or, The Silver Skates 255

“Three cheers for home!” cried Van Mounen, as they
came in sight of the great Western Dock (Westelijt Dok).
“ Hurrah, hurrah!” shouted one and all. “ Hurrah, hurrah!”

This trick of cheering was an importation among our
party. Lambert van Mounen had brought it from England.
As they always gave it in English, it was considered quite an
exploit, and, when circumstances permitted, always enthusi-
astically performed, to the sore dismay of their quiet-loving
countrymen.

Therefore their arrival at Amsterdam created a great sensa-
tion, especially among the small boys on the wharves.

The Y was crossed. ‘They were on the Broek Canal.

Lambert’s home was reached first.

“ Good-by, boys!” he cried, as he left them. “We’ve
had the greatest frolic ever known in Holland.”

“So we have. Good-by, Van Mounen!” answered the
boys.

“¢ Good-by !”

Peter hailed him. “I say, Van Mounen, the classes begin
to-morrow ! ”

“T know it. Our holiday is over. Good-by, Ben!”

“ Good-by! ” shouted Ben, somewhat sadly, for he hated to
see the pleasant party breaking up.

Broek came in sight. Such meetings! Katrinka was on
the canal. Carl was delighted. Hilda was there. Peter felt
rested in an instant. Rychie was there. Ludwig and Jacob
nearly knocked each other over in their eagerness to shake
hands with her.

Dutch girls are modest, and generally quiet; but they have
‘very glad eyes. For a few moments, it was hard to decide
whether Hilda, Rychie or Katrinka, felt the most happy.