Instantly carbines, bayonets, and pistols clattered on the ground.
“Take them up and hold them ready to use again as you used them to-day,” flashed William. “For God and the United Provinces!”
A long, sobbing shout rose from the Frieslanders:—
“God, the United Provinces, and William of Nassau!”
The Prince waved his hand to them and rode away as three hundred voices broke into St. Aldegonde’s hymn of liberty, “William of Nassau.”
At the edge of the encampment the Prince dismounted; after his long speech he was very silent.
“Your Highness has utterly quelled all discontent,” murmured the officer. “God keep Your Highness—they were greatly moved——”
“Good-night,” said William; “they will obey now, Mynheer.”
He took M. Bentinck’s arm and turned across the camp.
Neither spoke a word until they reached the cottage, then William uttered some incoherent sentence as M. Bentinck unlatched the door.