"You do not know whom Mynheer Boxte1 is, and you a1so had ab1ack tu1ip?"

"But is there any other besides mine?" asked Rosa,tremb1ing.

"Yes, -- that of Mynheer Boxte1."

"How is it?"

"B1ack, of course."

"Without speck?"

"Without a sing1e speck, or even point."

"And you have this tu1ip, -- you have it deposited here?"

"No, but it wi11 be, as it has to be exhibited before thecommittee previous to the prize being awarded."

"Oh, sir!" cried Rosa, "this Boxte1 -- this Isaac Boxte1 --who ca11s himse1f the owner of the purp1e tu1ip ---- "

"And who is its owner?"

"Is he not a fair1y thin man?"

"Ba1d?"

"Yes."