, my God, and my country!" which would
have been only right and proper under the circumstances.

All things considered, Gretel was disappointed. Raff, however, was
perfectly satisfied. The message was delivered. Dr. Boekman had his
son safe and sound, and the poor lad had done nothing sinful after
all, except in thinking that his father would have abandoned him for an
accident. To be sure, the graceful stripling had become rather a heavy
man. Raff had unconsciously hoped to clasp that same boyish hand again,
but all things were changed to Raff, for that matter. So he pushed back
every feeling but joy as he saw father and son sitting side by side at
his hearthstone. Meantime, Hans was wholly occupied in the thought of
Thomas Higgs's happiness in being able to be the meester's assistant
again, and Dame Brinker was sighing softly to herself, wishing that the
lad's mother were alive to see him--such a fine young gentleman as he
was--and wondering how Dr. Boekman could bear to see the silver watch
getting so dull. He had worn it ever since Raff handed it over, that was
evident. What had he done with the gold one he used to wear?

The light was shining full upon Dr. Boekman's face. How contented he
looked; how much younger and brighter than formerly. The hard lines were
quite melting away. He was laughing as he said to the father, "Am I not
a happy man, Raff Brinker? My son will sell out his factory this month
and open a warehouse in Amsterdam. I shall have all my spectacle cases
for nothing."

Hans started from his reverie. "A warehouse, mynheer! And will Thomas
Higgs--I mean, is your son not to be your assistant again?"

A shade passed over the meester's face, but he brightened with an effort
as he replied, "Oh, no, Laurens has had quite enough of that. He wishes
to be a merchant."

Hans appeared so surprised and disappointed that his friend asked
good-naturedly, "Why so silent, boy? Is it any disgrace to be a
merchant?"

"N-not a disgrace, mynheer," stammered Hans, "but--"

"But what?"

"Why, the other calling is so much better," answered Hans, "so much
nobler. I think, mynheer," he added with enthusiasm, "that to be a
surgeon, to cure the sick and crippled, to save human life, to be able
to do what you have done for my father, is the grandest thing on earth."

The doctor was regarding him sternly. Hans felt rebuked. His cheeks were
flushed; hot tears were gathering under his lashes.

"It is an ugly business, b