He took the occasion to say, that if a particle of proof could be brought that he had written the letter, or any letter resembling it, he would forthwith leave the Netherlands, never to show his face there again.
Notwithstanding this well known denial, however, Renneberg thought it facetious to send the letter into Steenvayk, where it produced but small effect upon the minds' of the burghers.

Meantime, they had received intimation that succor was on its way.

Hollow balls containing letters were shot into the town, bringing the welcome intelligence that the English colonel, John Norris, with six thousand states' troops, would soon make his appearance for their relief, and the brave Cornput added his cheerful exhortations to heighten the satisfaction thus produced.

A day or two afterwards, three quails were caught in the public square, and the commandant improved the circumstance by many quaint homilies.

The number three, he observed, was typical of the Holy Trinity, which had thus come symbolically to their relief.