The Prince smiled.
“One ally,” he repeated, “who saved us once before.”
He loosened his grip on his sword, and the gilt steel slipped with a rattle.
“The sea,” he said, “the sea!”
A sound like a muffled sob broke from the Assembly.
Some of the Deputies rose to their feet.
M. Beuningen hid his face in his hands, and his shoulders shook.
“My noble lords,” said the Stadtholder, “we can open the dykes.”
The burgomaster of the famous city of Amsterdam held out his hand.
“I will answer for Amsterdam, Your Highness!”