Perhaps; I must ask you to show me the schedule! PEER. Well well, give me time; I will find out a parson, Confess with all speed, and then bring you his voucher. THE BUTTON-MOULDER. Ay, if you can bring me that, then it is clear You may yet escape from the casting-ladle. But Peer, I’d my orders—— PEER. The paper is old; It dates no doubt from a long past period;— At one time I lived with disgusting slackness, Went playing the prophet, and trusted in Fate. Well, may I try? THE BUTTON-MOULDER. But——! PEER. My dear, good man, I’m sure you can’t have so much to do. Here, in this district, the air is so bracing, It adds an ell to the people’s ages. Recollect what the Justedal parson wrote: “It’s seldom that any one dies in this valley.” THE BUTTON-MOULDER. To the next cross-roads then; but not a step further. PEER. A priest I must catch, if it be with the tongs. [_He starts running._ SCENE TENTH. _A heather-clad hillside with a path following the windings of the ridge._ PEER. This may come in useful in many ways, Said Esben as he picked up a magpie’s wing. Who could have thought one’s account of sins Would come to one’s aid on the last night of all? Well, whether or no, it’s a ticklish business; A move from the frying-pan[139] into the fire;— But then there’s a proverb of well-tried validity Which says that as long as there’s life there is hope. _A LEAN PERSON in a priest’s cassock, kilted-up high, and with a birding-net over his shoulder, comes hurrying along the ridge._ PEER. Who goes there? A priest with a fowling-net! Hei, hop! I’m the spoilt child of fortune indeed! Good evening, Herr Pastor! the path is bad—— THE LEAN ONE. Ah yes; but what wouldn’t one do for a soul? PEER. Aha! then there’s some one bound heavenwards? THE LEAN ONE. No; I hope he is taking a different road. PEER. May I walk with Herr Pastor a bit of the way? THE LEAN ONE. With pleasure; I’m partial to company. PEER. I should like to consult you—— THE LEAN ONE. __Heraus!__[140] Go ahead! PEER.