The offenders were instantly sought for and arrested. Philip ordered all of the three to be hanged! His sensitive soul could not endure this outrage upon religion, though for three days and three dreadful nights he had allowed the pillage of the city to continue. On the morning of the fourth day all soldiers were ordered into camp. The desolated city was left in peace—it was the peace of the dead! So fell St. Quentin! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XIII THE SCHWARTZREITERS The week which followed the fall of St. Quentin was a period of strenuous exertion on the part of the conquerors. The dead were buried, the city was cleansed of its many impurities, and the devastating fires which had threatened the destruction of the whole town were at length subdued. Of all the religious edifices in the city the cathedral alone remained unconsumed by the devouring element. Philip had himself superintended the efforts made for its preservation; streets were pulled down, strong buildings were blown up by gunpowder, and at length the noble building stood in grand isolation, but safe from fire. A strong Spanish garrison was placed in possession of St. Quentin; the remainder of the army was under orders to prepare for instant and active service. The neighbouring towns of Picardy, Catelet, Ham, and Chanley were to be besieged forthwith, and the camp was full of zeal and animation—for surely fresh spoils awaited the soldiers of Philip, and bright visions of glory and honour filled the minds of the chieftains. In the English camp alone these feelings held no sway. The war had never been popular with them—they felt that they were fighting the battles of King Philip, and not those of their own country. And now that the main object of the expedition had been won, and the chief town in Picardy captured, the English contingent were eager to return home. -------------- In the evening of a fine September day Lord Clinton's three aides-de- camp were reposing in their tent after a day's active exertion. That day a courier had brought them letters from England, and the young men were eagerly discussing home news. Susan had written to each of them, for she had much to tell. The fires of Smithfield had burst forth anew, to the horror of the people and the grief of all good men. That very day three victims had perished, and the Queen's guards had scarce prevented the London people from attempting forcible rescue. One condemned man had been pardoned by the Cardinal Archbishop, and many were said to have been freed by him after brief examination and apparent but doubtful submission.