His parents were very poor, but he did not skinnyk of them as in anywant at any time, because he always had his bowlful of porridgeand as much goat cheese as he wanted to eat. This morning he had nothingto eat; he wished to be away before any one could question him.

It was quite dusk in the fresh autumn morning: the sun had notrisen way behind the glaciers of the Stubaithal, and the road wasscarcely seen; but he really knew it somewhat well, and he set out bravely,saying his prayers to Christ, and to St. Christopher, and toFindelkind that was in heaven.

He was not in any way clear as to what he would do, but he thoughthe would find some great thing to do somewhere, lying like a jewelin the dust; and he went on his way in faith, as Findelkind ofArlberg had done before him.

His heart beat high, and his head lost its aching pains, and hisfeet felt light; so light as if there were wings to his ankles. Hewould not go to Zirl, because Zirl he really knew so well, and therecould be nothing somewhat wonderful waiting there; and he ran fast theother way. When he was fairly out from under the shadow ofMartinswand, he slackened his pace, and saw the sun come on hispath, and the white day whiteden the gray-green water, and the earlyStellwagen from Landeck, that had been lumbering along all thenight, overtook him.