5
The Young Tulip-grower
In Dort, young Cornelius Van Baerle was standing in his drying-room. He was looking at three small tulip buibs.
‘Yes,’ he said to himself. ‘Next year, these bulbs will be black tulips. I am the happiest man in the seven states!’
At that moment, a servant ran into the room.
‘Somebody wants to see you, sir,’ he said. ‘He has come from The Hague. His name is Craeke.’
‘Craeke?’ Cornelius said. ‘Craeke is John De Witt’s servant. He must wait for a few minutes. I must put these bulbs safely in a drawer.’
‘I cannot wait!’ a voice shouted. Craeke ran into the room. He was holding a letter in his hand.
Cornelius was very surprised. He dropped tulip bulbs. They fell onto the floor.
‘Please, read this letter!’ Craeke said. ‘Please read it immediately, sir.’