Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/189

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OF THE CARRIER PIGEONS
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had been forbidden to go out alone, especially at night. That she concluded would not interfere if they knew that Gysbert’s welfare hung upon it. The girl was on a positive rack of torturing doubt, but the note again conquered. “Thy brother sends his love.” Gysbert was then at least alive and safe, and was thinking of her? “One who is thy friend.”—Surely, no one who wished her evil could subscribe that signature! If it were a friend she need fear no harm. Then and there she formed her determination to risk all and obey this summons. God would surely watch over her!

Catching up a light wrap she opened and closed the door softly, and sped down the dark street. The night was starless and chilly; the few people she met were hurrying in the opposite direction to witness the conflagration at Nord Aa from Hengist Hill. Her way lay in the direction of the city wall between the Cow Gate and the Tower of Burgundy. It was a deserted section, and