It was worn by a Spanish general who fell, in the days of Alva, in an attack upon Dort.

My great-grandfather shot him through the head, and kept his mail shirt as a trophy." "It is a useful thing against such a foe as this," Rupert said, putting it on at once.

"I could not wear it in battle, for it would be an unfair advantage; but against an assassin all arms are fair." During the day Rupert went out with his host, and the scowling looks which were turned upon the latter convinced him that the merchant had not exaggerated the extent to which the feeling of the lower class had been excited against him.

So convinced was he of the danger of the position, that, to the immense surprise of Hugh and Joe Sedley, he ordered them to lie down at night in their clothes, with their swords and pistols ready by them.

With eight armed men in the house--for four of the porters engaged in the merchant's warehouse slept on truckle beds placed in the hall--Rupert thought that they ought to be able to repel any assault which might be made.
It was on the fourth night after Rupert's coming to Dort, that he was aroused by a touch on his shoulder.