“Cornelis and Sybrandt are two ill curs that have shown me their teeth and their heart a long while; but they could do no more. My father it is that gave the burgomaster authority, or he durst not have laid a finger on me, that am a free burgher of this town. So be it, then. I was his son. I am his prisoner. He has played his part. I shall play mine. Farewell the burgh where I was born, and lived honestly and was put in prison. While there is another town left in creation, I'll never trouble you again, Tergou.” “Oh! Gerard! Gerard!” Margaret whispered her: “Do not gainsay him now. Give his choler time to cool!” Kate turned quickly towards her. “Let me look at your face?” The inspection was favourable, it seemed, for she whispered: “It is a comely face, and no mischief-maker's.” “Fear me not,” said Margaret, in the same tone. “I could not be happy without your love, as well as Gerard's.” “These are comfortable words,” sobbed Kate. Then, looking up, she said, “I little thought to like you so well. My heart is willing, but my infirmity will not let me embrace you.” At this hint, Margaret wound gently round Gerard's sister, and kissed her lovingly. “Often he has spoken of you to me, Kate; and often I longed for this.” “You, too, Gerard,” said Kate; “kiss me ere you go; for my heart lies heavy at parting with you this night.” Gerard kissed her, and she went on her crutches home. The last thing they heard of her was a little patient sigh. Then the tears came and stood thick in Margaret's eyes. But Gerard was a man, and noticed not his sister's sigh. As they turned to go to Sevenbergen, the dwarf nudged Gerard with his bundle of parchments and held out a concave claw. Margaret dissuaded Gerard. “Why take what is not ours?” “Oh, spoil an enemy how you can.” “But may they not make this a handle for fresh violence?” “How can they? Think you I shall stay in Tergou after this? The burgomaster robbed me of my liberty; I doubt I should take his life for it, if I could.” “Oh, fie! Gerard.” “What! Is life worth more than liberty? Well, I can't take his life, so I take the first thing that comes to hand.” He gave Giles a few small coins, with which the urchin was gladdened, and shuffled after his sister. Margaret and Gerard were speedily joined by Martin, and away to Sevenbergen. CHAPTER XII Ghysbrecht Van Swieten kept the key of Gerard's prison in his pouch. He waited till ten of the clock ere he visited for he said to himself, “A little hunger sometimes does well it breaks 'em.” At ten he crept up the stairs with a loaf and pitcher, followed by his trusty servant well armed. Ghysbrecht listened at the door. There was no sound inside. A grim smile stole over his features. “By this time he will be as down-hearted as Albert Koestein was,” thought he. He opened the door. No Gerard. Ghysbrecht stood stupefied.