They must bear it, both she and the children--it
would soon be all over now.
In the clear moonlight nights, when the children were in bed, the two
would sometimes be seen wandering about together. They went with their
arms about each other's waists, talking loudly, laughing a great deal,
and sometimes singing. People going by on the road would hear the
laughter and singing, and think to themselves: It's either someone
that's been drinking, or else that couple from the Court-house.
The spring drew on and the days grew lighter.
But at the Hamar Agricultural Exhibition, where the machine was tried,
an American competitor was found to be just a little better. Everyone
thought it a queer business; for even if the idea hadn't been directly
stolen from Peer, there could be no doubt that his machine had suggested
it. The principles adopted were the same in both cases, but in the
American machine there was just enough improvement in carrying them out
to make it doubtful whether it would be any use going to law over the
patent rights. And besides--it's no light matter for a man with no money
at his back to go to law with a rich American firm.
In the mighty race, with competitors the wide world over, to produce the
best machine, Peer had been on the very point of winning. Another man
had climbed upon his chariot, and then, at the last moment, jumped a few
feet ahead, and had thereby won the prize.
So that the achievement in itself be good, the world does not inquire
too curiously whether it was honestly achieved.
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