He paused a while, then went on:  “I think also, cousin, that being, they tell me, unaffianced, you will learn to love, and not in vain, that dear child of mine, whom I leave in your father’s keeping and in yours.  More, since time is short and we shall never meet again, I say to you plainly, that the thought is pleasing to me, young cousin Foy, for I have a good report of you and like your blood and looks.  Remember always, however dark may be your sky, that before he passed to doom Hendrik Brant had this vision concerning you and the daughter whom he loves, and whom you will learn to love as do all who know her.  Remember also that priceless things are not lightly won, and do not woo her for her fortune, since, I tell you, this belongs not to her but to our people and our cause, and when the hour comes, for them it must be used.”

Foy listened, wondering, but he made no answer, for he knew not what to say.  Yet now, on the edge of his first great adventure, these words were comfortable to him who had found already that Elsa’s eyes were bright.  Brant next turned towards Martin, but that worthy shook his red head and stepped back a pace.

“Thank you kindly, master,” he said, “but I will do without the prophecies, which, good or ill, are things that fasten upon a man’s mind.  Once an astrologer cast my nativity, and foretold that I should be drowned before I was twenty-five.  I wasn’t, but, my faith! the miles which I have walked round to bridges on account of that astrologer.”

Brant smiled.  “I have no foresight concerning you, good friend, except that I judge your arm will be always strong in battle; that you will love your masters well, and use your might to avenge the cause of God’s slaughtered saints upon their murderers.”

Martin nodded his head vigorously, and fumbled at the handle of the sword Silence, while Brant went on: 

“Friend, you have entered on a dangerous quarrel on behalf of me and mine, and if you live through it you will have earned high pay.”

Then he went to the table, and, taking writing materials, he wrote as follows:  “To the Heer Dirk van Goorl and his heirs, the executors of my will, and the holders of my fortune, which is to be used as God shall show them.  This is to certify that in payment of this night’s work Martin, called the Red, the servant of the said Dirk van Goorl, or those heirs whom he may appoint, is entitled to a sum of five thousand florins, and I constitute such sum a first charge upon my estate, to whatever purpose they may put it in their discretion.”  This document he dated, signed, and caused the pilot Hans to sign also as a witness.  Then he gave it to Martin, who thanked him by touching his forehead, remarking at the same time—­

“After all, fighting is not a bad trade if you only stick to it long enough.  Five thousand florins!  I never thought to earn so much.”

“You haven’t got it yet,” interrupted Foy.  “And now, what are you going to do with that paper?”