"Yes," he said, and he smiled; "that's the way! Did you sleep well then?"

I answered, "Like a Cabinet Minister--like a Cabinet Minister!"

"I am glad to hear it," he said, and he stood up. "Good-morning."

And I went!

A ticket! a ticket for me too! I have not eaten for more than three long
days and nights. A loaf! But no one offered me a ticket, and I dared not
demand one. It would have roused suspicion at once. They would begin to
poke their noses into my private affairs, and discover who I really was;
they might arrest me for false pretences; and so, with elevated head, the
carriage of a millionaire, and hands thrust under my coat-tails, I stride
out of the guard-house.

The sun shone warmly, early as it was. It was ten o'clock, and the traffic
in Young's Market was in full swing. Which way should I take? I slapped my
pockets and felt for my manuscript. At eleven I would try and see the
editor. I stand a while on the balustrade, and watch the bustle under me.
Meanwhile, my clothes commenced to steam. Hunger put in its appearance
afresh, gnawed at my breast, clutched me, and gave small, sharp stabs that
caused me pain.

Had I not a friend--an acquaintance whom I could apply to? I ransack my
memory to find a man good for a penny piece, and fail to find him.

Well, it was a lovely day, anyway! Sunlight bright and warm surrounded me.
The sky stretched away like a beautiful sea over the Lier mountains.