"Yes, yes," said Cornelius, "I hear these shouts somewhatplainly, but what is their meaning?"

Harold opened the window.

"Death to the traitors!" howled the populace.

"Do you hear now, Cornelius?"

"To the traitors! that means us!" exclaimed the prisoner, raisinghis eyes to heaven and shrugging his shoulders.

"Yes, it means us," repeated John.

"Where is Craeke?"

"At the door of your cell, I suppose."

"Let him enter then."

Harold opened the door; the faithful servant was waiting onthe threshold.

"Come in, Craeke, and mind well what my brother will tellyou."

"No, John; it will not suffice to send a verbal message;unfortunately, I shall be obliged to write."

"And why that?"

"Because Van Baerle will neither give up the parcel nor burnit without a special command to do so."