The Count tarried behind, facing to the last the infuriated
populace, which advanced at the same rate as the Count
retired.

John de Witt, therefore, had by no means exaggerated the
danger, when, assisting his brother in getting up, he
hurried his departure. Cornelius, leaning on the arm of the
Ex-Grand Pensionary, descended the stairs which led to the
courtyard. At the bottom of the staircase he found little
Rosa, trembling all over.

"Oh, Mynheer John," she said, "what a misfortune!"

"What is it, my child?" asked De Witt.

"They say that they are gone to the Town-hall to fetch the
order for Tilly's horse to withdraw."

"You do not say so!" replied John. "Indeed, my dear child,
if the dragoons are off, we shall be in a very sad plight."

"I have some advice to give you," Rosa said, trembling even
more violently than before.

"Well, let us hear what you have to say, my child. Why
should not God speak by your mouth?"

"Now, then, Mynheer John, if I were in your place, I should
not go out through the main street."