years. And who was it set out to show there _was_ a way to quiet and
peace of mind?




X


A man came out for his bricklayer's tools; he wanted them back. What? Then
Grindhusen had not stolen them at all! But it was always the same with
Grindhusen: commonplace, dull, and ordinary, never great in anything,
never a lofty mind.

I said:

"You, Grindhusen, there's nothing in you but eat and sleep and work.
Here's a man come for those tools now. So you only borrowed them; that's
all you're good for. I wouldn't be you for anything."

"Don't be a fool," said Grindhusen.

He was offended now, but I got him round again, as I had done so many
times before, by pretending I had only spoken in jest.

"What are we to do now?" he asked.

"You'll manage it all right," said I.

"Manage it--will I?"