Pluckx (examines the paper). It’s signed by you and the Lieutenant, sir.
All. Go on! go on!
Michiel (reads). “As I am not in a position, with the forces at my disposal, to withstand so powerful an enemy, I hope you will not take it ill of me if I beat a retreat——”
All. Well, now!
Michiel (reads). “Within a quarter of an hour!”
Nicolaas. A pleasant journey to you!
D’Eglantiers. What sort of an infernal thing is this? [Snatches the paper out of Michiel’s hand. Aside to Taelinck.] Yes, indeed, there’s my mark!
Taelinck. And mine, too!
D’Eglantiers. Then the girl has cheated us!
Pluckx. If ten thousand men are marching on us, the best thing we can do is to march off in the other direction.