The host, on hearing the door
open, addressed him without lifting his eyes from the stove.
"What is it this morning?"
"Food and lodging."
"Nothing easier--by paying for it."
"I have money, I can pay."
"In that case we are at your service."
"When will dinner be ready?"
"Immediately."
While the newcomer was depositing his knapsack upon the floor, the host
tore off the corner of an old newspaper, wrote a line or two on the
margin and handed it to a lad standing near. After whispering a few
words in his ear, the lad set off at a run toward the town hall. In a
few moments he returned, bringing the paper. The host read it
attentively, remained silent a moment and then took a step in the
direction of the traveler.
"I cannot receive you, sir!"
"What! Are you afraid I won't pay you? I have money--I can pay."
"You have money, but I have no room."
"Well, put me in the stable."
"The horses occupy all the space there."
"In the loft then--But come, we can settle that after dinner."
"I cannot give you your dinner.
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