An especial misfortune happened in one of these midnight undertakings.
Teligny ventured forth in a row-barge, with scarcely any companions, to notify the Zeelanders of a contemplated movement, in which their co-operation was desired.

It was proposed that the Antwerp troops should make a fictitious demonstration upon Fort Ordam, while at the same moment the States' troops from Fort Lillo should make an assault upon the forts on Kowenstyn Dyke; and in this important enterprise the Zeeland vessels were requested to assist.

But the brave Teligny nearly forfeited his life by his rashness, and his services were, for a long time, lost to the cause of liberty.

It had been better to send a less valuable officer upon such hazardous yet subordinate service.

The drip of his oars was heard in the darkness.