Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/157

 on the beach, and the patrole on the alert. After a further absence of half an hour, he again returned, telling us, we must be patient, and postpone the event to the next night, the tide having then ebbed so as to leave the vessels high and dry. We returned to the "Cat" much to the surprise of Madame Derikre. The following day, Winderkins not appearing, the boy was despatched to learn the cause. About noon he returned with answer, that as there was not the slightest chance of success that night, he thought it imprudent to expose us to useless danger. We now began to suspect his fidelity, and thinking he might doubt the performance of our promise, it was agreed to give him half the remaining cash, and a bill of £30, when on the beach, upon condition that he fulfilled his engagement, or returned it. On the 3rd he appeared, and informed us, that in consequence of the fisherman having been unsuccessful, they had obtained permission to remain afloat a mile from the shore, and, provided no English vessel was seen, it was probable that that permission would