Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/188

 Excellency if you would favor me with your confidence. I have the advantage over you in one particular: I know these heretic rebels thoroughly. I understand their methods and their motives better than a stranger and a foreigner possibly could. And as to my loyalty to the King, the odium which attaches to my name on my native soil ought to assure you on that point."

Alva was silent for a few moments, then he said, "Do you think that you could decoy the Prince of Orange back to Holland? If we do not catch that man we have accomplished nothing."

"I cannot hope to succeed where the Duke of Alva has failed," replied the Baron. "There is one thing to be said in favor of Prince William: he is not in leading strings. He knows his own mind, and no man living can sway him against his will."

"You are right. Would that I could capture that smooth-tongued, lying hypocrite, pretending to be a loyal subject of Philip and concocting treasonable schemes in his fertile brain all the while. Place that man within my grasp, Baron Berlaymont, and you shall name your own price for your services."

"I cannot do that," said the Baron. "It would be folly for me to hold out any such prospect to you. Prince William is in Germany on his own estates. We cannot so much as lay a finger on him. But fortunately for us, the Prince's followers are