When these envoys reached the place, they were refused admission to the general's presence.

The army had already been ordered to move forward to Naarden, and they were directed to accompany the advance guard, and to expect their reply at the gates of their own city.

This command was sufficently ominous.

The impression which it made upon them was confirmed by the warning voices of their friends in Amersfoort, who entreated them not to return to Naarden.

The advice was not lost upon one of the two envoys.