"Wait a bit, father--I beg your pardon, Jan Botmar," said Ralph in a
clear and angry voice; "it is my turn now, for you may remember that
when we began to talk I had something to say, but you stopped me. Now,
with your leave, as you have got off the horse I will get on."

Jan slowly sat down again and said:

"Speak. What is it?"

"This: that if you send me away you are likely to lose more than you
bargain for."

Now Jan stared at him perplexedly, but I smiled, for I guessed what was
to come.

"What am I likely to lose," he asked, "beyond my best horse and my felt
hat? Allemachter! Do you want my span of black oxen also? Well, you
shall have them if you like, for I should wish you to trek to your new
home in England behind good cattle."

"No," answered Ralph coolly, "but I want your daughter, and if you send
me away I think that she will come with me."



CHAPTER VI

THE COMING OF THE ENGLISHMEN