Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/169

 departure. Accordingly, soon after eleven, we went down to the coast, remaining behind the sand hills, as before, until the tide rose within a few feet of one of the vessels, which was found embedded in the ice and snow; we, however, jumped on board, and, in this situation, remained about twenty minutes, in the anxious hope that every succeeding wave would lift her bows; but, the tide ebbing, we were obliged to retire. The next night, we again proceeded to "Mynheer's" house, who seemed to consider it the last time they should see us, "Tomorrow," he observed, "we shall all be chez nous." When the tide had risen within a few feet of its utmost height; Hunter and myself got on board the same vessel as before, and made several preparations, that there might be no delay or confusion, when she floated. So soon as all was ready, we ran to the other two, with the joyful information; on our way thither, Hunter expressed some doubt, which proved nothing but an untimely difference of opinion; the exact state of the vessel I represented to Whitehurst and