pressed close to Georg, and in answer to his remark
that he would be in a hard position towards his father, replied:

"I know it, and it causes me such pain--such pain.--But I can't help it.
I won't suffer the word 'traitor' to cling to our name."

"Your cousin Matanesse, Herr von Riviere, is also devoted to the good
cause."

"But my father thinks differently. He has the courage to expect good
deeds from the Spaniards. From the Spaniards! I've learned to know them
during the last few months. A brave lad from Leyden, you knew him
probably by his nickname, Lowing, which he really deserved, was captured
by them in fair fight, and then--it makes me shudder even now when I
think of it--they hung him up head downward, and tortured him to death. I
was present, and not one word of theirs escaped my ears. Such ought to be
the fate of all Holland, country and people, that was what they wanted.
And remarks like these can be heard every day. No abuse of us is too bad
for them, and the King thinks like his soldiers. Let some one else endure
to be the slave of a master, who tortures and despises us! My holy
religion is eternal and indestructible. Even if it is hateful to many of
the Beggars, that shall not trouble me--if only they will help break the
Spanish chains." Amid such conversation they walked through the Castilian
camp, where all lay buried in sleep. Then they reached that of the German
troops, and here gay carousing was going on under many a tent. At the end
of the encampment a sutler and his wife were collecting together the
wares that remained unsold.

Wilhelm had walked silently behind the other two, for his heart was
deeply stirred, joy and sorrow were striving for the mastery. He felt
intoxicated with lofty, pure emotions, but suddenly checked his steps
before the sutler's stand and pointed to the pastry gradually
disappearing in a chest.

Hunger had become a serious, nay only too serious and mighty power, in
the city beyond, and it was not at all surprising that Wilhelm approached
the venders, and with sparkling eyes bought their last ham and as much
bread as they had left.

Nicolas laughed at the bundle he carried under his arm, but Georg said:

"You haven't yet looked want in the face, Junker. This bread is a remedy
for the most terrible disease." At the Hohenort Gate Georg ordered
Captain von Warmond to be waked, and introduced Nicolas to him as a
future Beggar. The captain congratulated the boy and offered