Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/109

Rh his first, since instead of travelling all the way to Delft, he had only to leave his message and the pigeons at the farmhouse of  Julius Van Schaick, a short distance from  the city. He had thus far managed also to escape the vigilance of Vrouw Voorhaas, who  now accepted without question the explanation of his executing errands for the burgomaster.

And what of Jacqueline? Plague now raged through all the poorer sections of the  city,—a dread disease brought on by improper nourishment or none at all. Dr. de Witt and Jacqueline went their daily rounds,  cheering, comforting, and administering medicine and nourishment on every side. Never was a presence more welcome in a sick room  than that of the slim, fair girl whom many  in their delirium took to be an angel. Never was a touch more deft, light and soothing  than hers.

By her tender care, Jan Van Buskirk had been nursed through the awful scourge. He