Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/178

 elapsed in this state of uncertainty, during which, we occasionally received messages from both Bruges and Blankenberg, serving to keep us in continual expectation of the morrow bringing forth something decisive. On the 2d of February, having again journeyed to Blankenberg, we found the tide to rise within a very few feet of two of the vessels. The following night, the excursion was repeated, when the same vessels were lying with their bows awash, but there was not sufficient water to float them. We were now completely puzzled how to act: could cash have been raised, we had resolved upon marching into Holland, for the thoughts of continuing any longer in a state of inactivity, became insupportable. Money, however, could not be procured; we were, therefore, compelled to remain in the loft.

Scarcely a day passed without something occurring to revive our hopes, until the 17th, when Winderkins again appeared, and told us the evening tide would float one of the vessels; we, therefore, at a proper hour, went to his house, and thence