Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 397: what you’re looking at

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

390 THE ARGOSY. : ° scarce a rag to cover their aching bones—and some cried out to me for bread, while others sat in silent misery, patiently awaiting death. And again the question came, How long can these poor creatures endure? “IT know, gentlemen,” he continued, “that we have resolved to perish rather than surrender; but do you realize how near the end we are? You will say that eternal glory will be our portion 1f we die in defense of our city; but I ask you will our death save Leyden from the hands of the hated Spaniards ? And, if Leyden falls, will it not mean the utter ruin of our country? Oh, I implore you to harken to my advice! Send a messenger this very night to William the Silent, asking him to hurry forward the deliverance he promised at the beginning of this dreadful siege. We have not heard from him in many days. Can it be that he has abandoned us to our fate? ” “On that score,” broke in the commandant, “ I can set your mind at rest. We are invested so closely by the Spaniards at present that it would be im- possib’ for any messenger to make his way through their lines.” “Which is an unfortunate cizcumstance,” added the burgomaster, “as I am inclined to favor the good councilman’s suggestion. The picture he has presented of the desperate condition of affairs in this city 1s not in the least overdrawn. We will all die of starvation unless succor speedily arrives. The Prince of Orange must be informed at once of the exact straits we are in; yet ' how can this be dorfe if we are so thoroughly invested by the Spaniards that a messenger cannot penetrate their lines? ”’ ‘ Nevertheless, I assure you, worthy burgomaster,”’ said the commandant with a sorrowful shake of the head, “ that Valdez has so possessed every road, dike and stream leading out of Leyden that a mouse could not squeeze through.” | “ And yet it must be done,” answered Van der Werf sternly. “ But whom can you get to volunteer for the mission?” asked the other. “It is evident death, aye and worst than death ; for Valdez would be sure to tor- ture any messenger he might capture in order to extort information.” ** And still I will send a man on the mission. Doubtless one can be found of sufficient virtue to undertake the task.” ‘The Spaniards have erected sixty five redoubts around Leyden; they have pickets and patrols without number; every exit from the city is guarded.” ‘“ Nevertheless, a messenger shall be sent,” replied the burgomaster. At that moment the roar of cannon and the rattle of musketry sounded from the ramparts, and the conference came to an end. John Van der Does hurried away to that part of the city wall from which the firing proceeded, to inspire the defenders by his presence, and the worthy burgomaster descended from his chair of state and buckled on the sword he had laid aside while exercising his magisterial functions. Then he hastened out of the town hall, and mounting his horse, sped off to the scene of action. CHaprer IJI.—TuHe ASSAULT. At this period Leyden was one of the most beautiful cities in the Nether- lands. Placed in the midst of broad ax#fd fruitful pastures, protected by a ECOMmicoookKks CO