He had stepped on shore, entirely ignorant of all which had transpired, expecting to be treated with the respect due to the chief commandant of the place, and to an officer high in the confidence of the Governor-general.

He found himself surrounded by an indignant and threatening mob.

The unfortunate Italian understood not a word of the opprobrious language addressed to him, but he easily comprehended that the authority of the Duke was overthrown.
"Observing De Ryk, a distinguished partisan officer and privateersman of Amsterdam, whose reputation for bravery and generosity was known to him, he approached him, and drawing a seal ring from his finger kissed it, and handed it to the rebel chieftain.

By this dumb-show he gave him to understand that he relied upon his honor for the treatment due to a gentleman.

De Ryk understood the appeal, and would willingly have assured him, at least, a soldier's death, but he was powerless to do so.