Even the wagoners from beyond the Rhine, who had ranged their strongly-built wagons near the cemetery of Burg, in order to load them with spices for Cologne, could not resist the influence of the beautiful May-day and the general hilarity; they collected near the gate of the dock-yard, and entoned in their German tongue a song so harmonious and sweet, and yet so manly, that every other sound in their vicinity was hushed.
At this moment an elegant vehicle passed the gate of the dock-yard, and stopped near the German wagoners as the last strain of their song died upon the air.
A young man, and after him an old man and a young girl richly attired, alighted from the carriage.
Those immediately around, merchants as well as workmen, stepped respectfully aside and saluted Mr.Van de Werve, whilst glancing admiringly at his daughter.

Some Italians of lower rank murmured loud enough to reach Mary's ears: "_Ecco la bionda maraviglia_." Mr.Van de Werve ordered his people to await him at the gate of the dock-yard, and passed on, saluting those whom he met, to the place where the Portuguese flag indicated the gondola of Lopez de Galle, which was prepared to receive him.

They threw a carpet across the plank upon which Mary was to step in passing into the gondola.

Mary, her father, and Geronimo entered the boat; the six oars dipped simultaneously into the water, and, pushed by the strong arms of the Portuguese sailors, the gondola sped rapidly through the waves.

Swift as a fish and light as a swan, it skimmed the surface of the Scheldt, and made many a turn through the numerous vessels until it had succeeded in finding an open way down the river.