The juggler remarked the piece of money: a smile played about his mouth; he glanced at Otto, and a strange malicious expression lay in the spiteful look which accompanied his loudly spoken thanks: "Mr.Otto Thostrup is always so gracious and good!" "Does he know you ?" asked Wilhelm.
"He has the honor!" grinned the juggler, and proceeded.
"He has exhibited his tricks in the Jutland villages, and upon my father's estate," whispered Otto.
"Therefore an acquaintance of your childhood ?" said Wilhelm.
"Of my childhood," repeated Otto, and they made themselves a way through the tumult.
They met with several young noblemen, relatives of Wilhelm, with the cousin who had written the verses for the Christmas tree; also several friends from the carouse, and the company increased.

They intended, like many others, to pass the night in the wood, and at midnight drink out of Kirsten Piil's well.

"Only with the increasing darkness will it become thoroughly merry here," thought they: but Otto had appointed to be in the city again toward evening.

"Nothing will come out of that!" said the poet; "if you wish to escape, we shall bind you fast to one of us." "Then I carry him away with me on my back," replied Otto; "and still run toward the city.

What shall I do here at night in the wood ?" "Be merry!" answered Wilhelm.