ciently command herself to speak, at
length, however, she said in a calm tone, "I will not pretend to be
ignorant that it is you who have committed this unwarrantable act of
violence, and I insist that you carry me back to the city and restore me
to my father, his mental anxiety already so overwhelming, when he finds
that I am lost, may bring him to the grave."

"I have but acted, my beloved Jaqueline, as you would secretly wish, to
save you from that destruction which must, ere many days have passed,
descend on the city. My object is to carry you to a place of safety,
all I ask being your hand and love."

"The former I will not give, the other I cannot bestow," answered
Jaqueline, firmly. "Had I before been willing in obedience to my
father's wishes to try and love you, the outrage you have committed
would have changed my sentiments, and I again insist that you return
with me to the city."

"To do so is utterly impossible," answered Van Arenberg. "The sentries,
as we passed beneath the fortress of Zoeterwoude, nearly detected the
boat, and we should certainly be captured were we to make the attempt.
We will now, therefore, proceed towards Delft, where you will be among
friends, and safe from the foes you dread."

Jaqueline greatly doubted that the baron spoke the truth. Again and
again she insisted, notwithstanding all the risks they might run, that
they should return to the city. She saw at length that all
expostulation was useless, the darkness of night prevented her from
observing the direction they were taking. Suddenly the sound of heavy
guns broke on her ear, followed by the rattle of musketry. Looking
southward she saw bright flashes glancing over the water in rapid
succession; she thought, too, that she could even hear the shouts of the
combatants, the clashing of swords and battle-axes. It was evident that
a fierce fight was raging in that direction. The rowers, who had
hitherto been exerting themselves to the utmost, paused, and exchanged a
few hurried words. It appeared to her that they had lost their way, for
many new channels, deepened by the inflowing waters, branched off on
every hand.

Van Arenberg ordered them to row on.

"In what direction shall we go?" asked one of the men. "We may chance
to run our noses into the lion's den. See, fires are blazing on all
sides, and friends and foes are likely to treat us in the same fashion."
Van Arenberg, anxious for Jaqueline's safety, and perha