is coming and, thank God,
have not yet lost a hearty love for what you call the highest blessings
of life. They wish to be and remain Hollanders, curse the Spanish
butchers with eloquent hatred, desire to serve God according to the
yearning of their own souls, and believe what their own hearts
dictate-and these men call the Prince their Father William. Wait a
little! As soon as trouble oppresses us, the poor and lowly will stand
firm, if the rich and great waver and deny the good cause."

"They are to be trusted," said Van der Werff, "firmly trusted."

"And because I know them," cried Van Hout, "we shall conquer, with God's
assistance, come what may." Janus Dousa had been looking into his glass.
Now he raised his head and with a hasty gesture, said:

"Strange that those who toil for existence with their hands, and whose
uncultured brains only move when their daily needs require it, are most
ready to sacrifice the little they possess, for spiritual blessings."

"Yes," said the pastor, "the kingdom of heaven stands open to the
simple-hearted. It is strange that the poor and unlearned value religion,
liberty and their native land far more than the perishable gifts of this
world, the golden calf around which the generations throng."

"My companions are not flattered to-day," replied Dirk Smaling; "but I
beg you to remember in our favor, that we are playing a great and
dangerous game, and property-holders must supply the lion's share of the
stake."

"By no means," retorted Van Hout, "the highest stake for which the die
will be cast is life, and this has the same value to rich and poor. Those
who will hold back--I think I know them--have no plain motto or sign, but
a proud escutcheon over their doors. Let us wait."

"Yes, let us wait," said Van der Werff; "but there are more important
matters to be considered now. Day after to-morrow will be Ascension Day,
when the bells will ring for the great fair. More than one foreign trader
and traveller has passed through the gates yesterday and the day before.
Shall we order the booths to be set up, or have the fair deferred until
some other time? If the enemy hastens his march, there will be great
confusion, and we shall perhaps throw a rich prize into his hands. Pray
give me your opinion, gentlemen."

"The traders ought to be protected from loss and the fair postponed,"
said Dirk Smaling.

"No," replied Van Hout, "for if this prohibition is issued, we shall
deprive the sma