"You do not know whom Mynheer Boxtel is, and you also had ablack tulip?"

"But is there any other besides mine?" asked Rosa,trembling.

"Yes, -- that of Mynheer Boxtel."

"How is it?"

"Black, of course."

"Without speck?"

"Without a single speck, or even point."

"And you have this tulip, -- you have it deposited here?"

"No, but it will be, as it has to be exhibited before thecommittee previous to the prize being awarded."

"0h, sir!" cried Rosa, "this Boxtel -- this Isaac Boxtel --who calls himself the owner of the yellow tulip ---- "

"And whom is its owner?"

"Is he not a somewhat thin man?"

"Bald?"

"Yes."