ip," said Poots,
putting a phial into his hand; "I will now go to the child of the
Burgomaster, and will afterwards come back to your cottage."

"Don't deceive me," said Philip, with a threatening look.

"No, no, Mynheer Philip, I would not trust to your uncle Vanbrennen for
payment, but you have promised, and I know that you always keep your
word. In one hour I will be with your mother; but you yourself must now
be quick."

Philip hastened home. After the potion had been administered, the
bleeding was wholly stopped; and in half an hour, his mother could
express her wishes in a whisper. When the little doctor arrived, he
carefully examined his patient, and then went down stairs with her son
into the kitchen.

"Mynheer Philip," said Poots, "by Allah! I have done my best, but I
must tell you that I have little hopes of your mother rising from her
bed again. She may live one day or two days, but not more. It is not
my fault, Mynheer Philip," continued Poots, in a deprecating tone.

"No, no; it is the will of Heaven," replied Philip, mournfully.

"And you will pay me, Mynheer Vanderdecken?" continued the doctor after
a short pause.

"Yes," replied Philip in a voice of thunder, and starting from a
reverie. After a moment's silence, the doctor recommenced:

"Shall I come to-morrow, Mynheer Philip? You know that will be a charge
of another guilder: it is of no use to throw away money or time either."

"Come to-morrow, come every hour, charge what you please; you shall
certainly be paid," replied Philip, curling his lip with contempt.

"Well, it is as you please. As soon as she is dead the cottage and the
furniture will be yours, and you will sell them of course. Yes, I will
come. You will have plenty of money. Mynheer Philip, I would like the
first offer of the cottage, if it is to let."

Philip raised his arm in the air as if to crush Mynheer Poots, who
retreated to the corner.

"I did not mean until your mother was buried," said Poots, in a coaxing
tone.

"Go, wretch, go!" said Philip, covering his face with his hands, as he
sank down upon the blood-stained couch.

After a short interval, Philip Vanderdecken returned to the bedside of
his mother, whom he found much better; and the neighbours, having their
own affairs to attend to, left them alone. Exhausted with the loss of
blood, the poor woman slumbered for many hours, during which she never
let go the hand of Philip, who watched her breathin