As Peter took leave, he said: "Van Hout shall explain the reasons for our conduct to the Prince, in a letter as clear and convincing as only he can make it, and his excellency will finally approve of it.

Rely upon that." "We will wait," replied the commissioner, "but don't forget that we shall soon be shut within these walls behind bolts and bars, like prisoners, and perhaps day after to-morrow no messenger will be able to get to him." "Van Hout is swift with his pen." "And let a proclamation be read aloud, early tomorrow morning, advising the women, old men and children, in short, all who will diminish the stock of provisions and add no strength to the defence, to leave the city.

They can reach Delft without danger, for the roads leading to it are still open." "Very well," replied Peter.

"It's said that many girls and women have gone to-day in advance of the others." "That's right," cried the commissioner.

"We are driving in a fragile vessel on the high seas.