very
where."

Now, though I understand that tongue, I cannot speak it myself, so I
only said "Ja, Ja," and followed them.

They led me up an oak stair, and through three or four large rooms,
crowded with officers in fine uniforms, who all bowed as I passed,
and some one went before us, calling out in a loud voice, "Monsieur de
Hoogendorp!"

"This is too much honour," said I, "far too much;" but as I spoke in
Dutch, no one minded me. Suddenly, however, the wide folding-doors were
flung open, and we were ushered into a large hall, where, although above
a hundred people were assembled, you might have heard a pin drop; the
few who spoke at all, did so, only in whispers.

"Monsieur de Hoogendorp!" shouted the man again.

"For shame," said I; "don't disturb the company;" and I thought some of
them laughed, but he only bawled the louder, "Monsieur de Hoogendorp!"

"Let him approach," said a quick, sharp voice, from the fireplace.

"Ah!" thought I, "they are going to read me an address. I trust it may
be in Dutch."

They led me along in silence to the fire, before which, with his hack
turned towards it, stood a short man, with a sallow, stern countenance,
and a great, broad forehead, his hair combed straight over it. He wore a
green coat with white facings, and over that a grey surtout with fur.
I am particular about all this, because this little man was a person of
consequence.

"You are late, Monsieur de Hoogendorp," said he, in French; "it is
half-past four;" and so saying, he pulled out his watch, and held it up
before me.

"Ja!" said I, taking out my own, "we are just the same time."

At this he stamped upon the ground, and said something I thought was a
curse.

"Where are the _Echevins_, monsieur?" said he.

"God knows," said I; "most probably at dinner."

"_Ventrebleu!_----"

"Don't swear," said I. "If I had you in Rotterdam, I'd fine you two
guilders."

"What does he say?" while his eyes flashed fire. "Tell _La grande
morue_, to speak French."

"Tell him I am not a cod fish," said I.

"Who speaks Dutch here?" said he. "General de Ritter, ask him where are
the _Echevins_, or, is the man a fool?"

"I have heard," said the General, bowing obsequiously--"I have heard,
your Majesty, that he is little better."

"_Tonnerre de Dieu!_" said he; "and this is their chief magistrate!
Maret, you must look to this to-morrow; and as it grows late now, let us
see the citadel at once; he can show us the way t