Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/228

 to the upper rooms of the house. Boats were suspended from the windows.

“Over and above the roar of the wind we heard the artillery of the great waves laying siege to the ancient dyke. Yet we were not afraid. Job read to us from his old Dutch Bible consoling words of Scripture, and commended us all to the mercy of God. We all felt that we were in the hands of a loving Father, who would care for us even in this dire extremity. We feared the violence of man, but the roaring and thundering of the mighty sea did not terrify our hearts, although it filled us with awe. The One who commanded the winds and the waves was our friend. We could safely trust Him. The crash came at last. The great dyke gave way, and the raging waters soon swept away everything in their path.

“When Job’s house began to tremble on its foundations, the boats were lowered and we all embarked on the seething waters. We were rescued by a schooner commanded by de la Marck, and on board this ‘Water Beggar’ were conveyed to Leyden, where we have taken up our residence for the present. I have enclosed some extracts of your father’s letters, which doubtless you will be glad to read,”

“...I have already written several letters to you, my beloved wife, but have as yet received no reply. This is not strange, considering the unset-