In justice to Walter it must be said that he gave his opponent fair warning, in true knightly style.
At the end of three months Walter was actually the first in his classes. Pennewip was compelled to take notice of it.
"It is strange," he remarked. "I might say that it is remarkable. Yes, in a way, it is unprecedented--without a parallel!"
At home the result was that a great council was held regarding Walter's future. He didn't want to become a compositor; and to be a sailor--that would have suited him, but his mother was opposed to it. Stoffel, too, objected on the ground that usually only young people who are worthless on land are sent to sea.
Thus Walter's plans for conquest were slipping away from him. He was not attracted by the brilliant careers that were proposed: They left Africa out of account. He didn't want to be a school-teacher, or a shoemaker, or a clerk, or a counter-jumper.
However, after all authorities had been heard, Stoffel came to the conclusion that Walter was peculiarly well fitted for "business." Juffrouw Pieterse agreed with him thoroughly.
"A responsible business firm wants a young man (Dt. Ref.) of good family. He must be moral, well-behaved and not under fifteen years old. Prospect of salary if diligent and reliable. Good treatment guaranteed. Address written applications in own handwriting to 'Business,' care E. Maaskamp's book and art store, Nieuwendyk, Amsterdam."
The writer cannot recall what sort of art publications E. Maaskamp was dealing in just at that time, and will not make any guesses, for fear of getting the reader into chronological difficulties. If it should become necessary in writing Walter's history, the writer would have no compunctions of conscience in putting the republic after Louis, or William I. before the republic.
And as for that "Dt. Ref."--Dutch Reform--in the advertisement--that gives the writer no trouble. He knows very well that "Dt. Ref." as a necessary qualification for servants, apprentices, etc., was introduced after E. Maaskamp's pictures had been forgotten. Nevertheless, it must be insisted upon that the aforesaid abbreviation was in the advertisement which was now occupying the undivided attention of the Pieterses.