During many hours the fleet was becalmed off the Godwin Sands; and it was not till the fifth day that the soundings proved the coast of Holland to be near.

The sea fog was so thick that no land could be seen; and it was not thought safe for the ships to proceed further in the darkness.

William, tired out by the voyage, and impatient to be once more in his beloved country, determined to land in an open boat.

The noblemen who were in his train tried to dissuade him from risking so valuable a life; but, when they found that his mind was made up, they insisted on sharing the danger.

That danger proved more serious than they had expected.