“For what end?”
For the first time John de Witt showed some agitation.
“That we may possibly, under God’s help, avert the disaster that threatens us.”
“In what manner?”
“By endeavouring to obtain peace from the King of France.”
“Never!” cried Gaspard Fagel. “Never!”
John de Witt answered with suppressed passion—
“Orsoy, Rhynberg, Burick, and Wesel have fallen.”
The Secretary made no answer.
“I see no means of saving the United Provinces, M. Fagel.”