"It's real good value, sir!"

I look up and start; I am outside Semb's shop again. I quickly turn to the
right-about, holding the parcel in front of me, and hurry down Kirkegaden,
ashamed and afraid that any one might have seen me from the window. I pass
by Ingebret's and the theatre, turn round by the box-office, and go
towards the sea, near the fortress. I find a seat once more, and begin to
consider afresh.

Where in the world shall I find a shelter for the night?

Was there a hole to be found where I could creep in and hide myself till
morning? My pride forbade my returning to my lodging--besides, it could
never really occur to me to go back on my word; I rejected this thought
with great scorn, and I smiled superciliously as I thought of the little
red rocking-chair. By some association of ideas, I find myself suddenly
transported to a large, double room I once occupied in Haegdehaugen. I
could see a tray on the table, filled with great slices of
bread-and-butter. The vision changed; it was transformed into beef--a
seductive piece of beef--a snow-white napkin, bread in plenty, a silver
fork. The door opened; enter my landlady, offering me more tea....

Visions; senseless dreams! I tell myself that were I to get food now my
head would become dizzy once more, fever would fill my brain, and I would
have to fight again against many mad fancies. I could not stomach food, my
inclination did not lie that way; that was peculiar to me--an idiosyncrasy
of mine.

Maybe as night drew on a way could be found to procure shelter. There was
no hurry; at the worst, I could seek a place out in the woods. I had the