owever, there would be no difficulty
in obtaining this reversion. But Master Radford had not appeared; and
great doubts were entertained whether he was still in existence.

Oftentimes I thought of expressing my wishes to Sir Thomas, and
entreating him to place me in some position where my means would be
sufficient for the maintenance of a wife; but yet, owing everything as I
did to him, I felt that I ought to wait until he should propose to
advance me, being sure that, had I patience, this he would certainly do
at some time. I may mention also that Captain Davis was continually
employed in the service of Sir Thomas, especially in bringing over the
materials for the Bourse. Of my friend Captain Rover, however, I in
vain attempted to gain tidings. He had again left England on a long
voyage; his ship, the _Falcon_, being employed by a company of merchant
adventurers.

I have already spoken of the fearful persecutions to which the
inhabitants of the Netherlands were subjected by the officers of the
Inquisition.

At length they could no longer submit to the tyranny under which they
groaned. Some of the principal nobles of the land resolved to oppose
the bloody edicts of King Philip. Among the chief was Philip de Marnix,
Lord of Sainte Aldegonde, a Protestant nobleman and a true patriot. He
having collected a number of other leading men of a similar character,
they drew up a document called "The Compromise," by which all the
signers bound themselves to oppose the Inquisition, and to defend each
other against all the consequences of such a resistance. At the same
time they professed allegiance to the King, pretending to suppose that
he was unacquainted with the tyranny exercised over his subjects. Among
those who first signed this document were Louis of Nassau, brother of
the Prince of Orange, Henry de Brederode, the Counts of Culembourg and
De Berg. De Brederode at the commencement took the leading part in this
movement.

But all eyes were turned towards William of Nassau, Prince of Orange.
He was nominally a minister of the Regent, and Governor of the Provinces
of Holland and Zealand; but it was well-known that his heart was with
his fellow-countrymen. Some of the people, however, looked towards
Lamoral Count Egmont, who was considered the best soldier of his time;
and it was thought he would hasten to the relief of the country. Count
Horn, Admiral of the Seas, noted for his bravery, was also considered a
pa