316 Hans Brinker

.

manners; though a courteous deportment is by no means to
be despised.”

“| intended no disrespect, mother,” said Peter; ‘ but surely
one has no right to go growling and snarling through the
world as they say he does.”

“¢ They say. Ah, Peter! ‘they’ means everybody or
nobody. Surgeon Boekman has had a great sorrow. Many
years ago he lost his only child, under very painful circum-
stances, — a fine lad, except that he was a thought too hasty
and high-spirited. Before then, Gerard Boekman was one of
the most agreeable gentlemen I ever knew.”

So saying, Mevrouw van Holp, looking kindly upon the two
boys, arose and left the room with the same dignity with
which she had entered.

Peter, only half convinced, muttered something about “ the
sin of allowing sorrow to turn all one’s honey into gall,” as
he conducted his visitor to the narrow side-door. Before they
parted, he advised Hans to keep himself in good skating order ;
“ for,” he added, “ now that your father is all right, you will
be in fine spirits for the race. That will be the prettiest
skating-show ever seen in this part of the world. Everybody
is talking of it; you are to try for the prize, remember.”

>

“¢T shall not be in the race, mynheer,” said Hans, looking
down.

“Not be inthe race! Why not, indeed?” And immedi-
ately Peter’s thoughts swept ona full tide of suspicion towards
Carl Schummel.

“Because I cannot, mynheer,’ answered Hans, as he
bent to slip his feet into his big shoes.

Something in the boy’s manner warned Peter that it would

be no kindness to press the matter further. He bade Hans