He had strengthened the whole body of the dyke with timber-work and piles.

Upon its river-end, just at the junction with the great Scheldt dyke, a strong fortress, called the Holy Cross, had been constructed, which was under the special command of Mondragon.

Besides this, three other forts had been built, at intervals of about a mile, upon the dyke.

The one nearest to Mondragon was placed at the Kowenstyn manor-house, and was called Saint James.

This was entrusted to Camillo Bourbon del Monte, an Italian officer, who boasted the blood royal of France in his veins, and was disposed on all occasions to vindicate that proud pedigree by his deeds.
The next fort was Saint George's, sometimes called the Black Sconce.