Commandant, with whom she had always been on more friendly terms than
with her malicious husband. She had also recently propitiated her
affections by means of venison and other dainties brought from Gorcum.
She expressed the hope that, notwithstanding the absence of Captain
Deventer, she might be permitted to send the trunk full of books next day
from the castle.

"My husband is wearing himself out," she said, "with his perpetual
studies. I shall be glad for a little time to be rid of some of these
folios."

The Commandant's wife made no objection to this slight request.

On Monday morning the gale continued to beat with unabated violence on
the turrets. The turbid Waal, swollen by the tempest, rolled darkly and
dangerously along the castle walls.

But the die was cast. Grotius rose betimes, fell on his knees, and
prayed fervently an hour long. Dressed only in linen underclothes with a
pair of silk stockings, he got into the chest with the help of his wife.
The big Testament of Erpenius, with some bunches of thread placed upon
it, served him as a pillow. A few books and papers were placed in the
interstices left by the curves of his body, and as much pains as possible
taken to prevent his being seriously injured or incommoded during the
hazardous journey he was contemplating. His wife then took solemn
farewell of him, fastened the lock, which she kissed, and gave the key to
Elsje.

The usual garments worn by the prisoner were thrown on a chair by the
bedside and his slippers placed before it. Madame de Groot then returned