Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/149

Rh “When he next wakes,” thought the boy, “I will go in and tell him how false is this report he has heard.” Presently the Prince  exhibited signs of returning consciousness,  but he seemed weaker, and could only murmur:

“Leyden!—Leyden!—Tranquil—” Then Gysbert with trembling knees and quaking  heart, entered the door and walked up to the  bed. At first the Prince did not see him, but soon the renewed barking of his spaniel attracted his attention to the curious little figure standing by the bedside.

“Who art thou?” he queried feebly.

“Mynheer Prince,” faltered Gysbert, “I am only a boy from Leyden, but I have come  to tell you that it is not true,—what you have  been told concerning the city’s surrender. Leyden still holds out and will so continue till its last defender is slain!” The dullness  of fever in the sick man’s eyes gave place to  an actual sparkle.

“Leyden still safe!” he exclaimed.