314 Hans Brinker

“Ah, Hans!” he cried as the weary boy approached the
door. ‘ You are the very one I wished to see. Come in,
and warm yourself.”

After tugging at his well-worn hat, which always would stick
to his head when he was embarrassed, Hans knelt down, — not
by way of making a
new style of Oriental
salute, nor to worship
the goddess of cleanli-

 

ness who presided
there, but because his
heavy shoes would have
filled the soul of a
Broek housewife with
horror. When their
owner stepped softly
into the house, they
were left outside to act as sentinels until his return.

 

VISITORS WITHIN.

Hans left the Van Holp mansion with a lightened heart.
Peter had brought word from Haarlem that young Brinker was
to commence working upon the summer-house doors immedi-
ately. There was a comfortable workshop on the place; and
it was to be at his service until the carving was done.

Peter did not tell Hans that he had skated all the way to
Haarlem for the purpose of arranging this plan with Mynheer
van Holp. It was enough for him to see the glad, eager look
rise on young Brinker’s face.

“T think I can do it,” said Hans, “though I have never
learned the trade.”

‘¢ ] am sure you can,” responded Peter, heartily. “ You will