Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/184

158 of this inaction. But one circumstance took place which filled the Sea Beggars with renewed courage and inspired universal joy. The Prince of Orange, now recovered sufficiently from his long illness to be about, came on board the “Ark of Delft,” to grasp the hand of the doughty Admiral. From thence he made a triumphal tour of all the  vessels, instilling into every heart fresh  courage, cheering, advising and directing. He looked pale and worn after his illness, and his devoted veterans, even these fierce  Sea Beggars, were ready to fall at his feet  and obey his lightest command. After a long and serious conference with Boisot, he  returned to Delft.

Meanwhile, what of Jacqueline, upon the messages borne by whose carrier pigeons the  whole city hung with breathless expectation? Since the passing of the Land-scheiding she had continued to carry constant messages to  Van der Werf, for every time the Admiral  gained a new advantage, he hastened to