He wrote briefly and modestly, and concluded with these words, written with a hand shaking with sickness and fatigue—
“I am of opinion that we should begin again as soon as possible; I hope God will grant us the strength necessary for continuing to the death to do service to my dear country.”
CHAPTER IX
THE EMBASSY OF M. DE GROOT
“From M. Fagel,” said Florent in a tired voice, showing his passport.
The officer summoned by the sentry nodded.
“You had best see M. Beverningh,” he said. “His Highness has gone to inspect the fortifications of Amersfoort.”
Florent followed him through the encampment silently.
The Prince, who had been forced to abandon the Yssel, had gathered his troops on to the high district of Rutten before Amersfoort and Utrecht, so as to defend the entry to the States of Holland.