die! Am I a
sucking animal?

"With whom have I the honor to speak?" he asked, probably not
considering that this question made the matter still more mysterious,
giving the impression that Laps's animal quality depended upon her
name, age, place of residence, family relations, etc.

"I am Juffrouw Laps," she said, "and live down stairs in the front
part of the house."

"Ah--so! Yes, indeed you belong to the class of sucking animals."

A ten-fold sigh was heaved; and Juffrouw Pieterse was again
triumphant. In politics and the citizen populace complete equilibrium
is impossible. The parties or powers are in continual motion, first
one in the ascendency, then the other.

Juffrouw Laps, who had not been able to accomplish anything with pride,
now attempted good humor.

"But Master Pennewip," she said sweetly, "how can you say such a
thing? My father was in the grain business and----"

"Juffrouw Laps, answer me one question."

"Yes, Master Pennewip, but----"

"Answer me, Juffrouw Laps, where do you live?"

"Where I live? Why, in my room, down stairs--two windows--front
entrance----"

"You miss the significance of my question entirely, Juffrouw Laps. The
meaning would be similar if I were to ask you if you belonged to that
class of organisms that live in oyster-shells."

"Yes, yes, Juffrouw Laps," cried the triumphant hostess, "that's the
point--the main point!"

And Stoffel added that it was really and truly the main point.

Juffrouw Laps saw that she was hopelessly lost, for she had to admit to
herself that she didn't usually reside in an oyster-shell. She looked
at the teacher with astonishment; but he paid no attention at all to
the effect of his questions. Assuming a sort of legal manner--which
was closely imitated by his wig, he continued:

"Can you live in water? Have you gills?"

"In water? But--Master Pennewip----"

Wig to the left, which meant: No, but!

"Or half in water, half on land?"

"Master Pennewip, how should I----"

Wig to the right: No subterfuges.

"Answer me, Juffrouw Laps, have you cold blood? Do you bring living
young into the world?"

"It is a sin, Master Pennewip!"

The wig now looked like a battering-ram, anticipating the nature of
the next question.

"Can you lay eggs, Juffrouw Laps? I only ask you the question. Can
you lay eggs? Eh?"

She said she couldn't.

"Then you are a sucking animal, Juffrouw Laps!"

The wig was in the middle again resting quietly. It had