than did Jan, yet they always finished at about the same time. That
day, however, it went slowly for Börje; he did not even keep up
with Jan, but was left far behind.

But then Jan had been working for all he was worth, that he might
the sooner get back to his little girl. That day he had longed for
her more than usual. She was always drowsy evenings; so unless he
hurried home early, he was likely to find her asleep for the night
when he got home.

When Jan had completed his work he saw that Börje was not even half
through. Such a thing had never happened before in all the years
they had worked together, and Jan was so astonished he went over to
him.

Börje was standing deep down in the ditch, trying to loosen a clump
of sod. He had stepped on a piece of glass, and received an ugly
gash on the bottom of his foot, so that he could hardly step on it.
Imagine the torture of having to stand and push the spade into the
soil with an injured foot!

"Aren't you going to quit soon?" asked Jan.

"I'm obliged to finish this job to-day," replied the comrade. "I
can't get any grain from Eric of Falia till the work is done, and
we're all out of rye-meal."

"Then go'-night for to-day," said Jan.

Börje did not respond. He was too tired and done up to give even