'Not an hour,' said the suitor, coolly.

'Well, then,' said Douw, 'I am content;
it is a bargain.'

'Then sign at once,' said Vanderhausen;
'I am weary.'

At the same time he produced a small
case of writing materials, and Gerard signed
the important document.

'Let this youth witness the covenant,'
said the old man; and Godfrey Schalken
unconsciously signed the instrument which
bestowed upon another that hand which
he had so long regarded as the object and
reward of all his labours.

The compact being thus completed, the
strange visitor folded up the paper, and
stowed it safely in an inner pocket.

'I will visit you to-morrow night, at
nine of the clock, at your house, Gerard
Douw, and will see the subject of our
contract. Farewell.' And so saying, Wilken
Vanderhausen moved stiffly, but rapidly
out of the room.