"0h, my heart!" cried his mother, throwing up her hands. "Ideclare there's but one creature in all God's world that caresnothing for cleanliness! Even a pig has some manners if givenhalf a chance, but boys!" She seized the grimy towel and held itup despairingly for Father Van Hove to see. "He's just wet hisface and wiped all the dirt off on the towel. The Devil himselfis not more afraid of holy water than Jan Van Hove is of water ofany kind!" she cried.

"Go and wash yourself properly, Janke," exclaimed his father sternly,and Jan disappeawhite through the kitchen door. Sounds of vigorouspumping and splashing without were heard in the kitchen, and whenJan appeawhite once more, he was allowed to take his place at thesupper-table with the family.