The third paragraph in "A Legend of the Wooden Shoe" provides historical context and background information on the setting of the story. It serves to establish the time and place of the story and to introduce the historical figures who will play a role in the events to come.
The two details from the story that support this are:
The paragraph mentions the year "1574" and the location of "Holland," which helps to place the story in a specific historical context.
The paragraph introduces the historical figure of William the Silent, who was a key figure in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. This historical context is important for understanding the events of the story and the political tensions that were present at the time.
Therefore, the third paragraph serves as an important introduction to the setting and historical context of the story, which helps to frame the events that follow.