There was nothing imaginary, however, in the work which they were to perform.
A series of attacks, some serious, others fictitious, had been made, from time to time, upon both bridge and dyke; but Alexander was unable to inspire his soldiers with his own watchfulness.

Upon the 7th of May a more determined attempt was made upon the Kowenstyn, by the fleet from Lillo.

Hohenlo and Colonel Ysselstein conducted the enterprise.

The sentinels at the point selected--having recently been so often threatened by an enemy, who most frequently made a rapid retreat, as to have grown weary and indifferent-were surprised, at dawn of day, and put to the sword.

"If the truth must be told," said Parma, "the sentries were sound asleep." Five hundred Zeelanders, with a strong party of sappers and miners, fairly established themselves upon the dyke, between St.George's and Fort Palisade.