[Falls on a chair shaking his head between his hands.] Oh, oh, oh—If they take me aboard, you’ll never see me again—you’ll never see Geert again——
Kneir.
The ship is in God’s hands. It’s tempting God to rave this way with fear——[Friendlier tone.] Come, a man of your age must not cry like a child—come! I wanted to surprise you with Father’s earrings—come!
Bar.
Mother dear—I don’t dare—I don’t dare—I shall drown—hide me—hide me——
Kneir.
Have you gone insane, boy! If I believed a word of your talk, would I let Geert go? [Puts a package in his pocket.] There’s a package of tobacco, and one of cigars. Now sit still, and I’ll put in your earrings—look—[Talking as to a child.]—real silver—ships on them with sails—sit still, now—there’s one—there’s two—walk to the looking glass——
Bar.
[Crying.] No—no!——
Kneir.