Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/216

 “Spare the life of Francis Junius, and I will bless you and serve you all my days.”

“The life of Francis Junius!” echoed his uncle in amazement. “Boy, are you mad? What is that Huguenot preacher to you, that you should dare to plead for his worthless life?”

“Uncle, he once saved me from a horrible death," was the reply, and then Hugo related the mishap which he had met with his horse, which came so near ending his career. “I cannot see my benefactor die and not lift a finger to save him, I love him for this act of kindness. It was at the peril of his own life that he rescued me. O, spare him, uncle, for my sake!”

“Peace, foolish boy!” said the Baron. “I should be glad to grant you any ordinary request, but you have asked an impossibility; Alva signed the death-warrant with his own hand. Besides, I am convinced that the heretic deserves death, and no word of mine shall stay the hand of the executioner. I am glad if the miscreant performed one good act in his life. It will be so much to his credit in the other world. Come, cheer up, my lad, and cease shedding tears like a woman.”

With a heavy heart Hugo retired early to his room. He drew a copy of the New Testament, which Junius had given him, from its hiding-place, and began to read. He turned the pages over and