Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/181

 but as it had considerably gained, and would still increase the two next tides, we congratulated ourselves upon the happy prospect of the speedy termination of our troubles, and the final accomplishment of our hopes. With heart elate, as in the moment of victory, on the night of the 4th of March, I made my thirteenth, and last trip to Blankenberg, and, leaving my comrades at "Mynheer's" house, went with him to the beach to reconnoitre; when, finding several vessels nearly afloat, we returned to our party, with the joyful information. Furnished with provisions, and a lantern, we took a friendly leave of Winderkins' family, proceeded silently to the water's edge, and jumped on board the easternmost vessel, in the pleasing confidence of having at length evaded the vigilance of the enemy, and of being on the eve of restoration to our native soil. The wind was fresh and squally from the W. N. W., with a good deal of swell; the moon, although only three days after the full, was so obscured by dark clouds, that the night was very favourable for our pur