IOO
wide open you could see the artists in a circle on the
stage. But he said he wouldn't go with them.
Stien had told him she couldn't give him anything
more this month, perhaps a few quarters, no more.
He was lying awake, before he realised it the thoughts
were coming into his mind. Only a little could be
taken from the till without its being noticed when
the money was counted in the evening, but the
box that stood in the cupboard, a rixdollar and a
guilder would never be missed from that. If there
was a lot in it, he might even take two guilders.
What time ? And supposing it was locked ? He
stared into the dark ; Jansje's eyes were fixed on
him. He had promised, if the temptation came, to
ask Stien first, but, after all, he knew she hadn't any
to give him. If his uncles died he would inherit
from them, but he would have to share with the
children of Uncle Diderik. But his uncles were
strong and tough, they might live another ten years
yet. The dawn was breaking when his eyes closed
from sheer fatigue.
The following morning, after breakfast, he was
looking for an exercise book, and he asked Uncle
Frans whether it might not have been put in the
cupboard. He opened the cupboard, on the shelf
right in front of him he saw the box, with the key in
the lock,
He was lying awake again, without thinking, the
darkness grew grey before his eyes, and there was