hey were to be fed and treated, as
it was possible that he might have to depart at an early hour the next
morning. As Jaqueline expressed her readiness to do as Albert proposed,
the whole party, with the exception of the burgomaster, accompanied her
to the tower of the house in which they were kept. In the same tower
was situated her boudoir, and hence she could enjoy a wider view over
the country than from any other part of the house.

"We must put them into two small cages, so that they may be carried
easily on horseback, or by a man on foot, if necessary," said Albert.
"Come, Berthold, if your cousin will allow us, we will go and procure
such cages. I know where they are to be found, and we will be back in a
few minutes." As Jaqueline did not forbid them, they set off.

It was the first time that Jaqueline and Karl Van der Elst had been
together. They had never spoken of love, and the present moment seemed
most inappropriate. Karl did not conceal from himself the dangers to
which he must be exposed in carrying out the projects of the Prince, nor
could he shut his eyes to the fearful risk all the inhabitants of Leyden
must run, even though relief might soon be brought to them. He, almost
against his intentions, spoke a few words to Jaqueline, the meaning of
which she could not fail to understand.

"It may be weeks--months--before we meet again, but my feelings, when I
have learned once to esteem, are not given to change," she said. The
young captain had reason to be content with the look which accompanied
her words, even more than with the words themselves. The two lads soon
returned with the cages, which were so small that two pigeons could only
be pressed into each.

"They will be hurt, poor things," cried Jaqueline.

"Oh, no, no," said Albert, "they will support each other, and travel far
more comfortably than if they had more space, and were allowed to tumble
about."

As the captain had to start the following morning, Arthur and Berthold
undertook to carry the birds to his lodgings that evening.

Captain Van der Elst, accompanied by Hans Bosch, for whom a horse had
been provided, and who carried the two cages, set off at an early hour
the following morning. Secretly as his departure had been arranged, it
was discovered by Baron Van Arenberg, who had that morning risen at an
earlier hour than usual and gone out to the ramparts. The baron
recognised him, and muttered, as he observed him leaving the