The same morning Torpander was seen, going along the road which led to Sandsgaard.

Contrary to his usual custom, he had taken a holiday that Monday.

On his head he wore a grey felt hat of the particular shape which was called in the trade "the mercantile." The hatter had assured him that it had been originally made for Mr.Morten Garman, but that it was unfortunately just a trifle too small.

The hat, however, exactly fitted Torpander, and dear as it was, he bought it; and he could not help noticing the coincidence, that he was that day wearing a hat which Morten Garman had rejected.

He had also bought a coat for the occasion, not quite new, it is true, but of a most unusual light-brown hue.