Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/152

 moment. This band marched at once to the Red Gate.

The Prince of Orange, anticipating some such movement, reached the Gate before the armed but undisciplined band of citizens.

"No one passes out the Red Gate!" was his imperative command. "Men of Antwerp, listen to me! Will you thus recklessly sacrifice your lives? You do not know what you are asking when you demand that yonder gate be opened. Outside is a body of veterans, trained in military tactics, disciplined to act as one man. You are nothing but raw recruits. I will not let you go forth to be slaughtered in cold blood."

"Fool! Traitor! Die where you stand, miscreant that you are!" and a loaded arquebusque was levelled at the breast of the Prince. Conrad Chenoweth sprang forward and knocked the weapon from the man's hand.

"Shame! Shame!" cried many of the citizens who were still loyal to Orange. The burghers recognized the wisdom of William's temperate and reasonable words, and all but five hundred acceded to his wishes, and remained within the city. The foolhardy band who dashed out of the gates returned in a few moments only too glad to seek safety within the friendly walls. The only effect which their effort to help Thoulouse had upon the enemy was to hasten the death of three hundred