or, The Silver Skates ' 161

down the canal, almost paralyzing Ben with the thought of
instant destruction. It was close upon him. He saw its gilded
prow, heard the schipper shout, felt the great boom fairly whiz
over his head, was blind, deaf and dumb, all in an instant, then
opened his eyes, to find himself spinning some yards behind its
great skate-like rudder. It had passed within an inch of his
shoulder; but he was safe, — safe to see England again, — safe
to kiss the dear faces that for an instant had flashed before him
one by one, — father, mother, Robby and Jenny: that great
boom had dashed their images into his very soul. He knew
now how much he loved them. Perhaps this knowledge made
him face complacently the scowls of those on the canal who
seemed to feel that a boy in danger was necessarily a bad boy,
needing instant reprimand.

Lambert chided him roundly.

“TI thought it was all over with you, you careless fellow !
Why don’t you look where you are going? Not content with
sitting on all the old ladies’ laps, you must make a Juggernaut
of every ice-boat that comes along. We shall have to hand you
over to the aanspreekers yet, if you don’t look out ! ”

“¢ Please don’t,” said Ben, with mock humility ; then, seeing
how pale Lambert’s lips were, added in a low tone, —

“TI do believe I thought more in that one moment, Van
Mounen, than in all the rest of my past life.”

There was no reply ; and, for a while, the two boys skated
on in silence.

Soon a faint sound of distant bells reached their ears.

“ Hark!” said Ben. ‘“ What is that?”

“The carillons,” replied Lambert. “ They are trying the
bells in the chapel of yonder village. Ah, Ben! you should
hear the chimes of the ‘New Church’ at Delft. They are

II