Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/165

 He also assured us, that the number and vigilance of the patrole were such, that an attempt to range the coast, would be attended with certain capture. This intelligence, anything but cheering, made it difficult to decide upon the best mode of proceeding; but, being still persuaded of the possibility of getting afloat from Blankenberg, it was determined to make another effort before we left that part of the coast. Madame Derikre informed us, the cause of Winderkin's delay, when despatched to the westward, was—his going to Dunkirk, where he had a private conference with a banker, who expressed a favourable opinion of the bill we had given him, having before negotiated others with the same signature; observing, at the same time, that he was aware the gentleman had eloped, and advising him not to make use of it at present. This information, no doubt, urged him to persevere in our behalf, and was also an additional stimulant to the avowed friendship of the Derikres. In the evening, Winderkins sent