Out of the Jaws of the Lion

“Hello, Joost! Good to see you this fine morning. Step aside, a moment, sir, I would have a word with you. “

               Heidi’s brother-in-law looked quizzically at the husky, jovial man who came lumbering over to him. What could Euwout want with him so early that the pink had not gone out of the sky, yet.

               Euwout helped him hoist the cans of buttermilk off the cart and under a market awning then they sauntered down the quiet street side by side.

               “See, here, Joost, I got me self into a pretty pickle.” Euwout’s normally loud, gravelly voice was almost hushed which definitely caught Joost’s attention.

               Know ye that your sister in law had been nabbed?”

               Joost nodded gravely. “No you that she escaped?”

               Joost halted in his tracks. “ Escaped! How know ye? Tell me all ye know!”

               “The wench saw me lingering in yonder doorway, and fled to me for safety.” He puffed up his chest a little. “I guess she knew I would protect her.”

               “But how did she get out?” Joost’s voice was urgent, hushed.

               “An angel, I reckon. I care not for the tales of witchery. Not to someone so pure and good as –“

               “Hurry, Euwout. Where is she now?” Joost clutched his arm.

               “Hiding in the priest’s garret: no one knows she is there.” Suddenly realizing they had stopped and were staring at each other; they continued walking down the slushy track.

               “Bring your boat over to the backdoor after you’re done thy business for the day. “

               “Yes, yes. I will be there when twilight touches the sky. Hustle her down the backstairs when you see the boat and we will float out of the city through the flood gates.”

               He moved as if  ready to attend his small market, then turned and clasped Euwout’s hand. “Thank you, friend. Thank you. See that no one gets wind of her whereabouts. “

               Euwout nodded. “The saint is safe in my keeping.”

               As Joost strode briskly back to his table he reminded himself to provide extra blankets to conceal  Heidi while they floated down the canal. My, won’t Leonila be happy to see that her sister has been spared!

               Heidi was miraculously saved from the ‘jaws of the lion’ as it were, and lived many years to share the story with whoever would listen.

Based on a true story that happened during the 1500's.