Hans Brinker, or, The silver skates; a story of life in Holland 12+

📕 This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1866 edition. Excerpt: ...that his cousin was tired of talking in English, he turned to his friend of the two languages--" Van Mounen! they say the very carrier-pigeons that brought news of relief to the besieged city, are somewhere here in Leyden. I really should like to see them. Just think of it! At the very height of the trouble if the wind didn't turn, and blow in the waters, and drown hundreds of the Spaniards, and enable tho Dutch boats to sail in right over the land with men and provisions to the very gates of the city. The pigeons, you know, did great service, in bearing letters to and fro. I have read somewhere that they were reverently cared for from that day, and, when they died, they were stuffed, and placed for safe keeping in the Town Hall. We must be sure to have a look at them." Van Mounen laughed. "On that principle, Ben, I suppose when you go to Rome you'll expect to see the identical goose who saved the Capitol. But it will be easy enough to see the pigeons. They are in the same building with Van dcr Werf's portrait. Which was the greatest defence, Ben, the siege of Leyden or the siege of Haarlem?" " Well," replied Ben, thoughtfully; "Van der Werf is one of my heroes; we all have our historical pets, you know, but I really think...