Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/162

 rise and fall of the tide; when, the impracticability of getting the vessel to sea, as the wind then stood, being evident, and seeing her again hard and fast, we returned to the country from the fourth trip. The next day, bad weather prevented the fishermen from going to sea, and obliged them to haul the vessels beyond the reach of the surf. The hopes of getting away from Blankenberg being somewhat lessened, our attention was directed to other quarters. Winderkins was despatched to Ostend, and Nieuport, to find what chance there was of succeeding in that neighbourhood, with instructions to return in forty-eight hours. Three days, however, elapsed without our hearing a word, and the continuance of bad weather rendered night excursions to Blankenberg, useless. Repeated messengers were now sent, but no tidings of Mynheer. I therefore resolved upon going myself, in disguise, for the double purpose of seeing if he was there, and of ascertaining the position of the schuyts. Equipped with Monsieur Derikre's great coat, large broad brimmed hat, and can