Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/79

Rh St. Catherine, the principal entrance to Delft, and Gysbert disembarking, thanked the good-natured captain for his assistance.

“No thanks to me, youngster,” replied the man. “It’s all for the good cause, and my name is Joris Fruytiers, shouldst thou ever  meet me and need my help again.”

Gysbert set off with all speed to the Prinsenhof, the palace where William the  Silent held his headquarters. One of the boy’s greatest desires in life was to see and  speak with this great Father of his country,  the Prince of Orange, who had been for several years his hero and idol. Hence his errand was all the more delightful to him since it was to afford him this coveted opportunity.

But this time he was doomed to disappointment. The Prince was away at Rotterdam, and his commissioner, Paul Buys, took the message in his stead. It was to the effect that the people of Leyden implored immediate help. They were on the point of