Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/267

Rh paid me in advance, and I was to have received the remainder to-morrow when I returned to Brussels."

"Take the prisoner and lock him up securely for the night," said the Prince, "but see that he is treated kindly. To-morrow we will decide what is best to do with him."

The guard obeyed reluctantly. They desired to execute the fellow on the spot, before he did any more mischief, but William's commands were final.

The next morning found Conrad Chenoweth much improved. The Prince sent for the soldier who had charge of the prisoner, and said, "Let him go his way. He has not committed murder, and I do not wish to deprive a man of life when he is but the irresponsible tool of others."

The soldier began to argue in favor of a speedy execution, but William answered him kindly but decidedly, "If I can forgive this man certainly you ought to be able to do so. Obey my command!"

Greatly to the surprise of the Spaniard, he was simply escorted to the boundaries of the town and told that it meant instant death for him to so much as show his head in the place again.

This occurrence was soon banished from the minds of all by the return of Reynold Van Straalen, who brought the sad news that the Spanish troops had laid siege to Leyden.