Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/68

46 “Your Worship, I have a request to make,” answered Gysbert promptly. “I wish to serve my city by becoming a  ‘jumper.’”

“A jumper—thou! But thou art scarce fourteen years of age, if I judge rightly. It would be wicked to expose one so young to such dangers!” exclaimed the astonished  burgomaster.

“Aye, your Worship, you have guessed my age correctly. But I am strong and agile, and know the walls and outlying districts well. Moreover, I have a plan that I trust will take me safely through the Spanish lines.”

“And what may be that plan?” demanded Van der Werf, more and more amazed.

“This,” answered the boy. “I shall stain my skin and hair darker with walnut juice,  that I may not be recognized. And pretending to be somewhat half-witted, I shall go out among the Spanish troops peddling healing herbs. My sister raises many such in