She swung Marie into the air as she spoke. Father Van Hovereached down from his perch on top of the load, caught her inside hisarms, and enthroned her upon the fragrant grain.

"And now it is your turn, my Janke!" cried Mother Van Hove, "andyou shall ride on the back of aged Pier like a soldier going tothe wars!" She lifted Jan to the mule's back, while Father VanHove climbed down to earth once more and took up the reins.