when they see us, perhaps they will grow calmer, as we have never done them anything but good.”
“That’s unfortunately no reason, except for the contrary,” muttered the girl, as on an imperative sign from her father she withdrew.
“Indeed, child, what you say is only too true.”
Then, in pursuing his way, he said to himself,—
“Here is a damsel who very likely does not know how to read, who, consequently, has never read anything; and yet, with one word, she has just told the whole history of the world.”
And with the same calm mien, but more melancholy than he had been on entering the prison, the Grand Pensionary proceeded towards the cell of his brother.
CHAPTER II.
The Two Brothers.
As the fair Rosa, with foreboding doubt, had foretold, so it happened. Whilst John De Witte was climbing the narrow winding stairs which led to the prison of his brother Cornelius, the burghers did their best to have the troop of Tilly, which was in their way, removed.
Seeing this disposition, King Mob, who fully appreciated the laudable intentions of his own beloved militia, shouted most lustily,
“Hurrah for the burghers!”
As to Count Tilly, who was as prudent as he was firm, he began to parley with the burghers, under the protection of the cocked pistols of his dragoons, explaining to the valiant townsmen, that his order from the States commanded him to guard the prison and its approaches with three companies.
