Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/246



, Gretchen’s son, made it a practice to steal unobserved from his home after nightfall to visit friends of the faith and to render them what assistance he could. On the night in which Katharine La Tour made her escape from the convent, Peter was abroad, as usual. Coming into the Westernstrasse he noticed a young woman a little in advance of him, who walked timidly and with an air of uncertainty as to her direction. Believing this to be some person in distress, Peter followed at a respectful distance. Hearing sounds of pursuit, the young woman quickened her pace. Peter followed, and kept the flying feet and fluttering dress well in sight. Hardly had the fugitive reached Canal Street when, overcome by fright and exhaustion, she sank on the pavement in a faint. Peter was by her side in a moment. Fortunately for both parties the street was deserted. Lifting the unconscious woman in his strong arms, Peter took a shorter route to his mother’s house, where he arrived in safety. 234