waves of the Scheldt knew me
for an old acquaintance, and threw me up again. It was the admiral's
boat taking M. de Joyeuse on board, and which had passed over me; God
only knows how I was not crushed or drowned."

"Thanks, brave Goes, thanks," said the Prince of Orange, putting a purse
into his hand. However, the sailor seemed to wait for his dismissal from
the stranger, who gave him a friendly nod, which he valued more than the
prince's present.

"Well," said monseigneur to the burgomaster, "what do you say of this
report? Do you still doubt that the French are preparing, and do you
believe that it was to pass the night on board that M. de Joyeuse was
leaving the camp for his ship?"

"But you are a diviner, then, monseigneur," cried the bourgeois.

"Not more than Monseigneur the Prince of Orange, who is in all things of
my opinion, I am sure. But I, like him, was well informed, and know well
those on the other side, so that I should have been much astonished had
they not attacked to-night. Then be ready, gentlemen, for if you give
them time, the attack will be serious."

"These gentlemen will do me the justice to own," said the prince, "that
before your arrival I held exactly the same language to them that you
now do."

"But," said the burgomaster, "why does monseigneur believe that the
attack is about to commence?"

"Here are the probabilities. The infantry is Catholic; it will fight
alone; that is, on one side. The cavalry is Calvinist; they will fight
alone on another side. The navy is under M. de Joyeuse, from Paris, who
will take his share of the combat and the glory. That is three sides."

"Then let us form three corps," said the burgomaster.

"Make only one, gentlemen, with all your best soldiers, and leave any of
whom you may be doubtful in close fight to guard your walls. Then with
this body make a vigorous sally when Francois least expects it. They
mean to attack; let them be forestalled, and attacked themselves. If you
wait for their assault you are lost, for no one equals the French at an
attack, as you, gentlemen, have no equals at defending your towns."

The Flemings looked radiant.

"What did I say, gentlemen?" said William.

"It is a great honor," said the unknown, "to have been, without knowing
it, of the same opinion as the greatest captain of the age."

Both bowed courteously.

"Then," continued the unknown, "it is settled: you will make a furious
sortie on the infantry and cavalry.