Sylvius Hogg was left alone, and his thoughts very naturally reverted to the honest family whose guest and debtor he was.

What could he do to repay Hulda and Joel for the inestimable service they had rendered him?
He had not much time for reflection, however, for scarcely ten minutes had elapsed before he was seated in the place of honor at the family table.

The dinner was excellent.

It corresponded with the reputation of the inn, and the professor ate very heartily.
The rest of the evening was spent in conversation in which Sylvius Hogg took the leading part.

As Dame Hanson found it well-nigh impossible to overcome her habitual reserve, Joel and Hulda were obliged to respond to their genial host's advances, and the sincere liking the professor had taken to them from the very first naturally increased.
When night came, he returned to his room with the assistance of Joel and Hulda, gave and received a friendly good-night, and had scarcely stretched himself out upon the big bed before he was sound asleep.
The next morning he woke with the sun, and began to review the situation.
"I really don't know how I shall get out of the scrape," he said to himself.