Without knowing it, I was on my way home. I hungered sorely. I found a
chip of wood in the street to chew--that helped a bit. To think that I
hadn't thought of that sooner! The door was open; the stable-boy bade me
good-morning as usual.

"Fine weather," said he.

"Yes," I replied. That was all I found to say. Could I ask for the loan of
a shilling? He would be sure to lend it willingly if he could; besides
that, I had written a letter for him once.

He stood and turned something over in his mind before he ventured on
saying it.

"Fine weather! Ahem! I ought to pay my landlady today; you wouldn't be so
kind as to lend me five shillings, would you? Only for a few days, sir.
You did me a service once before, so you did."

"No; I really can't do it, Jens Olaj," I answered. "Not now--perhaps later
on, maybe in the afternoon," and I staggered up the stairs to my room.

I flung myself on my bed, and laughed. How confoundedly lucky it was that
he had forestalled me; my self-respect was saved. Five shillings! God
bless you, man, you might just as well have asked me for five shares in
the Dampkoekken, or an estate out in Aker.

And the thought of these five shillings made me
laugh louder and louder. Wasn't I a devil of a
fellow, eh? Five shillings! My mirth increased,
and I gave way to it. Ugh! what a shocking smell