ere and says that I--yes, Babette--
that I was traitor myself; and I said to the lords, `Do I look like a
traitor?'--My petticoats, Babette; how stupid you are, why, your eyes
are half shut now; you know I always wear the blue first, then the
green, and the red last, and yet you will give me the first which
comes.--He's a handsome lord, that Duke of Portland; he was one of the
_bon_--before King William went over and conquered England, and he was
made a lord for his valour.--My ruff, Babette. The Dutch are a brave
nation. My bustle now.--How much beer did you give the officers? Mind
you take care of everything while I am gone. I shall be home by nine, I
dare say. I suppose they are going to try him now, that he may be
hanged at sunrise. I knew how it would be. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken,
every dog has his day; and there's an end of you, and of your cur also,
I've a notion."

The widow being now duly equipped, walked down stairs to them, and
proceeded with the officers to the Stadt House. She was brought into
the presence of Mynheer Engelback, who held the office of provost.

"Here is the widow Vandersloosh, mynheer."

"Very well," replied Engelback, who was in a very bad humour at the
unsuccessful search after the conspirators, "away with her."

"Away! where?" exclaimed the widow.

Engelback did not condescend to make a reply. The officers were mute;
but one stout man on either side seized her arm, and led her away,
notwithstanding expostulation, and some resistance on her part.

"Where am I going? what is all this?" exclaimed the widow, terrified;
but there was no answer.

At last they came to a door, held open already by another man with a
bunch of keys. The terrified woman perceived that it was a paved stone
cell, with a brick arch over it; in short, a dungeon. The truth flashed
upon her for the first time. It was she who had been arrested for
treason. But before she could shriek she was shoved in, and the door
closed and locked upon her; and the widow sank down into a sitting
posture on the ground, overcome with astonishment and indignation. "Was
it possible? had the villain prevailed?" was the question which she
asked herself over and over again, changing alternately from sorrow to
indignation. At one time wringing her hands, and at others exclaiming,
"Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see."

CHAPTER FORTY NINE.

IN WHICH IS RELATED MUCH APPERTAINING TO THE "POMP AND GLORIOUS
CIRCUM