Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/116

92 his scheme for relief has already begun to be put into execution. In a day or two a carrier pigeon will come from him telling  all about it.’

“Jacqueline, I have guessed what that relief is going to be! A few chance words dropped by Mynheer Buys and an exclamation from the burgomaster has made me certain of it. Ah! it is a great thought,—great indeed!—and like our wonderful Prince to dare it. Canst thou imagine what it is?”

“Nay,” said the girl, wonderingly, “I cannot.”

“Look!” cried Gysbert, pointing in the direction of the ocean. “Dost thou see that huge bulk across the Rhine about five miles  from here? That is the greatest outer barrier, the Land-scheiding. See how it keeps back the ocean! Dost thou guess now what is happening?”

“Not,—” hesitated the girl, “not that the dykes have been pierced!”