brook opposition, grew angry.

"He wishes to spare the Liegoise," he angrily exclaimed. "What danger is
there in this assault? There are no walls; they cannot put a single gun
in position; I certainly will not give up the assault. If the king is
afraid, let him get him gone to Namur."

This insult to the king, which shocked the Burgundians themselves, was
repeated to him, and received in silence. He had made up his mind to
drain the cup of humiliation to the dregs. The next day, October 30, the
assault was made, Charles at the head of his troops. Louis came up to
join him.

"Bide your time," said Charles. "Put not yourself uselessly in danger. I
will send you word when it is time."

"Lead on, brother," answered Louis. "You are the most fortunate prince
alive; I will follow you."

On they marched--into, as it proved, an undefended city. The Liegoise
had been discouraged by the fall of many of their bravest men. It was
Sunday; no attack was looked for; "the cloth was laid in every house,
and all were preparing for dinner"; the Burgundians moved through empty
streets, Louis following with his own escort, and shouting, "Hurrah for
Burgundy!"

By mid-day the vengeance of Charles was complete; the town had been
pillaged; there was nothing left to take in house or church; many a
floor was stained with blood; Liege for the time was ruined.

As for the arch-deceiver to whom all this was due, he completed his work
of baseness by loading the duke with praises, his tone and manner so
courteous and amiable that Charles lost the last shreds of his recent
anger.

"Brother," said the king the next day, "if you still need my help, do
not spare me. But if you have nothing more for me to do, it would be
well for me to go back to Paris, to make public in my court of
parliament the arrangement we have come to together; otherwise it would
risk becoming of no avail. You know that such is the custom of France.
Next summer we must meet again. You will come into your duchy of
Burgundy, and I will go and pay you a visit, and we will pass a week
joyously together in making good cheer."

It may be that this smooth speech was accompanied by a mental
commentary,--"Let me once get from under your claws, my playful tiger,
and I will not be fool enough to put myself back there again,"--but if
so nothing of the kind appeared on his face.

Charles made no answer. He sent for the treaty, and left it to the king
to confirm or renounce it, as h