All in vain La Ruelle begged for mercy. Two Dominicans, sent for to shrive the victim, implored the Count to pause; but 'Kill him, kill him! Make haste. Lose no more time,' was his answer to their entreaties, and to those of his own daughters, who besought him, with tears, to spare the unfortunate man's life. Some of the soldiers refused to touch the burgomaster, and told Warfusée to his face that they were not assassins. But at last three Spaniards drew their daggers, and stabbed La Ruelle repeatedly till he was dead. His cries were heard in the room where De Mouzon, fearing that his own last hour had come, was waiting with the other guests under guard of the soldiers. The Dominicans entered; and all were crowding round them, pouring out confessions and clamouring for absolution, when Warfusée came to the door, and told them that the burgomaster was dead, and that he had died repenting of his misdeeds, and seeking forgiveness from God, the Emperor, and the Bishop. Having said this, he went away again. In the meantime a report had spread through the town that something unusual was happening. It was said that a band of Spanish soldiers had been seen to cross the Meuse, and go to the Count of Warfusée's house, where the burgomaster was known to be dining that day; and every one suspected that they had been sent to arrest La Ruelle, De Mouzon, Warfusée, and their friends. So a cousin of the burgomaster's went to find out if this was the case. When he reached the door of the house he found a crowd of people, who told him they had heard cries from within and the clash of arms, and that there was a rumour that the burgo master had been murdered. On hearing this, he knocked at the door, which was opened by the Count, who let him enter with a few of his friends. [Illustration: LA VIEILLE BOUCHERIE, LIÉGE] 'Tell me, gentlemen,' said Warfusée, 'do you wish to be Spanish, or French, or Dutch?' 'No,' they replied, 'we wish to remain what we are--neutrals and true Liégeois.' 'What would you think,' the Count asked them, 'if you heard that La Ruelle has sold your country to France?' 'We would not believe it,' they all replied. 'Do you know his signature?' Warfusée inquired, showing them some documents. 'These are forgeries,' they told him. 'No matter!' exclaimed the Count; 'I had orders to kill La Ruelle. He is already dead, and I hold Abbé de Mouzon and Baron de Saizan prisoners. Would you like to see La Ruelle's body?' To this they replied 'No,' and asked permission to leave the house.