denly, "you are as white as those plates in the cupboard, and your eyes are closed. My Riekje, what is the matter with you?"
"Ah! Dolf," replied Riekje, "if it were to happen to-day! I have been in pain all the afternoon, and now I feel worse. My child! If I die, you will love it, Dolf, dear?"
"Mother! Mother!" cried Dolf, "I am sick at heart."
Then he hid his face in his big hands and began to sob, without knowing the reason.
"Come, Dolf, be brave," said Tobias, tapping him on the shoulder. "We have all gone through this!"
"Riekje, Riekje, my heart!" said Nelle in tears, "no greater happiness could come to us on Saint Nicholas day. Poor folk rejoice more over a child that is born to them, than over all the treasures in the world, but the child whom God sends on Easter Day or St. Nicholas day is above all welcome."
"Dolf, you can run better than I can," said Tobias. "Run and fetch Madame Puzzel; we will look after Riekje."
Then Dolf pressed Riekje once more to his heart, and ran up the ladder. The plank which connected the boat with the shore shook as he crossed it.
"He is already a long way off," said Tobias.
