Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/231

Rh “But thou hast the plague!” answered the soldier. For reply Gysbert shook his head and significantly rubbed off one of the brick-dust spots. Alonzo gave a loud guffaw of appreciation at the joke, and nodded encouragingly. ”Wait!” he motioned with his lips, for someone was coming out of the house. Not long after the children heard a great commotion on the stairs. Immediately Gysbert leaped into bed, covered himself well, and began to moan and rave incoherently,  while Jacqueline trembled lest their secret  should now be discovered through her brother’s rashness. Nearer and nearer came the sounds, as of remonstrance. and scuffling combined:

“I tell thee I will see them, Dirk! It will do no harm, and thou sayest the lass is  pretty. I wager five florins she is not so fair as my sweetheart in Madrid! Dost thou take the wager?”

“Nay, but thou wilt catch the plague! Thou canst not wish to risk that. The boy