Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 395: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

388 THE ARGOSY, Then the mob, filling the air with mad threats and reproaches, crossed the square and gathered round the horseman. “ Ah, tyrant; you would starve us!” they cried. “ Enotigh of this terri- ble siege! Surrender the town that we and our loved ones may live! ” The burgomaster smiled grimly. Waving his cap for silence, he ex- claimed in tones of inflexible resolve: What would ye, my friends? Why do ye murmur that we do not break our vows and surrender the city to the Spaniards ?—a fate more horrible than the agony which she now endures. I tell you I have made an oath to hold the city, and may God give me strength to keep it! I can die but once; whether by your hands, the enemy’s, or by the hand of God. My fate is in- different to me, not so that of the city intrusted to my care. “ I know that we shall starve if not soon relieved,” he continued; “ but starvation is preferable to the dishonored death which is the only alternative. Your menaces move me not. My life is at your disposal. Here is my sword! Plunge it into my breast, and divide my flesh among you! Take my body to appease your hunger ; but expect no surrender so Jong as I remain alive.” The words of the stout burgomaster produced a marvelous effect upon that multitude of starving specters. Those on the outskirts of the mob crept away silently and swiftly; the people began dispersing in all directions, as if inspired with shame and horror at the lawless act they had committed, leaving Adrian Van der Werf alone in the deserted square. One man had conquered a thousand by the sovereign power of his will. CHAPTER [].—THE CONFERENCE. THE burgomaster followed the retreating figures of the rioters with a steadfast gaze, and, when the last one had disappeared, gut spurs to his horse and galloped quickly across the square to the town hall. Dismounting at the entrance, he tied his steed to a poplar, passed through the great arched door under the portico, and made his way to the council chamber. There he found John Van der Does, the military commandant of the city, engaged in earnest consultation with several of the council- men. From the expression of their faces it was evident that the subject un- dergoing discussion was very grave. “ You have arrived most luckily, my friend,” said the commandant, rising to greet him. ‘“ We were about to send for you, as we need your advice.” “ And believe me I would have joined you sooner, had I not been inter- rupted on the way,” responded Van der Werf. “Interrupted? What mean you? ” “ That as I came into the square I was beset by a mob of gaunt and ragged specters clamoring for bread.” “Indeed?” answered the commandant gravely. “Then i. must have been their mad shouts that reached our ears just now.” “ They threatened me, gentlemen,” continued the burgomaster, turning tu the councilmen. “ They demanded my life because I refused to surrender the city to the Spaniards. They heaped execrations upon my head for again ECOMmicoookKks CO