Criers had already gone round to offer rewards for information; and a proclamation was now issued by the magistrates, calling upon every citizen to do his best to aid in the search.

A committee was appointed, to investigate all information which might be brought in.
All Dort was in a state of excitement; parties of the burgher guard still patrolled the town; numerous arrests were made in the skinners' and butchers' quarters; groups of people assembled and talked over the events of the night; and indignation at the riot and assault upon Mynheer van Duyk, and pity for himself and his daughter, were loudly expressed on all sides.

The authorities forbade any one from leaving the town by land or water without a special permit signed by the magistrates.
The investigation as to the sailing of boats upon the previous day produced a long list of craft of various sizes and kinds that had left Dort.

Besides those that had actually sailed, one or two had left the quay, and had anchored out in the river, and made fast to buoys there.
Hugh returned with the intelligence that he had recognized in a boatman loitering on the quay one of the crew of the boat in which Rupert and he had had so narrow an escape from drowning.

The captain of one of the merchant's own craft, of which there were several at Dort, was sent for, and having received instructions as to his course, accompanied Hugh to the quay, and having had the fisherman pointed out to him, sauntered along, and after speaking to several men, entered into conversation with him.