Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/69

Rh her little garden and has taught me much of their use. In this way I can most likely get through the lines, unsuspected and unmolested, and deliver any message to your faithful ones who are beyond.”

“It is a clever scheme!” admitted the wondering burgomaster. “And if thou dost act thy part well, thou wilt be fairly safe.”

“Likewise,” added Gysbert, “I have some carrier pigeons that have been exceedingly  well-trained, and perchance could make them  of use also.”

“The very thing!” exclaimed Van der Werf. “Our stock of carrier pigeons waxes very low, having either died of starvation,  or been eaten. I have been wondering where I should find well-fed, well-trained birds to  fill their place. Canst thou take a couple at a time with thee! I must needs send some to William the Silent at Delft, else we will get  no more messages from him.”

“Aye, I can bind two and take them at the bottom of my bag of herbs,” answered