wall, presented a busy scene, for by a decree of the council the citizens
and inhabitants, without exception, no matter whether they were poor or
rich, of noble or plebeian birth, were to take a solemn oath to be loyal
to the Prince and the good cause.

Commissioner Van Bronkhorst, Burgomaster Van der Werff, and two other
magistrates, clad in festal attire, stood under a group of beautiful
linden-trees to receive the oaths of the men and youths, who flocked to
the spot. The solemn ceremonial had not yet commenced. Janus Dousa, in
full uniform, a coat of mail over his doublet and a helmet on his head,
arm-in-arm with Van Hout, approached Meister Peter and the commissioner,
saying: "Here it is again! Not one of the humbler citizens and workmen
is absent, but the gentlemen in velvet and fur are but thinly
represented."

"They shall come yet!" cried the city clerk menacingly.

"What will formal vows avail?" replied the burgomaster. "Whoever
desires liberty, must grant it. Besides, this hour will teach us on whom
we can depend."

"Not a single man of the militia is absent," said the commissioner.

"There is comfort in that. What is stirring yonder in the linden?"

The men looked up and perceived Adrian, who was swaying in the top of the
tree, as a concealed listener. "The boy must be everywhere," exclaimed
Peter. "Come down, saucy lad. You appear at a convenient time."

The boy clung to a limb with his hands, let himself drop to the ground