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 Netherlands. I deeply regret the terrible sorrows which have been laid upon you. Your father executed by Alva, your mother dead, your sister in the hands of enemies. You may not be aware of the fact that your father promised me the hand of your sister in marriage if I would rescue her from her fate. I am searching for Hilvardine day and night, but so far with no success.

“My father was a prisoner of the Inquisition for a short time, but made his escape and fled to Germany. My mother and sister are in Friesland. The Prince of Orange is an outlawed rebel, and is trying to raise an army with which to succor the Netherlands. May God bless his endeavors to save our unhappy country.

“Your devoted friend,

A hasty summons from the commanding officer roused the young man from sad reflections. He found General Berlaymont reading some despatches [sic].

“Van Straalen,” he said, “here are some letters for you which were inclosed in one of my father’s letters. I was requested that they be delivered to you in safety, as they were important.”

Colonel Van Straalen opened one document, which proved to be from the Chancellor of Brabant, and stated that the house owned by the late