Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/288

 him my death!" referring to his murderer. But these words of mercy came too late. The military guard had fallen upon the criminal on the spot, and immediately despatched him.

In the pockets of the murderer were found a Jesuit catechism, a prayer-book, an Agnus Dei, a crucifix, and tablets covered with prayers addressed to the Virgin, the Saviour, and the Saviour's Son (!) imploring their combined aid in bringing this murderous deed to a safe and sure accomplishment. This poor fanatic had furthermore offered to bribe the heavenly host, from Christ down to the Virgin Mary, if they would mercifully preserve his life. To the Saviour he promised "a coat of costly pattern," to the Virgin at Guadalupe "a new gown." To the "Mother of God" at Montserrat "a crown, a gown and a lamp," and so on throughout the heavenly household.

And what of our friends, the Chenoweths and Van Straalens? After the siege of Leyden, Dr. Chenoweth received a letter from a former patient who had emigrated to South Africa some years previously. In this letter, Heer Ogier described the fertility of the coast country, the salubrious climate and the tropical vegetation, and he urged the doctor to come out there with his family, as the conditions for a permanent and prosperous settlement were highly favorable. Already many re-