The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-11-15
THE
THE
LION OF FLANDERS;
OR THE
BATTLE OF THE GOLDEN SPURS.
BY HENDRIX CONSCIENCE.


Regardless of the alarm he had excited,
Breydel rapidly pursued his way wondering all
the while that no men of warlike age were to
be seen among the throng, when all at once his
progress was arrested by body of guildsmen
who were advancing towards him in regular
order. 1t was band of Clothworkers, all
armed, but not all armed alike: some had
crossbows, others halberds, others axes,-such
arms, in fact, az each man had beap able to
lay hands upon at the moment; many had only
their knives. Onward they came with meas
ured tread, their leader at their head, stopping
the way as completely as fixed barrier while
beyond them again, and following close upon
their steps, other similar bodies might be seen
issuing SUCCESSFULLY from the gate. They
amounted in all to five Thousand men. Breydel
was on the point Of addressing himself TO the
leader of the troop for an explanation, whet
far in the rear, above the din of arms and the
heavy tramp of the guildsmen, resounded the
well-known voice Of Deconinck.
"Steady, my men," he cried; courage.
Keep well together. Forward, third division
Close up, rear ranks Fall in there on the
left ~ .r.-...----
Instantly Breydel pushed forward till he
came within call Of his friend. "What means
all thisf" he exclaimed "a pretty time you
have chosen for yonr drill Ia this what you
are about while the city is burningf running
away like q set of towards after the women
and children ~
Ever the same! ever hot and impatientp
was the answer. What is it you say about
The cityf Take my word for it, the French
logs shall burn nothing there"
But, Master Deconinck, are you blind Do
Tou not see the flames blazing up above tbe
walIsf"
ooh, that is what you mean, is it'll That is |
,nly the straw we set fire to, that we might
lot be hindered in getting our wagons through
he gates. The city is safe enough, my friend;
ct your mind at ease, and come back with me.
have important tidipgs to communicate to
on. You know that look at things coolly,
nd SO it often happens that am right. Take
" advice now, and order your men to face
bout, and proceed along with MS to st. Cross
Till your
"In truth, Master Peter, it is the only thing I
can do; as do not yet know what is on foot.
ut your people must halt for a moment"
Deconinck gave the necessary order to the
coordinate officers and Immediately after
ards was heard in loud clear tones, the voice
Breydel:
" Butchers, face about, and then forward L
ep your ranks, and be quick ~
Then, after personally experimenting the n
ecution of the msn0uvre he added: a
I" Now, Master Deconinck, / am at yoHr o
ders"
" No, Master Breydel," replied the Dean of v
o Cloth workers, NOW that you are here,
u must take the command; you will make F
tier general than I shall" d.
Not little pleased at this nattering recogDi- 81
n of his abilities, the Dean Of the Butchers 81
It no time in taking possession of bis Office. ID
butchers and Clothworkers, forward n he P'
lndsred out steady, and not too fast! :" m
Upon this the guildsmen set themselves in ri
ton, the little army advanced steadily 81
ng the road, and in a short time reached st. W
,ss, where they found the women and child j.
J, with the baggage, awaiting their arrival.
guiar, indeed, was the appearance presented "
this confused encampment. A wide range 10
plain was tbickly dotted with groups. each fi
lsisting Of sipgie family. The night was X
dark that it would have been impoSsible 70 e
sfhorsfsh offenfa hevgnd the dfrfanrn ~ 4 8