Mar his sleep, with this journey before him and he so wearied out, poorchap

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This garment — 'tis well enough — a stitch here and another one there will

Set it aright. This other is better, albeit a stitch or two will not come amiss in

it, likewise.... These be very good and sound, and will keep his small feet warm

And dry — an odd new thing to him, belike, since he has doubtless been used

To foot it bare, winters and summers the same... Would thread were bread,

seeing one getteth a year's sufficiency for a farthing, and such a brave big

needle without cost, for mere love. Now shall I have the demon's own time to

thread it!'

And so he had. He did as men have always done, and probably always will do,

To the end of time — held the needle still, and tried to thrust the thread

through the eye, which is the opposite of a woman's way. Time and time again

The thread missed the mark, going sometimes on one side of the needle,

Sometimes on the other, sometimes doubling up against the shaft; but he was

Patient, having been through these experiences before, when he was

Soldiering. He succeeded at last, and took up the garment that had lain

waiting, meantime, across his lap, and began his work. 'The inn is paid — the

Breakfast that is to come, included — and there is wherewithal left to buy a

Couple of donkeys and meet our little costs for the two or three days betwixt