Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/188

 Moitier had proved treacherous, I reproached myself for having consented to expose him to this danger. The stock of provisions was now almost expended, and, being incapable of marching any distance for want of shoes, it was resolved to return to the vicinity of the "Cat," in the hope of learning the fate of Mansell, and being there supplied with necessaries for our projected journey. We set out at eleven o'clock, and, reaching a neighbouring wood, about one A. M., halted to listen; being apprehensive that if any article had been found in the vessel to create suspicion of the "Cat," that gens d'armes would be laying in ambush ready to butcher us. It was arranged, that Whitehurst and Hunter should remain under the hedge of the orchard, whilst I approached the house; and, in the event of my meeting with such numbers, as to render their assistance unavailing, I was to give the alarm, and they were to fly, regardless of me. With firm, yet cautious step, I advanced, crept through a gap in the hedge, and entered the orchard, looking around,