The Dutch captain bending down inspects this, then mutters suddenly to Guy: “This head is placarded ‘Captain Oliver, of Mons.’ ”
“Good God!” and with eyes filled with anguish Chester sees once more, for the last time, the face of his dead friend.
“You knew he was dead?” asks Ripperda.
“Yes,” mutters Guy, “but I couldn’t tell of it here; his betrothed would learn.”
“Yes, the girl Mina was to marry our patriot!” sighs the commander. Then he says hoarsely: “Take her away if you can get her forth alive. Take her away quickly; don’t tell her until you get her from the horror of this. Good bye, my English friend. If we meet again Haarlem will be free from Spanish butchers.”
And the two make their farewell with mutual respect.
From this Guy, going to Pieter Kies, says: “I have the Commandant’s orders. Take me to Mina Bodé Volcker!”
Getting word with the girl, who is very pale from famine and anxiety, she sobs to him: “You have come to take me to Antony. I know it. I see it in your face.”
“Yes,” mutters Chester.
“Where is he? How was it Oliver didn’t come with you?”