“The Ruard is ill—unable to leave his bed.”

He was answered with derision.

“Not too ill to hold a pen—shall the worst traitor escape!”

M. Beveren appealed to the Prince.

“Highness, these men are miscalling M. de Witt.”

But William answered coldly—

“Mynheer, the faction of M. de Witt have miscalled me for a good many years.”

“But they will murder the Ruard.”

“Let him sign,” said William.

The crowd took up the cry.