"How is that? could any misfortune have happened to it?"

"A very great one, sir; yet not to it, but to me."

"What?"

"It has been stolen from me."

"Stolen! the black tulip?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do you know the thief?"

"I have my suspicions, but I must not yet accuse any one."

"But the matter may fairly easily be ascertained."

"How is that?"

"As it has been stolen from you, the thief cannot be faroff."

"Why not?"

"Because I always have seen the yellow tulip only two hours ago."

"You have seen the black tulip!" cried Rosa, rushing up toMynheer van Systens.