the reeds and sedge. They suddenly seized the tow-rope,
poured a volley into the boat, and rushing on board, over-
powered the guard. The Dutch deputies were furnished
with French passes, but Marlborough had thought it de-
grading to solicit such a safeguard. The coolness and pre-
sence of mind, which never deserted him in the field, were,
however, no less conspicuous in this inglorious yet imminent
peril. One of his attendants ^* who had fortunately preserved
a French pass granted to his brother, General Churchill,
when obliged to quit the army from ill health, slipped it
unperceived into his hand. Though aware that the date
had expired, and that the most trifling scrutiny would detect
the deception, he presented it to his captors with undisturbed
confidence. His unruffled deportment, the darkness of the
night, and the confusion of the moment, prevented a disco-
very. The adventurers, after pillaging the vessel, and
extorting the customary presents, retained the escort as
prisoners, and suffered Marlborough and his fellow travellers
to proceed.

In an instant the disastrous tidings were spread that the
general had fallen into the hands of the enemy; and the
governor of Venloo led his garrison to Guelder, whither he
supposed the illustrious captive had been conveyed, deter-
mined to effect his rescue, or perish in the attempt. At the
Hague also the intelligence excited the utmost consternation.
The States, which were then assembled, passed a vote by
acclamation, enjoining all their troops to march without
delay, and constrain the garrison of Guelder to release their
prisoner.

In the midst of the confusion and alarm, Marlborough
himself appeared at the Hague. The transport of joy which
burst forth on his arrival, proved the deep and general
interest felt for his safety. The sedate and deliberate cha-
racter of the natives was lost in the enthusiasm of exultation.

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