Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/78

56 hast too much of the Spaniard about thee, little frog! Thine own two good feet can carry thee!” Gysbert was secretly delighted that  his disguise was so effective, but hastened to  add:

“Good Herr Captain, you are much mistaken. Look you!“ And from the bottom of his bag he pulled out two pigeons bound  and helpless.

“These be carriers!” he announced. “I am commissioned by Burgomaster Van der  Werf to take them to our Prince at Delft. Also I have a message, but that is in my mind.” Instantly the captain’s surly manner changed.

“Come aboard! Come thou aboard!” he called heartily. “Thou art a small lad but a clever one. Here, catch this plank!” In two minutes Gysbert, comfortably ensconced  in the stern, had curled himself up to finish  the morning nap, with which his early expedition had seriously interfered. In due time this easy-going vessel reached the Gate