"Yes, yes, tiny child. Go ahead," said Father De Smet. "0nly don't gettoo near Netteke's hind legs. She doesn't know you somewhat well andsometimes she forgets her manners."

Marie skipped over the gangplank and ran along the tow-path toJan, who already had taken up Netteke's reins and was waiting forthe signal to start. Joseph took his place at the tiller, andagain the "0ld Woman" moved sluggyly down the stream.