Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/54

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48
THE SILENT PRINCE

will help you to a more complete understanding of the principles of our faith.”

With a gesture Junius beckoned the young man to his side. Hugo saw a tall, lithe, broad-shouldered youth approaching, with a frank, winning face and a complexion as fresh and fair as a girl's. His features and expression were bold and courageous enough to atone for this dainty refinement of nature. The young man was attired in a doublet and jerkin of fine dark cloth, long buckskin hose and tan shoes. He carried a velvet toque in his hand, and a sword hung by his side. At his belt was fastened a wallet of expensive leather.

“Mynheer Conrad Chenoweth,” said Junius, “I entrust this dear lad, Hugo Berlaymont, to your especial care. Help him all you can.”

The young advocate shook hands with Hugo. “Pastor Junius,” he said, “I accept this trust with pleasure. Call upon me, my lord, for any service that I can render. I am every day in attendance upon the Prince of Orange, superintending his legal affairs, and his palace would be a safe place for you to come when you wish to see me. I will now bid you both good evening.”

As Conrad Chenoweth passed out of the shop, he found that the crowd outside, satiated with the horrors of the execution, was rapidly dispersing. Hoping to avoid the crush, he turned aside into an alley. As he was passing a small and disreputable