Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/310

284 some other way. She was wild with anxiety for your safety, and begged me to hasten to  Leyden without delay. But by the time I reached Holland the siege was in full progress, and all thought of access to the city was  hopeless. Having thus a double reason for serving the city, I went to Zeeland and  joined the Sea Beggars. I fought all the way to Leyden on the ‘Ark of Delft,’ and  have been frequently almost prostrated by  the alternations of hope and despair. But I am here, we are reunited,—and now you  know my story!”

“Yes,” said Jacqueline with a long-drawn breath, “but I still do not see why Dirk  wished to get possession of Gysbert and myself.”

“Why! dost thou not comprehend!—” interrupted the boy. “He wanted to hold us for a ransom, well knowing father would pay  any price to have us back. Dost thou not remember how we overheard him telling