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OF THE CARRIER PIGEONS
53

who kept him well posted as to their daily plans and watchwords.

Requesens! is correct enough,” replied the sentinel, “but who art thou, and where art thou going so early?”

“I am a Glipper,” answered Gyshert in a sing-song nasal voice. “I come from the city. We are starving there. I sell these healing herbs in order to get some food.” Now a Glipper was the name given to any Hollander who sympathized with Spain, and they were as a rule very favorably regarded by the Spaniards. Gyshert, being naturally truthful, disliked exceedingly to thus falsify himself, but consoled his conscience with the motto—‘All’s fair in war.’ The sentinel looked him over suspiciously, hut concluded that he had not the appearance of a genuine, out-and-out Dutch boy. Moreover, it was evident from his speech and expression that he was not blessed with more than half the usual quantity of wits.

“Well, little fool, I will let thee pass, pro-