Well, since I was there, I resolved to see the sights of the town; and the next morning, after breakfast, I set out by myself, and wandered about till evening. Now there were many things to be seen--very strange things too; the noise, and the din, and the bustle, addled and confused me; the people were running here and there, shouting as if they were mad, and there were great flags hanging out of the windows, and drums beating, and, stranger than all, I saw little soldiers with red breeches and red shoulder-knots, running about like monkeys. “What is all this?” said I to a man near me. “Methinks,” said he, “the burgomaster himself might well know what it is.” “I am not the burgomaster,” quoth I, “I am his brother, and only came from Rotterdam yesterday.” “Ah! then,” said another, with a strange grin, “you didn’t know these preparations were meant to welcome your arrival.” “No,” said I; “but they are very fine, and if there were not so much noise, I would like them well.” And so, I sauntered on till I came to the great Platz, opposite the cathedral--that was a fine place--and there was a large man carved in cheese over one door, very wonderful to see; and there was a big fish, all gilt, where they sold herrings; but, in the town-hall there seemed something more than usual going on, for great crowds were there, and dragoons were galloping in and galloping out, and all was confusion. “What’s this?” said I. “Are the dykes open?” But not one would mind me; and then suddenly I heard some one call out my name. “Where is Van Hoogendorp?” said one; and then another cried, “Where is Van Hoogendorp?” “Here am I,” said I; and the same moment two officers, covered with gold lace, came through the crowd, and took me by the arms. “Come along with us, Monsieur de Hoogendorp,” said they, in French; “there is not a moment to lose; we have been looking for you every where.” Now, though I understand that tongue, I cannot speak it myself, so I only said “Ja, Ja,” and followed them. They led me up an oak stair, and through three or four large rooms, crowded with officers in fine uniforms, who all bowed as I passed, and some one went before us, calling out in a loud voice, “Monsieur de Hoogendorp!” “This is too much honour,” said I, “far too much;” but as I spoke in Dutch, no one minded me. Suddenly, however, the wide folding-doors were flung open, and we were ushered into a large hall, where, although above a hundred people were assembled, you might have heard a pin drop; the few who spoke at all, did so, only in whispers. “Monsieur de Hoogendorp!” shouted the man again. “For shame,” said I; “don’t disturb the company;” and I thought some of them laughed, but he only bawled the louder, “Monsieur de Hoogendorp!” “Let him approach,” said a quick, sharp voice, from the fireplace. “Ah!” thought I, “they are going to read me an address. I trust it may be in Dutch.”