"Yes, papa, Olivier van Noort! You promised it, papa."
All urged him to tell the story. Even Mevrouw Holsma manifested great interest in it. Walter was aware that this conversation was intended to cover up his accident. He was moved; for he was not accustomed to anything like this. As Sietske took her seat again she noticed a tear creeping down across his cheek.
"Mamma, I got a silver spoon. That's just as good, isn't it? These porcelain things are so heavy and awkward. They've fallen out of my hand three times; and Hermann can't manage them, either."
The door-bell rang, and almost immediately afterwards a gentleman entered the room who was greeted by the children as Uncle Sybrand.
The host now invited all to the garden and sent Hermann to the study for a book.
"You young rascal, don't you go now and maliciously break that globe. It can't help it."
Then came the story of Admiral Olivier van Noort and the poor Vice-Admiral Jan Claesz van Ilpendam, who was put ashore in the Strait of Magellan for insubordination. It interested all, and called forth a lively discussion, in which the entire family as well as the guests took part.
To readers of a certain class of fiction it will no doubt seem strange if I say that Walter's visit to the Holsma family influenced greatly his spiritual development. Not immediately; but a seed had been planted which was to grow later. He saw now that after all independent thought was possible, even if he could not yet allow himself that luxury. The mere knowledge that there were other opinions in the world than those of his daily mentors was a long stride forward.
He was depressed on account of his lack of knowledge. Those children knew so much more than he did; and this made him sad.
They had spoken of someone who was startled to find footprints. Who was it? The child had never heard of Defoe's hermit. He asked Stoffel.
"Footprints? Footprints? Well, you must tell me what footprints you mean--whose footprints. You must give names when you ask questions."
"That's right," said the mother, "when you want to know anything you must mention names. And Mevrouw made the salad herself? Well, that's strange. The girl must have been out somewhere."
As to other "strange" things, which were not likely to meet the approbation of his family, Walter was silent. Not a word about that Saturnalia, or the omission of grace at a "warm meal"! Nor did he mention the liberties that were allowed the children, or the freedom with which they joined in the conversation. Perhaps it was a superfluous precaution. That bearskin would have been excused for many shortcomings.