Pelle the Conqueror, Vol 3

d proceeded to give out work to the others, leaving Pelle standing. Pelle waited impatiently, but did no more than clear his throat now and agai

the foreman. "You

mean?" asked P

You've got the sack-if yo

sh the fact of his persecution in the presence of his com

hat don't concern you, my good fellow, and

what fault you have to find with

ve told you already!

door of the back room and looked about h

e. "Do you think we give bread to people that undermine us?

llow himself to be sent away. "Be cool, now; be cool!" he said to himself. He laughed, but his features were quivering. Th

one here," said Pelle, turning his broad

d utterance on his lips. Meyer's work was quite immaterial to him; it was badly paid, and he only did it as a stop-gap. But it was disgusting to think they could buy his convictions with badly-paid work! And there they stood not daring to show

to talk the matter over with him; the old t

!' I myself have been like a hunted cur, and at home mother used to go about crying. I could see what she was feeling, but when I put the matter before her she said, 'Hold out, Stolpe, you shan't give in!' 'You're forgetting our daily bread, mother,' I

"If only it works," he said. "But our

er to strike at your conscience, so you hit back at his purse-that's where his conscien

oming home. Madam Stolpe invited him to stay and to have supper with them she was only waiting for her sons. But Pelle had no tim

gue. It was said that Petersen had worked out a clever little invention-a patent button for ladies' boots-which he had taken to Meyer, as he himself did not know how to exploit it. But Meyer had, without more ado, treated the invention as his own, inasmuch as it was produced by one of his workmen. He took out a patent and made a lot of money by it, trifling as the thing was. When Petersen demanded a share

usky shadows. "I would willingly give my miserable life to see the scoundrel ruined! Look at that!" He bent down, whispering, and showed Pelle a file ground to a point, which was fastened into a heavy h

e other's; "but it's no use to do anything stupid. We sh

a dying man. "You organize the struggle," said Petersen. "I'm no good nowadays for that- and I've no strength. But I'll sound the assault-ay, and so that they wake up. Then you yourself must s

e who were refusing to work. Every man must do his share to deprive Meyer of all access to the labor market. And there was to be no delirious enthusiasm -which they would regret when they woke up next

ng out into the fresh air! He employed the evenings in making up for lost time. He got work from the small employers in Kr

. "Assistance strictly prohibited!" It was like the day's orders, given by Pelle's own word of mouth. He cut the notice o

aving a bit of a tussle! Now they

ey behaved as though a long life lay before them. His vehemence cooled in the conflict with Meyer. He was sure of Ellen's character, unapproachable though she was. Something in him told him that she ought to be and would remain so.

re bidding one another good night. She gave him her hand in her shy, awkwar

our lives?" said Pelle, holding h

she suddenly started back, drew him to herself, and kissed him passionately and unrestrainedly. There was something so violent, so wild and fanatical in her demeanor, that he was quite bewildered. H

r nature had thrown off its restraint; there was tension in her manner and her movements; and this tension now and again escaped from within in little explosions. She did not say very much; when they were together, she c

istening for that which came to the surface, and unconsciously doubting and inquiring. And now, so surely as she leaned silently on his arm, she confirmed something deep within him, and her steadfast gaze vibrated within him like a proud vocation, and he felt himself in

dreamy gaze, as though it was she who inspired him with the illuminating words. And then she listened with an absent smile-as to something delightful; but she herself seemed to give no thought to the future. She seeme

father, who spoke the decisive word in every matter, and had his own place, in which no one else ever sat. When he came home from his work, the grown-up sons would always race to take him his slippers, and the wife always had

The sons boarded and lodged at home; they slept in the servant's room. The household was founded on and supported by their common energies; although the family submitted unconditionally to the master of the h

of contradiction. She was the only girl of the family, and the favorite; and she took advantage of her position. Sometimes it looke

more than ever. "You see, mother, there's something in that lass! She un

dam Stolpe would reply. "A bit countrified

knows what he wants. She's really found h

d a pair of loyal comrades, wh