Pelle the Conqueror, Vol. 4

ng the reassuring step of the watchman passing his door, while fancies chased one another in his heavy head like riderless horses. The hollow, threatening sound grew ever louder and clearer, u

that he had dreaded in the days of his childhood, when the lightning zig-zagged among the rocks at home; and yet it was nothing but the noise of the first farm-carts as the

eam of freedom. He was free! His pallet had not to be hooked up to the wall at a certain hour; he could lie as long as he want

hile he dressed himself. He was accustomed to sleep in a silence that was only broken by the soft squeaking of the mice under the heat-grating; and the night-noises of the city-the rumble of the electric trams,

n as he was dressed he went out. It was too early to visit Ellen, but he could not bear to stay in any longer. It was early morning. The first tram-car came in, filled with workmen, some even hanging on to the steps both of the motor-wagon and the two cars following it. And there was the first peasant with mi

e cattle-market. The animals did not like the town, and constantly became restive, hitching themselves round lamp-posts or getting across the tram-lines. The newspaper-women trudged from street- door to street-door with

hich suddenly reminded him that he no longer belonged to th

e now, in every strange face he met, involuntarily sought for a little of that which makes each individual a world in himself. But these men were all alike, he thought; they came hurrying out of the darkne

Bureau, Artisan Heim, Lodging for Artists, Masseur & Chiropodist, Costumes for Hire. Most of the announcements were in foreign languages. There was also a Gymnasium for Equilibrists and a Conservatorium for Singing and Music, Dancing and Deportment. Nor did there seem to be a scarcity of pawnbrokers and dealers in second-hand goods. How had Ellen dr

f the flat stood ajar, and he heard the sound of sweeping in the front room, while farther in a child was talking

d and she swayed to and fro. Pelle caught her, and she leaned inert and helpless against him, and remained thus for a consider

voice. Her tears seemed to soften her, and from the yielding of her body now he could see how stiffly she must have held herself, and was filled with joy. It had all been for his sake, and with a tremendous

swer, but held his hand in a convulsive grasp, now and then opening her eyes and stealing a glance at him. Suddenly she discovered

rough his iron-gray hair. "I can feel by your poor head how badly they've treated you. An

its mother's breast. It was as though the well of life flowed through him, the hardness of his expression disappeared, and life and warmth too

usted she looked. "Haven't you

came home, I ran down and unlocked it again. You mustn't be angry with the boy for being afraid of you

from the bedroom more and more per

of the corner of the down-quilt. She readily allowed herself to be kissed, and sat there wit

gh," answered Pelle, l

epeated, nod

ell, Pelle turned to the other side of the room, where Lasse Frederik lay snoring in a small bed, with one arm beneath his head. He had kick

be thinking of getting up!" cri

he instantly became wide awake, and raised his

ears in the air, my boy

only begin

d lay gazing indifferently out into the front room, as if he had

ed his hand and then turned his face to the wall. He was vexed at his behavior of the day

erik a milk-bo

he's very good at it.

up then, and go? I've m

just now," murmured the b

fellows you are! So you're on strike,

adually turned his face round,

o them smilingly. She looked frail. "Lass

on the watch for blacklegs?" exclaimed Pel

e a blackleg?" said Lasse Frederik. "No, indeed!

get the drive

to a real union, so t

snoring when there's anything of this sort on! Do you ima

He was greatly interested, and went thoroughly into the subject; it seemed to him as though it were only yesterday that he had occupied himself with the people. How many pleasant memories of the fight crowded into his mind! And now every child knew that the meanest thing on earth was to become a blackleg! How he had fou

, Ellen came to Pelle

said softly, and kis

or me," he answered, looking into her eyes; "for if

many a time. You mustn't be angry with him, Pelle, even if he is a little sullen to you. You must re

?" asked Pelle

e he was always fighting, but now I think he's taught them to leave h

d a difficulty in beginning. "What is it?" he asked, in order to help her, hi

and up to the little cot. "You have

ho lay and gazed at him with large, serious ey

oy," said Ellen, with

n bewilderment at her. It was a l

e?" he asked w

came to his aid by holding out her hand t

passed acros