From that hour, none will despise
her. Goose girl or not, Gretel stands acknowledged queen of the
skaters!
With natural pride Hans turns to see if Peter van Holp is
witnessing his sister's triumph. Peter is not looking toward
them at all. He is kneeling, bending his troubled face low, and
working hastily at his skate strap. Hans is beside him at once.
"Are you in trouble, mynheer?"
"Ah, Hans, that you? Yes, my fun is over. I tried to tighten my
strap--to make a new hole--and this botheration of a knife has
cut it nearly in two."
"Mynheer," said Hans, at the same time pulling off a skate, "you
must use my strap!"
"Not I, indeed, Hans Brinker," cried Peter, looking up, "though I
thank you warmly. Go to your post, my friend, the bugle will be
sounding in another minute."
"Mynheer," pleaded Hans in a husky voice, "you have called me
your friend. Take this strap--quick! There is not an instant to
lose. I shall not skate this time. Indeed, I am out of
practice. Mynheer, you MUST take it." And Hans, blind and deaf
to any remonstrance, slipped his strap into Peter's skate and
implored him to put it on.
"Come, Peter!" cried Lambert from the line.
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