It had become sufficiently manifest to the royal party that the Prince was not to be purchased by "millions of money," or by unlimited family advancement--not to be cajoled by flattery or offers of illustrious friendship.

It had been decided, therefore, to terrify him into retreat, or to remove him by murder.

The Government had been thoroughly convinced that the only way to finish the revolt, was to "finish Orange," according to the ancient advice of Antonio Perez.

The mask was thrown off.

It had been decided to forbid the Prince bread, water, fire, and shelter; to give his wealth to the fisc, his heart to the assassin, his soul, as it was hoped, to the Father of Evil.