Occasionally Walter found time to wonder why he was there, what the purpose of the enforced visit might be. His hostess seemed to have forgotten all about those thieves and murderers; and when he reminded her of them, she showed a spirit of valor that did him good. For he and his valor were undone.
"I will do them! Do you think I'm afraid of such a fellow? Well, I guess not. Not afraid of three of them. I wouldn't be afraid of ten of them--I'm not afraid of the whole world. I will do them."
All the better, thought Walter; for then he wouldn't have to "do" them.
They now heard something rustling around in the closet, or else they imagined they heard something. Walter was frightened. He was a perfect child again.
"Stay here, and I will see what it is," cried the Juffrouw. "Do you think I would let them beat you, or stab you, or murder you, my boy! Never! Whoever touches you will have to walk over me. But I will give them all they need."
She went out, taking the light with her, to see what was the matter--if anything. She was careful to leave Walter in the dark long enough for him to wish for her return. The tables were being turned. A little more, and the boy would seek protection under her apron.
"I will let you call me Christine. That's my name."
This was too much for Walter. He preferred to avoid addressing her directly.
"Not at all. You don't want to leave me, do you? You know your mother is in bed asleep now. Besides, it was understood that you were to spend the night here and take breakfast with me."
Breakfast! The boy hadn't been doing anything else for an hour. Was that to continue till morning?
"I'll tell you what! Just undress yourself; and you needn't be a bit ashamed before me. I will make down a pallet for you there in the corner. When I'm here alone--just a woman--with all the thieves and robbers--oh, it's so horrible!"
Walter did not dare to say no; nor did he dare to do what was proposed so enticingly. He hesitated.
It will be remembered that on this significant Friday a boat-race had been arranged for the amusement of the visiting princes and princesses. It had to be called off on account of a disinclination on the side of the wind to fill its part of the program, or rather, to fill the sails. For it was to have been a "sail." Rowing was not in style then; it was not considered dignified and manly. Besides, the boats were not built to be propelled in this way.