Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/169

 The short summer night wore away. Upon the deep purple sky myriad stars flashed like gems. There was no sound on the perfumed air save the whispering of the trees, as they told their secrets to the night winds. The city slumbered in silence. Now and then a falling star flashed into space and then disappeared, leaving no trace behind,—a type of the lives of many of the citizens of Antwerp which the reign of Alva would eclipse. But Venus shone with a clear, steady light upon two bands of fugitives, who left the city that night in safety. They were Dr. Chenoweth and the under-jailer, who sailed swiftly down the river Scheldt, and Madam Chenoweth, her child and old Lysken, under the leadership of honest Nicholas Mander.

Conrad Chenoweth, disguised as an old peasant, was en route for Brussels, intent on finding the Burgomaster's daughter.