oy, this surgery," said the doctor, still
frowning at Hans. "It requires great patience, self-denial, and
perseverance."

"I am sure that it does," cried Hans. "It calls for wisdom, too, and
a reverence for God's work. Ah, mynheer, it may have its trials and
drawbacks, but you do not mean what you say. It is great and noble, not
ugly! Pardon me, mynheer. It is not for me to speak so boldly."

Dr. Boekman was evidently displeased. He turned his back on the boy
and conferred aside with Laurens. Meanwhile the dame scowled a terrible
warning at Hans. These great people, she knew well enough, never like to
hear poor folk speak up so pertly.

The meester turned around.

"How old are you, Hans Brinker?"

"Fifteen, mynheer," was the startled reply.

"Would you like to become a physician?"

"Yes, mynheer," answered Hans, quivering with excitement.

"Would you be willing, with your parents' consent, to devote yourself
to study, to go to the university, and, in time, be a student in my
office?"

"Yes, mynheer."

"You would not grow restless, think you, and change your mind just as I
had set my heart upon preparing you to be my successor?"

Hans's eyes flashed.

"No, mynheer, I would not change."

"You may believe him there," cried the dame, who could remain quiet no
longer. "Hans is like a rock when once he decides, and as for study,
mynheer, the child has almost grown fast to his books of late. He can
jumble off Latin already, like any priest!"

The doctor smiled. "Well, Hans, I see nothing to prevent us from
carrying out this plan, if your father agrees."

"Ahem," said Raff, too proud of his boy to be very meek. "The fact is,
mynheer, I prefer an active, out-of-door life, myself. But if the lad's
inclined to study for a meester, and he'd have the benefit of your good
word to push him on in the world, it's all one to me. The money's all
that's wanting, but it mightn't be long, with two strong pair of arms to
earn it, before we--"

"Tut, tut!" interrupted the doctor. "If I take your right-hand man away,
I must pay the cost, and glad enough will I be to do it. It will be like
having TWO sons, eh, Laurens? One a merchant and the other a surgeon. I
shall be the happiest man in Holland! Come to me in the morning, Hans,
and we will arrange matters at once."

Hans bowed assent. He dared not trust himself to speak.

"And, Brinker," continued the doctor, "my son Laurens will need a
trusty, ready man like you, when