Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/132

 *ed ground, rendered almost impassable by the heavy rains, to gain the high road, guided by the north star, and assisted by a strong southern wind, we marched on at a great rate, and, about ten, entered the village of Haerlabeck. Observing a "cabaret," at the north end, Whitehurst here purchased bread and gin, our remaining bread being completely saturated with moisture; this regale re-animated and fortified us against the inclemency of the weather, which it was apprehended might be productive of sickness. At one, the rain re-commenced, and, in such profusion, that it obliged us to retreat to the protection of a neighbouring hay stack, where we lay sometime, but, finding no chance of fine weather, we resumed our march until five, and then entered a wood about three miles from Deynse; a spot was chosen in the thickest part, where we fenced ourselves with fallen leaves, and twigs. We lay down in our little redoubt, and slept until day-break, when, finding our position too exposed, from its proximity to a cottage and main