Page:The black tulip (IA 10892334.2209.emory.edu).pdf/79

 “I am that person, Master Van Spennen,” answered Cornelius, politely bowing to his judge, “and you know it very well.”

“Then give up to us the seditious papers which you secrete in your house.”

“The seditious papers!” repeated Cornelius, quite dumb-founded at the imputation.

“Now don’t look astonished, if you please.”

“I vow to you, Master Van Spennen,” Cornelius replied, “that I am completely at a loss to understand what you want.”

Then I shall put you in the way, doctor,” said the judge; “give up to us the paper which the traitor Cornelius De Witte deposited with you, in the month of January last.”

A sudden light came into the mind of Cornelius.

“Halloa!” said Van Spennen, “you begin now to remember, don’t you?”

“Indeed I do; but you spoke of seditious papers, and I have none of that sort.”

“You deny it then?”

“Certainly I do.”

The magistrate turned round, and took a rapid survey of the whole cabinet.

“Where is the apartment you call your dry-room?” he asked.

“The very same where you now are, Master Van Spennen.”

The magistrate cast a glance at a small note at the top of his papers.

“All right,” he said, like a man who is sure of his ground.

Then, turning round towards Cornelius, he continued, “Will you give up those papers to me?”

“But I cannot, Master Van Spennen; those papers