“When he next wakes,” thought the boy, “I will go in and tell him how false is this report he has heard.” Presently the Prince exhibited signs of returning consciousness, but he seemed weaker, and could only murmur:
“Leyden!—Leyden!—Tranquil—” Then Gysbert with trembling knees and quaking heart, entered the door and walked up to the bed. At first the Prince did not see him, but soon the renewed barking of his spaniel attracted his attention to the curious little figure standing by the bedside.
“Who art thou?” he queried feebly.
“Mynheer Prince,” faltered Gysbert, “I am only a boy from Leyden, but I have come to tell you that it is not true,—what you have been told concerning the city’s surrender. Leyden still holds out and will so continue till its last defender is slain!” The dullness of fever in the sick man’s eyes gave place to an actual sparkle.
“Leyden still safe!” he exclaimed.
