Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/259

 They had now reached the city gates, and Father Steen roused the sleepy guard with these words:

"Open in the name of the Church. My brother in Christ is obliged to depart at once on important business."

The guard opened the gates as he was bidden, and Conrad Chenoweth stepped forth a free man.

Before he could cast about in his mind for suitable words with which to acknowledge a gift so unspeakable, the Jesuit said, "Make haste, brother, and may God speed you on your way." Father Steen then turned on his heel and walked rapidly in the opposite direction.

A week later, in a pleasant house in the suburbs of Leyden, a double wedding was consummated. Francis Junius read the solemn words of the marriage service which united the lives of Reynold Van Straalen and Katharine La Tour, and Conrad Chenoweth and the Burgomaster's daughter Hilvardine.

Dr. Chenoweth was in Leyden with his wife, recovering slowly from the effects of an ugly wound in his side. There were no witnesses to the marriage outside of the family. It was a joyful, yet solemn occasion, for on the morrow the two young men were to join the army of the Prince on the French frontier.

The Huguenot preacher surveyed the little group