“They will be unprepared.”
“’Tis likely.”
“Ay—they can scarce be expecting an attack.”
The Ruard’s brown eyes flashed.
“To-morrow is King Charles’ birthday,” answered the Admiral; “the English at least will be engaged in celebrating it … we have every chance.”
Cornelius de Witt clasped his hands on the table before him.
“If one life could secure the victory——”
Michael de Ruyter looked up.
“I should be very glad to die to-morrow could I see the English sails scatter as I saw them once scatter before us—at Chatham … and I think I shall … God have mercy on me if I boast.”
“We must have victory,” said Cornelius de Witt passionately; “there is no ‘if,’ de Ruyter, we must have victory to-morrow.”