"Then," continued the unknown, "it is settled: you will make a furious sortie on the infantry and cavalry. I trust that your officers will so conduct it as to defeat your enemies."
"But their vessels?" cried the burgomaster. "The wind is northeast, and they will be in our city in two hours."
"You have yourselves six old ships and thirty boats at St. Marie; that is a mile off, is it not? That is your maritime barricade across the Scheldt."
"Yes, monseigneur, that is so. How do you know all these details?"
Monseigneur smiled.
"I know them, as you see; it is there that lies the fate of the battle."
"Then," said the burgomaster, "we must send aid to our brave seamen."
"On the contrary, you may dispose otherwise of the 400 men who are there; twenty brave, intelligent, and devoted men will suffice." The Antwerpians opened their eyes in surprise.
"Will you," continued monseigneur, "destroy the French fleet at the expense of your six old vessels and thirty boats?"
"Hum!" said the Antwerpians, looking at each other, "our ships are not so old."