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Updated: June 2, 2025
After they had ridden off, Van Duyk went out to the haystack. “They have gone for the present, meinheer, but you had better stay where you are. They are quite capable of coming back again in the hope that you may have come out from some hiding-place they may have overlooked.” Indeed, an hour later the troop galloped up again, only to find the Dutchman smoking placidly on a seat before his house.
"Had he?" Rupert said; "and who was he? "If it was an enemy, it is your coat of mail has saved me," he continued, turning to Van Duyk. "I have never taken it off since. But how did he get behind me I wonder? "Run," he continued energetically, "and see if the lady is safe. There must have been mischief behind." Mynheer van Duyk, closely followed by the others, ran upstairs to his daughter's room.
“Now, sir,” he said, “if you will eat this I will call up my two men and set to work at once to get your hiding-place made, so that you may be safely lodged in it before any people are about.” Will was by no means sorry to take breakfast. He ate the food leisurely, and just as he had finished Van Duyk came in to say that the place was ready for him.
Maria herself was equally grateful. Van Duyk would have freighted a shipful of presents to Rupert's friends in England, but the latter would not hear of it. He insisted, however, on sending a pipe of magnificent old Burgundy for the colonel's drinking; while Maria sent a stomacher of antique workmanship, with valuable gems, to Madame Holliday. No adventure marked their homeward journey.
Hugh and Joe Sedley, with a shout of rage and horror, dashed from their places, sword in hand, and leaping headlong down the stairs, cutting and hewing with their heavy swords, swept all opposition back, and stood at the foot, over the body of Rupert. The three Dutchmen and Van Duyk followed their example, and formed a group round the foot of the stairs.
Thus exhorted, Rupert very stammeringly gave an account of the fray in which he had been engaged. "Von Duyk!" the earl said. "She must be a daughter of the great merchant of Dort a useful friend to have made, maybe, Master Holliday; and it may be that your adventure may even be of service to the state. Never speak now, Master Rupert, of your peaceful intentions.
When we got down to the quay this morning, he was talking with two men whose faces I did not see, for they walked suddenly and hastily away, but who seemed to me to flavour much of the two men we disturbed that evening when they were carrying off Miss Von Duyk.
I am an officer of the Duke of Marlborough's army, and I warn you against lifting a hand against my host and good friend Mynheer van Duyk." "It's a lie!" shouted one of the crowd. "We know you; you are a Frenchman masquerading in English uniform. "Down with him, my friends. Death to the traitors!" There was a rush up the stairs, and in an instant the terrible fight began.
Two minutes later the church bells joined in the clamour; and the bell on the town hall with quick, sharp strokes called the burgher guard to arms. Van Duyk, knowing now that all that could be done had been effected, ran to his daughter's room, bade her dress, and keep her door locked until she heard his voice, come what may. Then he ran downstairs to join the defenders below.
Now let us go below and see after Miss van Duyk, and assure ourselves that our enemy is dead at last. As he said in the boat, I shall never feel quite safe till I know for certain that he is dead." Neither Rupert Holliday nor Maria van Duyk would be troubled more with Sir Richard Fulke. He was absolutely and unquestionably dead. He had fallen on his head, and death had been instantaneous.
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