"That is because no one else understands you."

Now again they talked of all that had transpired, or rather he
remained silent, while she told about it. Canute Aakre had been
first to perceive the fire, had awakened his people, sent the
girls out through the parish, while he himself hastened with men
and horses to the spot where all were sleeping. He had taken
charge of extinguishing the fire and saving the property; Lars
himself he had dragged from the burning room and brought him here
on the left, to the windward,--here, out on the churchyard.

While they were talking of all this, some one came driving rapidly
up the road and turned off toward them; soon he alighted. It was
Canute, who had been home after his church-wagon; the one in which
so many times they had ridden together to and from the parish
meetings. Now Lars must get in and ride home with him. They took
each other by the hand, one sitting, the other standing.

"You must come with me now," said Canute, Without reply Lars rose:
they walked side by side to the wagon. Lars was helped in: Canute
seated himself by his side. What they talked about as they rode,
or afterward in the little chamber at Aakre, in which they
remained until morning, has never been known; but from that day
they were again inseparable.

As soon as disaster befalls a man, all seem to understand his
worth. So the parish took upon themselves to rebuild Lars
Hogstad's houses, larger and handsomer than any others in the
valley. Again he became chairman, but with Canute Aakre at his
side, and from that day all went well.