"If your Majesty will be pleased to read this communication," replied Lord Albemarle, presenting Ramsay's letter and enclosures, "you will then be of my opinion." King William took the letter and read it. "What Ramsay--he who was attainted with Sir Robert Barclay?" "The same, your Majesty." "So near us, and escaped--but what credence would you place in him?" "Every credence, may it please your Majesty. I believe him to be incapable of a lie." "A traitor, like him!" "A traitor to your Majesty, but most true to his Catholic Majesty, King James that was. But if I venture to point out to your Majesty, the enclosures prove that Lieutenant Vanslyperken's word is not of much value. He, at least, is a double traitor." "Yes, a little hanging will do him no harm--you are sure this is his writing?" "There can be no doubt of it, your Majesty, I have compared it." "You will see to this, my lord: and now to the syndic." "He has, as your Majesty will perceive, been grossly deceived, and suspected without reason." "And the woman?" "Was here yesterday, and fully convinced me that Vanslyperken was a traitor, and that she was innocent. His Grace of Portland was present." "Well, my lord, you may give orders for their release; of course a little surveillance will be advisable. You will justify the proceedings to the council, this afternoon." "But may I presume to submit to your Majesty, that the public affront offered to the syndic should be repaired." "Certainly--send for him," replied his Majesty, carelessly. "I will receive him to-morrow morning," and his Majesty left the room. Lord Albemarle immediately despatched a courier with an order for the release of the syndic and the Frau Vandersloosh, with a note to the former, stating that his Majesty would receive him on the following day at noon. But while this act of justice had been preparing at the palace of the Hague, there were other acts, not quite so justifiable performing at the town of Amsterdam.