THE BELGIAN FARMER 373 



down a boat with four people ! Stop her, can't 

 you ! " 



" It can't be done, man. If we've run down 

 a boat, it's all over with it and all in it. I can't 

 risk a thousand lives without hope of saving one. 

 This is a gale, Doctor, and we have our hands 

 full." 



I turned from him in horror and despair. I 

 stumbled to my stateroom, dropped my wet 

 clothing in the middle of the floor, and knew 

 no more until the trumpet called for breakfast. 

 The rush of green waters was pounding at my 

 porthole ; the experience of the night came 

 back to me with horror; the reek of my wet 

 clothes sickened my heart, and I rang for the 

 steward. 



" Take these things away, Gustav, and don't 

 bring them back until they are dry and pressed." 



" What things does the Herr Doctor speak 

 for ? " 



" The wet things there on the floor." 



"Excuse me, but I have seen no things 

 svet." 



" You Dutch chump ! " said I, half rising, 

 " what do you mean by saying Well, I'll be 

 damned ! " There were my clothes, dry and 

 folded, on the couch, and my ulster and cap on 

 their hook, without evidence of moisture or use. 



" Gustav, remind me to give you three rix- 

 dollars at breakfast." 



" Danke, Herr Doctor." 



