As we approached the northern gate, by which we purposed entering
Antwerp, we met some straggling parties of persons who had come out of
the city, slowly proceeding towards the river. They none of them
carried anything, neither baskets nor bundles, nor visible property of
any description. Yet there was something in their looks which made me
fancy that they were anxious to escape from the place.
We hastened on to Dame Trond's house. As we passed through the streets,
loud salvos of artillery and the rattling sound of musketry reached our
ears, fired in honour of the ruler of the Netherlands or his statue; as
A'Dale remarked, it was hard to say which. On reaching the witch's
abode, I knocked as before at the door. We were speedily admitted.
People who come with gold in their purses are seldom denied. The old
dame was highly pleased, and promised us every possible good luck to the
end of our days.
"You are fortunate, young sir," she said, "in being able to make your
escape from this city; for, from all I have seen and heard, by the study
of my art I perceive that ere long even worse days than the miserable
ones at present are coming upon it."
"It needs no witch to tell us that, mother," observed A'Dale. "When
Duke Alva finds that he can so easily fill his coffers by murdering his
loving subjects, he is not likely to end his system, until he has no
more subjects worth murdering."
The old woman gave a keen, quick glance up at A'Dale.
"Those are dangerous words to speak, young master," she observed. "It
is well that my walls have no ears; but if a Netherlander were to utter
them, I would not answer for the consequences."
I could not understand Dame Trond's character. That she was an impostor
I had no doubt. She certainly was not an adherent of the Church of
Rome, and still more certainly she had no knowledge of Christianity. I
am afraid she was like others, who found it profitable to impose on
their fellow-creatures in spite of all consequences. Yet she was
apparently kind-hearted, and possessed some of the milk of human nature,
though it might turn rather acid at times. When we bade her farewell,
she hobbled after us to the door, again thanking us for our liberality,
and praying that we might be protected from all dangers.
Having thus far satisfactorily performed our mission, we turned once
more to the North Gate of the city. We were again surprised by the
number of persons we saw emerging from the gate; as we passed through
it, we observed the guard as usual standing at their posts, and not
seeming in any way disposed to interrupt them. I remarked, however,
among them two or three men I knew, and whom I had always felt sure were
strong Protestants. They saluted us as we passed. One of them,
stepping forward, whispered to me, "Hasten on without delay!"
I thanked the man, and we took the hint, walking rapidly forward to the
place Captain Radford had appointed. I now became very anxious for him
and Aveline and Master Overton, fearing lest by waiting for us they
might become involved in the dangers to which the fugitives would too
likely be exposed. Shortly afterwards, as we looked back, we saw the
people behind us increasing their speed, and in a short time the very
guard we had left at the gate overtook us. Seeing the man who had
spoken to me, I asked him what had occurred.
"Taking advantage of the absence of the soldiers in the citadel, we
surprised the Spanish guard at the gate," he answered, "and occupying
their post, allowed our friends to go through. We have left the
Spaniards bound in the guardroom. We have closed the gates behind us,
and are now hastening to get on board ship before our flight is
discovered A good reason then have we for making haste."
We observed that not only the men who had formed the guard at the gate
were armed, but so also were a large number of the persons who
accompanied them. I remembered well the escape of fugitives I had many
years before witnessed, when the Romanists, without remorse, attacked
them. We were still some distance from the point of embarkation towards
which the fugitives were making their way, when a shout from those still
behind us reached our ears:
"The Spaniards are coming! Fly, friends, fly! the Spaniards are
coming!"
We looked over our shoulders, and saw a body of horsemen sweeping along
the road which led from one of the further gates of the city. They were
galloping furiously, and by the glitter of their leader's sword, which
was pointed towards us, we were left in no doubt as to their intentions.
"Countrymen, we must stand and fight, and hold the ground till the women
and children have embarked! Who will rally round me?" cried one of the
fugitives.
The speaker was a sturdy artisan--a master blacksmith of the city,
well-known for the valiant way in which he had, on more than one
occasion, wielded his double-handled sword. Others repeated his call,
and some fifty brave fellows collected together, forming a strong body
across the road. Happily, in consequence of the number of canals and
ditches, the horsemen were compelled to keep in the causeway, and were
thus unable to cut off the fugitives by making a circuit in any other
direction. We could not help answering to the brave blacksmith's call,
by joining those who rallied round him. The order was now given slowly
to retreat, that we might afford ourselves a better chance of escaping
after the women and children had embarked. The Spanish horse were
drawing nearer and nearer. They were well-trained ruffians, whose
swords had often been dyed in the blood of the unhappy Netherlanders,
and no sensation of pity was likely to prevent them from slaughtering
all they could now overtake. As they came within a hundred yards of us,
their commander ordered them to charge.
"Slay! slay! cut down all your swords can reach!" we heard him shouting
out.
We had a few pike-men with us, who, springing to the front, knelt down
to receive the horses. Those with pistols formed the second rank, while
those with arquebuses and musketoons drew up behind them. We thus
presented a formidable front, while a deep ditch on either side
prevented our being taken in flank. The Spaniards, nothing daunted,
however, galloped forward. We received them firmly. Several saddles
were emptied of their riders, and five or six of the leading horses
slain or badly wounded. The bodies of the animals encumbering the road,
prevented the advance of those in the rear, thus giving time to us to
reload our fire-arms, while the Spanish commander, seeing that he could
not break through our line, gave the order to his men to wheel about and
retire. Several others were shot as they fled, but their fleet horses
soon carried them out of reach of our fire-arms. On seeing this, our
brave leader gave the order to his followers to retreat towards the
boats. But before we had made good fifty yards, the Spaniards had once
more wheeled about, and came galloping at a furious pace towards us.
Again we threw ourselves into the same position as before. Thundering
over the ground came the Spanish horsemen, with the determination of
crushing us. The artisans of Antwerp, however, well-trained to arms,
were not men to be cut down without fighting hard, when given the
opportunity of resisting in a body. Still the Spaniards charged
courageously, and several of the front rank were cut down, while others
were killed or wounded by the discharge of their musketoons. The places
of those who were killed were instantly supplied by others from the
rear, and once more the cavalry had to retreat. At that instant a man
came running up from the bank of the river, which was elevated
considerably above the ground on which we stood, with the alarming
intelligence that a body of musketeers was seen in the distance
advancing towards us. Those dreaded musketeers! even the bravest well
knew that we could not hope to withstand them! The possibility that
Aveline might be among those we saw on the banks gave courage to my arm,
and made me resolve to fight to the last, in order to stop the progress
of the hated Spaniards. Once among that crowd of helpless women and
children and old men, I knew too well the fearful havoc they would
commit. The atrocities which they had been guilty of at Valenciennes
and many other places were still too fresh in our memory not to be
thought of. Once more, therefore, we retreated, facing the foe, who
again galloped towards us.
On looking round as we approached the river's bank, my worst
apprehensions were realised, for there I recognised Captain Radford,
though his back was turned towards me as he waved to a boat coming up
the river to hasten onward. Our retreat had now become almost a flight,
for our pike-men, not daring to kneel to receive the horsemen, were
unable as before to drive them back. Headed by the blacksmith, however,
the bravest of the party stood their ground, giving blow for blow as the
horsemen rode among them. The latter must have been aware that the
musketeers were advancing to their support, and this for very shame made
them eager to finish the fight with the half-armed citizens with whom
they were contending. The horsemen were approaching the spot where
Captain Radford and his companions stood. Neither he nor Aveline,
engaged in watching the progress of the boat, were aware of the near
approach of danger. Though I shouted to them, amid the din of battle
they did not hear my voice. Calling on A'Dale, therefore, I could no
longer withstand the temptation of springing forward at all events to be
by the side of Aveline, should the horsemen reach her, although our
doing so might appear as if we were taking to flight. The moment was a
fearful one. It seemed scarcely possible that any human power could
save us. Although several of the troopers had been killed, still they
were a strong body, and, rendered furious by their previous defeats,
fought desperately, slashing on every side, and cutting down all their
swords could meet. At a quick march the formidable musketeers were
advancing towards us. The boats, by which alone we could escape, were
not to be seen from where I stood. I could only hope, therefore, that
they might be approaching. Still the brave blacksmith, surrounded by
several of his workmen, stood his ground, not only defending himself
with his formidable double-handled sword, but cutting down many of his
opponents. This enabled A'Dale and me to rush up the bank. I called
out Aveline's name. She sprang towards me.
"I'll fight for you to the last," I said, pointing to the Spaniards.
Then, for the first time, I saw that the _Falcon's_ boats were only a
short distance from the bank. A'Dale joined me, armed with an arquebus
which he had taken from one of the Spaniards who had been shot. He had
also provided himself with the man's ammunition-pouch and belt.
"I'll stand by you, Verner," he said, "to keep the Spaniards at bay,
while you retreat with Mistress Aveline."
I thankfully followed his suggestion, and, lifting Aveline from the
ground, bore her down the bank towards the first boat which approached
the shore. Scarcely had the stern touched the ground before a number of
the unhappy fugitives rushed towards it, and attempted to force their
way on board. It seemed cruel to prevent them, and yet there was not
room for all. Keeping Aveline out of the water, I waded in and
deposited her safely in the stern of the boat; then shouting to Captain
Radford, I entreated him also to come on board. The _Falcons_ crew had
meantime driven back their assailants, and taking the opportunity,
before the Spaniards again rode at them, they hurried down the bank and
gained the boats, already half full of fugitives. It was a sore trial
to Captain Radford when he had to insist on many of the unfortunate
people again landing; but there was no help for it. The boats would
have sunk had he allowed all to remain. As it was, they were already
too deeply laden for safety. The sailors had literally to lift out
those who had last got in, and to place them on the shore, ere we shoved
off into deep water. It was heartrending to see the whole shore lined
with fugitives: some rushing into boats which had already come up, some
waving frantically to other boats which were approaching. Here, Spanish
troopers charging the unhappy people with lances, or sabring them as
they attempted to fly into the water. Here and there were knots of
brave men struggling with their foes. Several of the unfortunate
citizens were swimming off, either to overtake the retiring boats or to
get on board those they saw approaching. Now and then a shriek was
heard ere the unhappy fugitive sunk below the surface.
We rowed away as fast as the crowded state of our boats would allow. I
could not withdraw my eye from the shore. Simultaneously a cry arose
from the hapless fugitives who had not yet reached the boats, and at
that instant the heads of the musketeers, with their glittering arms,
appeared above the bank, forming a deadly line--and instantly their
weapons were levelled at the ill-fated people. There was a general rush
into the river. Even those who could not swim trusted rather to the
waters of the Scheld than to the mercy of their fellow-creatures. In
spite of the hot fire opened upon them, the brave boatmen rowed here and
there, receiving all they could, though often a man, woman, or child was
taken on board immediately afterwards to be slain by the murderous
bullets of the Spaniards. Even at the distance we had already gained,
several bullets reached us. Two or three of the _Falcon's_ men, and
some of those we had rescued, were struck. Now we saw the Spaniards
hurrying along the banks, evidently hoping to get possession of some
boats in which to pursue us.
"Were we not overloaded, they would find us rough customers to deal with
on our own element," observed Captain Radford. "As it is, if they come
near us, we will give them a warmer reception than they expect." In
vain the Spaniards shouted to the people on board some of the boats,
which had as yet got to no great distance, to return. They, happily,
would not trust themselves to their tender mercies. We meantime
continued to row away towards the _Falcon_. The mate, who had been left
on board, seeing us coming, had already loosened sails, ready to get
under weigh directly we should reach her. There was no time to be lost,
for several Spanish horsemen, each taking a foot soldier behind him, had
galloped along the banks till they reached some boats which had been
moored there. Unfortunately, as it appeared, the crews of several were
in the neighbourhood, and at the sword's point were forced to man them.
This I heard afterwards. With the musketeers on board, they rowed
rapidly down the Scheld in pursuit of the fugitives. Although the
latter had a considerable start, some of the boats were heavy, and the
crews of others were severely wounded, so that they could make but slow
progress. Our hearts burned with sorrow and indignation as we saw one
after another taken, and the unfortunate people in them mercilessly
butchered. The delay, however, enabled us to keep ahead of them, as it
allowed also other boats to escape.
Close to the _Falcon_ lay two vessels which had been prepared for the
reception of the fugitives. Their crews, with arms in their hands,
received on board all who could reach them; and, waiting till the last
boat-load of the survivors had got alongside, they cut their cables and
made sail just at the time that we did.
There was, happily, a strong and favourable breeze. The Spaniards
continued pursuing us, firing their muskets as long as we remained
within their reach. No one was hit on board our vessel, although the
others more or less suffered. We returned their fire, every now and
then sending a shot from our great guns, in the hopes of sinking their
boats. This we did not succeed in doing, but I suspect we somewhat
damped their ardour, and at length they ceased rowing, and, firing a
parting volley at us, turned their boats' heads up the river.
We had yet many dangers to encounter. There were forts on either side
of the river, and should intelligence of what had occurred reach them,
they would undoubtedly attempt with their guns to stop our progress.
But night was now approaching, and we might possibly pass them in the
dark. At all events the risk must be run. We communicated with the
other vessels, Captain Radford promising to lead, and urging them to
follow closely in his wake.
"There would be no use firing in return," he observed; "our shot would
only knock off a few pieces of their stone walls, and would in no way
assist us to escape."
The wind was fair, and there was enough of it to fill our sails, so that
we glided steadily down the stream. We felt a considerable amount of
anxiety as we approached the first fort; but, hoisting our colours, we
stood on, as if we had no reason to dread their power. All the women
and children on board had been sent below, as were most of the men, lest
their numbers should excite suspicion. The crew only were allowed to
appear, and they were placed at their proper posts, or directed to walk
unconcernedly up and down the deck while we remained in sight of the
fort. We observed the gunners at their stations in the castle, and
every instant we expected to see a cloud of smoke with its attendant
flash, followed by a round shot, issue from the muzzles of the guns.
Slowly we glided by, dipping our flag, in mark of respect, as we passed
that of Spain waving on the fort. All on board breathed more freely as
we found ourselves getting past, though we still looked with anxiety to
see how our consorts would be treated. They likewise sailed by with
impunity.
The first great danger had now been escaped. There was still another
fort to pass on the same bank of the Scheld as Antwerp. We stood on,
however, under all sail, hoping that news of our flight might not have
reached it. Gradually we drew near. Just then we saw through the
thickening gloom of evening a horseman galloping at full speed along the
causeway which led to the fort. We guessed too well his errand, but we
had no means of avoiding the danger. Keeping our colours flying,
therefore, as before, we stood on. Happily, at that moment the breeze
increased, and we ran on more rapidly. The tide, too, was in our
favour. Still the fort had numerous guns, and the deep water was very
close to their muzzles.
The horseman was yet at some distance. We watched him anxiously, hoping
that horse and rider might come to the ground, or that some other
accident might happen before he could deliver his message. Providence
favoured us more than we could have dared to hope, for one of the
seamen, noted for his sharp sight, and whose eye had been kept on the
horseman, exclaimed:
"He has rolled over the bank!"
The crew could scarcely refrain from giving a shout of satisfaction. A
dark object, supposed to be the horseman, was seen directly afterwards
climbing up the bank and making his way towards the fort, though the
thickening gloom prevented our distinguishing who he really was. On we
went. We could see lights, which made us fear that the gunners were
preparing their slow-matches, but it was now too dark to distinguish any
objects beyond the outline of the fort. The navigation of the river was
so well-known to Captain Radford, that without hesitation he stood
boldly on.
We calculated that the horseman would not be long in reaching his
destination, and every instant we were expecting to have a shot sent
between our masts or into our hull. Already we were under the guns, a
discharge from which, well directed, would quickly have sunk us. I held
my breath in my anxiety, looking intently towards the embrasures, out of
which I knew the guns were protruding. How anxiously we marked the line
of bristling cannon as we passed along in front of it! At length, we
had but a few more guns to pass. Suddenly there was a loud shouting in
the fort. Lights were seen moving rapidly along. In an instant
afterwards we could distinguish the small sparks of the slow-matches in
the hands of the gunners.
"Fire! fire quickly!"
The words were heard distinctly as they were uttered by the commandant
of the fort.