of carrying out my object."

The next morning Jaqueline had repaired with her father to the ramparts
on the south side of the town. They were soon joined by Albert.

"I met Arenberg just now," he said to Jaqueline, "looking as sulky as a
bear. He asked where you were gone, as he had not found you at home. I
could not tell him, as I did not know, and would not have told him if I
had known; but I saw him start off to the north side of the town, so
there is no fear of your being troubled by his presence."

"But how do you know his presence troubled me?" asked Jaqueline.

"Because I am very sure you cannot like a man who is a `Glipper' at
heart, whatever he may seem to be to people openly; and I have observed
the way you always speak to him, and very glad I have been to see it."

Jaqueline was inclined to smile, and she could not chide Albert for his
frankness.

"Hulloa! look up there!" he exclaimed, pointing along the road. "I see
two men on horseback and another on foot. What if they should prove to
be the captain and Berthold with a guide? Perhaps they will bring us
good news."

"They do not come on as fast as I should have expected," said Jaqueline,
watching them intently. "Yet they seem to be cavaliers, not common
horse soldiers. Perhaps they have to wait for their guide."

The two horsemen and their attendant on foot drew near.

"It is Captain Van der Elst and my cousin Berthold!" exclaimed
Jaqueline, in a more joyous tone than she had spoken for many a day.
"The message they bring from the Prince will, I trust, encourage our
citizens."

"Encouragement they will certainly bring if they come from William the
Silent, who is very sure to inspire all whom he addresses with the
spirit which animates his own dauntless mind. We will go down to the
gate to meet them," said the burgomaster.

The captain and Berthold, with their companion, having answered the
challenge of the sentries, were forthwith admitted. Perceiving the
burgomaster and Jaqueline, they leaped from their steeds, and giving the
reins to their companion, advanced towards them.

"We have been a much longer time in reaching the city than the Prince or
we ourselves expected," said the captain, after the usual greetings.
"We were pursued by a party of Spaniards, and had to take refuge in the
fortress of Polderwaert, from which for several days we were unable to
make our escape; but the message we bring will, I trust, encourage the
citizens