Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/153

 prisoners whom they had taken. Expecting the battle about to be renewed, and having no means to guard the prisoners, they were deliberately shot.

The news of the complete massacre of Thoulouse's army caused the most intense excitement. The Protestants had been betrayed! By whom? By some Catholic, of course! "Death to the Catholics!" said stern lips.

The young wife of Thoulouse realizing that she was a widow, went about moaning in her anguish, "O, why did you not save my husband, my brave, my beautiful one?"

The Prince of Orange rode to the place where the new-made widow was sobbing and wringing her hands. He laid his hand tenderly on the bowed head.

"Ask him your question, Madam Thoulouse," said a burgher, pointing to the Prince. "Ask that man why he refused to open yonder gate, when ten thousand of us were ready to go to your husband's relief. Yes, I say," he shouted angrily, "ask that great reformer, that pretended adherent of the Protestant faith, why he kept within the city and let three thousand of his brethren seal their faith with their heart's blood."

The young widow lifted her tear-gemmed eyes, and gazed reproachfully at the Silent Prince. An immense crowd had gathered meantime. Another riot was imminent. The faces of the men were hard