Jacqueline of the Carrier Pigeons | Page 9

restless and tormented by

frightful dreams in which Gysbert's new and dangerous vocation, and
the evil face of Dirk Willumhoog bore no inconspicuous part. Gysbert,
on the contrary, slept sweetly and undisturbed as a year old baby, and
rose next morning betimes to seek what fortune he should meet in this
new enterprise.
Adrian Van der Werf sat alone in his great office in the statehouse. His
fine face was clouded with an expression of intense gloom, and he
shook his head gravely as he looked out over the besieged city. Was
this fair spot to fall a prey to Spanish vengeance, as its sister cities had
fallen? He saw no hope in present prospects, for a better fate. Presently
an official opened the door and saluted him:
"A small boy outside wishes to speak with your Worship."
"Admit him," answered the burgomaster. "I am not engaged at present."
Glancing up as Gysbert entered, his face lighted with a smile of
recognition.
"Ah! thou art the boy who warned us of the approach of the Spaniards!
Thou art a brave and thoughtful lad. What can I do for thee?"
"Your Worship, I have a request to make," answered Gysbert promptly.
"I wish to serve my city by becoming a 'jumper. "'
"A jumper - thou! But thou art scarce fourteen years of age, if I judge
rightly. It would be wicked to expose one so young to such dangers!"
exclaimed the astonished burgomaster.
"Aye, your Worship, you have guessed my age correctly. But I am
strong and agile, and know the walls and outlying districts well.
Moreover, I have a plan that I trust will take me safely through the
Spanish lines."
"And what may be that plan?" demanded Van der Werf, more and more
amazed.
"This," answered the boy. "I shall stain my skin and hair darker with

walnut juice, that I may not be recognized. And pretending to be
somewhat half-witted, I shall go out among the Spanish troops
peddling healing herbs. My sister raises many such in her little garden
and has taught me much of their use. In this way I can most likely get
through the lines, unsuspected and unmolested, and deliver any
message to your faithful ones who are beyond."
"It is a clever scheme!" admitted the wondering burgomaster. "And if
thou dost act thy part well, thou wilt be fairly safe."
"Likewise," added Gysbert, "I have some carrier pigeons that have been
exceedingly well-trained, and perchance could make them of use also."
"The very thing!" exclaimed Van der Werf. "Our stock of carrier
pigeons waxes very low, having either died of starvation, or been eaten.
I have been wondering where I should find well-fed, well-trained birds
to fill their place. Canst thou take a couple at a time with thee? I must
needs send some to William the Silent at Delft, else we will get no
more messages from him."
"Aye, I can bind two and take them at the bottom of my bag of herbs,"
answered Gysbert. "I will wager for it that they shall be delivered
safely." Adrian Van der Werf spent a moment in silent consideration.
"Thou art a brave and clever youth," he said. "But thou must know that
thou art risking much in this hazardous enterprise. However, God will
watch over those who serve Him. Come to me to-morrow bringing two
carrier pigeons, and I will instruct thee as to the message." And Gysbert,
highly pleased, departed for Belfry Lane, whistling lustily one of the
popular songs of the day:
"Beat the drums gaily, "Rub-dub a dub-dee! "Beat the drums gaily,
"And the Spaniards will flee!"
Ê
IN THE CAMP OF THE ENEMY

CHAPTER IV
IN THE CAMP OF THE ENEMY
IN the cold gray mist of earliest dawn, Gysbert crept silently through
one of the city gates. So changed was his appearance that his own sister
would scarcely have known him, had she not assisted in effecting his
disguise, late the night before. His straight light hair had assumed a
dark brown color, and his fresh rosy complexion had suddenly become
as swarthy as any Spaniard's. His Dutch blouse, cap and wooden sabots
were exchanged for garments of a more foreign cut, and in his hand he
bore a large bag of assorted herbs, both green and dried.
Thanks to an almost daily study of the Spanish camp from his perch on
Hengist Hill, he had selected the most favorable quarter for his egress
through the enemies' ranks - the situation farthest removed from the
headquarters of commander Valdez.
The camp had very much the appearance of a little city of mushroom
growth - rows upon rows of tents, and here and there a hut of larger
proportions hastily constructed of boards. In the middle of one tented
street had