The Toekens went to bed early, so there must have
been some special reason for his staying so long at
his sweetheart's.
The clock in the Tower began to strike, slowly
and with a muffled sound, not so loudly as usual,
probably because the wind had veered to the east.
Cold weather was to be expected so near December.
The last strokes were barely audible. Then Frans's
voice could be heard outside, he was no doubt stand-
ing at the foot of the steps talking to the night-
watchman. His eyes rested on the words in the book
that had fallen out of the cupboard ; he closed it.
There was a faint tinkle of the bell; he went and
opened the door.
Frans stood there, snow-flakes glistening on his
cap and on his shoulders, and behind him beneath
the lamp the night-watchman, his hat quite white.
* Congratulations on the birth of your nephew,
Wereridonk/ said the latter in a low tone, so as not
to disturb the neighbours. And Frans said softly,
but delightedly : c The baby's born, a boy, and
he's to be called Floris.3
After Gerbrand had thanked the watchman and
wished him good-night, he closed the door. In the
middle of the room he turned round and asked :
* Is that why you're so late ? '
c Yes, brother. It was just half-past nine when
I got there, and I had to go off immediately to fetch
the doctor and when I got back I felt I must stay