Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/159

 float our little bark. Whilst thus listening to the murmuring break of the sea, which seemed slowly to approach, as if chiding our impatience, yet inviting us to the protection of its bosom, our dearest hopes appeared upon the point of being realized; these hopes however were but of short duration, and only tended to render our disappointment more bitter: the tide rose, just to cast a few sprays against the bows, and to retire. So high had our expectations been raised, that the water had receded some feet, ere we could believe it had left us; it was then, however, too evident to be doubted. In so critical a situation, within pistol shot of the fort, there was little time for deliberation; disappointed, but not disheartened, every article was replaced as it had been found, and we reluctantly withdrew, fully convinced however of the practicability of getting afloat from Blankenberg, if we did but seize the proper opportunity. It was, therefore, determined to repeat the attempt the following night, and, in the mean time, to reoccupy our old quarters.