he dropped off. Remember
that, my girl, when you have a man of your own (and many a day may it
be before that comes to pass), remember that you can never rule by
differing; 'humble wife is husband's boss.' Tut! tut! Never swallow such
a mouthful as that again, child. Why, I could make a meal off two such
pieces. What's in thee, Hans? One would think there were cobwebs on the
walls."

"Oh, no, Mother, I was only thinking--"

"Thinking about what? Ah, no use asking," she added in a changed tone.
"I was thinking of the same a while ago. Well, it's no blame if we DID
look to hear something by this time about the thousand guilders but not
a word--no--it's plain enough he knows naught about them."

Hans looked up anxiously, dreading lest his mother should grow agitated,
as usual, when speaking of the lost money, but she was silently nibbling
her bread and looking with a doleful stare toward the window.

"Thousand guilders," echoed a faint voice from the bed. "Ah, I am sure
they have been of good use to you, vrouw, through the long years when
your man was idle."

The poor woman started up. These words quite destroyed the hope that of
late had been glowing within her.

"Are you awake, Raff?" she faltered.

"Yes, Meitje, and I feel much better. Our money was well saved, vrouw, I
was saying. Did it last through all those ten years?"

"I--I--have not got it, Raff, I--" She was going to tell him the whole
truth when Hans lifted his finger warningly and whispered, "Remember
what the meester told us. The father must not be worried."

"Speak to him, child," she answered, trembling.

Hans hurried to the bedside.

"I am glad you are feeling better," he said, leaning over his father.
"Another day will see you quite strong again."

"Aye, like enough. How long did the money last, Hans? I could not hear
your mother. What did she say?"

"I said, Raff," stammered Dame Brinker in great distress, "that it was
all gone."

"Well, well, wife, do not fret at that; one thousand guilders is not
so very much for ten years and with children to bring up... but it has
helped to make you all comfortable. Have you had much sickness to bear?"

"No, no," sobbed Dame Brinker, lifting her apron to her eyes.

"Tut, tut, woman, why do you cry?" said Raff kindly. "We will soon fill
another pouch when I am on my feet again. Lucky I told you all about it
before I fell."

"Told me what, man?"

"Why, that I buried the money. In my dream just no