Time passed without his perceiving it, but a torturing desire for food began to torment the starving man. There were plenty of turnips piled against the wall, and he eat one after another, until he experienced the feeling of satiety he had so long lacked. Then he sat down on a kneading-trough and considered how he could best get to the Beggars. He did not know his way, but woe betide those who ventured to oppose him. His arm and sword were good, and there were Spaniards enough at hand whom he could make feel the weight of both. His impatience began to rise, and it seemed like a welcome diversion, when he heard steps approaching and a man’s figure entered the house. He had stationed himself by the wall with his sword between his folded arms, and now shouted a loud “halt” to the new-comer.
The latter instantly drew his sword, and when Georg imperiously demanded what he wanted, replied in a boyish voice, but a proud, resolute tone:
“I ask you that question! I am in my father’s house.”
“Indeed!” replied the German smiling, for he had now recognized the speaker’s figure by the dim light. “Put up your sword. If you are young Matanesse Van Wibisma, you have nothing to fear from me.”
“I am. But what are you doing on our premises at night, sword in hand?”
“I’m warming the wall to my own satisfaction, or, if you want to know the truth, mounting guard.”
“Yes, Junker. There is some one up-stairs with your cousins, who wouldn’t like to be surprised by the Spaniards. Go up. I know from Captain Van Duivenvoorde what a gallant young fellow you are.”
“From Herr von Warmond?” asked Nicolas eagerly. “Tell me! what brings you here, and who are you?”
“One who is fighting for your liberty, a German, Georg von Dornburg.”
“Oh, wait here, I entreat you. I’ll come back directly. Do you know whether Fraulein Van Hoogstraten--”
“Up there,” replied Georg, pointing towards the ceiling.
Nicolas sprang up the stairs in two or three bounds, called his cousin, and hastily told her that her father had had a severe fall from his horse while hunting, and was lying dangerously ill. When Nicolas spoke of Anna he had at first burst into a furious passion, but afterwards voluntarily requested him to tell him about her, and attempted to leave his bed to accompany him. He succeeded in doing so, but fell back fainting. When his father came early the next morning, she might tell him that he, Nicolas, begged his forgiveness; he was about to do what he believed to be his duty.