-" No more of the
legend than this was visible.

Lanterns were hanging in two or three other spots in the drowsy little
town; and wherever their murky stains of light hung suspended in the
air there stood out in relief a medley of gables, drab-tinted trees,
and false windows in white paint, on walls of a dull slate colour.

Somehow I found contemplation of the scene depressing.

Meanwhile the vessel continued to emit steam as she rocked to and fro
with a creaking of wood, a slap-slapping of water, and a scrubbing of
her sides against the wharf. At length someone ejaculated surlily:

"Fool, you must be asleep! The winch, you say? Why, the winch is at the
stern, damn you!"

"Off again, thank the Lord!" added the rasping voice already heard from
behind the bales, while to it an equally familiar voice rejoined with a
yawn:

"It's time we WERE off!"

Said a hoarse voice:

"Look here, young fellow. What was it he shouted?"

Hastily and inarticulately, with a great deal of smacking of the lips
and stuttering, someone replied:

"He shouted: 'Kinsmen, do not kill me! Have some mercy, for Christ's
sake, and I will make over to you everything--yes, everything into your
good hands for ever! Only let me go away, and expiate my sins, and save
my soul through prayer. Aye, I will go on a pilgrimage, and remain
hidden my life long, to the very end. Never shall you hear of me again,
nor see me.' Then Uncle Peter caught him a blow on the head, and his
blood splashed out upon me. As he fell I--well, I ran away, and made
for the tavern, where I knocked at the door and shouted: 'Sister, they
have killed our father!' Upon that, she put her head out of the window,
but only said: 'That merely means that the rascal is making an excuse
for vodka.'... Aye, a terrible time it was--was that night! And how
frightened I felt! At first, I made for the garret, but presently
thought to myself: 'No; they would soon find me there, and put me to an
end as well, for I am the heir direct, and should be the first to
succeed to the property.' So I crawled on to the roof, and there lay
hidden behind the chimney-stack, holding on with arms and legs, while
unable to speak for sheer terror."

"What were you afraid of?" a brusque voice interrupted.

"What was I afraid of?"

"At all events, you joined your uncle in killing your father, didn't
you?"

"In such an hour one has not time to think--one just kills a man
because one can't help oneself, or