So intent was the fellow on getting in that he did not even take time to return the shoves and cuffs that he received. Twice, three times he was crowded back; for where so many want the same thing, it isn't easy to obtain. Nevertheless, he had one advantage over the others, who sought only a resting-place and a glass of liquor. He was incited by something else.
Walter hoped with all his heart that the fellow would succeed in reaching Femke. She looked so lonely in the midst of that wild mob. If he had been stronger, he would have--but she wouldn't have anything to do with him. Wouldn't she push him off, just as she did the insolent fellow who first caught hold of her apron?
The girl seemed now to spy the sailor. She nodded to him and smiled, as if to encourage him. Or was she thanking him for his fidelity? Her smile bore the message that she was uninjured, and fearless. Yes, she stood there a statute of repose.
He would never have denied her, Walter thought.
Mrs. Goremest happened to see the new arrival; and, from the way she greeted him, he seemed to be a frequent visitor to her place:
"Hello, Klaas. Are you there too? You're out of breath, aren't you?"
She gave orders to let him through, and even came out a few steps and helped open up the way for him.
Thus it happened that Klaas Verlaan found standing-room at the counter not far from Walter.
He saw it the same way. He was never certain of a moment's recreation before bedtime. Walter, as well as the girl who still maintained her elevated position in the corner, agreed with the bar-woman's verdict.
"Had a good day?" continued the woman. "It was bad about the boat-race."
Klaas placed his finger on his mouth, as if he were going to tell her a secret. He wanted to tell of an adventure with Princess Erika.
"A glass of corn?" translated the bar-woman, but without guessing the right thing.
This time Klaas was particularly dainty and hard to please. He declined regularly whatever she suggested and continued to exert himself to draw her into a more confidential talk. He had had the pleasure of pulling Princess Erika out of the water.
On the outside they were still singing, "Amour ‡ la plus belle."
"The devil take those Welsh songs!" cried one of the drinkers. "We are Dutchmen forever!"