For the stable Cosmo was then cleaning out, the horses that lived in it, and the house to which it belonged, were the proceeds of a late judicious failure.
He finished his job, set everything right as far as he could, and going to the kitchen door, requested the master might be invited to inspect his work.

But the master only sent orders to the cook to give the young man his dinner, and let him go about his business.
Cosmo ate none the less heartily, for it was his own; and cook and maid were more polite than their master.

He thanked them and went his way, and in the strength of that food walked many miles into the night--for now he set no goal before him but the last.
It was a clear, moonless, starry night, cold after the rain, but the easier to walk in.

The wind now and then breathed a single breath and ceased; but that breath was piercing.

He buttoned his coat, and trudged on.