to suspicion--but I guard them carefully."

"I have not told a word to a soul, but to you, my dear Mynheer Krause,
and I have felt assured that you were much too loyal to make known to
any one, what it was your duty to your king to keep secret; surely,
Mynheer Krause, you have not trusted that man?"

"I may have given a hint or so--I'm afraid that I did; but he is my most
particular friend."

"If that is the case," replied Ramsay, "I am not at all surprised at the
king's frowning on you: Engelback having intelligence from you, supposed
to be known only to the highest authorities, has thought it his duty to
communicate it to Government, and you are now suspected."

"God in heaven! I wish I never had your secrets, Mynheer Ramsay. It
appears, then, that I have committed treason without knowing it."

"At all events, you have incurred suspicion. It is a pity that you
mentioned what I confided to you: but what's done cannot be helped; you
must now be active."

"What must I, my dear friend?"

"Expect the worst and be prepared for it--you are wealthy, Mr Van
Krause, and that will not be in your favour, it will only hasten the
explosion, which, sooner or later, will take place. Remit as much of
your money as you can to where it will be secure from the spoilers.
Convert all that you can into gold, that you may take advantage of the
first opportunity, if necessary, of flying from their vengeance. Do all
this very quietly. Go on, as usual, as if nothing had occurred--talk
with your friend Engelback--perform your duties as syndic. It may blow
over, although I am afraid not. At all events you will have, in all
probability, some warning, as they will displace you as syndic before
they proceed further. I have only one thing to add. I am your guest,
and depend upon it shall share your fortune whatever it may be; if you
are thrown into prison, I am certain to be sent there also. You may
therefore command me as you please. I will not desert you, you may
depend upon it."

"My dear young man, you are indeed a friend, and your advice is good.
My poor Wilhelmina, what would become of her?"

"Yes, indeed: used to luxury--her father in prison, perhaps his head at
the gates--his whole property confiscated, and all because he had the
earliest intelligence. Such is the reward of loyalty."

"Yes, indeed," repeated the syndic, "`put not your trust in princes,'
says the psalmist. If such is to be the return for my loyalty--b