tch friends, I departed from the Hague, in
company with an English woman, whom I had chosen for that purpose, and
arrived at Antwerp with much difficulty and danger, the highway being
infested with robbers. After having reposed myself a few days in this
city, I hired a coach for myself, and set out with my companion for
Brussels; but, before we reached Mechlin, our vehicle was attacked by
two hussars, who, with their sabres drawn, obliged the coachman to
drive into a wood near the road. I at first imagined that they wanted to
examine our passports, but was soon too well convinced of their design;
and, though very much shocked at the discovery, found resolution enough
to suppress my concern, so that it should not aggravate the terrors
of the young woman, who had almost died with apprehension. I even
encouraged her to hope for the best; and, addressing myself to the
robbers in French, begged, in the most suppliant manner, that they
would spare our lives; upon which one of them, who was a little fellow,
assured me, in the same language, that we had nothing to fear for our
persons.

"When we were conveyed in a state of dreadful suspense about
three-quarters of a mile into the wood, the ruffians came into the
coach, and, taking my keys, which I kept ready in my hand for them,
opened three large trunks that contained my baggage, and emptying them
of everything but my hoops and a few books, packed up their booty in a
cloth; then robbed me of my money and jewels, even to my shoe-buckles
and sleeve-buttons, took my footman's laced hat, and gave it, by way
of gratification, to a peasant, who came from behind the bushes, and
assisted them in packing.

"This affair being despatched, they ordered us to return to the road by
a different way from that in which we were carried into the wood; and
mounting their horses, rode off with the plunder, though not before
the little fellow, who was the least ferocious of the two, had come and
shaken me by the hand, wishing us a good journey; a compliment which I
heartily returned, being extremely well pleased with the retreat of two
such companions, who had detained us a whole half-hour; during which,
notwithstanding the assurance I had received, I was in continual
apprehension of seeing their operation concluded with the murder of
us all; for I supposed they were of that gang who had some time before
murdered a French officer, and used a lady extremely ill, after having
rifled her of all she