ide. While we were thus
employed, we heard a loud noise and shouting, and perceived several men,
apparently armed and accompanied with dogs, running straight in the
direction of the wood where we were encamped. We were much alarmed,
thinking that they were in search of us, but on a sudden they turned off
in another direction, continuing with the same speed as before. "What
could it be?" said I to O'Brien. "I can't exactly say, Peter; but I
should think that they were hunting something, and the only game that I
think likely to be in such a place as this are otters." I was of the
same opinion. We expected the little girl, but she did not come, and
after looking out for her till dark, we crawled into our hole and supped
upon the remainder of our provisions.

The next day, as may be supposed, we were very anxious for her arrival,
but she did not appear at the time expected. Night again came on, and
we went to bed without having any sustenance, except a small piece of
bread that was left, and some gin which was remaining in the flask,
"Peter," said O'Brien, "if she don't come again to-morrow, I'll try what
I can do; for I've no idea of our dying of hunger here, like the two
babes in the wood, and being found covered up with dead leaves. If she
does not appear at three o'clock, I'm off for provisions, and I don't
see much danger, for in this dress I look as much of a boor as any man
in Holland."

We passed an uneasy night, as we felt convinced either that the danger
was so great that they dare not venture to assist us, or, that being
over-ruled, they had betrayed us, and left us to manage how we could.
The next morning I climbed up the only large tree in the copse and
looked round, especially in the direction of the farm-house belonging to
the woman who had pointed out to us our place of concealment; but
nothing was to be seen but one vast tract of flat country covered with
snow, and now and then a vehicle passing at a distance on the Middleburg
road. I descended, and found O'Brien preparing for a start. He was
very melancholy, and said to me, "Peter, if I am taken, you must, at all
risks, put on your girl's clothes and go to Flushing to the cabaret.
The women there, I am sure, will protect you, and send you back to
England. I only want two Napoleons; take all the rest, you will require
them. If I am not back by to-night, set off for Flushing to-morrow
morning." O'Brien waited some time longer, talking with me,