ney. In the course of conversation they learned from their
host that things were going very ill here at The Hague for all who were
supposed to favour the New Religion. Tortures, burnings, abductions, and
murders were of daily occurrence, nor were any brought to judgment
for these crimes. Indeed, soldiers, spies, and government agents were
quartered on the citizens, doing what they would, and none dared to lift
a hand against them. Hendrik Brant, they heard also, was still at large
and carrying on business as usual in his shop, though rumour said that
he was a marked man whose time would be short.

Foy announced that they would stay the night, and a little after sunset
called to Martin to accompany him, as he wished to walk in the Broad
Street to see the sights of the town.

"Be careful, Mynheer Foy," said their host in warning, "for there are
many strange characters about, men and women. Oh! yes, this mere is full
of pike, and fresh bait is snapped up sharply."

"We will be wary," replied Foy, with the cheerful air of a young man
eager for excitement. "Hague pike don't like Leyden perch, you know;
they stick in their throats."

"I hope so, I hope so," said the host, "still I pray you be careful. You
will remember where to find the horses if you want them; they are fed
and I will keep them saddled. Your arrival here is known, and for some
reason this house is being watched."

Foy nodded and they started out; Foy going first, and Red Martin,
staring round him like a bewildered bumpkin, following at his heel, with
his great sword, which was called Silence, girt about his middle, and
hidden as much as possible beneath his jerkin.

"I wish you wouldn't look so big, Martin," Foy whispered over his
shoulder; "everybody is staring at you and that red beard of yours,
which glows like a kitchen fire."

"I can't help it, master," said Martin, "my back aches with stooping as
it is, and, as for the beard, well, God made it so."

"At least you might dye it," answered Foy; "if it were black you would
be less like a beacon on a church tower."

"Another day, master; it is a long business dyeing a beard like mine; I
think it would be quicker to cut it off." Then he stopped, for they were
in the Broad Street.

Here they found many people moving to and fro, but although the company
were so numerous it was difficult to distinguish them, for no moon
shone, and the place was lighted by lanterns set up on poles at long
distances fr