"Not I," replied the Breton, as the dice rolled from his hand upon the table, "the game is not lost yet. See there, twelve!"
And now it was Jehan's turn; he threw only six —so with an air of joy and triumph the Breton tucked the necklace under his mail, and Jehan stood aside from the table, with bitterness and vengeance in his heart, but sufficiently master of himself to put a good face on the matter, and even, with feigned good humor, to wish the winner luck with his prize. But for all this he was not at all disposed to let his adversary ofif so easily. While the Breton was in conversation with another of his comrades, Jehan whispered something in the ear of those who stood next to him, and then called across the table:
"Now, comrade, as you have cleaned me out, you must give me another chance. I will set my share of this night's earnings against an equal sum; what say you?"
"Done; I'm always ready."
Jehan took the dice, and in two casts threw eighteen. The other now took them up, and seemed, talking all the while, to hold them carelessly in his hand; the soldier who stood beside Jehan narrowly watched him; and now they distinctly noticed how the Breton again brought the dice to his lips, and by this device threw first ten, and then twelve.
"You have lost again, friend Jehan," he exclaimed. A. tremendous blow of Jehan's fist was the answer. Blood gushed from the Breton's nose and mouth, and for a moment he stood stunned and motionless, so violent was the shock.
"You're a cheat, a thief!" shouted Jehan, now giving full vent to his fury; "have I not seen how you wetted the dice, and so won my money of me by false play? You shall give back all I have lost to-night, or by Heaven—"
But the Breton, now recovered from his stupor, gave him no time to finish his speech, but rushed upon him, sword in hand, with a volley of oaths and curses. Jehan, too, was ready for the fight, and swore vehemently that he would have the Breton's blood. Already the blades flashed in the lamplight, and a bloody issue seemed inevitable, when suddenly an additional actor, also in military equipment, appeared upon the scene.
The look of mingled command and reproof which the newcomer cast upon the combatants sufficiently indicated him to be one of their officers; and no sooner were they aware of his presence, than with abashed looks they slunk aside, the curses died away upon their lips, and the swords were hastily returned to the scabbards. Jehan and the Breton eyed one another in a manner which showed that they did but postpone the termination of their contest to a more convenient season; meanwhile they followed the example of the rest, and drew near their commander, who now spoke:
"Are you ready, men?" he asked.
"Ready, Messire de Cresslnes," was the answer.
"Remember, not a word spoken," proceeded the officer. "And remember, too, that the house to which this citizen will conduct you is under the especial protection of the governor; the first that lays a finger upon anything therein will bitterly repent it. Now, follow me."
The citizen alluded to, and who was about to serve as conductor to the French soldiers, was no other than Master Brakels, the same whose unpatriotic behavior had caused him to be expelled from the Guild of the Clothworkers. The whole party once in the street, Brakels took the lead, and silently led them through the darkness to the Spanish street and the mansion of the Nieuwlands. Here the soldiers ranged themselves close to the walls, on either side of the door, drawing their very breath cautiously, so fearful were they of giving the alarm. Master Brakels tapped very gently, as though on an errand which required caution. In a few moments a woman's voice from within inquired who it was that knocked at so late an hour.
"Quick, open!" replied Brakels. "I come from Master Deconinck with an urgent message for the Lady Matilda. Be quick, for there is danger in every moment's delay."
At this reply, the servant, suspecting no treason, immediately drew the bolts, and opened the door with all the speed she could command; but what was her alarm when, at the heels of the Fleming, she saw that eight French soldiers had forced their way into the hall. With a scream which resounded through the house, she endeavored to make her escape; but in this she was prevented by Messire de Cressines, who, seizing her by the arm, awed her into silence by his threatening gestures.
"Where is your mistress, the Lady Matilda?" he asked, in a tone of perfect coolness.
"My lady retired to her chamber two hours ago, and is now asleep," stammered out the waitingmaid in a frightened tone.
"Go to her," pursued De Cressines, "and bid her rise and dress herself; for that she must go with us on the instant. She will do well to attempt no resistance, for we are prepared to use force if necessary."
The girl hurried upstairs to the chamber of Maria, whom she forthwith awoke. "Lady," she exclaimed, "make haste and rise, the house is full of soldiers."
"What say you?" cried Maria, terrified, "soldiers in our house! What is it they want?"
"They come to carry off the Lady Matilda, at this very instant. Make haste, I pray you, for she is asleep, and I fear every moment lest they should enter her chamber.”
In too much haste and astonishment to answer, Maria threw a loose dressing-gown over her shoulders, and descended the stairs, where she found De Cressines still in the entrance-hall. Two male servants, who had been awakened by the girl's scream, had been arrested and detained by the soldiers.
"Sir," said Maria, addressing herself to the officer in command, "please
