egularly visited Jaqueline's tower,
discovered the fourth pigeon. They eagerly examined its wing, beneath
it was a letter which came from the admiral. The fleet had reached
North Aa, and in a few days at furthest he expected to reach the gates
of the city. The burgomaster read the letter as before in the
market-place, and the bells rang out a joyous peal. Once more, however,
the wind shifted, and the hopes of the garrison of Leyden sank to the
lowest ebb.

We must now return to the evening when Jaqueline, having sent her
attendant Margaret to obtain provisions for the suffering family,
accompanied the woman who had supplicated her. Suddenly, as she was
passing close to a canal, she found herself lifted from her feet, while
a thick cloak was thrown over her. In vain she attempted to shriek for
help, in another instant she heard the splash of oars.

"Do not fear, you are in the safe keeping of one who desires to save you
from horrible suffering and death," whispered a voice in her ear.
Notwithstanding these assurances, Jaqueline entreated that she might be
placed on shore, and endeavoured by her cries to attract the attention
of any who might be passing. Vain were her efforts, the thick folds of
the cloak prevented her voice being heard, while a heavy mist, together
with the shades of night, shrouded the canal as the boat glided forward.
Jaqueline knew that the canal extended out beneath the city walls, and
she hoped that the boat would be challenged as it passed under them and
be compelled to put to shore. Keeping silent, she resolved to take the
opportunity of making another effort to escape from her captors; as the
spot was approached, however, she felt a hand pressed on her mouth. In
vain she struggled to free herself, she heard the sign and counter-sign
given, and the boat impelled by four sturdy rowers soon left the city
walls behind. Strange as it might seem, thinking more of the safety of
her townsmen than of herself, the idea occurred to her that if persons
could thus, undiscovered, leave the city, an armed force might be
introduced by the gates, and disastrous might be the consequences. She
was, she had reason to fear, being carried to the Spanish camp, but who
could have been guilty of so treacherous an act? She was not left long
in doubt, the person who had before addressed her in a subdued tone now
raised his voice, and she recognised it as that of Van Arenberg. For
some time she could not suffi