Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/174

 but a "ruse de guerre," to entrap the seamen required for the navy. Winderkins, alarmed at our presence, requested us immediately to retreat to the country, for the whole of the police were out, lying in ambush for the sailors. In order to insure our safety, and to give the signal to disperse, if necessary, he marched on before, through bye paths, until we regained the "Cat."

On the 16th, he sent word, that, the five seamen having been taken, the extra police was withdrawn. The night being very dark, we ventured down, and found that some of the vessels had been to sea, but were replaced in their former positions. The following night, knowing the tide would rise gradually higher, the jaunt was repeated. But the recent circumstance of one having dragged her anchors, as was supposed, induced them to obey the commandant's order. At this time we learnt, that Moitier was gone from Flushing to Holland, determined to find a smuggler who would assist this young Englishman, for he was still ignorant of our number. On the 25th, Winderkins,