G. A. Henty 
By Pike and Dyke 
A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic

In the late sixteenth century, the Dutch people remained under the control of Spain, and the myriad attempts to rebel and become independent had all failed. Young Ned Martin, a teenager of English and Dutch parentage, is offered a position in the service of William the Silent (who would later come to be known as William of Orange). In this capacity, Ned has the opportunity to help fan the flames of revolution.