u are looking out there, I conclude, for the appearance of admiral
Boisot and his Sea Beggars, but I fear that we shall look in vain; his
flotilla may reach the Land-Scheiding, but beyond that no mortal power
can enable his ships to advance; even should they pierce it, as the
Prince expects, it is impossible that they can pass all those other
barriers with the victorious troops of Valdez opposing them and
garrisoning every village and fort."

"God can make a way if man cannot," answered the burgomaster.

"But He may not think fit to make one for those daring outlaws to reach
Leyden," said the baron. "Would that I could hope that relief was
likely to come, but I have long despaired, as you know, of obtaining it,
and I have sought you, Burgomaster, to entreat you that even should you
consider it your duty to remain you will allow me to escort your fair
daughter to some place where she may escape the unspeakable miseries
which are gathering round the inhabitants of this unhappy city. I can,
through some influential friends, obtain a safe pass from Valdez, and
can also through their means arrange for her secret departure from the
city, so that whatever happens she will at all events be preserved."

"Even should she wish it, my duty to my fellow-citizens will prevent me
from permitting her to go," answered the burgomaster. "Her departure
would tend to dishearten those who have already sufficient to try them;
but you may ask her."

Jaqueline had, while the baron was speaking to her father, withdrawn
from his side, and was about to join her cousin and Albert when the
young noble approached her. In carefully measured words he spoke of his
love and devotion, and offering his hand and heart, entreated her at
once to become his wife that he might be able to rescue her from the
dangers by which she was surrounded.

"I have your father's permission," he added, "and whatever opinion he
may consider it his duty to express publicly I cannot but believe that
his mind will be greatly relieved when he knows that you are beyond the
reach of harm."

"It may be that you have my father's permission to speak to me," she
answered, "but he would never counsel me to play a dastard's part and
dishearten my fellow-citizens, whom I am bound to encourage.
Understand, Ernst Van Arenberg, sooner would I remain among those who
are stricken down every day by famine and pestilence, and share their
fate, if God so wills it, than wed one who trait