Suddenly, I heard a dull, prolonged sound in the village. I sent a messenger and went myself to the outposts. Quartermaster Snysters, a volunteer, though quite an elderly man, addressed me: "Lieutenant," he said, with an anxious look on his face, "is it true that we are going over into Holland?" "My dear fellow, we shall not go over into Holland unless we want to," I answered. "Are we both of the same mind?" "Ah, good! As for me, you know----" He finished with an energetic gesture which required no words. "Where are the others?" I asked. The others were a few brave sub-officers, who, with my friend Snysters, had promised to follow me whatever happened, through everything, through the enemy, through death itself, if necessary. They were all there, awaiting me. "My friends," I said, "things seem to be in a bad way. The moment has come to prove your mettle. Are you all of the same mind still?" "Lieutenant," said big Van Bastelaer, "we are ready for everything--except to be prisoners." "Good," I answered. My messenger had not come back though. The sound I had heard in the village seemed farther off and everything appeared to be calm. I went to see for myself and found perfect silence in the dark street. There was not a man to be seen. What was happening? Presently, in the deserted Square of the little village, I saw a little group of soldiers appear and, at the head of it, I recognised Major S----. "Is that you M----?" he called out, and then, in a lower tone, he added, "They have crossed the frontier, we are alone.... Have you any men?" "Yes, Major, I am holding the outposts." "Bring your men to the Square at once." "My friends," said the Major, speaking very gravely, when we were all assembled there, "we are surrounded by big forces. There is nothing left but to cross the frontier and go into Holland. Those who do not wish to go with me are free." "Good, Major," I answered, approaching him. "I will go with you to the frontier, but not beyond it." The Major looked angry, but he restrained himself. "What do you propose doing?" he asked. "I intend getting through the German lines or dying in the attempt." "But it is pure madness." "I do not care to give up my sword, Major, as long as I can use it." He reflected for a minute and then held out his hand. "Good," he said, "you are free. Adieu!" Four men then left the ranks. They were my four friends, who all preferred a glorious death to servitude. "Attention! Right flank! Right! Forward--March!" Silently and with dragging footsteps, the troop set out and was soon at some distance. It then disappeared in the darkness.