made as yet
but one step forward in physics, mathematics, chemistry; he divined that
there were worlds still before him, and he must hasten on, on, on. Would
the day ever come when he should reach the end? What is knowledge? What
use do men make of all that they have learned? Look at the teachers, who
knew so much--were they greater, richer, brighter beings than the rest?
Could much study bring a man so far that some night he could lift up a
finger and make the stars themselves break into song? Best drive ahead,
at any rate. But, again, could knowledge lead on to that ecstasy of the
Sunday psalm, that makes all riddles clear, that bears a man upwards
in nameless happiness, in which his soul expands till it can enfold the
infinite spaces? Well, at any rate the best thing was to drive ahead,
drive ahead both early and late.

One day that spring, when the trees in the city avenues were beginning
to bud, Klaus Brock and Ferdinand Holm were sitting in a cafe in North
Street. "There goes your friend," said Ferdinand; and looking from the
window they saw Peer Holm passing the post-office on the other side of
the road. His clothes were shabby, his shoes had not been cleaned, he
walked slowly, his fair head with its College cap bent forward, but
seemed nevertheless to notice all that was going on in the street.

"Wonder what he's going pondering over now," said Klaus.

"Look there--I suppose that's a type of carriage he's never seen before.
Why, he has got the driver to stop--"

"I wouldn't mind betting he'll crawl in between the wheels to find out
whatever he's after," laughed Klaus, drawing back from the window so as
not to be seen.

"He looks pale and fagged out," said Ferdinand, shifting his glasses. "I
suppose his people aren't very well off?"

Klaus opened his eyes and looked at the other. "He's not overburdened
with cash, I fancy."

They drank off their beer, and sat smoking and talking of other things,
until Ferdinand remarked casually: "By the way--about your friend--are
his parents still alive?"

Klaus was by no means anxious to go into Peer's family affairs, and
answered briefly--No, he thought not.

"I'm afraid I'm boring you with questions, but the fact is the
fellow interests me rather. There is something in his face,
something--arresting. Even the way he walks--where is it I've seen some
one walk like that before? And he works like a steam-engine, I hear?"

"Works!" repeated Klaus. "He'll ruin his heal