of no use, they are in prison by this
time; we will wait the report to-morrow morning--ascertain how many have
been secured--and then lay these documents before his Majesty."

Leaving the two noble lords to go to bed, we shall now return to
Amsterdam at twelve o'clock at night precisely; as the bell tolled, a
loud knock was heard at the syndic's house. Koop, who had been ordered
by his master to remain up, immediately opened the door, and a _posse
comitatus_ of civil power filled the yard.

"Where is Mynheer Krause?" inquired the chief in authority.

"Mynheer, the syndic, is upstairs in the saloon."

Without sending up his name, the officer went up, followed by three or
four others, and found Mynheer Krause smoking his pipe.

"Ah, my very particular friend, Mynheer Engelback, what brings you here
at this late hour with all your people? Is there a fire in the town?"

"No, Mynheer Syndic. It is an order I am very sorry to say to arrest
you, and conduct you to prison."

"Arrest and conduct me to prison--me the syndic of the town--that is
strange--will you allow me to see your warrant--yes, it is all true and
countersigned by his Majesty; I have no more to say, Mynheer Engelback.
As syndic of this town, and administrator of the laws, it is my duty to
set the example of obedience to them, at the same time protesting my
entire innocence. Koop, get me my mantle. Mynheer Engelback, I claim to
be treated with the respect due to me, as syndic of this town."

The officers were not a little staggered at the coolness and _sang
froid_ of Mynheer Krause, he had never appeared to so much advantage;
they bowed respectfully as he finished his speech.

"I believe, Mynheer Krause, that you have some friends staying with
you?"

"I have no friend in the house exce