t Lieutenant Vanslyperken's word is not of much
value. He, at least, is a double traitor."
"Yes, a little hanging will do him no harm--you are sure this is his
writing?"
"There can be no doubt of it, your Majesty, I have compared it."
"You will see to this, my lord: and now to the syndic."
"He has, as your Majesty will perceive, been grossly deceived, and
suspected without reason."
"And the woman?"
"Was here yesterday, and fully convinced me that Vanslyperken was a
traitor, and that she was innocent. His Grace of Portland was present."
"Well, my lord, you may give orders for their release; of course a
little surveillance will be advisable. You will justify the proceedings
to the council, this afternoon."
"But may I presume to submit to your Majesty, that the public affront
offered to the syndic should be repaired."
"Certainly--send for him," replied his Majesty, carelessly. "I will
receive him to-morrow morning," and his Majesty left the room.
Lord Albemarle immediately despatched a courier with an order for the
release of the syndic and the Frau Vandersloosh, with a note to the
former, stating that his Majesty would receive him on the following day
at noon. But while this act of justice had been preparing at the palace
of the Hague, there were other acts, not quite so justifiable performing
at the town of Amsterdam.
The sun made its appearance more than an hour, before the troops of the
royal Guard. Mobs were collected in knots in the street, and in front of
the Hotel de Ville, or Stadt House, and the object of their meeting,
was to canvas the treason and imprisonment of the syndic, Mynheer Van
Krause. "Shame--shame,"--"Death to the traitor,"--"Tear him to
pieces,"--and "Long life to King William," were the first solitary
remarks made--the noise and hubbub increased. The small knots of people
gradually joined together, until they formed a large mob, all burning
with loyalty, and each individual wishing to give a practical evidence
of it--again were the cries of "Long live the King!" and "Death to
traitors!" to be heard, with loud huzzas. A confused din followed, and
the mob appeared, as if simultaneously, to be all impelled in one
direction. At last the word was given, which they all waited for. "To
his house--to his house--down with it--death to the traitor!" and the
loyal mob hastened on, each individual eager to be first to prove his
loyalty, by helping himself to Mynheer Krause's goods and c
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