But his joy was presently tempered by the thought of what might
follow. That the men would endeavour to give chase he well knew;
indeed he could make out their forms running in search of another
boat. However, he had gained a start; that was something. As to
whither he was destined to be driven, or how he was to get food and
water, these things were for the present of less consequence than the
fact that he was free.

Fortune favoured him, for within ten minutes a thickness came on, and
soon the boat was enveloped in fog. The chase was now rendered
impossible to the enemy. Hour after hour George kept his sail hoisted,
driving briskly he knew not whither.

"I am bound," said he to himself, "to stumble upon either the English
or the Dutch coast, and in either case I shall be among friends." Thus
the lad comforted himself.

The day wore on, and he was becoming ravenously hungry. He would have
given much for a basin of even the prison _soupe maigre_. The sky was
darkening and he began to feel drowsy; he resigned himself to a night
of hunger. All at once he heard shouts, and the hull of a big vessel
loomed up within a few yards of him. He was instantly wide awake. Was
the stranger French? Thank Heaven, no! She was Dutch built, and as her
flag showed, Dutch owned. Hurrah!

His cheer attracted the attention of the crew, and much wondering the
sailors drew him up on deck. "A Frenchman," was the verdict in gruff
Dutch. George did not understand Dutch, but he instantly guessed their
meaning.