192 REMIXISCENCES OF A SPOETSMAN. 



stinately refused to go with me, I drew my sword, and 

 threatened to run him through the body (laughable 

 enough this at my age). However, the threat and the 

 display of a couple of florins proved successful, and we 

 were soon on our way to the Dutch advanced posts, and 

 towards the evening I saw with the greatest satisfaction 

 the orange cockade. I paid the peasant the two floriDS, 

 and was forwarded to the head-quarters of the Prince, 

 to whom I delivered my despatches. The Prince and 

 sta,fi of officers appeared not a little surprised to see a 

 youngster like myself entrusted with important des- 

 patches. His Highness gave orders that I should sup 

 with the staff, so that I fared well. My grey charger 

 was exceedingly admired, and some of the officers wished 

 to make an exchange -with me ; but I told them I could 

 not do this, as my regiment consisted entirely of grey 

 horses. I was told by one of the staff officers that the 

 Dutch army would be under arms at daylight prepara- 

 tory to its returning across the river Scheldt, and he 

 warned me not to remain after the army had marched 

 off, observing that as soon as the enemy ascertained 

 that the Dutch outposts had been withdrawn, they 

 would instantly send some of their light cavalry to re- 

 connoitre, and that I might be made prisoner. Early 

 the next morning I saw all the Dutch army on their 

 retreat, as well as I could judge, a fine body of men. I 

 found no difficulty in returning to Antwerp. I soon 

 arrived on one of the chaussees with trees planted on 

 each side, which conducted me there. On my arrival I 

 made inquiry for the quarters of His Eoyal Highness 

 the Duke, which I found to be in the Grande Place. 

 Having dismounted, I waited a short time in an ante- 

 room, when Colonel Jiigel arrived and inquired with 



