"Boerhaave—Boerhaave—the name is perfectly familiar; I remember, too, he was born in 1668, but the rest is all gone, as usual. There have been so many famous Hollanders, you see, it is impossible for a fellow to know them all. What was he? Did he have two heads? or was he one of your great, natural swimmers like Marco Polo?"
"He had four heads," answered Ben, laughing, "for he was a great physician, naturalist, botanist and chemist. I am full of him just now, for I read his life a few weeks ago."
"Pour out a little then," said Lambert; "only walk faster, we shall lose sight of the other boys."
"Well," resumed Ben, quickening his pace, and looking with great interest at everything going on in the crowded street. "This Dr. Boerhaave was a great anspewker."
"A great what?" roared Lambert.
"Oh, I beg pardon—I was thinking of that man over there, with the cocked hat. He's an anspewker, isn't he?"
"Yes. He's an aanspreeker—if that is what you mean to say. But what about your friend with the four heads?"
"Well, as I was going to say, the doctor was left a penniless orphan at sixteen without education or friends."
"Jolly beginning!" interposed Lambert.
"Now don't interrupt. He was a poor friendless orphan at sixteen, but he was so persevering and industrious, so determined to gain knowledge, that he made his way, and in time became one of the most learned men of Europe. All the——What is that?"