went into the kitchen, and he waited by the table.
After a while he heard him going upstairs, and
then into the yard and in the shed ; he couldn't
think what he was doing there, but he decided to
leave him undisturbed. The reflection of a lantern
being carried to and fro kept passing across the
blind. Just as the Damiaatjes began to chime, he
noticed that the wind was blowing smoke down the
chimney, but it couldn't have been from the stove.
Suddenly there was a loud ring, knocking and kick-
ing at the front door. He went, slowly, because his
leg was stiffer than usual; he could see at least four
faces outside, arms waving wildly ; he heard shouts.
Bending down to open the bolt which must have
been pushed in by mistake, was an effort, and mean-
wjiile he saw that still more people were standing
there. When he opened the door he heard them
shouting * Fire !' He asked : c Where is it ? '
They pointed upwards. He went out on the steps,
looked up and saw the window glowing dark red.
' The fire-engine !' they were shouting. The people
were jostling each other, more came from the doors
of all the shops. Werendonk stood motionless, he
seemed to be stunned. All at once he drew himself
up ; he was standing there alone on the steps outside
his door, a tall figure. It was quiet at that moment,
the Damiaatjes rang out clearly. The people turned
towards the fire-engine which was driving round the
corner of the Gracht; no one saw him go in.