Unnoticed the three made their way to the other end of the meadows where the Frieslanders were encamped.
There were perhaps three hundred of them, and they sat about sullenly among their dead.
They had refused to see after their horses, to bury the corpses, even to tend the wounded; their one answer was to demand food of their officers, and to repeat they would not be cut to bits by the French.
The defection of Utrecht had set an ill example. If that great city was afraid of Louis what could others do but make their peace with him?…
An officer on horseback rode out when he saw the little company advancing.
“Here are the Prince and M. Bentinck,” said his messenger.
The other dismounted.
“Ah, Your Highness—I was loath to send to you—but the men are beyond all management, and I fear if the disaffection spreads to the others——”
“You did very well, Mynheer——”
The Prince coughed, and resumed, “I will speak to them.”