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Name: Class: Date:

chapter 7

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

1. Capitalization, or lack thereof, makes no difference with UNIX and Linux commands.
a. True
b. False

2. In UNIX and Linux, everything except monitors are considered files.

a. True
b. False

3. The term "kernel" is often used when discussing Linux because technically, Linus is only the core of the OS.
a. True
b. False

4. Linux is a certified UNIX operating system.

a. True
b. False

5. The only pieces of metadata not in an inode are the filename and path.
a. True
b. False

Indicate the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

6. What is the minimum size of a block in UNIX/Linux filesystems?

a. 128 bytes
b. 512 bytes
c. 1024 bits
d. 2048 bits

7. What file under the /etc folder contains the hashed passwords for a local system?
a. passwd
b. hashes
c. shadow
d. users

8. What type of block does a UNIX/Linux computer only have one of?
a. boot block
b. data block
c. inode block
d. superblock

9. What file is used to store any file information that is not in the MDB or a VCB?
a. page file
b. metadata database file
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chapter 7

c. slack file
d. extents overflow file

10. Adding the _____________ flag to the ls -l command has the effect of of showing all files beginning with the "."
character in addition to other files.
a. -s
b. -d
c. -l
d. -a

11. The ______________ command can be used to see network interfaces.

a. ifconfig
b. ipconfig
c. show interfaces
d. show ip brief

12. Select below the command that can be used to display bad block information on a Linux file system, but also has the
capability to destroy valuable information.
a. dd
b. fdisk
c. badblocks
d. mke2fs

13. Who is the current maintainer of the Linux kernel?

a. Tim Cook
b. Eric Shmidt
c. Linus Torvalds
d. Lennart Poettering

14. As part of a forensics investigation, you need to recover the logon and logoff history information on a Linux based
OS. Where can this information be found?
a. /var/log/utmp
b. /var/log/wtmp
c. /var/log/userlog
d. /var/log/system.log

15. In a B*-tree file system, what node stores link information to previous and next nodes?
a. inode
b. header node
c. index node
d. map node

16. What command below will create a symbolic link to a file?

a. ln -s
b. ls -ia
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chapter 7

c. ln -l
d. ls -h

17. The Mac OS reduces file fragmentation by using _______________.

a. inodes
b. superblocks
c. clumps
d. chunks

18. If a file has 510 bytes of data, what is byte 510?

a. The physical EOF.
b. The logical EOF.
c. The terminating EOF.
d. The end of the sector.

19. On Mac OS X systems, what utility can be used to encrypt / decrypt a user's home directory?
a. Disk Utility
b. BitLocker
c. FileVault
d. iCrypt

20. ________________ is a specialized carving tool that can read many image file formats, such as RAW and Expert
Witness.
a. AccessData FTK
b. X-Ways Forensics
c. Guidance Software EnCase
d. Foremost

21. ________________ contain file and directory metadata and provide a mechanism for linking data stored in data
blocks.
a. Blocks
b. Clusters
c. Inodes
d. Plist files

22. A hash that begins with "$6" in the shadow file indicates that it is a hash from what hashing algorithm?
a. MD5
b. Blowfish
c. SHA-1
d. SHA-512

23. Where is the root user's home directory located on a Mac OS X file system?
a. /root
b. /private/var/root
c. /private/spool/root
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chapter 7

d. /home/root

24. Within the /etc/shadow file, what field contains the password hash for a user account if one exists?
a. 1st field
b. 2nd field
c. 3rd field
d. 4th field

25. What information below is not included within an inode?

a. The mode and type of the file or directory
b. The number of links to a file or directory
c. The file's or directory's last access time and last modified time
d. The file's or directory's path

Enter the appropriate word(s) to complete the statement.

26. An assigned inode has _____ pointers that link to data blocks and other pointers where files are stored.

27. Since Mac OS 8.6, _______________ have been available for use in managing passwords for applications, web sites,
and other system files.

28. ________ links are simply pointers to other files and aren't included in the link count.

29. With Linux commands, arguments consisting of multiple letters must be preceded by two ___________ characters
instead of one and can't be grouped together.

30. The _____________ is the listing of all files and directories on a volume and is used to maintain relationships between
files and directories on a volume.

Match each term with its definition:

a. B*-tree b. data block
c. logical block d. inodes
e. Volume Control Block f. Allocation Block
g. header node h. data fork
i. superblock j. resource fork

31. In the Mac file system, a group of consecutive logical blocks assembled in a volume when a file is saved.

32. A node that stores information about B*-tree file.

33. A Mac file that organizes the directory hierarchy and file block mapping for File Manager.

34. The part of a Mac file containing file metadata and application information, such as menus, dialog boxes, icons,
executable code, and controls. Also contains resource map and header information, window locations, and icons.

35. The part of a Mac file containing the file's actual data, both user-created data and data written by applications, as well
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chapter 7
as a resouce map and header information, window locations, and icons.

36. In the Mac file system, a collection of data that can't exceed 512 bytes. Assembled in allocation blocks to store files in
a volume.

37. A key part of the Linux file system, these informatuin nodes contain descriptive file or directory data, such as UIDS,
GIDs, modification times, access times, creation times, and file locations.

38. A block in the Linux file system that specifies and keep tracks of the disk geometry and available space and manages
the file system.

39. A block in the Linux file system where directories and files are stored on a drive.

40. An area of the Mac file system containing information from the Master Directory Block.

41. Linux supports a wide range of file systems. Distinguish the three Extended File Systems of Linux.

42. What are bad blocks, and how do you find them?

43. UNIX and Linux have four components defining the file system. Identify and give a brief description of each.

44. As you’ve learned, Linux commands use options to create variations of a command. Describe the rules for grouping
letter arguments.

45. Describe a tarball.

46. Compare and contrast the data fork and resource fork of a Mac file.

47. After making an acquisition on a Mac computer, the next step is examining the image of the file system with a
forensics tool. Explain how to select the proper forensics tool for the task.

48. Explain why one should have Apple factory training before attempting an acquisition on a Mac computer.

49. Explain the differences between a hard link and a symbolic link.

50. What is a plist file?

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chapter 7
Answer Key
1. False

2. False

3. True

4. False

5. True

6. b

7. c

8. a

9. d

10. d

11. a

12. c

13. c

14. b

15. c

16. a

17. c

18. b

19. c

20. d

21. c

22. a

23. b

24. b

25. d
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26. 13

27. keychains

28. Symbolic

29. -

30. catalog

31. f

32. g

33. a

34. j

35. h

36. c

37. d

38. i

39. b

40. e

41. Linux supports a wide range of file systems. The early standard was Second Extended File System (Ext2), and then
Third Extended File System (Ext3) replaced Ext2 in most Linux dis- tributions. Its major difference from Ext2 was being
a journaling file system, which has a built-in file recovery mechanism used after a crash.
A few years later, Fourth Extended File System (Ext4) was introduced. Among other features, it added support for
partitions larger than 16 TB, improved management of large files, and offered a more flexible approach to adding file
system features. Because these changes affected the way the Linux kernel interacts with the file system, adoption of Ext4
was slower in some Linux distributions, but it’s now considered the standard file system for most distri- butions. The
Ubuntu version you used previously, for example, has an Ext4 partition at its core, unless you select another file system
during installation.

42. All disks have more storage capacity than the manufacturer states. For example, a 240 GB disk might actually have
240.5 GB free space because disks always have bad sectors. Windows doesn’t keep track of bad sectors, but Linux does in
an inode called the bad block inode. The root inode is inode 2, and the bad block inode is inode 1. Some forensics tools
ignore inode 1 and fail to recover valuable data for cases. Someone trying to mislead an investigator can access the bad
block inode, list good sectors in it, and then hide information in these supposedly “bad” sectors.
To find bad blocks on your Linux computer, you can use the badblocks command, although you must log in as root to
do so. Linux includes two other commands that supply bad block information: mke2fs and e2fsck. The badblocks
command can destroy valuable data, but the mke2fs and e2fsck commands include safeguards that prevent them from

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chapter 7
overwriting important information.

43. UNIX/Linux has four components defining the file system: boot block, superblock, inode block, and data block.
The boot block contains the bootstrap code--instructions for startup.
The superblock contains vital information about the system and is considered part of the metadata.It specifies the disk
geometry and available space and keeps track of all inodes. It also manages the file system, including configuration
information, such as block size for the drive, file system names, blocks reserved for inodesm and volume name.
Inode blocks contain the first data after the superblock. An inode is assigned to every file allocation unit. As files or
directories are created or deleted, inodes are also created or deleted.
The data block is where directories and files are stored on a disk drive. This location is linked directly to inodes. A data
block is equivalent to a cluster of disk sectors on a FAT or NTFS volume.

44. Linux commands use options to create variations of a command. There’s no difference between grouping letter
arguments (such as l and a) after a single - or entering them separately. Therefore, ls -la functions the same as ls -
l -a. Arguments consisting of multiple letters must be preceded by two -- characters instead of one and can’t be
grouped together, as in ls --all.

45. A tarball is a highly compressed data file containing one or more files or directories and their contents. It's similar to
Windows zip utilitied and typically has a .tar or .gz extension.

46. In Mac, a file consists of two parts: a data fork, where data is stored, and a resource fork, where file metadata and
application information are stored. Both forks contain the following essential information for each file:
-Resource Map
-Resource header information for each file
-Windows location
-Icons
The data fork typically contains data the user creates, such as text or sprreadsheets. Applications, such as Microsoft Word
or Excel, also read and write to the data fork.
When you're working with an application file, the resource fork contains additional information, such as menus, dialog
boxes, icons, executable code, and controls.

47. After making an acquisition, the next step is examining the image of the file system with a forensics tool. The tool you
use depends on the image file’s format. For example, if you used EnCase, FTK, or X-Ways Forensics to create an Expert
Witness (.e0l) image, you must use one of these tools to analyze the image. If you made a raw format image, you can use
any of the following tools:
• BlackBag Technologies Macintosh Forensic Software (OS X only)
• SubRosaSoft MacForensicsLab (OS X only)
• Guidance Software EnCase
• X-Ways Forensics
• AccessData FTK

48. To examine a Mac computer, you need to make an image of the drive, using the same techniques described in Chapter
5. You should be aware of some exceptions, however, caused by Mac design and engineering. (In addition, removing the
drive from a Mac Mini case is difficult, and attempting to do so without Apple factory training could damage the
computer. A MacBook Air poses similar problems, as you need special Apple screwdrivers to open the case.) You need a
Mac-compatible forensic boot CD/DVD to make an image, which then must be written to an external drive, such as a
FireWire or USB drive. Larger Macs are constructed much like desktop PCs, making removal of the hard drive easier.

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chapter 7
49. A hard link is a pointer that allows accessing the same file by different filenames. The filenames refer to the same
inode and physical location on a drive, and increases the link count within the file's inode. A symbolic link is simply a
pointer to other files, and does not increase the link count. Symbolic links have their own inodes, and can be used to point
to files on other drives or on remote network locations.

50. Plist files are preference files for installed applications on a system, usually stored in /Library/Preferences.
These files can exist in plain XML form, or binary form, which consists of condensed XML.

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Random documents with unrelated
content Scribd suggests to you:
"Ah! I know it is not considered a woman's business, and few if any have
tried it. Yet there is the famous Queen Marguerite of Navarre. They say she is
the wisest woman in France, for all she is so young, and knows not only
Latin, Greek and other languages, but much about medicine and the healing
art also! I have been reading in this old book, but I can make little out of it,
for there is much Latin in it, of which I understand nothing. But it is my great
hope that some day I shall study all about it, even though I never become a
physician."
While they were talking, Vrouw Voorhaas gathered up her work and without a
word, left the room. No sooner had she gone than Gysbert leaned across the
table, and spoke to his sister in a voice scarcely above a whisper:
"Jacqueline, now that Vrouw Voorhaas is out of the way, I want to tell thee
several things, some of which I learned to-day. One thing I have fully made
up my mind to do,—I am going to become a 'jumper'!"
"A 'jumper,' Gysbert! And what may that be?"
"Why, I might as well begin at the beginning and explain it all," he answered.
"Thou knowest the siege has lasted now for over a month, and things are
beginning to look black for us. There is no more bread in the city, and but
very little of the malt-cakes on which we are all now living. Precious glad I am
that we were fortunate enough to lay in an extra stock of seeds for our
pigeons, or we should soon be reduced to feeding on them!
"Well, I was in the square before the statehouse this morning, and through
listening to and taking part in some of the gossip there, I learned a few
things. In the first place, our good William the Silent cannot possibly raise a
sufficient army to encounter the besieging troops of the Spaniards, that's
plain. Relief must come in some other way, but how, God alone knows!
However, our wonderful Prince is wise and resourceful. Let us not despair, but
trust him to save us, and do our best to help.
"Jacqueline, I am going to do my part! To-morrow I go to Burgomaster Van
der Werf, to offer myself as a 'jumper.' Let me tell thee what that means. The
Prince wants a few swift, skillful messengers who will go out of the gates
secretly, in some kind of disguise, and make their way through the Spanish
forces to him. Now I am young, I know, but I am big and strong, and I know
my way around the walls and outside the city as well and perhaps better than
anyone in Leyden. And I want to do something! I can't sit around idle while
all are helping in one way or another. Why dost thou look so white and
frightened, Jacqueline?"
"Ah, Gysbert! thou must not do this! Thou wilt surely be captured and killed.
Ah! I cannot allow it, nor will Vrouw Voorhaas!"
"Vrouw Voorhaas must not know of it,—at least at first. And thou must not
interfere with me, dear sister. I know that our father, were he alive, would
approve of my decision. Did he not always tell us to be courageous, and
would he not wish us to serve our city in this great distress?" This argument
silenced Jacqueline's remonstrances.
"Do what thou wilt, Gysbert, since thou thinkest that our father would
approve, only be not rash, and have a care for thy life. What would I do if
thou wert taken from me, brother?"
"I will be most cautious, sister, never fear for that!"
"But how shall we keep it from Vrouw Voorhaas? She would lock thee in a
room and never let thee out, did she but dream of thy decision!"
"Thou mayst tell her that I am out helping with the defence of the city, if I fail
to come back for too long a period. That will be the strict truth, yet not
enough to alarm her seriously," answered Gysbert.
"How absurdly worried and careful she has been about us, since the day we
told her of the King's Pardon and Dirk Willumhoog! She turned deathly white
at the mention of his name, and I thought she was going to faint when we
told her what he said before he left the gate. Dost thou remember, Gysbert?"
"Aye, but let me tell thee something else, Jacqueline. What dost thou think of
this? I saw Dirk Willumhoog in the city this morning!"
"Gysbert! thou art surely joking! That cannot be possible. Since he was
expelled from the city, how could he get back?"
"Ask me not how he got back, for I do not know. But the best of it is that he
did not see me, and he was so disguised that had it not been for certain
circumstances, I should never have known him. I had strolled up Hengist Hill
after leaving the Breede Straat, and had climbed into a tree to get a better
view of the Spanish army outside the walls. I was sitting in the branches very
quietly, when a man in a long cloak and big slouching hat came out of the
grove and sat down right under my tree. Thinking himself alone, he took off
his hat, threw aside his cloak, and then to my great surprise, pulled off the
thick beard that covered his face!
"'Ah, but it is hot!' I heard him mutter. Then he stood up and stretched his
arms, and I all but lost my hold and fell out of the tree when I recognized
who it was! He sat down again and rested for half an hour, and I thought he
would never go. Fortunately he did not once think of looking up or he would
have certainly seen me. At last he donned his beard, hat and cloak, and
sneaked off never dreaming who had watched his every movement! I would
give a good round florin to know what he is after!"
"Ah, I am sure it is some harm to us, he is plotting!" shuddered Jacqueline.
"Dost thou recall his look of hate on that dreadful day, Gysbert? He has some
reason for wishing us evil."
"That may or may not be," answered Gysbert. "At any rate, I think he can do
us but little harm. However, thou shouldst be careful about going abroad in
the city alone, Jacqueline. Thou art not as strong as I."
"I go nowhere except to purchase our small allowance of food—thou knowst
Vrouw Voorhaas never goes out at all now—and to visit poor Jan Van Buskirk
once a day, and take him some soothing medicine. He says that nothing helps
him like the decoction of my herbs, and nothing charms away his pain like the
touch of my hands. Dost thou know, Gysbert, that he has been obliged to kill
and eat most of his pigeons since food has been so short? I know not what
he will do when they are gone!"
"We will share our food with him, Jacqueline. He has always been so kind to
us, and taught us how to raise and train our pigeons. But now, let us to rest!
It is late, and I must see Burgomaster Van der Werf early to-morrow."
Poor Jacqueline's sleep that night was restless and tormented by frightful
dreams in which Gysbert's new and dangerous vocation, and the evil face of
Dirk Willumhoog bore no inconspicuous part. Gysbert, on the contrary, slept
sweetly and undisturbed as a year old baby, and rose next morning betimes
to seek what fortune he should meet in this new enterprise.
Adrian Van der Werf sat alone in his great office in the statehouse. His fine
face was clouded with an expression of intense gloom, and he shook his head
gravely as he looked out over the besieged city. Was this fair spot to fall a
prey to Spanish vengeance, as its sister cities had fallen? He saw no hope in
present prospects, for a better fate. Presently an official opened the door and
saluted him:
"A small boy outside wishes to speak with your Worship."
"Admit him," answered the burgomaster. "I am not engaged at present."
Glancing up as Gysbert entered, his face lighted with a smile of recognition.
"Ah! thou art the boy who warned us of the approach of the Spaniards! Thou
art a brave and thoughtful lad. What can I do for thee?"
"Your Worship, I have a request to make," answered Gysbert promptly. "I
wish to serve my city by becoming a 'jumper?'"
"A jumper—thou! But thou art scarce fourteen years of age, if I judge rightly.
It would be wicked to expose one so young to such dangers!" exclaimed the
astonished burgomaster.
"Aye, your Worship, you have guessed my age correctly. But I am strong and
agile, and know the walls and outlying districts well. Moreover, I have a plan
that I trust will take me safely through the Spanish lines."
"And what may be that plan!" demanded Van der Werf, more and more
amazed.
"This," answered the boy. "I shall stain my skin and hair darker with walnut
juice, that I may not be recognized. And pretending to be somewhat half-
witted, I shall go out among the Spanish troops peddling healing herbs. My
sister raises many such in her little garden and has taught me much of their
use. In this way I can most likely get through the lines, unsuspected and
unmolested, and deliver any message to your faithful ones who are beyond."
"It is a clever scheme!" admitted the wondering burgomaster. "And if thou
dost act thy part well, thou wilt be fairly safe."
"Likewise," added Gysbert, "I have some carrier pigeons that have been
exceedingly well-trained, and perchance could make them of use also."
"The very thing!" exclaimed Van der Werf. "Our stock of carrier pigeons waxes
very low, having either died of starvation, or been eaten. I have been
wondering where I should find well-fed, well-trained birds to fill their place.
Canst thou take a couple at a time with thee? I must needs send some to
William the Silent at Delft, else we will get no more messages from him."
"Aye, I can bind two and take them at the bottom of my bag of herbs,"
answered Gysbert. "I will wager for it that they shall be delivered safely."
Adrian Van der Werf spent a moment in silent consideration.
"Thou art a brave and clever youth," he said. "But thou must know that thou
art risking much in this hazardous enterprise. However, God will watch over
those who serve Him. Come to me to-morrow bringing two carrier pigeons,
and I will instruct thee as to the message." And Gysbert, highly pleased,
departed for Belfry Lane, whistling lustily one of the popular songs of the day:
"Beat the drums gaily,
"Bub-dub a dub-dee!
"Beat the drums gaily,
"And the Spaniards will flee!"
IN THE CAMP OF THE ENEMY
 CHAPTER IV
IN THE CAMP OF THE ENEMY
In the cold gray mist of earliest dawn, Gysbert crept silently through one of
the city gates. So changed was his appearance that his own sister would
scarcely have known him, had she not assisted in effecting his disguise, late
the night before. His straight light hair had assumed a dark brown color, and
his fresh rosy complexion had suddenly become as swarthy as any Spaniard's.
His Dutch blouse, cap and wooden sabots were exchanged for garments of a
more foreign cut, and in his hand he bore a large bag of assorted herbs, both
green and dried.
Thanks to an almost daily study of the Spanish camp from his perch on
Hengist Hill, he had selected the most favorable quarter for his egress
through the enemies' ranks—the situation farthest removed from the
headquarters of commander Valdez.
The camp had very much the appearance of a little city of mushroom growth
—rows upon rows of tents, and here and there a hut of larger proportions
hastily constructed of boards. In the middle of one tented street had been
erected a rude shrine protected by an awning, at which knelt a priest
celebrating the early morning mass. The tinkle of the silver bell calling to
service was the only sound that broke the silence. Gysbert proceeded
cautiously, rejoicing at every step that took him unmolested on his way, when
suddenly a rough command arrested his progress:
"Halt! The password! What art thou doing here?"
"Requesens!" answered Gysbert glibly, thanking his stars that the
burgomaster had not failed to inform him of the Spanish password for the
day. Van der Werf had two or three trusted spies in the Spanish army, 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 Gysbert 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.
Gysbert, 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, but 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, provided thou wilt supply me with
something healing for this wound in my hand where the gunpowder from my
musket burned me, yesterday morn." Gysbert hunted in his bag, brought out
a small bundle of dried leaves, and recited as if by rote:
"Thou shalt steep these in boiling water. Thou shalt make a poultice with the
leaves thus steeped. Thou shalt bind it on thy wound. In two days thou shalt
be better."
"Thanks, little numbskull! Thy poultice and not thy wits have saved thee! And
now, cut away quickly!" Availing himself not too hastily of the permission,
Gysbert strolled away as if there were not a thought of danger in his mind.
But no sooner was he out of sight of the sentinel than he took to his heels
and ran swiftly and silently through the still sleeping camp.
"If only I can reach the outskirts before they waken, all will be well!" he
thought. Once again only, at the edge of the encampment, he was challenged
by another sentry. But the password given, he was allowed to go on without
question, by a sentinel whose one sleepy thought was the bed into which he
hoped soon to turn. Once on the high-road to Delft, Gysbert's troubles were
for the time over, and he abandoned himself to a leisurely walk, and to the
enjoyment of his breakfast, a stale malt-cake which he munched contentedly
as he trudged along.
Then the sun rose, the morning mist evaporated, and the waters of the canal
sparkled like jewels in the clear air of the July day. A lazy boat with one big
brown sail edged its way slowly along the canal in the direction of Delft.
"I might as well save my strength," argued Gysbert to himself, "and what is
more, I have time in quantities to spare. Hi!—Herr Captain, I pray you take
me on your gallant bark!" The captain looked up from a sail he was mending,
and scanned the boy from head to foot.
"I like thee not," he answered. "Thou hast too much of the Spaniard about
thee, little frog! Thine own two good feet can carry thee!" Gysbert was
secretly delighted that his disguise was so effective, but hastened to add:
"Good Herr Captain, you are much mistaken. Look you!" And from the bottom
of his bag he pulled out two pigeons bound and helpless.
"These be carriers!" he announced. "I am commissioned by Burgomaster Van
der Werf to take them to our Prince at Delft. Also I have a message, but that
is in my mind." Instantly the captain's surly manner changed.
"Come aboard! Come thou aboard!" he called heartily. "Thou art a small lad
but a clever one. Here, catch this plank!" In two minutes Gysbert, comfortably
ensconced in the stern, had curled himself up to finish the morning nap, with
which his early expedition had seriously interfered. In due time this easy-
going vessel reached the Gate St. Catherine, the principal entrance to Delft,
and Gysbert disembarking, thanked the good-natured captain for his
assistance.
"No thanks to me, youngster," replied the man. "It's all for the good cause,
and my name is Joris Fruytiers, shouldst thou ever meet me and need my
help again."
Gysbert set off with all speed to the Prinsenhof, the palace where William the
Silent held his headquarters. One of the boy's greatest desires in life was to
see and speak with this great Father of his country, the Prince of Orange, who
had been for several years his hero and idol. Hence his errand was all the
more delightful to him since it was to afford him this coveted opportunity.
But this time he was doomed to disappointment. The Prince was away at
Rotterdam, and his commissioner, Paul Buys, took the message in his stead. It
was to the effect that the people of Leyden implored immediate help. They
were on the point of facing starvation, and feared lest the weaker ones would
lose courage and yield up the city. Paul Buys sent word back to Van der Werf
that the Prince of Orange was on the point of putting into execution a scheme
of release that he had long been considering, and would send word by one of
the carrier pigeons when he was ready to put it into effect.
Buys then told Gysbert that hereafter he would not have to come as far as
Delft with the pigeons, but could leave them at the farmhouse of Julius Van
Shaick, not far beyond Leyden, from whence they would be conveyed to Delft
in safety. Before the boy left for his homeward journey, Buys superintended
him in the disposal of such a meal as he had not seen for many a long day,
and he sighed only that he could not convey some of it to Jacqueline and
Vrouw Voorhaas.
Trusting to no slow-moving canal vessel, but relying mainly on the swiftness
of his strong young legs, he accomplished the fifteen miles back to Leyden in
four hours, and at nightfall reached once more the outskirts of the Spanish
camp. But his passage through the enemy's midst was not destined to be as
uneventful as that of the morning.
The camp streets were bustling with life and activity. Soldiers promenaded up
and down, women—the few who had chosen to follow their husbands'
fortunes—called to each other shrilly from the tent-doors, and even some
children ran hither and thither in garments of startling untidiness. Gysbert
hoped to escape notice in the general confusion, but in this he was mistaken.
A sudden hand was laid in no gentle manner on his shoulder, and a voice
from behind demanded:
"The password!"
"Requesens!" he replied confidently.
"In that thou art much in error!" answered the soldier. "Dost thou think that
the password does not change from day to day? Thou art twelve hours too
late. Come thou with me!" and he led Gysbert to the door of a tent which was
empty and lighted only by a large fire outside.
"Here, Alonzo de Rova!" he called to a burly sentinel. "Guard this young
interloper till I have time to report him to Commander Valdez."
"Now," thought Gysbert, "I am caught in earnest! But without seeming to
possess any wits, I will try to use those the good God has given me as
skillfully as I can." Alonzo de Rova paced up and down before the tent door
for a time, apparently utterly ignoring the boy, yet in reality watching him
keenly.
Gysbert on his part kept his eyes well open, yet assumed the vacant gaze he
had attempted in the morning. Presently he took up a charred stick from the
fire that happened to lie near him, and with it commenced to make some
strokes on the white canvas of the tent.
"What art thou doing?" demanded De Rova, and he drew near curiously to
examine the marks.
"Why, by the Pope!" he exclaimed. "It is myself—my very self as I stand here
with my musket! Thou canst indeed draw, little stranger! Who art thou?"
"I am a Glipper," repeated Gysbert monotonously. "I sell healing herbs. I also
can draw."
"Art thou indeed a Glipper? Well, that is not so bad! And look thou here!
Canst draw a good portrait of me on fine paper?"
"Aye, I can!" answered Gysbert in his adopted nasal tone.
"Well, thou hast evidently not all the wits that God usually gives us, but thou
shalt try," said De Rova, and he drew from his belongings a sheet of paper,
and what stood for a pencil in those days.

Gysbert draws the Portrait of

Alonzo de Rova
"Draw me well, little Glipper! Make of me a fine figure, for I wish to send it to
my sweetheart in Madrid, and we will see what can be done for thee!"
Drawing himself up to his full height he assumed a martial position, ready for
the likeness. He was truly a splendid specimen of a soldier, and evidently very
proud of his magnificent proportions. Gysbert seized the pencil and paper, and
went to work with a will. Never had he striven so hard to give satisfaction,
never had so much been at stake, never had his art stood him in such good
stead. When the picture was finished Alonzo de Rova was profuse in
expressing his wonder and delight, and slipped a coin into the boy's hand.
"And now, little artist, fly! Slip away under the back of the tent, when I am
not looking and no one will be the wiser. The captain who caught thee is a
good friend of mine, and beside I will tell him thou art a Glipper. Remember
Alonzo de Rova, and if thou dost ever come to the camp again I will put thee
in the way of earning a pretty penny, for there are many like me who would
gladly sit for their portraits. I doubt not but that thou couldst make a florin a
day at that work. One more word of advice—the password for to-night is
Phillip. Farewell!" With that he turned his back on the boy and commenced
pacing up and down before the fire.
Gysbert lost not a moment's time, but acting on the friendly soldier's
suggestion slipped out through a loose flap at the back of the tent. Thanks to
the now dense darkness and his knowledge of the password, he escaped
safely through the camp to the Cow Gate, where giving a peculiar knock
previously concerted between himself and the gatekeeper, he once more
stood secure within the city walls. Speeding homeward to Belfry Lane he
murmured to himself:
"I have accomplished the mission without mishap, and have also made two
friends. On the whole, I think I have not done so badly!"
THE DECISION OF JACQUELINE
 CHAPTER V
THE DECISION OF JACQUELINE
On the morning of Gysbert's first venture into the midst of the enemy,
Jacqueline rose with a very heavy heart. She helped her brother with the last
preparations for his departure, aided him in escaping the vigilant eye of
Vrouw Voorhaas who was already at work though the hour was so early, and
bade him a tearful farewell as he sped down the silent street. But her mind
was full of foreboding, and she felt as though she could never live through
the time till he should return in safety. To pass the weary hours and otherwise
occupy her thoughts, she assisted Vrouw Voorhaas with the daily routine of
housework, cleaned the pigeon-house, and fed her eighteen remaining pets
with a scanty supply of their rapidly diminishing stock of corn.
Vrouw Voorhaas had many questions to ask concerning the whereabouts of
Gysbert whom she had not seen that day. Jacqueline parried these as best
she could, explaining that he had gone off early to execute some errands for
Burgomaster Van der Werf. Her companion, unconvinced that all was as it
should be, and vaguely uneasy about her youngest charge, accepted the
explanation somewhat distrustfully. To change the subject Jacqueline began
to talk about their supply of food and to make plans for husbanding it to the
last crumb. While she was talking her gaze suddenly riveted itself on the tall
form of the older woman.
"Why Vrouw Voorhaas," she exclaimed, "how thin thou art growing! See, thy
dress dost hang about thee in great folds, and thine arms almost show the
bones! Surely we have not yet come to the pass when such loss of flesh
would be noticeable! What hast thou been doing?"
"Nothing, nothing, child!" exclaimed the woman hastily. "I eat as heartily as
our supply of food will permit, but the hot weather always did reduce my
flesh. Hurry away now, and see what thou canst purchase at the market, but
try not to be seen too prominently. Young people are not too safe in the
streets in these wild times. Art going to visit old Jan to-day?"
"Yes," answered Jacqueline. "He grows worse and worse, though I do my
best to aid him. There seems to be something else ailing him beside just his
lumbago, but I cannot quite make out what it is, and he will not see a
physician. I will go out and gather some fresh herbs now to take with me."
The girl took her little basket and went out to her patch of garden at the back
of the house. Gay flowers bloomed in one half of it, but the other was
devoted to the cultivation of the medicinal herbs whose healing properties she
had carefully studied in the old book belonging to her father. First she
gathered a sweet-smelling bouquet of late roses and jasmine to cheer the
eyes of old Jan, and then stooping among the herbs selected those most
calculated to help his poor infirm body. When this was done she re-entered
the house, added some malt-cakes and a bottle of Vrouw Voorhaas's cooling
homemade wine, and proceeded on her errand of comfort.
Jan Van Buskirk's home was on a tiny street just off the Marendorfstrasse,
and to reach it Jacqueline was obliged to take a rather circuitous route that
led through the poorest section of the city. What she saw there on that day
tore her gentle heart with an agony of sympathy. The weather was extremely
hot and oppressive, and every one seemed to have sought the coolness of
the shaded street in preference to the little suffocating rooms. Pale,
emaciated children thronged the doorways, many gnawing on dry unsightly
bones from which the last vestige of meat had long since disappeared. Sick
babies wailed fretfully, white, haggard men and women strove in vain to
comfort them. And here and there lay stretched on an improvised cot the
form of some person desperately ill, moaning piteously. Jacqueline contrasted
the scene with these same comfortable, happy people of a few months before
and her heart grew rebellious at the mighty suffering entailed in just the little
word "war." "Is there no help,—no help for it?" she asked herself.
Jan Van Buskirk was worse, unquestionably worse than when she had visited
him before, and his condition alarmed her seriously. He was tossing from side
to side, rolling his head feverishly, and muttering incoherent words; nor did
he seem in the least to recognize his little friend. Jacqueline quietly
determined that it was high time he had more expert medical advice than she
could offer, and went out hastily to seek the nearest physician. Dr. Pieter de
Witt was hard to find for his duties were long and arduous in these dreadful
days, but finally she discovered him in the house of a poor family all sick but
the mother who could hardly drag herself around. Hearing Jacqueline's errand
he made haste to accompany her. One glance at the unconscious Jan told him
the tale.
"My girl," he said, turning to Jacqueline, "go away from here as speedily as
thou canst. This man has the plague. It has broken out in several parts of the
city, owing to bad food or none at all, and this man has caught it. Thou art
exposing thyself to a terrible disease and almost certain death. This is no
place for thee. Go home, and I will take care of the man to the best of my
ability, but I doubt if he will live, even so."
Jacqueline's eyes opened wide with a startled look, and she glanced
uncertainly at Jan. The sick man stirred restlessly, then with a sudden cry
muttered her name in his feverish sleep. At that word the girl formed her
decision.
"I will not go, Dr. de Witt. This man has been a friend to me and mine ever
since I can remember. I do not fear the plague, and even if I did it would not
keep me from giving all the aid I could to Jan Van Buskirk. Moreover, I know a
little about medicine myself, having read it in an old book in my possession. I
have raised healing herbs, and I also possess one which has the power, they
say, to protect from such diseases if carried about the person. I will always
have it by me, for I wish to help you in nursing this my friend back to life and
health." Dr. de Witt looked her over for a moment in silent astonishment.
Then he spoke:
"Thou art a brave maiden, whoever thou art, and I would that there were
many more like thee! Help me thou shalt if such is thy determination, and the
good God will bless thee and protect thee from all harm. There is much in
having absolutely no fear of this contagion, and I see thou hast none. With
thy help we may perhaps save our old friend and neighbor." Together they
labored over the old man, and before he left, the doctor expressed his
amazed approval of the skill and knowledge exhibited by this fair slip of a girl
in tending and administering to the sick. Beyond this too, something in her
manner, her look and her speech indefinably recalled to him old recollections.
"Thou dost constantly put me in mind of some one," he remarked finally.
"Hadst thou ever any relation who was a physician? What is thy father?"
"I have no father," answered the girl with the reticence she had learned to
exhibit through Vrouw Voorhaas's teaching. "He is long since dead."
"But what is thy last name?" persisted the good doctor.
"Coovenden," replied Jacqueline with the hesitancy she could never quite
overcome in pronouncing this assumed title.
"Coovenden? Ah, it is not a name that I recognize—and yet there is
something,—I know not what, which stirs me!" And he went away shaking his
head thoughtfully. On her way home Jacqueline stopped at the public market
to purchase what scarce supply of provisions she was able to obtain.
"But this is a miserable little cabbage!" she expostulated mildly to the
huckster who served her. "And see! this mutton-bone has scarce any meat
upon it. 'Twill be watery soup that is made from this mess!"
"And lucky thou art to have any soup at all!" answered the market-woman. "I
tell thee, girl, the time is coming when we shall be glad to eat the grass that
grows in the streets, and that's not far distant, either. I, for one would gladly
see the gates opened to the Spaniards. They are better at least than slow
starvation!" Jacqueline shrank away from her at these words so like disloyalty
to the great cause, and hurried home with the news she had to tell.
As the day wore on, Vrouw Voorhaas became more and more uneasy about
Gysbert, and questioned his sister so closely about his absence that she had
hard work quieting the woman's fears and at the same time hiding the truth
about him. She herself was beset by more definite terrors for his safety than
Vrouw Voorhaas could even guess, and though she did not expect Gysbert
before nightfall, counted the moments with ever-increasing agitation.
Then darkness came and the two partook of their frugal supper, laying aside a
generous portion for the boy. One by one the stars twinkled out. Jacqueline,
sitting by the window tried to count them to distract her thoughts. Her mind
reverted again and again to the scenes of the morning, and the pictures of
the suffering she had witnessed would not fade from her consciousness. As
she sat leaning her head against the casement, she was suddenly startled by
having two hands clapped over her eyes, and a voice whispering in her ear:
"Guess who it is!"
"Gysbert!" she exclaimed. "How didst thou get in?"
"Hush! I slipped in through the garden and climbed to my window up the
rose-trellis. I did not want Vrouw Voorhaas to see my disguise, and have
washed it all off and changed my clothes. Where is she?"
"In her room," answered his sister, "and right anxious about thee, I can
warrant! But tell me all about it, Gysbert!"
In hasty sentences the boy told her of his day's adventures. She listened with
breathless interest, and shuddered not a few times at the narrowness of his
escapes. Then she recounted to him her own experiences, and told of Jan
Van Buskirk's illness and danger. When she had finished they sat together in
the darkness for a long time without speaking. Finally Jacqueline took her
brother's hand in hers and said:
"Gysbert, thine own bravery and the dark scenes I have witnessed to-day
have set me thinking, and to-night I have made my resolve. Since thou hast
given thyself to the dangerous task of assisting our beloved city, I, too, can
do no less than devote myself to the relief of some of its suffering. To-morrow
I shall seek Dr. de Witt and ask him to allow me to accompany him in his
visits to the sick and starving. I can aid in nursing them, at least, since God
has given me that power."
Gysbert returned his sister's clasp, but continued in silence for some
moments. Truth to tell, he was struggling with a lump that had risen in his
throat, and was glad that the darkness hid the tears that had gathered under
his lashes. The experience of the last few days and weeks had helped to give
him a poise beyond his years, but his admiration for his sister's quiet courage
almost deprived him of words with which to express it. Presently, however, he
got up and put his arms around her neck.
"Jacqueline," he said, trying to master the huskiness in his voice, "thou art
very brave. I would rather go ten times into the heart of the Spanish army,
than once into a room with the plague. But thou art right. It is thy destined
work since thou hast chosen it, and our father, were he here, would surely
say, 'Well done!'"
THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON
 CHAPTER VI
THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON
The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but
rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation. The poor had
reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they
might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the
trees that shaded the canals. Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness
of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the
gnawing of constant hunger.
Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the
roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin. Yet they still
fared better than some. Gysbert had made seven trips through the Spanish
lines, each time bearing away two carrier pigeons, and bringing back when he
could, a little supply of fresh food in his bag. The six remaining birds they had
decided to kill and eat, one a week, so that they might have at least a taste of
fresh untainted meat occasionally. It had cost Jacqueline many a pang to thus
sacrifice her pets, but she could not see her dear ones suffer when it was in
her power to give them food.
Gysbert's latest excursion outside the city walls had been successful, and
without any of the excitement that had attended his first trip. He had chosen
an entirely different quarter through which to pass, had met with either a
friendly reception or indifference from those he met, and who freely
purchased his herbs. He was taken without question for a Glipper, as he had
announced himself to be, and his presence soon became a familiar figure in
their midst. Then too, these expeditions were of much shorter duration than
his first, since instead of travelling all the way to Delft, he had only to leave
his message and the pigeons at the farmhouse of Julius Van Schaick, a short
distance from the city. He had thus far managed also to escape the vigilance
of Vrouw Voorhaas, who now accepted without question the explanation of
his executing errands for the burgomaster.
And what of Jacqueline? Plague now raged through all the poorer sections of
the city,—a dread disease brought on by improper nourishment or none at all.
Dr. de Witt and Jacqueline went their daily rounds, cheering, comforting, and
administering medicine and nourishment on every side. Never was a presence
more welcome in a sick room than that of the slim, fair girl whom many in
their delirium took to be an angel. Never was a touch more deft, light and
soothing than hers.
By her tender care, Jan Van Buskirk had been nursed through the awful
scourge. He was still as weak as a baby, yet able to crawl about his room
listlessly, and inquire after the progress of the siege. His admiration for, and
devotion to the girl who had brought him safely through his peril was beyond
all expression, and he did little else when she was near, than follow her with
his eyes in an ecstasy of dumb admiration.
Vrouw Voorhaas utterly disapproved of Jacqueline's mission to the sick, and
spared no pains to make her disapproval known. She was constantly in terror
lest the girl herself should become infected, and scolded, muttered and
sighed whenever Jacqueline prepared to go out. But the young girl's
determination was too firm to be shaken by the older woman's
expostulations, and her interest and devotion to the work had grown with her
increasing responsibility. Dr. de Witt secretly marvelled at her quiet firmness,
skill, and unflinching courage. More and more did he rack his brains to
elucidate the mystery of her strange resemblance to someone he had once
known or seen, but without result.
"Jacqueline, come up to Hengist Hill with me," said Gysbert one hot,
oppressive day about the twentieth of August. "Thou dost look white and
tired, and needest a little change of air, and besides I want to talk to thee."
"Ah, Gysbert, the day is too hot, and I am very tired! Let us rest here in the
house instead," replied the girl wearily.
"Nay, the air is fresh and cool on the hill, and I have yet another reason for
the expedition. Come with me and thou wilt not regret it." Yielding to his
wish, Jacqueline accompanied him through the blazing, sun-baked streets,
striving for once not to see the misery that now lay open to the daylight all
about them. But Gysbert was right,—the Hill was a decided improvement on
the heated atmosphere of the town. The grove was cool and pleasant and a
refreshing breeze swept the summit. They sat down in the shadow of the old
fortress, and drew in great breaths of the life-giving salt air.
"Ah, it is good to be here!" exclaimed Gysbert. "Art thou not glad we came,
Jacqueline? And now let me ask a question. Answer truly! What hast thou had
to eat to-day?"
"Oh, I had plenty!" answered the girl evasively. "The weather is so hot that I
cannot eat much."
"Now, look thou here!" he replied. "For breakfast this morning we had some
watery gruel of our pigeon grain, and a thin slice of malt-cake apiece. I saw
thee eat the gruel, but the cake disappeared quickly in some mysterious way.
Jacqueline, didst thou save it to take to Jan?"
"Well, yes, I suppose so," she faltered, cornered so cleverly that she could not
deny it.
"Very well!" replied Gysbert with decision. "Then I will tell him the next time I
go there, that thou art starving thyself to feed him!"
"No, no, Gysbert!" she cried in genuine alarm, "thou must not do that! It
would grieve him unto death, for I have told him that we have plenty."
"Ah! does that worry thee? Then if thou wilt do something to please me, I
promise not to tell him."
"Yes, yes," said Jacqueline eagerly. "Anything, Gysbert, will I do if thou wilt
only keep that secret!" The boy did not answer, but running to the wall of the
fortress, lifted a good-sized stone and took from the hollow underneath
something which he brought to his sister. It was the legs and body of a wild
rabbit which had been prepared and cooked evidently before an open fire.
"Why, Gysbert!" exclaimed Jacqueline in astonishment. "Where didst thou get
this?"
"I brought down the rabbit with a stone, here on the Hill early this morning.
Then I skinned him, dressed him, built a fire and roasted him before it, and
hid him away in a cool place for our treat this afternoon. Thou must eat
exactly half of it now, or I will tell Jan all about thy deception."
"But Vrouw Voorhaas!" said the girl, doubtfully. "We ought to take some of it
to her."
"Nay," he answered. "I have watched her, and I know what she does, also.
She would thank us and put it aside, only to present it to us at another meal,
saying she could not eat it herself. And what is more, she never would eat it,
if we left it till it rotted away, so we might just as well finish it now."
Together they divided the doubtful dainty, and devoured it as though it were
the perfection of epicurean cookery; never did a meal taste sweeter to these
half-famished children, as they sat nibbling the last vestige of meat from the
bones, and feeling new life renewed within them.
"Now," said Gysbert, when they had finished, "let me tell thee all about my
last trip through the besieging lines yesterday, and the messages I bore.
Mynheer Van der Werf sent very discouraged word to our good Prince of
Orange. The city, he said, was on the brink of starvation, the bread was gone,
and the malt-cakes would hold out but four days more. Moreover, the people
had fulfilled the promise made in the beginning of the siege,—they had held
out two months with food and one month without, and human strength could
do no more.
"Mynheer Paul Buys, himself, was at the farmhouse and took the message
and the pigeons. He said the number of birds was now sufficient and I need
bring no more unless these should all return before the siege was over. Then
he sent by word of mouth, this reply to the burgomaster. 'The Prince begs you
to hold out a few days more, as his scheme for relief has already begun to be
put into execution. In a day or two a carrier pigeon will come from him telling
all about it.'
"Jacqueline, I have guessed what that relief is going to be! A few chance
words dropped by Mynheer Buys and an exclamation from the burgomaster
has made me certain of it. Ah! it is a great thought,—great indeed!—and like
our wonderful Prince to dare it. Canst thou imagine what it is?"
"Nay," said the girl, wonderingly, "I cannot."
"Look!" cried Gysbert, pointing in the direction of the ocean. "Dost thou see
that huge bulk across the Rhine about five miles from here? That is the
greatest outer barrier, the Land-scheiding. See how it keeps back the ocean?
Dost thou guess now what is happening?"
"Not,—" hesitated the girl, "not that the dykes have been pierced!"
"Just that! just that!" cried her brother. "Is it not wonderful? The Prince is
calling the ocean to his aid, since he cannot raise an army. The Spaniards will
drown like rats in a tank!" Jacqueline looked doubtful, and not quite
convinced.
"But the land!" she said. "It will ruin all the farms and crops between here
and the ocean. And think of all the labor that has been spent on the dykes to
shut out the sea. When will they ever be able to rebuild these barriers and
shut out the waters?"
"That will all come in good time," he replied. "First, it is most important to get
rid of this Spanish pest. Did I not hear Mynheer Van der Werf himself mutter,
'Better a drowned land than a lost one!' It was this exclamation that put me
on the track."
"Dost say that the Prince sends word that the scheme is already begun?"
asked Jacqueline.
"Yes, and I think I know what he has done. Mynheer Buys was telling me that
he has but lately been to Kappelle and Schiedam. I will wager that they have
pierced the dykes all the way from here to Rotterdam, and even as far as
Kappelle. But the tide does not rise high at this time of the year, and there is
only an east wind, so that the water flows in slowly. But see! see!" and he
pointed far off in the sky, where a tiny speck floated,—a mere golden moat in
the sunshine. "I feel certain that is one of our pigeons, Jacqueline. He flies
like 'William of Orange.'"
"Thou hast good eyes, Gysbert! I can see nothing but a faint speck. Let us
watch it, though." Together they waited in breathless suspense, while the
speck drew nearer and assumed more definite shape.
"Look how the left wing droops a trifle. I know that is 'William of Orange'!"
cried Gysbert. In an incredibly short time the bird had passed the limits of the
city wall, had drawn closer and closer, and at last passed directly over their
heads.
So close to the summit of the Hill was its flight that they could faintly hear the
whir of its wings. When it was close above them, all doubt as to its identity
vanished, and besides, it was making straight in the direction of Belfry Lane.
Without waiting a moment they rushed down the hill, their bodies refreshed
by their meal of none too well cooked rabbit meat, their courage restored by
the hope of speedy deliverance for the city.
They found when they reached the house that the pigeon had been long
before them, Vrouw Voorhaas declaring that she had let it in some half an
hour previously. Up to the dove-cote they clambered, breathless and excited,
to behold "William of Orange" strutting about proudly, preening his ruffled
feathers, and cooing plaintively to be fed. Gysbert found a message tied
about the bird's leg. As fast as his feet would carry him, he flew to the
statehouse to deliver the precious bit of paper into the hands of Adrian Van
der Werf. But Jacqueline with a handful of corn coaxed the weary messenger
to alight on her arm. When he had eaten his fill, she cuddled his head under
her soft chin, and stroked his brilliant plumage.
"'William of Orange,'" she crooned, "thou art well-called. The city owes much
to thee, and to thy great namesake!"
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