One after another they released the three remaining birds to whom they had given the names ‘Count Louis’ and ‘Count John’ after the great William of Nassau’s two favorite brothers, and lastly ‘Admiral Boisot.’ It seemed to be a fancy of the children to call their pets after their famous generals and naval commanders.
“These are the finest pigeons we have raised,” remarked Jacqueline as she shaded her eyes to watch their flight. “None of the others can compare with them, though all are good.”
“Now we have twenty,” added Gysbert, “and all have proved that they have the very best training. No pigeons in the city are like ours, not even old Jan Van Buskirk’s. When shall we begin to hire them out as messengers, Jacqueline?”
“Perhaps there will be an opportunity soon,” answered the girl. “Now that our city is no longer besieged we may have to bide our time. But no one can tell what will
