The gaoler stepped aside, and the intruders found themselves face to face with John de Witt, who had turned full towards them.
Seeing a tall gentleman of a princely carriage, erect and stately as any soldier, with a pale but perfectly composed countenance of a handsome nobility, looking at them with the eyes that had faced Europe, their mere violence was abashed.
“What is your authority?” asked John de Witt.
“I come from the States,” said Ruysch sullenly. “To see you do not escape before we hear what His Noble and Mighty Highness proposes to do with you.”
“Did the States send you on that errand?” demanded Cornelius.
“Would you rather be left to the citizens of the Hague?” said one of the other men, avoiding his eye.
“If you have been sent to protect us from the violence of the mob, I thank you,” said John. “But we are neither answerable to the States nor to His Highness, but are free men.”
“We do not deny it,” replied Ruysch, who wished to keep on the side of the law.
“Very well.” John took up his hat. “I will go to the States, while you guard my brother, and procure an order for his release.”