Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/275

Rh floating so close that it was within reach of a long stick which they used to secure their  treasure. Water-logged and unsavory as it was, they devoured it with unspeakable  relish, for was it not the first meal they had  eaten in freedom this many a weary day!

Then came the watch for the craft that was to bear them away. But the morning wore on, and though they strained their eyes in  every direction, nothing in the least available came into view. The water continued to rise till it was only six inches below the window ledge, and should it come much further,  their position might be reckoned exceedingly  precarious. What they should do if the second floor became flooded except climb out  on the roof, they could not imagine. At last, well on in the afternoon, Jacqueline called  excitedly from her lookout:

“Gysbert! Gysbert! Come here immediately! The very thing!” He was at her side in an instant, and there, sure enough,  coming rapidly down stream was a little,