Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/187

 He was tall and spare, with the precision of movement and erectness of figure which characterized the soldier. His complexion was sallow, and his eyes deep-set and gray. As he sat opposite Baron Berlaymont, his brow wrinkled with thought, he looked more like a scholar than a general. A long silvery-white beard descended in two streams upon his breast, and added to the dignity of his presence.

"The people of Antwerp desire mediation," the Baron was saying. "Would it not be well to relax severity, at least for a time? I judge the miscreants are thoroughly subdued."

Alva regarded his companion haughtily. "Mediation," he said at length, in a harsh voice, "I came to the Netherlands to conquer, not to mediate! Do you think I am afraid of the burghers of Antwerp? In my day I have crushed men of iron. Shall I fear these men of butter? As to the other matter about which you spoke a few moments ago: you wish me to grant you certain powers, which will enable you to conduct a system of espionage disastrous to the enemies of the King."

"That is what I stated, your Excellency."

"I am not sure that this is a wise thing for me to do," said Alva thoughtfully. "I have always been in the habit of attending to hazardous experiments myself. I do not like to trust such matters to unknown hands."

"I feel confident that I could greatly assist your