Who could tell? I felt in all my pockets for anything else I could let go
with them, but found nothing. If I could only offer him my tie? I could
well do without it if I buttoned my coat tightly up, which, by the way, I
was already obliged to do, as I had no waistcoat. I untied it--it was a
large overlapping bow which hid half my chest,--brushed it carefully, and
folded it up in a piece of clean white writing-paper, together with the
tickets. Then I left the churchyard and took the road leading to the
Opland.

It was seven by the Town Hall clock. I walked up and down hard by the
cafe, kept close to the iron railings, and kept a sharp watch on all who
went in and came out of the door. At last, about eight o'clock, I saw the
young fellow, fresh, elegantly dressed, coming up the hill and across to
the cafe door. My heart fluttered like a little bird in my breast as I
caught sight of him, and I blurted out, without even a greeting:

"Sixpence, old friend!" I said, putting on cheek; "here is the worth of
it," and I thrust the little packet into his hand.

"Haven't got it," he exclaimed. "God knows if I have!" and he turned his
purse inside out right before my eyes. "I was out last night and got
totally cleared out! You must believe me, I literally haven't got it."

"No, no, my dear fellow; I suppose it is so," I answered, and I took his
word for it. There was, indeed, no reason why he should lie about such a
trifling matter. It struck me, too, that his blue eyes were moist whilst
he ransacked his pockets and found nothing. I drew back. "Excuse me," I
said; "it was only just that I was a bit hard up." I was already a piece
down the street, when he called after me about the little packet. "Keep