Belle Rose: A Romance of the Cloak and Sword — page 363: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE RHINE. 345 ‘‘Well, what does that prove?’’ asked Déroute, who was puzzling his mind to divine what connection there could be between Dutchmen and the old book in which Belle- Rose read. ‘‘It proves that I have sought and that I have found.’’ Déroute, who was not extra bright when it came to parables, soon gave up trying to understand this one; Bells-Rose was neither dead nor wounded, and the rest in no wise concerned him. When they returned to the tent, Grippard was still sleeping. At the third cannon-shot he had opened his eyes for a moment, and had gone to sleep again, dreaming that he had heard a cricket. As soon as he had changed his clothing, Belle-Rose went to Monsieur de Luxembourg’s. The next day the Prince de Condé had two batteries constructed and ordered a bridge of boats to be prepared. From the heights of Sherewberg Louis XIV. examined the enemy’s position. While the artillery was being placed which was to protect the military operation, Monsieur de Luxembourg approached the Prince de Condé and spoke to him in alow tone for some moments. The prince let fall an exclamation of surprise. ‘*Ts he a safe man?”’ he exclaimed all at once. ‘*Safe as myself,’’ answered the duke. ‘‘Well, let him try!’’ said the prince. Belle-Rose was some steps away from the general offi- cers, watching their interview. Upon a gesture from Monsieur de Luxembourg, he ran up. ‘*Here is Monseigneur le Prince de Condé who permits you to do what you wish,’’ he said to him. Belle-Rose saluted without replying and drew his sword, ‘‘hh! monsieur,’’ added the prince, ‘‘it is a rather bold enterprise, and one which may cost, without result, the lives of many brave men. Do you wish to take some men with you?’’ ‘Give me ten men, if you wish, my prince,’’ answered Belle-Rose. ‘‘You shall have twenty, and, if the thing is possible, believe that we will soon be at your side.’’ Belle-Rose rode rapidly away. ‘Ten cuirasseirs of Mon- sieur Revel’s regiment, ten volunteers of the gardes du corps and three or four officers of the prince’s retinue fol- lowed him. Behind him came Cornelius, Déroute and Grippard. As they touched the shore, they encountered a troop of gentlemen, among whom was Monsieur de Pom- ereux. The young officer had donned his most beautiful uniform, hoping that there would be some fighting done. (E(0) AA ICeLoyeye) (C(O)