Page:Max Havelaar Or The Coffee Sales of the Netherlands Trading Company Siebenhaar.djvu/34



day, when I returned from ’Change, Frits said somebody had been to see me. From the description it was the Shawlman. How had he found me well, yes, the address-card! It really made me think I would take my children away from school, for it’s just a bit too much, after twenty or thirty years, to be still pursued by a schoolmate who wears a shawl instead of a coat, and who does not know the time. Also, I have forbidden Frits to go to Westermarket when there are any booths.

The day after that I received a letter together with a large packet. I will let you read the letter:

I think he might just as well have said “Dear Mr. Drystubble,” as I am a broker.

That is true: there are thirteen of us in the office.

One really would think it was a question of an order for the Springsale!

Somewhat? He hadn’t a shirt on. That’s what he calls “somewhat”!