At any rate, the negotiation was now concluded.

The dream was dispelled.

Antwerp must now fall, or a decisive blow must be struck by the patriots themselves, and a telling blow had been secretly and maturely meditated.

Certain preparatory steps were however necessary.
The fort of Liefkenshoek, "darling's corner," was a most important post.
The patriots had never ceased to regret that precious possession, lost, as we have seen, in so tragical a manner on the very day of Orange's death.

Fort Lillo, exactly opposite, on the Brabant shore of the Scheldt, had always been securely held by them; and was their strongest position.
Were both places in their power, the navigation of the river, at least as far as the bridge, would be comparatively secure.
A sudden dash was made upon Liefkenshoek.