Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/191

Rh this time she had not caught one glimpse of her captor, but she heard a rough voice mutter: “Ah!—I have thee at last! I have waited long enough for a chance to find thee  unguarded by those two watchdogs!” And  she knew it to be the voice of Dirk Willumhoog!

“Now walk with me and do exactly as I tell thee, if thou dost not wish to be knocked  in the head!” the voice commanded in a low  key. In utter despair Jacqueline was forced to obey, there being obviously no other  course to pursue. The man grasped her by one arm and pulled her along after him. She could tell by the feeling of the ground that they were crossing the meadow, and anticipating what was to come, she trembled till  her knees almost refused to support her. Presently she stepped up to her ankles in a pool of water.

“Draw a long breath and hold it!” commanded the voice. She tried to do as she was told, when with a sudden plunge she was