Insignificant as ever, the small, pious, dusty stranger excited no suspicion in the mind of the good-natured sergeant.

He forthwith spoke of the want of Gerard to an officer, by whom they were communicated to Orange himself, and the Prince instantly ordered a sum of money to be given him.

Thus Balthazar obtained from William's charity what Parma's thrift had denied--a fund for carrying out his purpose! "Next morning, with the money thus procured he purchased a pair of pistols, or small carabines, from a soldier, chaffering long about the price because the vendor could not supply a particular kind of chopped bullets or slugs which he desired.

Before the sunset of the following day that soldier had stabbed himself to the heart, and died despairing, on hearing for what purpose the pistols had been bought.
"On Tuesday, the 10th of July, 1584, at about half-past twelve, the Prince, with his wife on his arm, and followed by the ladies and gentlemen of his family, was going to the dining-room.

William the Silent was dressed upon that day, according to his usual custom, in very plain fashion.