270 Hans Brinker

one sharp, gleaming instrument after another, she sprang
forward.

“© mother! the poor father meant no wrong. Are they
going to murder him?”

“I do not know, child!” screamed Dame Brinker, looking
fiercely at Gretel, — “ I do not know.”
said Dr. Boekman, sternly,

>

“ This will not do, sufvrouw,
and at the same time he cast a quick, penetrating look at
Hans. “You and the girl must leave the room. The boy
may stay.”

Dame Brinker drew herself up in an instant. Her eyes
flashed. Her whole countenance was changed. She looked
like one who had never wept, never felt a moment’s weakness.
Her voice was low, but decided. ‘I stay with my husband,
mynheer.”’

Dr. Boekman looked astonished. His orders were seldom
disregarded in this style. For an instant his eye met hers.

“ You may remain, jufurouw,” he said in an altered voice.

Gretel had already disappeared.

In one corner of the cottage was a small closet, where her
rough, box-like bed was fastened against the wall. None
would think of the trembling little creature crouching there in
the dark.

Dr. Boekman took off his heavy coat. He filled an earthen
basin with water, and placed it near the bed. Then, turning
to Hans, he asked, —

“ Can I depend upon you, boy? ”

“You can, mynheer.”

“T believe you. Stand at the head, here: your mother
may sit at your right, —so.” And he placed a chair near the
cot.