Thus [King, lifting his finger, let us fancy, dictates; Roden, with brand-new pencil and tablets, writes:] "'1.

In each of those Towns, how many ruined Houses there are which the proprietors themselves can manage to rebuild.2.How many which the proprietors cannot.3.The vacant grounds or steadings of such proprietors as are perhaps dead, or gone else-whither, must be given to others that are willing to build: but in regard to this, Law also must do its part, and the absent and the heirs must be cited to say, Whether they will themselves build?
and in case they won't, the steadings can then be given to others.'" Roden having written,-- KING.

"'In the course of six days you must be ready [what an expeditious King! Is to be at Cleve the sixth day hence: Meet me there, then],--longer I cannot give you.' RODEN (considering a moment).

"'If your Majesty will permit me to use ESTAFETTES [express messengers] for the Towns farthest off,--as I cannot myself, within the time, travel over all the Towns,--I hope to be ready.' KING.

"'That I permit; and will repay you the ESTAFETTE moneys .-- Tell me, How comes the decrease of population in these parts?
Recruits I got none.' RODEN.