Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/50

28 on his pipe, while he spreads his net for the birds!”

“Aye, aye!” assented the crowd approvingly. “Tell him that!” “’Tis a good answer,” commented Van der Werf, “and I will send it as it stands. Now who will take advantage of this pardon for himself? Let any who may feel so inclined come forward  at once, and they shall be sent out of the gates  to go their chosen ways in peace.”

Another tense silence ensued. Each person stood his own ground stanchly, and watched for any sign of wavering in his  neighbor. Presently from out the crowd there pushed a stout old man who finally  gained the open space before the burgomaster.

“I am a brewer of Utrecht,” he announced. “I do not live in this city and have no desire to maintain the siege. I wish to take advantage of the King’s pardon!”

“Be it as you wish, neighbor,” answered Van der Werf. “Here are the necessary