At this solemn moment, and whilst the cheers stillresounded, a carriage was driving along the road on theoutskirts of the green on which the scene occurred; itpursued its way slowly, on account of the flocks of childrenwho were pushed out of the avenue by the crowd of men andwomen.

　　This carriage, covered with dust, and creaking on its axles,the result of a long journey, enclosed the unfortunate VanBaerle, who was just beginning to get a glimpse through theopen window of the scene which we have tried -- with poorsuccess, no doubt -- to present to the eyes of the reader.

　　The crowd and the noise and the display of artificial andnatural magnificence were as dazzling to the prisoner as aray of light flashing suddenly into his dungeon.

　　Notwithstanding the little readiness which his companion hadshown in answering his questions concerning his fate, heventured once more to ask the meaning of all this bustle,which at first sight seemed to be utterly disconnected withhis own affairs.

　　"What is all this, pray, Mynheer Lieutenant?" he asked ofhis conductor.

　　"As you may see, sir," replied the officer, "it is a feast.""Ah, a feast," said Cornelius, in the sad tone ofindifference of a man to whom no joy remains in this world.

　　Then, after some moments, silence, during which the carriagehad proceeded a few yards, he asked once more, --"The feast of the patron saint of Haarlem? as I see so manyflowers.""It is, indeed, a feast in which flowers play a principalpart.""Oh, the sweet scents! oh, the beautiful colours!" criedCornelius.

　　"Stop, that the gentleman may see," said the officer, withthat frank kindliness which is peculiar to military men, tothe soldier who was acting as postilion.

　　"Oh, thank you, Sir, for your kindness," replied Van Baerle,in a melancholy tone; "the joy of others pains me; pleasespare me this pang.""Just as you wish. Drive on! I ordered the driver to stopbecause I thought it would please you, as you are said tolove flowers, and especially that the feast of which iscelebrated to-day.""And what flower is that?""The tulip.""The tulip!" cried Van Baerle, "is to-day the feast oftulips?""Yes, sir; but as this spectacle displeases you, let usdrive on."The officer was about to give the order to proceed, butCornelius stopped him, a painful thought having struck him.

　　He asked, with faltering voice, --"Is the prize given to-day, sir?""Yes, the prize for the black tulip."Cornelius's cheek flushed, his whole frame trembled, and thecold sweat stood on his brow.

　　"Alas! sir," he said, "all these good people will be asunfortunate as myself, for they will not see the solemnitywhich they have come to witness, or at least they will seeit incompletely.""What is it you mean to say?""I mean to say." replied Cornelius, throwing himself back inthe carriage, "that the black tulip will not be found,except by one whom I know.""In this case," said the officer, "the person whom you knowhas found it, for the thing which the whole of Haarlem islooking at at this moment is neither more nor less than theblack tulip.""The black tulip!" replied Van Baerle, thrusting half hisbody out of the carriage window. "Where is it? where is it?""Down there on the throne, -- don't you see?""I do see it.""Come along, sir," said the officer. "Now we must driveoff.""Oh, have pity, have mercy, sir!" said Van Baerle, "don'ttake me away! Let me look once more! Is what I see downthere the black tulip? Quite black? Is it possible? Oh, sir,have you seen it? It must have specks, it must be imperfect,it must only be dyed black. Ah! if I were there, I shouldsee it at once. Let me alight, let me see it close, I beg ofyou.""Are you mad, Sir? How could I allow such a thing?""I implore you.""But you forget that you are a prisoner.""It is true I am a prisoner, but I am a man of honour, and Ipromise you on my word that I will not run away, I will notattempt to escape, -- only let me see the flower.""But my orders, Sir, my orders." And ............