The Yale expositor., 1899-01-06


tenement was isolated, and ne could
obtain no assistance until within q
hundred yards of Vanderdecken's cot
tage; so Mynheer Poots decided that
he would go-first, because Philip had
promised to pay him, and secondly be-
cause he could not help 1t.
This point being settled. Philip ana
Mynheer Poots made all haste TO tho
cottage; and on their arrival they
found his mother still in the arms OF
two OF her female neighbors, who were
bathing her temples with vinegar. She
was in a state of consciousness. but
she could not speak: Poots ordered her
to be carried upstairs and put to bed,
and pouring some acids down her
throat, FASTENED away with Philip to
procure the necessary remedies.
You will give your mother that d.
rectly, Mynheer Philip" said Poots.
putting a vial into his hand: ~ win
now go to the child of the burgomns-
ter, and will afterward come back to
your cottage"
Don't deceive me-" said Philip, With
a threatening look.
mo, no, Mynheer Philip, would not
trust to your uncle Vanbrennen for
payment, but you have promised, and
/ know that you always keep your
word. In one hour will be with your
mother; but you yourself must now ba
quick"
Philip fastened home. After the po-
ton had been administered the bleed
ing 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 downstairs
with her son into the kitchen.
"Mynheer Philip" said Poots, "by
Allah! have done my best, but l must
tell you that have little hopes of your
mother rising from her bed again. She
may live one day or two days, but not
more 1t is not my fault, Mynheer
Philip" continued Poots, in deprecat-
ing tone.
"No, no; It is the will of Heaven"
replied Philip, mournfully.
"And you will pay me, Mynheer Van
derdecken?" continued the doctor, az
ter short pause.
"Yes!" replied Philip, in voice or
thunder, and starting from a reYerie-
After a moments silence the doctor
recommended:
Shall l come tomorrow, Mynheer
Philip? You know that will be
charge Of another guilder; it is OF no
use to throw away money or time
either"
Come tomorrow. come every hour.
charge what you please; you shall GER
tainly be PAID" replied Philip, curling
his lip with contempt.
well, 1t Is as you please. IA soon
as she is dead the cottage and the fur
niture will be yours, and you will sell
them, of course Yes, will come. You.
will have plenty of money Mynheer
Philip, l would like the first offer OF
the cottage, If it is to LETT
Philip raised his arm in the air as'
il to crush Mynheer Poots, who re-
treated to the corner.
81 did not mean until your mother
was buried" said Poots, in a coaxing
tone.
GO, wretch, go!" said Philip, COW
erirg his face with his hands. rs he
sank down upon the blood-stained
couch.
After short interval Philip Wander
decken returned TO the bedside Of his
mother, when he found much better;
and the neighbors, 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 so
the hand of Philip, who watched her
breathing in mournful meditation.
1t was about one o'clock in the morn
ing when the widow awoke. She had
in a great degree recovered her voice.
and thus she addressed her son:
my dear, my impetuous boy, and
have 1 detained you here prisoner SO
long?"
my own inclination detained me-
mother, leave you not to others until
you are up and we'll again.