Dutchman trawling inside our limits. That's my work, you know--police
duty.'

Had the words a deeper meaning?

'Do you ever catch an Englishman?' I asked, recklessly. 'Oh, very
rarely; your countrymen don't come so far as this--except on
pleasure.' He bowed to us each and smiled.

'Not much of that to be got in Bensersiel,' I laughed. 'I'm afraid
you'll have a dull afternoon. Look here. I know you can't leave your
boat altogether, and it's no use asking Herr Davies; but will _you_
drive into Esens with me and see a Frisian town--for what it's worth?
You're getting a dismal impression of Friesland.' I excused myself,
said I would stop with Davies we would walk out over the sands and
prospect for the evening', sail.

'Well, good-bye then,' he said, 'till the evening. Be ready for the
warp at 6.30.'

He jumped up, and the cart rattled off through the mud, crossed the
bridge, and disappeared into the dreary hinterland.



17 Clearing the Air

'HAS he gone to get the police, do you think?' said Davies, grimly.

'I don't think so,' said I. 'Let's go aboard before that customs