What could the boys think, but that the entire Brinker family had suddenly gone crazy!
They bade an embarrassed "Good evening," and turned to go. But Raff stopped them.
"This Thomas Higgs, young masters, is a--a person."
"Ah!" exclaimed Peter, quite sure that Raff was the most crazy of all.
"Yes, a person. A--ahem--a friend. We thought him dead. I hope it is the same man. In England, did you say?"
"Yes, Birmingham," answered Peter. "It must be Birmingham in England."
"I know the man," said Ben, addressing Lambert. "His factory is not four miles from our place. A queer fellow--still as an oyster--doesn't seem at all like an Englishman. I've often seen him--a solemn-looking chap, with magnificent eyes. He made a beautiful writing case once for me to give Jenny on her birthday. Makes pocketbooks, telescope cases, and all kinds of leatherwork."
As this was said in English, Van Mounen of course translated it for the benefit of all concerned, noticing meanwhile that neither Raff nor his vrouw looked very miserable, though Raff was trembling and the dame's eyes were swimming with tears.
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