"And does that stop you?"
"No, but I think it would be well to secure the boat, in case we should wish to pass the stream; it will hold twenty men."
"Good! let us keep the boat. There should be some houses at the junction of the Scheldt and Rupel?"
"There is a village," said a voice.
"Then let two men descend the stream with the boat, while we go along the bank."
"We will bring the boat if you will let us," said one of the officers.
"If you wish it, gentlemen; but do not lose sight of us, and come to us in the village."
"But if we abandon the boat some one will take it?"
"You will find ten men waiting, to whom you can deliver it."
"It is well," said one, and they pushed off from the shore.