“Take care,” answered he.  “We did not pass the stream sooner, because this morning a detachment of Spaniards passed, coming from Antwerp.  At sunset we thought we might venture, for two men inspire no disquietude; but you, a whole troop—­”

“It is true; I will call our chief.”

Henri approached, and asked what was the matter.

“These gentlemen met this morning a detachment of Spaniards following the same road as ourselves.”

“How many were they?”

“About fifty.”

“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.

“It is singular,” said Henri, “but I fancy I know that voice.”

An hour after they arrived at the village, which was occupied by the fifty Spaniards, but they, taken by surprise when they least expected it, made little resistance.  Henri had them disarmed and shut up in the strongest house in the village, and left ten men to guard them.  Ten more were sent to guard the boat, and ten others placed as sentinels, with the promise of being relieved in an hour.  Twenty of the others then sat down in the house opposite to that in which the prisoners were, to the supper which had been prepared for them.  Henri chose a separate room for Remy and Diana; he then placed the ensign at table with the others, telling him to invite the two naval officers when they arrived.  He next went out to look for accommodation for the rest of the men, and when he returned in half-an-hour he found them waiting supper for him.  Some had fallen asleep on their chairs, but his entrance roused them.  The table, covered with cheese, pork, and bread, with a pot of beer by each man, looked almost tempting.  Henri sat down and told them to begin.

“Apropos!” said he, “have the strangers arrived?”

“Yes, there they are at the end of the table.”

Henri looked and saw them in the darkest corner of the room.

“Gentlemen,” said he, “you are badly placed, and I think you are not eating.”

“Thanks, M. le Comte,” said one, “we are very tired, and more in need of rest than food; we told your officers so, but they insisted, saying that it was your orders that we should sup with you.  We feel the honor, but if, nevertheless, instead of keeping us longer you would give us a room—­”