Throughout the whole previous course of the war fortune had favoured him almost miraculously: six horses had been killed and many more wounded under him; yet he had never received more than a scratch.
But in the end he, like so many other brave men, was destined to die for the country that he loved so dearly.

Poor Willem! You and the other heroes in our struggle will live for ever in our memories.] [Footnote 86: Broodspioen: _literally_ a bread spy.

This was the name applied to a burgher, who, with or without an order from his officer, rode in advance of his commando to obtain bread for himself and his comrades.

He was frequently a man who placed the interests of his stomach before the safety of his commando.] [Footnote 87: A swamp.].