But Ramsay was interrupted in the middle of one of his most favourite songs by old Koops, who informed him that the lieutenant of the cutter was waiting for him in his room.  Apologising for the necessary absence, Ramsay quitted the music-room, and hastened to meet Vanslyperken.

Mr Vanslyperken had received his orders to return to the Hague a few days after the fright he had received from the nasal organ of the corporal.  In pursuance of his instructions from Ramsay, he had not failed to open all the government despatches, and extract their contents.  He had also brought over letters from Ramsay’s adherents.

“You are sure these extracts are quite correct?” said Ramsay, after he had read them over.

“Quite so, sir,” replied Vanslyperken.

“And you have been careful to seal the letters again, so as to avoid suspicion?”

“Does not my life depend upon it, Mr Ramsay?”

“Very true, and also upon your fidelity to us.  Here’s your money.  Let me know when you sail, and come for orders.”

Vanslyperken then took his bag of money, made his bow, and departed, and Ramsay commenced reading over the letters received from his friends.  Mynheer Van Krause observed Vanslyperken as he was leaving the house, and immediately hastened to Ramsay’s room to inquire the news.  A portion of the contents of the despatches were made known to him, and the syndic was very soon afterwards seen to walk out, leaving his people to mark and tally the bales which were hoisting out from a vessel in the canal.  The fact was, that Mynheer Van Krause was so anxious to get rid of his secret, that he could not contain himself any longer, and had set off to communicate to one of the authorities what he had obtained.

“But from whence did you receive this intelligence, Mynheer Krause,” demanded the other.  “The despatches have not yet been opened; we are waiting for Mynheer Van Wejen.  I suppose we shall learn something there.  You knew all before we did, when the cutter arrived last time.  You must have some important friends at the English court, Mynheer Van Krause.”

Here Mynheer Krause nodded his head, and looked very knowing, and shortly afterwards took his leave.

But this particular friend of Mynheer Krause was also his particular enemy.  Krause had lately imparted secrets which were supposed to be known and entrusted to none but those in the entire confidence of the government.  How could he have obtained them unless by the treachery of some one at home; and why should Mynheer Krause, who was not trusted by the government there, notwithstanding his high civil office, because he was known to be unsafe, be trusted by some one at home, unless it were for treacherous purposes?  So argued Mr Krause’s most particular friend, who thought it proper to make known his opinions on the subject, and to submit to the other authorities whether this was not a fair subject for representation in their next despatches to England; and in consequence of his suggestion, the representation was duly made.  Mynheer Krause was not the first person whose tongue had got him into difficulties.