Tichelaer lurched forward; but made no attempt to touch him.
“We want this villain,” he said, and turned to Cornelius.
More men were forcing into the room, fiercely accusing of bribery the two who strove to prevent them.
Encouraged by sheer numbers, Tichelaer strode to the bed.
“Come, get up,” he said roughly to the Ruard. “Pray to God and prepare yourself, for you must die.”
“What harm have I done you?” asked Cornelius calmly.
Verhoef the goldsmith answered—
“You have attempted the life of his very Noble Mightiness the Prince, and you are an ugly traitor—make haste and get up.”
John stepped towards him.
“You,” he said to Tichelaer, “know my brother is innocent.”