“Did you? Then you ought not to have done so. It’s cost me a lot of trouble to get another.” Said Rolandsen, “I was all in a flurry, and didn’t think. I beg you to forgive me.” “There was another chest with several thousand _Daler_ in it; why didn’t you take that?” “I didn’t find that one.” Mack had finished his calculations. Whether Rolandsen had committed the burglary or not, he would in any case make the finest culprit Mack could have wished. He would certainly make no secret of the affair, but rather declare it to every soul he met; the last boat’s crew would carry the news with them home, and so it would come to the ears of the traders along the coast. Mack felt he was saved. “I have never heard of your going about and ... your having this weakness before,” he said. Whereto Rolandsen answered, No, not among the fishermen, no. When he wanted to steal, he didn’t go bird-nesting in that petty fashion; he went to the bank itself. That was one for Mack! He only answered now with a reproachful air, “But that you could steal from _me_....” Rolandsen said, “I worked myself up to it, to be bold enough. I was drunk at the time, I am sorry to say.” After this it seemed no longer impossible that the confession was true. Rolandsen was known to be a wild fellow who led an extravagant life and had no great income to draw upon. That keg of brandy from Rosengaard must have cost him something. “And I’ve more to confess, I’m sorry to say,” went on Rolandsen. “I haven’t the money now, to pay it back.” Mack looked highly indifferent. “That doesn’t matter in the least,” he said. “The thing that troubles me is all the stupid gossip it’s led to. All those unpleasant insinuations against me and my family.” “I’ve thought of that. And I was going to do something....” “What do you mean?” “Take down your placard from the Vicarage gate and put up one of my own in its place.” This was Rolandsen all over. “No,” said Mack. “I won’t ask you to do that. It will be hard enough for you as it is, my good man. But you might write a declaration here.” And Mack nodded towards Frederik’s seat. Rolandsen set to work. Mack was thinking deeply the while. Here was all this serious business turning out for the best. It would cost him something, but the money would be well spent; his renown would now be spread far and wide. Mack read over the declaration, and said, “Yes, that’s good enough. I don’t intend to make use of it, of course....” “That’s as you please,” said Rolandsen. “And I do not propose to say anything about our interview to-day. It can remain between ourselves.” “Then I shall have to tell people myself,” said Rolandsen. “The priest’s letter said particularly that we should confess.” Mack opened his fire-proof safe and took out a bundle of notes. Here was his chance to show what sort of man he was. And who could know that a master seiner from a stranger boat was down in the bay waiting for those very notes before he could sail?