Mack counted out four hundred _Daler_, and said, “I don’t mean to insult you, but it’s my way to keep to my word. I have promised a reward of four hundred _Daler_, which is now due to you.” Rolandsen walked towards the door. “I deserve your contempt,” said he. “Contempt!” said Mack. “Let me tell you....” “Your generosity cuts me to the heart. Instead of putting me in prison, you reward me....” But it was a mere trifle for Mack to lose a couple of hundred _Daler_ over a burglary. It was only when he rewarded the thief himself with twice that amount that the thing became really magnificent. He said, “Look here, Rolandsen, you will find yourself in difficulties now; you will lose your place to begin with. The money will be no inconvenience to me, but it may be of real importance to you just now. I beg you to think over what I say.” “I couldn’t do it,” said Rolandsen. Mack took the notes and thrust them into Rolandsen’s pocket. “Let it be a loan, then,” said Rolandsen humbly. And this chivalrous merchant-prince agreed, and answered, “Very well, then, as a loan.” But he knew in his heart that he would never see the money again. Rolandsen stood there looking as if weighed down by the heaviest burden in life. It was a pitiful sight. “And now make haste and right yourself again,” said Mack encouragingly. “You’ve made a bad slip, but it’s never too late, you know.” Rolandsen thanked him with the greatest humility, and went out. “I am a thief,” he said to the factory girls as he went out, making a beginning with them without delay. And he gave them his full confession. Then he went up to the Vicarage gate, and tore down Mack’s notice, setting up his own instead. There it was in black and white, setting forth that he, Rolandsen, and no other, was the culprit. And to-morrow would be Sunday; many church-goers would pass by the spot. [Illustration] X Rolandsen seemed to be picking up again to a marked degree. After all the village had read his declaration, he kept to himself, and avoided people. This made a good impression; evidently the scapegrace had taken thought, and turned aside from his evil ways. But the fact was that Rolandsen had no time for sauntering idly about the roads now; he was restlessly at work in his room at nights. There were numbers of bottles, large and small, containing samples, that he had to pack up and send away by post east and west. Also, he was at the instrument early and late; it was essential to make the best of his time before he was dismissed. His scandalous story had also reached the Vicarage, and everyone looked with commiseration upon Jomfru van Loos, whose former lover had turned out so badly. The priest himself called her into his study and talked to her gently for a long time. Jomfru van Loos was certainly not now disposed to hold Rolandsen to his word; she would go and see him once more, and make an end of it.