“Your answers are well,” resumed the free-trader, after a pause longer than usual.  Then, turning to Oloff Van Staats, he said, “Whom, or what, do you seek?”

“We come on a common errand.”

“And do you seek in all sincerity?”

“I could wish to find.”

“You are rich in lands and houses; is she you seek, dear to you as this wealth?”

“I esteem them both, since one could not wish to tie a woman he admired to beggary.”

The Alderman hemmed so loud as to fill the cabin, and then, startled at his own interruption, he involuntarily bowed an apology to the motionless form in the alcove, and regained his composure.

“There is more of prudence than of ardor in your answer.  Have you ever felt jealousy?”

“That has he!” eagerly exclaimed Myndert “I’ve known the gentleman raving as a bear that has lost its cub, when my niece has smiled, in church, for instance, though it were only in answer to a nod from an old lady.  Philosophy and composure, Patroon!  Who the devil knows, but Alida may hear of this questioning?—­and then her French blood will boil, to find that your love has always gone as regularly as a town-clock.”

“Could you receive her, without inquiring into past events?”

“That would he—­that would he!” returned the Alderman.  “I answer for it, that Mr. Van Staats complies with all engagements, as punctually as the best house in Amsterdam, itself.”

The book again trembled, but it was with a waving and dissatisfied motion.

“What is thy will with our mistress?” demanded the free-trader, of the fair-haired sailor.

“I have bargained with some of the dealers of my country, for a wind to carry the brigantine through the inlet.”

“Go.—­The Water-Witch will sail when there is need;—­and you?”

“I wish to know whether a few skins I bought last night, for a private venture, will turn to good account?”

“Trust the sea-green lady for your profits.  When did she ever let any fail, in a bargain.  Child, what has brought thee hither?”

The boy trembled, and a little time elapsed before he found resolution to answer.

“They tell me it is so queer to be upon the land!”

“Sirrah! thou hast been answered.  When others go, thou shalt go with them.”

“They say ’tis pleasant to taste the fruits from off the very trees—­”

“Thou art answered.  Gentlemen, our mistress departs.  She knows that one among you has threatened her favorite brigantine with the anger of an earthly Queen; but it is beneath her office to reply to threats so idle.  Hark! her attendants are in waiting!”

The wind-instrument was once more heard, and the curtain slowly fell to its strains.  A sudden and violent noise, resembling the opening and shutting of some massive door, succeeded—­and then all was still.  When the sorceress had disappeared, the free-trader resumed his former ease of manner, seeming to speak and act more naturally.  Alderman Van Beverout drew a long breath, like one relieved; and even the mariner of the gay shawl stood in an easier and more reckless attitude than while in her presence.  The two seamen and the child withdrew.