Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/152

128 neighbourhood of Klaarvatsch. I will talk with him and take his measure."

"As you will, Count," said Claudie. "In any case it is doing us much honour. We shall even be grateful to you on his account. But do not blame us if the ne'er-do-well does not improve under your care and advice."

The next day the Dykgrave rode as far as the Klaarvatsch heaths. He soon noticed the little chap in the midst of a group of ragged urchins, squatting around a fire of twigs and roots, upon which they were frying potatoes. At the approach of the horseman they all stood up, and with the exception of Guidon, ran away scared, to hide in the bushes. The young Govaertz, making a visor of his hand, looked boldly at the Count of Kehlmark.

"Ah, it is thee, boy," said Kehlmark, "Come here, wilt thou, and hold my horse a moment, while I arrange my stirrups."

The young fellow approached with confidence and took the reins. All the time he was shortening the straps, an operation which served Henry merely as a pretext, to gain time to put a face upon the matter, he observed him from the corner of his eye, not knowing how to commence the