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HEAVENS!
15

“I beg of you, dear friend and brother, lend me five florins. I have not a farthing in my whole house, and now, to crown all, some misfortune or other has happened!”

Ledecký lent him what he asked for without saying a word. Cvok shook his hand gratefully and rushed from the house.

“Take it easy!” called out Ledecký after him. “Don’t lose your senses! And remember ’tis better to come half an hour late, than to be visiting the apothecary’s shop for half a year afterwards.”

But Cvok was already out of hearing. Curiosity, anxiety, and fear of what might be awaiting him at home, had winged his feet; and though he had the much-needed “five” in his pocket, he even passed by St. John without giving him one grateful look.